Aero - Black Jerky HH versus Tumbled Black FQHH

[GregO]

Hello all,

I'm a longtime lurker in this forum, but this is my first post. First, I need to thank so many of the members here for all of the info they post re: Aero jackets and hides. A few months back, I purchased (from Insurrection) my first Aero, and now I'm addicted. It was a brown CX steer cafe racer, and its breaking in nicely. But now I need a little something in black...

I'm thinking about an A-1 or an M422a (without the mouton collar). I've taken a liking to the contrast OD green knits and stitching, so either model jacket will likely have the OD green. Important to note is that I don't care at all about period authenticity, so all you purists out there -- don't hate me! I've got lots of love for you, but its not at the top of my priority list.

My question is about the A-1 and the M422a and black hide selection. I am leaning towards the tumbled black FQHH, but also think the jerky black HH is a great option also. Thoughts on these two hides in these styles of jackets? I can't find any pics or reviews on the tumbled FQHH in a flying jacket, so that gives me some pause. I know that the jerky horse is a lighter weight hide, and that Aero has done many a flying jacket in jerky HH. Would the tumbled FQHH pose any problems in this type of jacket? Too heavy and affect how the jacket drapes? Any other thoughts?

And in case this matters -- which it likely doesn't -- I'll be riding quite a bit in the jacket.

Thanks all.

 

[Simonoggio]

Hi GregO

I myself am a bit of a longtime lurker and newbie around here, so bear that in mind while reading my little post here. I was actually hestitant at first to respond at all, because I have a rather humble (even though quickly expanding) knowledge in these matters. But since none of the big boys managed to answer so far, I thought I'd provide my thoughts. I hope they're helpful nonetheless.

I don't think it makes much of difference which leather you chose. Surely, a heavier and thicker type of leather will result in a jacket that drapes slightly differently as it will be stiffer, I imagine. For your prefered types of jacket I would consider the jerky to be the better fitting option, seeing as how the standard ones Aero offers are made from goatskin, which is a lighter and thinner leather than horsehide. However, I don't think it will be a problem should you choose the FQHH over the jerky. I also don't think there's a difference in protection in these. Wearing armour probably makes more of a difference in a crash than having chosen one over the other. I guess it ultimately boils down to whether you prefer a heavier, stiffer jacket or a lighter one. In terms of looks they seem to be fairly similar, don't they? It's hard to judge from photographs.

Btw, I would go for the M422a without the fur collar It has a more timeless look and feel than the A-1. I never really liked the knitted collar of it...

If none of that helped, you could always ask Aero directly. They probably know their jackets best and might be able to give you a satisfying answer.

 

[Fanch]

For the two jackets that you have in mind, I would recommend mid-weight jerky HH over heavier, thicker tumbled FQHH. IMO the FQHH is more appropriate for utility (civilian) jackets. If you want a M422a without the mouton collar, why not select an ANJ-3?

 

[Vespizzare]

I'm not shy. IMHO I'd go for the A1 or a Bill Kelso Waldo Pepper style (see Avatar). I shagged a really nice Lost Worlds A1 on ebay for a good price and I really like the bottons, functional while classic and different. I just think it goes nicer with clothes. You can leave the top buttons and bottom snaps undone and it's not like you have a zipped up outdoor jacket on. P.S. I'm not an authenticity person either. I wish I had money to burn because I'd loove to replace the brown knits with rust or berry. I'm totally gone for dark brown with rust knits (and have one in the pipeline).

 

[coloradorider]

I'm thinking about an A-1 or an M422a (without the mouton collar).

And in case this matters -- which it likely doesn't -- I'll be riding quite a bit in the jacket.

I think what you're looking for is the ANJ-3 vs M-422 as mentioned. Here's a Gibson and Barnes model - http://www.gibson-barnes.com/prod-293974/Anj3-Usaaf-And-Usn.html. I don't think either of these jackets would work in FQHH because of the thickness and stiffness of it. The wool knits would be so insubstantial compared to the leather it'd be strange wearing I think and the pockets would be very industrial looking with the multiple layers of thick leather. The A-1 was essentially a leather sweatshirt originally made of capeskin and the ANJ-3 / M-422 was a lightweight flying jacket made of goat. The ANJ-3 would probably be a better choice for riding since it at least has a bi-swing back that would allow some additional comfort when you're on the bike. I'd recommend the jerky MW HH or a black goatskin for your civilian ANJ-3.

Not to muddy the water but have you considered something like the Bill Kelso Aeronaut? It's based heavily on the A-1 but lacks the knits and substitutes leather. I'd add an inside pocket for a cell phone to make it slightly more useful for me. I really like the A-1 look but don't think it's a very functional jacket with virtually unusable outside patch pockets and no inside pockets. The ANJ-3/M-422 at least has a slightly larger pocket than the A-1 and an inside pocket (I have a Samsung Galaxy 4 and a standard wallet and prefer to carry them in my jacket). Himel Bros., Aero, Bill Kelso, and Alexander Leathers all make versions of this jacket that have been discussed at the Fedora Lounge.

Not sure if the knits would have an issue if you rode with them. They'd be slightly harder to wash bugs off of, I think. Someone on TFL must have some experience with that.

 

[pipvh]

The M-422A is quite a complicated jacket and IMO depends on the relatively loose drape of goatskin to work properly. FQHH plus knits seems like a recipe for disaster.

 

[coloradorider]

The M-422A is quite a complicated jacket and IMO depends on the relatively loose drape of goatskin to work properly. FQHH plus knits seems like a recipe for disaster.

Agree completely. Here's a shot from Goodwear Leather showing some of this detail. You might want to e-mail Aero to see if they'd even attempt to make this jacket in FQHH and how they feel it would wear.

 

[Tadite]

Agree completely. Here's a shot from Goodwear Leather showing some of this detail. You might want to e-mail Aero to see if they'd even attempt to make this jacket in FQHH and how they feel it would wear.

View attachment 9843

Looks like they made one for Jansolo a few years ago. In the heavy stuff no less.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?59054-G1-with-Leather-Collar-Help-Advice-Opinions

 

[coloradorider]

Looks like they made one for Jansolo a few years ago. In the heavy stuff no less.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?59054-G1-with-Leather-Collar-Help-Advice-Opinions

Nice find and another of Jan's great looking jackets.

For the OP - I'd go with with the ANJ-3 over the A-1 if you're only looking to get one jacket. The popular solution around here is to buy both.

 

[GregO]

Thanks for the info, everyone. The ANJ-3 looks like a good option. I'm just wondering about fit. I prefer a neat, slim fit, and I understand the M422a fits the bill. Not sure about the ANJ-3. I'm going to reach out to the folks at Aero and inquire.

Also, with respect to the hide, I asked Aero and they responded that they have done plenty of flight jackets in FQHH in the past.