Alpha MA-1

[nick123]

I was able to try on the Alpha (50th anniversary edition I think, it has the red pull tag) MA-1 and the equivalent style with the fur collar over the weekend. To be honest, I thought they were pretty nice. And at 6'2", long enough! I assumed a Large would be too large, as that was the only size available, but it seemed to fit well, albeit a little roomy. I'm around a 40 chest.

Sorry no pics. If I end up going for one I'll be sure to post. I just thought they were surprisingly pretty nice (budget) jackets, which might work for a taller person who is looking for a nylon jacket.

 

[Seb Lucas]

How different in quality to a standard MA-1 do you think they are?

I have a standard Alpha and while the quality isn't as good as the originals or an overpriced Buzz, it is a lot of nylon jacket for the money. Compared to any nylon jacket by a premier mall brand, the Alpha is definitely not a bad product.

 

[nick123]

How different in quality to a standard MA-1 do you think they are?

I have a standard Alpha and while the quality isn't as good as the originals or an overpriced Buzz, it is a lot of nylon jacket for the money. Compared to any nylon jacket by a premier mall brand, the Alpha is definitely not a bad product.

I was going to add that I tried on a regular Alpha MA-1 about a year ago, and I distictly remember not liking the fit. However, I don't want to claim the 50th anniversary series is any better (it could be essentially the same jacket as the standard MA-1), and it could have been the state of mind/circumstances I was in that had an effect on my impressions. The first jacket was tried on in a crowded surplus store; the recent in a quiet airport shop where I had time to walk around with it on a bit. My dad said it looked good.
I'm curious to know if there are any significant differences between the regular and anniversary series.

 

[Peacoat]

Evidently Alpha has changed the sizing over the years. My issue Alpha MA-1 is a very short jacket, as is my Satellite L2-B. At 6' the large is barely long enough, but with more than enough room in the chest. Back in the day I didn't notice the jackets being that short, but it was probably because we wore flight suits which had no belts to indicate the location of the waist. Glad to hear they are now a bit longer.

 

[Dumpster Diver]

I have a Real oldschool Alpha N2-B and a current Alpha N2-B. They are both Size Large but the old one is basically shorter and more uniform, the new one has room to spare and is much less tailored looking but lighter, The original one is almost *too* nice to wear out.

 

[Seb Lucas]

The Alphas come in long fittings which is the only way I'll by one.

 

[bn1966]

Original, short & tailored for me

 

[Dumpster Diver]

There is a big difference for sure between the old ones and new ones and all the way in between.

wearing for you..my most Recent N2-B type Jacket.

Its NOS prettymuch.

Take a guess though you gotta be pretty trim to rock the old original one. :hungry: (tag Reads size large and is a lot smaller than the others I have there)
I would want an Oldschool MA-1 for sure. easily but the ones I saw where I bought this one from were the same price as this N2-B but were totally grimefest Ratty.
basically the moths eat the cuff and waist in storage and someone machine washes it, then it pretty much is blown.

speaking of watches BTW, whats a good watch to have for the MA-1 or this model Jacket. [huh]

 

[bn1966]

Nice jackets DD

Mine, both service issue.

 

[bn1966]

This is the watch (1974 military issue) I wear with these and my MA-1

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Nice MA-1