AVI Leather seal A-2 Jacket Review (pic heavy)

[Cooper A-2]

That is all I have.
I hope one day to get this jacket and then I can tell exactly.

Thx! Anyway, for this price, nice jacket.

 

[Flightengineer]

Thx! Anyway, for this price, nice jacket.

uniquely

 

[Brettafett]

Guys, I have these AVI LTHR Bronco jackets in hand. Wow.
I received a 40 and a 42, and the 42 fits me beautifully. I will review and post pics soon as I can. But I will tell you that it IS the jacket that was promised. First impressions are very good.
Profile, epaulets, collar, pockets, label, even the knitwear... No need to replace cuffs with this one.
The leather is supple with some decent character, and as opposed to a stiff horsehide A-2, this jacket is very comfortable and wearable right out of the box.
Fit-wise, I usually wear a size 40 ELC, GW, AERO etc.... But a 42 (and sometimes a 44) original WW2 A-2.
The AVI Bronco 42 fits me better than the 40... Just like I expect an original would. Interesting. So, the initial recommendation is to upsize.

 

[Seb Lucas]

How much will they be charging for these?

 

[Brettafett]

Same as the G-1... But may go up... I would email them and ask if theres any pre-launch special...

 

[Seb Lucas]

$395 for this sounds like a reasonable deal Did you get any info about where it is made?

 

[Brettafett]

Hi Seb, no... will look later, maybe theres a 'made in' tag... Yes, here we have a very well priced, good looking A-2, patterned on an actual WW2 jacket.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Well, I think it might be best for this jacket to be describes as being 'closely patterned on' an actual jacket without the crazy exact repro claim. And I think this is more than good enough.

 

[GregGale]

Stop teasing, post those pictures already!

 

[Brettafett]

Never claimed an exact repro... but I have been excited that theres someone finally making a mid priced affordable A-2, using an original WW2 jacket to make the patterns from. I doubt anyone took the original apart, like John Chapman's done, but anyway... this jacket looks so much better than many of the mid-priced competition out there.

 

[NABodie]

Looking forward to the pics and measurements on the 40 and 42!

 

[Cooper A-2]

Never claimed an exact repro... but I have been excited that theres someone finally making a mid priced affordable A-2, using an original WW2 jacket to make the patterns from. I doubt anyone took the original apart, like John Chapman's done, but anyway... this jacket looks so much better than many of the mid-priced competition out there.

Please kindly share pics of details, fit plus details like knits, neck hook, zipper, grain, liner...etc.
Thx in advance.

 

[Brettafett]

Hi all, two very poor quick-pics (bedroom light, camera phone) just to give you an idea... I know what its like waiting for pics, but I will only be able to take decent shots later this week and intend to post a detailed review by weekend...ish.
Approx measurements (for ref I am 5'10+, 158 pounds, 72kgs+-, trim athletic build):
Size 40
Back 25.5", Shoulders 17.5", Sleeve incl knit 26", pit to pit 21.5", zipper 22.5"

Size 42
Back 26.5", Shoulders 18.25", Sleeve incl knit 26.5", pit to pit 22", zipper 22.75"

Usually wear a 40 in a high end repro, but in this case the 42 fits me better.
First impressions are... good, for the cash... wow.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Looks pretty good. Nice work. Sounds like I might need a 44. Very trim and appropriate. I have to wear a 38 in a Cockpit and even then the shoulders are 21 inches wide.

 

[Flightengineer]

Mine in 40 size also awaits me at the post office. As soon as I'l come home I'l go and and get it, then share my impressions.

 

[Cooper A-2]

Hi all, two very poor quick-pics (bedroom light, camera phone) just to give you an idea... I know what its like waiting for pics, but I will only be able to take decent shots later this week and intend to post a detailed review by weekend...ish.
Approx measurements (for ref I am 5'10+, 158 pounds, 72kgs+-, trim athletic build):
Size 40
Back 25.5", Shoulders 17.5", Sleeve incl knit 26", pit to pit 21.5", zipper 22.5"
View attachment 93409
Size 42
Back 26.5", Shoulders 18.25", Sleeve incl knit 26.5", pit to pit 22", zipper 22.75"
View attachment 93410
Usually wear a 40 in a high end repro, but in this case the 42 fits me better.
First impressions are... good, for the cash... wow.

Please share pics of zip, hook and fasteners, thx

 

[Flightengineer]

Please share pics of zip, hook and fasteners, thx

Got mine today. Good jacket, very similar to WW2 trim fit. I really liked the cut and the collar. Soft leather. Sorry have no time to make good photos, I live in my plane this week)))
Cooper A-2, the zipper is not exact copy of the original. Only on the pull is written "Talon" and on the lock inside also written "Talon" (no "made in USA").
I'll try to take some photos later, I should have a few days off soon.

 

[Cooper A-2]

Got mine today. Good jacket, very similar to WW2 trim fit. I really liked the cut and the collar. Soft leather. Sorry have no time to make good photos, I live in my plane this week)))
Cooper A-2, the zipper is not exact copy of the original. Only on the pull is written "Talon" and on the lock inside also written "Talon" (no "made in USA").
I'll try to take some photos later, I should have a few days off soon.

Thx...sounds great. Enjoy the jacket.

 

[nkang]

I got the size 42 as well now. Love it. Absolutely love it. Light and soft and very nice repro.

The size 42 is definitely tight. I'm normally wearing a Cockpit USA 42 and am a bit out of shape, so this new A2 Bronco reprois quite tight on me on the waist but very comfortable on the arms. Now I need to work the fat off to enjoy the jacket haha. So for those interested, definitely size up

 

[nkang]

I'm not as professional as @Brettafett but here's the overweight me in the jacket. This is my favorite jacket now!