AVI LTHR 55J14 G-1 Jacket Review & pics

[Brettafett]

Sorry Big J... unPatched.... typing too fast. I am hoping Gary releases an unmatched Pukin Dogs G-1s at some point down the line... I think its a Martin Lane. Forget. But it was very nicely put together and fit very well. I actually have an ELC M422a on order myself and a stunning leather Blood Chit from Sean at a2jacketpatches to put on. I don't normally like patches, but a chit on an M422a.... thats got cool written all over it. Looking forward to reviewing that one day.
Pity AVI doesn't have a 48, it would be perfect to patch up and smash about. Its a keeper!

 

[Brettafett]

Update: This 55J14 repro was patterned after an original Foster 55J14. This particular contract did not have punch holes in the windflap, so AVI's is spot on!

 

[daw]

Brettafett,

Really grateful for your very helpful info. I do plan to buy one in the next couple of weeks. I have great hopes for this one.

 

[Big J]

So, I finally got a reply to my size 48 enquiry; 'order a size 46 and return it if it doesn't fit'.

Err, yeah, that's genius. I got better things to do that waste money on postage.

 

[ButteMT61]

If I had a dollar...
Seriously. I've been told that like five times this year alone.
Pass!

 

[davyjones007]

I don't know why everyone either charges more or flat out doesn't make a jacket in adult sizes (48 and up). I have one in 46 G-1 D series that is ok, but could use some length in the sleeves. It is a STAR SPORTSWEAR and creaks something fierce. My other 2 are 48. One is a LW and the other is a DSCP issue. The LW is very soft as so many have noted. The DSCP issue is thicker and seems to fit a hair better and a tad warmer. Or maybe it's just in my head. The one thing I love most about all G-1's is the bi-swing back. They make a huge difference over their A-2 counterparts.

 

[Big J]

Butte, it sure is annoying.
I can understand (for example) why Eastman doesn't want to make a size 50 Irvin; it was never issued in that size, but size 48 for G-1's has always been an issue size, even in the present where planes are getting bigger and pilots are getting smaller (wristwatch sizes remain the same).
It's not as if I'm walking into the department store and asking for a size xxxl. 48 is a standard size.

 

[Stand By]

Great review and nice photos (with planes - one being a Phantom to match the jacket!). It's a perfect fit on you and looks great. Thanks for posting !

 

[ButteMT61]

Butte, it sure is annoying.
I can understand (for example) why Eastman doesn't want to make a size 50 Irvin; it was never issued in that size, but size 48 for G-1's has always been an issue size, even in the present where planes are getting bigger and pilots are getting smaller (wristwatch sizes remain the same).

It's not as if I'm walking into the department store and asking for a size xxxl. 48 is a standard size.

J, when I was in high school '77-'79, I wore a size 13/14 shoe (as I do still). Most places and brands did not go above 12. So, for sports, etc., I had to cram my foot into a 12 and for soccer/football, I cut the toes out and duct-taped them over. My two big toes were destroyed, and took years of podiatrist visits/procedures to fix.
FF to about 8 years ago when i started venturing into leather jackets. I was a 50/52 - mostly of my own doing as I am and should be a solid 48. NOBODY would make me a jacket in my size then. Aero posed interest, but I didn't want to start at a 1k+ jacket.

Finally found a 2nd hand Aero Bronco in a 52 from a guy who was connected to lots of people I think via films.
I was hooked, and had to face that while I was not fat per se, I did not fit into any makers mold.
Ironically, the guy that sent me the nicest "let's be friends" email on that one was Stu at LW.

Since I was able to drop, I not only was able to donate a lot of great jackets - some unworn - but fit into many makers largest patterns. First up was an Aero, which at the time, I was in love with. After years, knowledge and proper-fitting jackets, it sits in my closet now - a remnant of my 25th anniversary, first trip to UK, and last dealing with the inmate that ran the joint.

Don't get me wrong - I'd not change my size for all the great jackets on the planet, just sayin' in a long-winded fashion, I feel ya brother!

 

[Big J]

Butte, thanks for sharing that. I can relate to it.
After I lost a lot of weight last year when I was sick, I bought a Buzz Ricksons MA-1 and L-2b to cheer myself up. Glad I did.
But it was a pretty unhealthy way to lose weight, and I'm doing a some weights everyday to build my muscles back up a little and walking the legs off the dog to stop me from getting big again.
Shoes, yeah, me too. Size 13/14 depending on the style.
I think that maybe not fitting the whole 'cookie-cutter' thing of GAP or whatever is what drew me to vintage styles and the handmade to order world.
I should really make the time to photo and post all the great jackets I got over the last year.

 

[ButteMT61]

Just glad you're back and doing better, @Big J!

 

[Brettafett]

Getting some more AVI G-1 time, and must admit... I am prone to say this is better than a mid-range jacket. Somewhere in-between mid range and top end.

 

[MeachamLake]

I have just ordered one of these myself, so I'm intrigued to see what it's like when it arrives. After spending wasted hours enquiring about vintage G1s for similar money that usually ended up being in rubbish condition - some eBay sellers have no shame - I think this is a good option without going to Aero/Eastman etc. Looks accurate enough to me and OP's looks the business...I will keep you posted.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts ML as we appear to be similar builds. For the price they are quoting I dont think you can go far wrong.

I see you are from North West UK. Which part of Scotland is that? I'm Scottish (Edinburgh) although I've been in Oz for about 20 years.

 

[MeachamLake]

I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts ML as we appear to be similar builds. For the price they are quoting I dont think you can go far wrong.

I see you are from North West UK. Which part of Scotland is that? I'm Scottish (Edinburgh) although I've been in Oz for about 20 years.

Indeed, I think there was a gap in the market for a mid range repro that isn't just a generic design and makes a good attempt at being faithful to the original - looking at the images of their G1, the attention to detail on it is certainly more than good enough for the money they're asking. The notion that they're working on their version of an original Bronco A2 next is very interesting as well.

I absolutely love the attention to detail of the high end repro makers and I don't think they're wrong to charge the prices they do - there's a lot of effort and skill involved - but if it boils down to paying nearly 50% less for a mostly accurate jacket save for the label/thread count/buttons etc then I don't really think I mind.

I have no idea how long the shipping will take on this, but when it arrives I will post measurements and images regardless of whether the fit is good or bad! If it doesn't work out I have my eye on a nice Pike Bros B-15 from Aero that will do nicely instead

And that should be North West England...I'm from Cheshire! I'm slightly ashamed to admit that in my 23 years on this planet, I only visited Scotland for the first time this summer - not deliberately, I assure you! Had a great, albeit brief, day in Edinburgh. Hopefully I will be able to go back and visit properly in the near future.

 

[The Bunk]

I ordered one about a month ago. I haven't posted about mine since I haven't had much of a chance to wear it yet - we're having an unseasonably warm October so far - but I agree with @Brettafett on pretty much everything. I'm very happy with it.

Shipping took 13 days to the US east coast.

 

[MeachamLake]

I ordered one about a month ago. I haven't posted about mine since I haven't had much of a chance to wear it yet - we're having an unseasonably warm October so far - but I agree with @Brettafett on pretty much everything. I'm very happy with it.

Shipping took 13 days to the US east coast.

Great to hear - would you be able to share photos at some point? What size did you order - does it fit as you expected?

 

[GregGale]

What a jacket, and at what price! I've always wanted a G-1. I once tried on a size 40 Cockpit 100 mission G-1, and it was just perfect. Are you saying this one is not only cheaper but actually better?

 

[The Bunk]

Great to hear - would you be able to share photos at some point? What size did you order - does it fit as you expected?

Sure, I'll grab some pics when I think about it. I'm about the same size as Brett - 6'0" , 39" chest and around 160 lbs. I also went with a 40 and I think it was the right choice. The bi-swing back seems great for mobility while still keeping things trim around the torso.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Nice jackets - I have read they are made in Asia (designed and distributed in Denmark) hence the low price - can anyone confirm this? The A2's are a pretty trim cut which is nice - not like the super wide Cockpits we discussed on another thread.