AVI LTHR BRONCO A-2 Jacket Review & Pics

[Flightengineer]

Hmmmm.. I probably would think twice before boarding an aircraft named 'Smirnoff'

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Smirnov (or SmirnoFF) - the same the well-known common Russian surname as Smith or Johnson in UK or in the United States.
I'm sorry that you associate it only with the surname of the producer of vodka (but I'm not surprised).

The DC-3 is my dad’s favorite plane too. Somewhere in his mental logbook he has some time on one I think.

You have good taste.

I love this plane, on one of my cars it was painted by airbrush

 

[Flightengineer]

About this pilot

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivan_Vasilyevich_Smirnov

 

[Brettafett]

Hello fellow flight jacket enthusiasts,
Posting this here for the benefit of those not on the other 'lounge'...
This is for those that are interested in AVI’s position on the above, and some hints on whats to come.
Grab a coffee/ tea/ A-2.

So. I’ve been corresponding with AVI last week and this week (and Five Star Leathers) and wanted pass on some info. The below are my words, based on my understandings and I’m only posting this because I felt a touch of responsibility, being the OP.

AVI is not interested in getting involved in these discussions or debates. They have no presence on these lounges, except when guys post pics and reviews of their jackets.
They would prefer to focus on what they are doing, and let their jackets speak for themselves.
They understand that many on these forums are passionate guys, just wanting to share their interest in these things and everyone has a perspective.
Not everyone is as detailed-orientated as some of us here on the Lounges, so our feedback is welcome.
They are passionate about what they are doing and are constantly looking for ways to improve (valid, constructive feedback is always appreciated, pls email them directly).
Their mission is, and has always been, too make the best original-maker flight jackets they can, while still keeping them reasonably priced.

They are Denmark-based, jackets are manufactured in Pakistan, sent back to Denmark for distribution.
Manufacturer has been around quite some time and supplies many business around the world, incl AVI LTHR and Five Star Leathers… to name only a few…
They don’t sell to the public.
Five Star Leathers is a customer of this manufacturer, not a part of it.

AVI LTHR obtained an original Bronco A-2 and 55J14 G-1, and proceeded to study them and the patterns/ details etc… Then sourced the best hardware and components they could get, sent these to manufacturer in Pakistan.
The manufacturer then made test jackets to approve, before the actual production jackets.
These patterns ‘somehow’ then found their way onto the manufacturer’s ‘catalogue’ and made available to other companies, even though AVI had written agreements with them.
So, some G-1 and Bronco-like jackets may be found elsewhere, (probably not for long), but these will not have the same leather, specially produced spec label, CARR snaps, throat hooks, stamps, single ply knit and M-39 Talon Zipper as AVI’s Bronco (at least they should not have)…
AVI was not aware of this, until a couple of us made them aware of it, by emailing them to ask about all this last week. (So, some good has come from this thread).
They are taking this very seriously.
AVI actually purchased the M-39 zippers specially for use with their jackets. Some of these have also ‘found’ their way onto other jackets, incl the G-1 Ken procured. (nice!)
In fact, that G-1, is an update-in-progress jacket of AVI’s where they are upgrading the zipper and also the knit, to authentic single ply rib-rack (this has not yet arrived, so this updated G-1 is still in process and will be available only later this year).
So, manufacturer sent Ken a spec jacket and used the seamless seal knit used on the current AVI Seal Bronco, (and likely with one of AVI’s Talon zips also).
This is not a jacket that should be available through Five Star leathers or any other online retailer.
Although no-one owns rights to producing an G-1 or A-2 repro, or using Talon zippers, repro mouton etc... its seems all AVI's hard work and investment has been passed on nimbly-nimbly, by the manufacturer to other jacket retailers, most of whom wouldn't know a G-1 55J14 from a 'bomber', or a Bronco from a camel (in fact FSL refers to the zippers as brass or silver ... they don't know about 'seamed' cuffs, only that they are good quality).
AVI and manufacturer are in process of resolving these ‘issues’… (I'm sure they are!... super sigh!)

AVI is taking it all in stride.
They have sourced another goatskin supplier, both seal and russet, closely matched with their original Bronco and original Perry A-2, which they recon will be used in future jackets.
In fact, they are looking at a veg tanned goatskin with an aniline finish, they seem very excited about (will this be in both seal and russet, will the Bronco be updated in this also or just for the Perry, I'm not sure...)
They do not plan on making horsehide jackets.
They have also sourced more authentic single ply knits for future jackets...
They are very serious about the quality of their jackets and customer satisfaction, and say their jackets will be improved upon, as an when they source better leather and hardware, etc.
They are also sourcing a possible new manufacturer (not surprised…).
Danish law requires their jackets to have 'care labels' inside, but not required to have 'made in' labels. They are looking into this, and may incl such labels in future jackets, but are also aware originals did not have such labels... They may incl labels that can be removed/ cut out etc...

They have acquired an original WW2 Perry A-2 and this is progressing very well. They really want this one to go out as close to the original as possible. To the extent, they are even looking at the correct period CARR snaps that are found on said WW2 Perry! This jacket will be the next A-2 release, available in both the updated russet and seal goatskin (assume the new veg tanned anilin goat...).
Still a few months out is my understanding.
There were hints of a couple more jackets, but didn’t get any more info, except that they were hoping to get these ready for the winter season! (what could these be!!!!?)

Again, I stand by the quality and detailing of my jackets. They may not be 100% accurate (at the mo), but they are not too far off, in fact they are great!!! They certainly look and fit right. Not to mention (again) waaayyy below the cost of many high-end jackets.
The fact that many of us are even critiquing and comparing them to originals, Goodwears and Eastmans etc is high praise already, although these jackets are not (yet) in the same league.
No one else is seriously trying to make quality original-maker jackets, of reasonable authenticity, at an affordable price.
AVI seems dedicated to doing so.
All the 'feedback' will only help them make better jackets, which is a good thing. We all win at the end of the day.
If you are curious or interested in one of their jackets, try one. If not, don’t. Easy.
If you have any queries or concerns, please don't assume, speculate or accuse... contact the company directly and then let us know the feedback.

I have already requested a Perry. Seal or Russet? I know originals came in both, although russet is more common.
Dunno, may try both… keep the one I prefer.
Thats all folks. Moving on from this....

 

[Flightengineer]

Thanks, very informative.

 

[Seb Lucas]

It seems a lot of third parties have their leather jackets made in Pakistan. I'm pretty sure the New Zealand based company Magnoli Clothiers has theirs done there too. Pakistan is a great place to source good goat hide but you need to take care.

Some of us don't have the A2 gene so we don't especially care for accuracy, but even more important - we hate to see those oversized jackets with 22 inch shoulders and bloated bodies often worn like this. It's this that kept me away from A2's for years.

 

[Brettafett]

You are right. Said manufacturer makes for many worldwide customers... Ooooh that Cockpit jacket fit gives me shivers...
My Cockpit WW2 Gov Issue A-2 is a 36L and I usually wear a 40 Eastman for example.

 

[tropicalbob]

The AVI A2 Bronco that I got a few months ago fits me like a tailored jacket (thanks to Brettafett an FlightEngineer). Right now it's so hot and humid here I can't wear it outside, but I keep it on around the house because of my son's addiction to polar temps. The grain is nothing short of astonishing. Has anyone else experienced this? I'll try to get some photos up this weekend.

 

[Flightengineer]

The AVI A2 Bronco that I got a few months ago fits me like a tailored jacket (thanks to Brettafett an FlightEngineer). Right now it's so hot and humid here I can't wear it outside, but I keep it on around the house because of my son's addiction to polar temps. The grain is nothing short of astonishing. Has anyone else experienced this? I'll try to get some photos up this weekend.

Happy for you, will waiting for your photos.
AVI is really very, very comfy jacket, perhaps one of the most comfortable my leather jackets for the summer.
Unfortunately we still have hot weather here, but next week forecast promise a cold and I will be able to wear it again.

 

[Gutmann]

Dear gents,

Just for your info. Eastman is offering their jackets at “the old” price at the flying legends show.

In addition, Gary Eastman told me that they will rise the prices again in October.

So I pulled the trigger on a Star Sportswear... my girl will kill me when I’m back home. Anyway I could not resist.

The air show is really great, especially the fly past at the end! Will be there again tomorrow.

All the best,

Philipp




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[Flightengineer]

Phillipp, it's not quite clear what is here AVI, but as the owner of ELC Star Sportswear, approve of your choice, congrats and I hope your girl will not be harsh with you
I envy you that you was at this wonderful show of legends.

 

[Gutmann]

Phillipp, it's not quite clear what is here AVI, but as the owner of ELC Star Sportswear, approve of your choice, congrats and I hope your girl will not be harsh with you
I envy you that you was at this wonderful show of legends.

Thank and sorry for the off topic...but ur my only friends here and I wanted to make sure that you and brettafett get wind of this info.

Best,

Philipp


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[Flightengineer]

Thank and sorry for the off topic...but ur my only friends here and I wanted to make sure that you and brettafett get wind of this info.

Best,

Philipp


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Thank you! Did you take photos of planes?

 

[Gutmann]

Thank you! Did you take photos of planes?

I did take a lot photos! But only with my iPhone. So don’t expect to much

Sally B and me... and my AVI Russet

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[Flightengineer]

Nice shot!

 

[Gutmann]

Nice shot!

Thank you! The line up was very impressive!

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[Gutmann]

Thank you! The line up was very impressive!

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For this jacket I think size 46 works fine and according to Gary’s feedback. In my AVI i needed to go for 48.


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[Flightengineer]

Brilliant jacket, great fit. One of my favorites.
Congratulations again.

The line up of planes makes me jealous

 

[Flightengineer]

For this jacket I think size 46 works fine and according to Gary’s feedback. In my AVI i needed to go for 48.


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My ELC Star and Avi Bronco has the same size 40. We are all different

 

[Brettafett]

Thank Phillip,
Another Star wearer! It looks excellent on you!
I also pulled the trigger at the ELC tent. With the price increases, I had too ;?
An ELC A-2 will put you back a sizeable chunk by the end of the year.
Got to sit in a genuine airworthy Spitfire, took some pics, will post when I get them downloaded...
No A-2 at the show, wayyyy to warm
Dmitry... I got some shots of a lovely DC3, just for you.

 

[Gutmann]

Thank Phillip,
Another Star wearer! It looks excellent on you!
I also pulled the trigger at the ELC tent. With the price increases, I had too ;?
An ELC A-2 will put you back a sizeable chunk by the end of the year.
Got to sit in a genuine airworthy Spitfire, took some pics, will post when I get them downloaded...
No A-2 at the show, wayyyy to warm
Dmitry... I got some shots of a lovely DC3, just for you.

Cool! Did you fall in love with ur 1401P again?

As mentioned by brettafett here we go Dimitri.

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