B-2s! (The furry cap, not the furry jacket)

[PuLpO]

Inspired by Holdemchamps photos, I went and ordered an Irvin B-2 one size up from the cap I have right now. Strange thing is the checkout charged me 20 pounds for shipping, when only a week or so ago it charged me 15 for a cap of same size and weight. I left a message in the order asking Gary about it.

hope you will get an answer .

 

[Hawk_Eye]

hope you will get an answer .

The card was charged last night, was only charged the regular cost of 15.00 pounds, either the checkout was mistaken, or it was changed because I said something. Either way I'm happy.

 

[PuLpO]

I think you are an lucky devil.

sorry for my bad english


never get an positiv answer from ELC



stephan

 

[deanglen]

this is my first post as a new lounger..I brought my first ELC B2 10 years
ago from gary at duxford..I have worn it most days this winter..I have also
brought 4 B2's for friends who like the cap for its comfort, warmth & practicality..

Welcome to the Lounge! You'll find a warm and inviting bunch here who value new members and love to encourage new Loungers in their vintage gear pursuits! I wish I had enough funds to get one of those B-2s. Nice to hear you appreciate its practicality and its historical value. Great to have you in the Lounge!




dean

 

[holdemchamp1225]

Wanted to update with new batch of caps...

well, I had to order a 2nd batch of B-2 caps from ELC as the first 2 were on the small size. To my dismay, the second 2 came and are TOO BIG!! Cannot understand why since I ONLY went one size up (7 to 7 1/8). Guess I am giving up since I DO NOT want to spend any more money as unfortunately I cannot guarantee a good fit for myself. :rage:

Well, at least I can post some pics of the NEWER broken grain B-2 compared to the older style discounted B-2 from the sales depot. I actually prefer the older style as I think it looks better but you guys take a look and see for yourself. For me, the broken grain seems to look quite weathered, which I know is the intent, but I would rather put the patina on the cap myself.

BTW, sorry but will have to post 2 messages as I cannot fit all the pics into one message.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[holdemchamp1225]

And now for the RAF version of the B-2...

it seems even though these are supposed to be the same. The color is a little off and the sheepskin appears to be a little darker. Also, the newer one seems to have a more weathered (broken grain) look to it similar to the newer style broken grain B-2 I listed above.

 

[Hawk_Eye]

Thats a shame about the sizing, my first B-2 was a 7 1/8 and was too small, so I went the next size up for the Irvin cap and it fit perfectly. It might be the camera, but it looks like both of your Irvin caps have very matt looking surfaces on the sheepskin, while the one I recieved is very shiny, like the stuff they use for the 1940 pattern jacket.

 

[O'DubhGhaill]

Anyone able to compare The Cockpit B-2 to the Eastman?

 

[Siggmund]

Here's my B-2 that I bought from flightjackets.com, manufactured by U.S. Authentic. Had to order one size larger to get one that fit my bean. Sorry for the crummy photo quality.

 

[bn1966]

My 50 cal version

 

[OldGreyBird]

I've been using my B-2 repro from US Authentic during a recent freeze-up and snowy spell near Portland, OR...it's delightful, altho some people are startled by such an anachronism. But hey, it complements my flight-jackets. And hard to mistake for anyone else's chapeau...

 

[Worf]

I have a no-name B2 from Australia and a used Eastman. The Eastman has superior quality BUT I have to wear the no-name because, even though both are labeled 7 3/4 the Eastman runs small. I mean REALLY small.

Worf

 

[Otter]

Same experience, order a minimum one size up, Eastman were great about exchanging mine, I had one of the Roughwear original maker ones. Very nice quality.

 

[Plumbline]

I have a medium Eastman ... albeit it's about 10 years old now ... and it's bang on 7 1/4" and a snug but not tight fit on my 59cm bonce. Looks like they may have altered their sizing in recent times ... or changed manufacturer.

It gets worn with the ANJ-4 .... otherwise I look like I've stolen a 3 year olds hat

 

[Otter]

They now go by proper hat size, and trust me, it comes up small !

 

[rocketeer]

Eastman packaging is a real treat...

As we are resurrecting this old thread
Yes it is great. But for me I would rather save a bit of £££$$$€€€ and they stuck it in a clear wrapper then in the courier box.
I know it gives the impression that the hat, jacket etc is something special which it is, but after all it is only a box or bag and a bit of fancy paper.
Oh yes, the hat. I'd love one when working outside, beating(driving for you pheasant pluckers) in the mid winter, or maybe logging. Though I don't think I would want to wear one at an airshow in the high season. Well, maybe at 25,000ft

 

[Otter]

That is why I sold mine on, too warm for 90% of the time.

 

[GJ nord]

I live in mine, that or the jeep cap from sept to May, but I've got little to no hair on the roof ;-)

 

[Siggmund]

I would like to change the color of the fleece on my B2 to RAF honey-tan from the USAAF white because I sport an ELC prewar Irvin and it would be nice if the fleece color matched. But I have no idea where to begin finding a dye or pigment to make the switch. Experience with dying fleece, anyone?

 

[mr_lits]

There in lies the rub. Pairing my RMCNZ B2 and another shearling jacket (B3/B6) is a bit too much or as my wife says "It looks like I'm trying to hard." I do find the B2 to pair well with wool and cloth jackets or simply a heavy flannel.