B-3 vs. D-1: Which One Is The Best?

[nabottle]

Hello everyone. I have been wanting a B-3 for some time now and recently have been turned on to getting a D-1. Although I feel the look of the B-3 is far more appealing, I wonder if the lighter feel of the D-1 would be a more realistic jacket for regular use. Any owners with input?

 

[Interbak]

D1 gets worn walking the dog almost every day in the winter, B3 only comes out once in a while. When it's cold enough to wear the B3 I go for the B9 parka instead. It's longer, lighter and has a hood.
I live in Canada and still find B3 too heavy for most winter days.

Brian

 

[nabottle]

Brian, thanks a lot for the info. That is kind of what I was thinking, and the way you just described it was perfect.

Shannon

 

[IXL]

I have a B3 and was able to wear it at least three times this winter. It felt real good when the temps were in the teens and I was outside in 30mph winds. For anything short of that it is just too warm.
Damn shame, too: I look great in that jacket!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I agree. Unless out in the open cold weather..the B-3 can become sweltering. I've had several over the years. After I tried the B-6 (same weight as the D-1)..I sold the last B-3 on.
HD

 

[nabottle]

Well, I guess unless I just want to have one for decor, I'd be well advised to avoid getting a B-3. You guys have helped me make up my mind. It's a shame though. They really look cool.

 

[Foster]

I would opt for the B-6 personally. The D-1 can have zippered pockets which I dislike more than the heavy warmth of the B-3.

 

[HighandDry]

+3 on B6

 

[Fanch]

If you live in Florida, even the D-1 might be too warm.

 

[paulgt3]

Depends on where you live. Here in the Mojave the B-6 is fine or my M422A. But when I go to the mountains
and it snows 8 feet in 3 days while I am up there for the holidays the B-3 (goodwear) is the only choice.

 

[Bunyip]

I too love the b-3. We get some real cold days here in winter, still -7c when you get out of bed, but, I really think the b6 will get heaps more use....I really want a b3, but I think it wont get the use it deserves. i think a b6 could be good for dog walking in morn and evening in winter and fantastic for chatting up lovelies at the snow! Im going to try and find a decent used b6 on ebay or the like, and see how it goes...

 

[Davy Crockett]

Another B6 fan here, more wearable than a B3 and better looking than a D1 (IMO)!

D

 

[rocketeer]

I would opt for the B-6 personally. The D-1 can have zippered pockets which I dislike more than the heavy warmth of the B-3.

Yes scratches your hands, go for the B6, or would someone make you a B3 in the shorter fleece?

Another B6 fan here, more wearable than a B3 and better looking than a D1 (IMO)!

D

And another, but I like both the B3 and B6. personally I would like a B6 in the heavier fleece. I did see an Aero D1 in the thicker fleece, must have been a special order but it had the zip pockets so I passed on it.
J

 

[Plumbline]

Yes scratches your hands, go for the B6, or would someone make you a B3 in the shorter fleece?

And another, but I like both the B3 and B6. personally I would like a B6 in the heavier fleece. I did see an Aero D1 in the thicker fleece, must have been a special order but it had the zip pockets so I passed on it.
J

Have had WAAAAYYYY too many sheepskins ... some food for thought, just MHO :

1. The D-1 is a GREAT jacket and almost the perfect 3 season jacket in Scotland or the UK ( I prefer the D-1 to the B-6 because of all the fussiness of the B-6 ... bi-swing back, epppaulettes, side zips ... also my grandfather always told me the B-6 was a nurses jacket ( he was a radio operator on Lancasters for 3 years 1942 - 1945)). I've had 4 repro D-1's ... Aero Redskin, Aero Seal/Seal, Aero Seal / Russet, Eastman Seal/Seal ... all have been GREAT.

2. The ANJ-4 is the PERFECT 4 season jacket IMHO ..... and Eastman make the best version IMHO ( at least their older model was ... I've had 2 still have 1.. and I blame John Lever ) ..... the Aero one is MUCH heavier ( I've had 3 still have 1 .. I blame myself ) and the fleece not quite as comfortable. There is one reason why it beats the Irvin and the B-3 .... POCKETS ( for putting stuff in - phone etc )!

3. I almost got Alexanders to make me a D-1 with B-6 leather lipped pockets this year .... might do this later in the year ..... now that would be a GREAT jacket

So ....... in summary, my Ideal 3 season would be a leather lipped pocket D-1 ( light yet warm but not overly sweaty for the UK .. no specific manufacturer ( Alexanders / Aero / Eastman etc. etc. they all look pretty good ) .... my ideal 4 season Eastman ANJ-4 .. no contest.

HTH

 

[Bunyip]

ANJ-4 is a gorgeous jacket....have never seen a second hand one for sale......

 

[Interbak]

Love the B6 as well, don't get one with B3 weight sheep. The extra bulk in the action back with the heavier fleece makes it very uncomfortable to wear and makes you look like a hunch back. It was made with lighter weight fleece for a reason. I had one from US Authentic made this way, traded it to Mark Fischer for the Aero D1 I have. Mark took a dog clipper to it and shaved the fleece down to where it should be, and did some other mods to improve it, came out quite nice.

 

[Dumpster Diver]

The B-3 Is Robust, not much for wearing out to the shop to work on Cars, too bulky, but GREAT if youre surviving in minus 20 all day in the elements.

The D-1 Is more for a scruffy Sad sack Joe, It wears more like a Relaxed fit, Just Rugged, ready for action, a glutton for punishment.

always reliable and a tough little puppy, looks better with a Ball cap or wool Jeep hat than the B-2 Style Hat.

Looks better with casual Wear, doesnt out balance a pair of Jeans where the chunky Boxyness of a B-3 may.

The D-1s always get better with Age. If you are a mechanic and work out in a Garage on cold winter Days youll be happy in your D-1.

neither one is *BETTER* per-se.

Thats a silly argument.

both are equally good in their own way.

it all depends on its application.

 

[bn1966]

The old Irvin has been out a few times with the winter we've had over here, but even so hasn't seen as much action as the B15 because of ...pockets! I find the Irvin too cumbersome & hot in general, set off wearing it for a bike rally in the autumn & turned back to change it after 10 miles due to the sweat I was working up. Have decided to shell out on either an Aero Redskin D1 or B6 later this year to see more return on my buck. May even stretch to a C3 vest to give me a warmer option if required...with pockets (worn under D1 or B6).

 

[nevadapd]

I would opt for the B-6 personally. The D-1 can have zippered pockets which I dislike more than the heavy warmth of the B-3.

I've been pondering whether to get a D-1 as well, and considered the B-6 too. I'm leaning toward the D-1, but now I'm trying to decide whether to order one sans the zippered pockets or not. I've seen authentic D-1s with no pockets and I'm sure it's possible to order one that way.

 

[bn1966]

I'm wondering whether Aero might be prepared to make me a D1 & omit the zip. Mind you, having said that I can't see the zips causing me too much grief (would keep phone and wallet secure)..would lose those tassels though.