Budget, i.e., "Econo" leather jackets

[TXFlyGuy]

The patches (in leather) will be the same size as the cloth versions. As for TCpl, or Cpl Tech...not really sure. The rank was eliminated back in the 50's. I believe that he was referred to as "Corporal" during his time on the front line.

Just visited my parents. He will be happy with the jacket no matter how it is done. He has no idea that we are doing this. It will be one HUGE surprise!

And again, thanks for all of your input!

 

[TXFlyGuy]

Update: We have chosen the Cockpit A-2 jacket (Cockpit USA). Made in the USA, good price. Hope this works out! It has been ordered and should be at our front door in a few days.

 

[Deacon211]

Cockpit still makes a nice jacket. Should be great!


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[TXFlyGuy]

Cockpit still makes a nice jacket. Should be great!


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That is what we are hoping for! Trying to stay within a budget, but the Cockpit A-2 was not much more than the Alpha, which is being sent back.

 

[wquiles]

Lately I have been wanting to buy a leather jacket, so I found this thread on an a low cost jacket. I happen to find one of the Sporty Pilot Shop leather A2 jacket, from back when they still made them in the USA. That is, assuming the labels are even accurate/true, right? The description of the jacket being made from Frnt Qtr Horsehide is of course BS (from everything I have read they have never made them from horsehide!). The seller later updated the listing to reflect this is in fact goatskin - this is ebay after all

Here is the listing - not too bad for $55 plus shipping. Worst case, I can always re-sell it back on ebay and try to break even:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141562917123?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


I will report back next week when I get it, and I will post "real" pictures

Will

 

[Trotsky]

I have the WPG A-2 and love it. Badged it up and wear it all the time. I think it's pretty damn nice for the price.

 

[wquiles]

Well, my budget jacket from ebay definitely exceeded my expectations - it ended up being exactly what the seller described, a nearly new/unused, Made in the USA, Sporty's A2 - and the size 42 fits me perfect with room for a vest:

As to be expected, it is very thin and lightweight, so definitely not going to be a jacket for "cold" days. But I suspect for here in Dallas it will be about perfect for fall and spring weather, and "warmer" winter days.

Will

 

[tropicalbob]

Is that the one that was $50? If it is, I'd say it's a great deal. Cheers.

 

[wquiles]

Is that the one that was $50? If it is, I'd say it's a great deal. Cheers.

Yes, $55 plus shipping. It was a very good deal indeed for a truly "budget" jacket

 

[Seb Lucas]

I've done a search but can't find anything definitive.

What do people think is the least puffy and least offensive repro A2 for under $500 and over $300? Which one is the most in the spirit of the WW2 versions - trim pattern, ok knits and lining?

 

[thor]

U.S.Authentic (Flightjacket.com) goatskin A-2 $399 ($100 extra for horsehide). Trim fit. One-piece back. No hand warmer pockets. Cotton lining. Talon zip.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Which model, Thor? They have what they call a "WW2" in a long cut which might fit me since I am 6ft2. I notice it's also an extra $100 for seal brown. The mid brown seems too light coloured to me.

 

[thor]

I like their seal HH. It's quite substantial and appears to be chrome-tanned with a solid topcoat and grain that pops up over time. The workmanship is very good; fit-wise, the sleeves and body were nice and trim. They are probably cut longer (even in "regular" sizing) then other jackets but I am tall with long arms so for me that's a plus (and they have tall sizes for added length if required).
I received samples of their mid-brown goat and their vintage HH and both leather samples were too light colored for my liking (somewhere between russet and milk chocolate brown).
For that $300-$500 range, I would definitely recommend US Authentic.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Interesting to hear they are on the longer side - at 6ft2 and with long arms, nothing worse than a short A2. They do a range of A2 styles (different patterns?) it seems, are they all trim; is there anything special about the one they call WW2? I guess I should email the owner.

Is the horsehide 3 oz or thinner - I'm not keen on thick leather so goat may be more my speed.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I also always recommend US Authentic's goatskin A-2 as the best buy in a WWII-style A-2 jacket in the under-$500 range (*), but for the record...

(* And What Price Glory's in the under-$200 range.)

I had one of US A's seal horsehide models for six or seven years. I sold it when I put on a little weight and it got too tight at the gut, to help finance a custom-sized Good Wear: US A's trim-but-long sizing was never really right for my short, wide shape. But I loved the jacket: the cotton lining and wool knits by themselves made it more accurate and comfortable than my earlier A-2s. The horsehide was quite thick and tough. When I got it (in person at their "factory"), Shaul assured me that it would change with wear, that the heavy seal-color topcoat would start wearing off... But that NEVER happened, even wearing it regularly in rain and snow. As to grain, some panels wrinkled and conformed to my shape, but some remained smooth and nearly grainless.

I don't know what the horsehide they're using now is like, but in my experience with a 2002-vintage model, the leather - while tough and good looking - didn't change with wear nearly as much as I expected. It didn't really age. Just sayin'...

(The horsehide on my Good Wear hasn't changed very much either, but I've only had it for two years and there are more jackets in the active rotation these days!)

Adding: Seb, if you're not keen on thick leather, I agree that you should skip US A's horse and go with goat.

 

[thor]

My US A A-2 (their standard model) was purchased in 2011. The seal HH was thick but not overly stiff (the way I like it). I am 6'1" and hate jackets that are a tad too short so I really like their sizing. I ordered a "tall" which added 1.5" (or was it 2"?) to their standard length.

And I agree with Doc Strange; their hides do not change color or marble/mottle like veg-tanned hides where the top coat wears off to reveal lighter shading underneath.

It's a good, tough, reasonably-authentic A-2 that's well made and will last you a long time.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Thanks guys - I'm an idiot - I see US Authentic only have one style of A2. I was thinking of Cockpit USA and their range of A2 patterns.

The US Authentic looks pretty good and as accurate as I would want.

Would people recommend buying your normal size or sizing down? I'm a slim size 42 in a suit.

 

[handymike]

no....Seb, not you too......

 

[TXFlyGuy]

no....Seb, not you too......

Join the club.

 

[Seb Lucas]

no....Seb, not you too......

Hi Mike - not yet - exploring options for a beater jacket and I have a Johnson's half-belt to sell (too wide in the shoulders). I'm also contemplating an Aeriel Star slash pocket Fonzie style and am wondering when Aerial Star's half-belt will be available. Basically I'm bored and jackets fill the hole. The only A2 I'd ever contemplate is a beater/generic style since for me the spirit of the jacket are those hastily, mass produced war-time jackets that you don't have to care about too much.