Cockpit USA ANJ-4

[thor]

Edward posted "If anything, from what I've seen of LW they could be said to be guilty of 'over-engineering': I think it's fair to say that his jackets are often much heavier than originals. Tougher. Not a bad thing at all from a garment pov, but it seems to me a different focus: making what he believes to be the best jacket he can to that pattern, rather than the jacket most identical to the originals."

Very well said Edward! We're all fans of the A-2 but we all have different tastes and different priorities in what we desire in a repro jacket. That's what makes FL and the jacket repro market so compelling; there's something for everyone!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

The last photo I saw of the LW shop several years ago..the sewing area was quite small. Only Stu and his buddy were making jackets. Perhaps he has his jacket production where he wants it(also considering Japan sales)and therefore has little interest about what others think about his musings..or even the often obnoxious attitude.
HD

 

[Sloan1874]

I don't expect a proprietor to be my new BFF as long as he sells me what I want. LW make a a great jacket, that's all that really matters to me.
Some people just have a no-nonsense personality (remember R. Lee Ermey's drill instructor character in "Full Metal Jacket"?).
In the military most supply sergeants have the same type of attitude so perhaps it adds to the overall authentic A-2 procurement
process?

Lol. You might well right, but we all know how it turned out for the drill instructor, don't we? I think Edward has got it right, and I do wonder how many people on the FL have looked at LW's site, seen something they like, but have been deterred by its proprietor's rep? That's not say I wouldn't jump for one, but I find the idea of dealing with somebody on the other side of the pond stressful-enough without adding the caveat 'and he's a bit mental' as well. But you're right: Ken and Holly have spoiled us in terms of customer service. Long may they run!
But here's the thing: no matter how often we all say how much we like the look of LW's jackets, it comes back to the surly attitude that the website exudes, and that's a shame, cos it requires people like Thor to defend the guy where there shouldn't be any need. The product may speak for itself, but it has trouble being heard over LW's attitude.

 

[Blackadder]

Edward posted "If anything, from what I've seen of LW they could be said to be guilty of 'over-engineering': I think it's fair to say that his jackets are often much heavier than originals. Tougher. Not a bad thing at all from a garment pov, but it seems to me a different focus: making what he believes to be the best jacket he can to that pattern, rather than the jacket most identical to the originals."

Very well said Edward! We're all fans of the A-2 but we all have different tastes and different priorities in what we desire in a repro jacket. That's what makes FL and the jacket repro market so compelling; there's something for everyone! 

I don't have any problem with LW per se. It's just that I am not their target customer. I have a LW A-2 and I like the heavy leather as well but unfortunately the jacket is too big and bulky for someone like me. The one I bought is the size 34 which is on sale now and I don't think they make anything smaller than that. The shoulder is alright but they do leave it wide and loose in the body. The body is even wider than a size 36 Aero or BK even though the shoulder is narrower. As for the Cockpit ANJ-4, the LW is definitely a better choice than the Cockpit in terms of workmanship and quality. Because of the sizing, I personally went with Aero because as said the LWs are too big for me.

 

[Stand By]

Lol. You might well right, but we all know how it turned out for the drill instructor, don't we? I think Edward has got it right, and I do wonder how many people on the FL have looked at LW's site, seen something they like, but have been deterred by its proprietor's rep?

That's me for one. There are some great jackets there - but reading the diatribe on the state of modern man - it reads like a blog, not a website supposedly to attract customers. I think he makes some fair comments but only to a point, and then he just goes off the deep end. And as a result, I'd pass on ordering. I mean, if he's that bitter and angry in the Sales Department, imagine how he is in the Complaints Department ! :eeek:

 

[Fletch]

Lol. You might well right, but we all know how it turned out for the drill instructor, don't we?

Yes. But ex-military people are trained to respond to that attitude. And they're a big part of the customer base.

 

[Sloan1874]

@ Fanch: Don't I know it! Mind you, I still look a bit 'special' when I'm doing up my jacket, and I know Worf feels the same when he zips up his RAF Irvin, but it's sacrifice I'm willing to make. Unfortunately, when it comes to the roads, you get idiots on both sides of the pond...

@ Fletch: That's an interesting point that hadn't occurred to me. I suppose by certain US military standards, most of the FL would be beyond the pale!

 

[John Lever]

I have an Eastman version. It's over 15 years old now so has the press stud pocket flaps.
The actual jacket is superb, I tend to turn the cuffs back as they are a little long for me.
The one gripe I have with Eastman sheerling is that the surface finish has rubbed off quite badly in the wear areas, that goes for their 'Redskin' jackets as well. I dont know if that has been addressed in the years since I bought mine but is probably due to changes in 60+ years of tanning and finishing processes.

John

What a great jacket, just what I am looking for in the Classifieds.

 

[nightandthecity]

I have an Eastman version. It's over 15 years old now so has the press stud pocket flaps.
The actual jacket is superb, I tend to turn the cuffs back as they are a little long for me.
The one gripe I have with Eastman sheerling is that the surface finish has rubbed off quite badly in the wear areas, that goes for their 'Redskin' jackets as well. I dont know if that has been addressed in the years since I bought mine but is probably due to changes in 60+ years of tanning and finishing processes.

Actually the kind of wear shown in your pix is absolutely spot on - that is just how the originals wear. If you hadn't said it was an Eastman I'd have taken that for an original.

 

[ChiTownScion]

Lol. You might well right, but we all know how it turned out for the drill instructor, don't we? I think Edward has got it right, and I do wonder how many people on the FL have looked at LW's site, seen something they like, but have been deterred by its proprietor's rep? That's not say I wouldn't jump for one, but I find the idea of dealing with somebody on the other side of the pond stressful-enough without adding the caveat 'and he's a bit mental' as well. But you're right: Ken and Holly have spoiled us in terms of customer service. Long may they run!
But here's the thing: no matter how often we all say how much we like the look of LW's jackets, it comes back to the surly attitude that the website exudes, and that's a shame, cos it requires people like Thor to defend the guy where there shouldn't be any need. The product may speak for itself, but it has trouble being heard over LW's attitude.

I'm reviewing this thread over two years after the fact, and I have to say that Mr. Sloan drives the nail quite succinctly. I grew up with a father, several uncles, and quite a number of professors and employers who were World War II vets- and almost to a man they never displayed that chip on the shoulder, in yer face macho crap that is, sadly, a former military personnel stereotype. (And it IS a stereotype: most who have served that I know actually loathe that Gny. Sgt. Hartmann nonsense.) I'm on the other side of the pond from Mr. Sloan, and quite honestly, I find that swaggering jingoist 'murican flag waving rhetoric to be adolescent and offensive, as well as a downright embarrassment.

I'm ready to purchase an ANJ-4 soon, and I'll likely go with Aero- even if it's through American distributor Insurrection, because I'd rather not deal with currency conversions or import taxation upon delivery. I have dealt with Holly via email and she's a sweetheart: I'd much rather see my money support the businesses of people like her than some guy who wants $500 more of my money, and then acts like he's doing me a favor by taking it.

 

[Sloan1874]

I'm reviewing this thread over two years after the fact, and I have to say that Mr. Sloan drives the nail quite succinctly. I grew up with a father, several uncles, and quite a number of professors and employers who were World War II vets- and almost to a man they never displayed that chip on the shoulder, in yer face macho crap that is, sadly, a former military personnel stereotype. (And it IS a stereotype: most who have served that I know actually loathe that Gny. Sgt. Hartmann nonsense.) I'm on the other side of the pond from Mr. Sloan, and quite honestly, I find that swaggering jingoist 'murican flag waving rhetoric to be adolescent and offensive, as well as a downright embarrassment.

I'm ready to purchase an ANJ-4 soon, and I'll likely go with Aero- even if it's through American distributor Insurrection, because I'd rather not deal with currency conversions or import taxation upon delivery. I have dealt with Holly via email and she's a sweetheart: I'd much rather see my money support the businesses of people like her than some guy who wants $500 more of my money, and then acts like he's doing me a favor by taking it.

You're absolutely right on the guy who 'acts like he's doing me a favour by taking it' thing. You have to ask what sort of after-sales care you're going to get from somebody who treats selling you their product in the first place like a chore. As it is, John Lever of this parish has said that Aero's ANJ-4 is the best repro being made at the moment, so what's there not to like?

 

[John Lever]

My Aero is superb but so is my new spec. LW. The new skins Stuart is using produces a more wearable jacket than the old heavy ones. The Aero is the most comfortable one I have owner so far.

 

[Sloan1874]

Do you have any original pics of them being worn, John?

 

[Edward]

The last photo I saw of the LW shop several years ago..the sewing area was quite small. Only Stu and his buddy were making jackets. Perhaps he has his jacket production where he wants it(also considering Japan sales)and therefore has little interest about what others think about his musings..or even the often obnoxious attitude.
HD

I've long had the impression it's a pretty small scale operation, which is what they want. Never occurred to me the attitude might be a sales technique. I guess that's where John Goodwear was just too nice, hence the price rise instead.

Wouldn't it be hilarious, though, if rather than coming over as a bad case of roid rage with severe PTSD, in person Stu was all sweetness and light, and the anger was just to appeal to a target market? :lol:

I mean, if he's that bitter and angry in the Sales Department, imagine how he is in the Complaints Department ! :eeek:

:lol:

 

[John Lever]

Do you have any original pics of them being worn, John?

There is one of my LW Anj4 in my review.

 

[ChiTownScion]

To me, authenticity is merely frosting on the cake. It's a nice bonus that the jacket is authentic to the era- it makes for great conversations with people who may have "been there" or had someone who was there. But comfort, warmth, and durability are more important to me personally. And I think that Aero's ANJ-4 will fill that bill 100%.

Now, if I win a lottery and collect a few hundred million and can afford my own war bird (or even a new Waco biplane!) and a few hundred hours of flight instruction, I might start counting those threads.

 

[Sloan1874]

Now, if I win a lottery and collect a few hundred million and can afford my own war bird (or even a new Waco biplane!) and a few hundred hours of flight instruction, I might start counting those threads.

lol