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Deck jackets: pike bros vs iron heart

Gimli

New in Town
Messages
27
anyone been able to compare these two in person? They are the ones that catch my eye the most. I’m a size 36 and small build so a lot of jackets are too bulky for me.
 

breezer

Practically Family
Messages
806
Location
Scotland
decent repro deck jackets are priced from $100-1000....I have tried on both the Pike Bros and The IH but I cant really compare because I didn't really spend time with either. However I do own an RMC, which is priced towards the top end, and a Houston which is a cheeper, lesser known Japanese brand. Cut wise the RMC seems to be the slimmest - but it really depends on sizing too - The Pike Bros are generously sized - I'm a 40 and I'm sure the size M Pike Bros I tried on was massive, felt far too big. Clearly the lining on the more expensive jackets is better quality, but I'm not convinced its that important. So my top tip is to go for the jacket that fits best.....it could be an IH, it could be a Pike Bros - both are great, but with IH you have more colour and size options. The IH jackets have the more D shaped pockets, which is a design feature I like. Another thing to consider is the presence, or not, of the USN stencil.
 

rocketeer

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,605
Location
England
I had a chance to try Pike Brothers deck jacket(N1 style) at a recent music festival in the UK, the Rockerbilly Rave. I found both the 'L' and 'XL' to have obviously different sized body but very similar length arms, though the bulkiness of the XL jacket made it appear much to large for me, where as the L was to tight around the chest.
I would recommend either trying one on in a shop or sending for two and returning whatever does not fit.
A good price as the green/khaki style is fairly realistic, it is also made in blue, both with alpaca looking collars.
OK not much help but I did only want to see what they looked like after reading about Pike Bros on here.
 
Messages
17,509
Location
Chicago
I’ve got a pike bro’s N-1 and love it. Mine is a size M and fits well. It’s fitted. I’m 5’11 and around 210lbs. Quality is great and it’s super warm. It’s my everyday’r when the winter in Chicago hits.
9E3C0B45-408A-4250-9136-2BB4E5C4AF7F.jpeg

08459364-423D-4416-945B-5D89DCA0EA71.jpeg

I can’t comment on the IH. I do own and have owned their truckers. I suspect the N-1 would be cut super trim, if the truckers are any indication.
 
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Captain Sensible

A-List Customer
Messages
438
Location
Scotland
I have a black Iron Heart N-1, only seen Pike Brothers in pictures, but have previously owned a Buzz Rickson.
The Buzz, and by the looks of it Pike Bros, have thicker piling, I think more generous fit also plays a role. The Iron Heart is plenty substantial and warm for me.
 

Gimli

New in Town
Messages
27
Thanks everyone for your input. Here in Australia it is very difficult to find anywhere that stocks such jackets making it virtually impossible to try them on. So the reviews and info are very helpful.
 

Grayland

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,086
Location
Upstate NY
I’ve got a pike bro’s N-1 and love it. Mine is a size M and fits well. It’s fitted. I’m 5’11 and around 210lbs. Quality is great and it’s super warm. It’s my everyday’r when the winter in Chicago hits.

This looks great. At your size, I would normally expect a size L or XL.

Thanks everyone for your input. Here in Australia it is very difficult to find anywhere that stocks such jackets making it virtually impossible to try them on. So the reviews and info are very helpful.

Chicago is much colder than Australia - are you sure an N-1 is a wise purchase?
 

Gimli

New in Town
Messages
27
This looks great. At your size, I would normally expect a size L or XL.



Chicago is much colder than Australia - are you sure an N-1 is a wise purchase?

It’s below zero this time of year. It’s cold enough for me. Not as cold as your city but I like to keep warm.
 

Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,326
Location
Traverse city
441C39BA-F70C-43A5-85B0-F1923A700B42.jpeg
Size Small Pike Bros. I tried a xs. It may have sorta fit as a fashion piece with just a tshirt under but was definitely too small for actual use.
I am a 36 everytime
5’10” 150# 14.5/33
Very happy with the quality vs price ratio. Love IH products but this bame in 1/2 as expensive.
 

Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,326
Location
Traverse city
Regarding it’s application my experience is us 36 guys get cold faster than our 42 bretheren. Ton312 uses his all winter long. Here (we’re neighbors) that means 0F easy. I park mine around 35F. I’ll also wear a jacket at 70F and cloudy, some guys are in shorts and Tshirt at 50.
Fwiw i’ve read that IH adds a wind layer between the whipcord and fleece for extra warmth. Cannot confirm. If I were in the market today I’d buy a Pike Bros and use the $350 savings to buy an IH Ultra heavy flannel. Killer combo.
 

Gimli

New in Town
Messages
27
Thanks for that. Yeah I’m frustrated I didn’t take better notice the one time I got to try one of these on in I think XS. I’d never heard of them and didn’t know how rare they were here. I think I’m a 36 too but I’m a fair bit shorter than you and I think around 120 pounds. So In theory the XS should work.
 

Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,326
Location
Traverse city
Xs was too small across upper back and shoulders. Sleeves were marginal. Based on your above sizing, yes XS. The measurements of my S match up pretty closely with IH xs. Remember it is a boxy jacket in general.
 

Peter Mackin

One Too Many
Messages
1,101
Location
glasgow
I own a pike N1 ,,but the waxed version.I love it but pike bros sizing must be all over the place,I just checked the size after seeing tons pic,,mine is size large & im 5-9 & 185lbs,,fits perfectly with just a tee shirt on ,,
 

Gimli

New in Town
Messages
27
View attachment 173760 Size Small Pike Bros. I tried a xs. It may have sorta fit as a fashion piece with just a tshirt under but was definitely too small for actual use.
I am a 36 everytime
5’10” 150# 14.5/33
Very happy with the quality vs price ratio. Love IH products but this bame in 1/2 as expensive.
Any chance of measuring your jacket? Shoulders and pit to pit? Pike brothers XS seems just a touch too narrow going by their website measurements.
 
Messages
17,509
Location
Chicago
My medium measures 20" across the shoulders, 24.4" at chest, 26" back and 26.5" sleeve. Not sure how that compares across the size range. I consider mine to be a trim but comfy fit. Plenty of shoulder room. Not a ton of room to layer but it's not really required as the wool interior is fat and I run hot.
 

Bfd70

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,326
Location
Traverse city
My small measures 56 chest 64 length 64 sleeve.
I don’t think their sizing is wonky. I think the material and cut allow the fit to be pretty flexible. @ton312 med is trimmer than @imurice med because of body size not jacket variables.

Unlike a leather like Fqhh this material can easily accomodate an extra inch without looking off
 

Gimli

New in Town
Messages
27
So both people who’ve measured their pike bros N1 jackets report different measurements to their website. Frustrating, I think you just can’t be sure without trying on.
 

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