G-1 Jacket Purchase

[Reginald Buckleaf III]

I need some advice / opinions. I’m in the market for my first G-1 jacket. I’m looking at a lightly used Eastman $900, an original USN issued Brill Bros. ($150 needs cuffs replaced), or a new Cockpit 100 Mission ($600). I can’t decide what to do. My budget is $1,000 but the older I get the thriftier I become. For reference, I currently own a Brooks Bros. G-1 inspired jacket (cow hide), an LL Bean A-2 (goat) and an Eastman A-2 (horse).

In theory, I’d love to have another Eastman but I’m having a difficult time with the thought of parting with $900 for a used jacket... In addition, while Eastman is clearly as authentic of a replica as there can be I’m not a huge fan of them sacrificing durability for authenticity (cotton thread, thin knits). I don’t want to feel like I have to baby the thing. I stole my A-2 Eastman for $475 and it ended up being one of the wardrobe jackets used in Catch-22. It was already really distressed and already has quite a few loose threads. That said, I don’t feel the need to baby it. Side note: the smell of that horse hide is glorious.

The thrifty side of me wants to buy the vintage Brill Bros., slam some new knits on the thing and call it a day.

Then there’s the Cockpit 100 Mission G-1. This jacket really intrigues me and I’ve read several glowing reviews. It’s clearly very well made in the USA and the price is very fair in my opinion.

So there are my current three options. Please let me know your thoughts and opinions / pros / cons on each jacket. Also, if you have any other suggestions for other brands please speak up. Thanks in advance.


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[Seb Lucas]

I would consider a cockpit version they are actually cut trim. One was posted here 8 or so months ago that looked great. Or get one made by fivestar leather. They do good leather garments cheap.

 

[Alexlutov]

Hi, soon I will be selling my g1 Gibson and Barnes in perfect or new condition, you can say, if interested, please, and the price will be much lower than $ 600))))

 

[Alexlutov]

Please, here are some photos.

 

[Brettafett]

I've owned a few G-1s/ M422as from almost everyone, incl originals. I'll say this...
ELC's G-1 is nice enough, but is it worth that price tag? Personally don't think so. Get one at a really good price, in really good condition... maybe.
Cockpit's 100 mission G-1 is a great jacket! The knits are a bit floppy and it tends to be a bit short in the body (for me at least), but I'd recommend this jacket any day, esp if you get one on sale. Looks and feels great. I'd get another.
The Top Gun Hero jacket is fantastic also, if only they made it without all the patches... I'd be all over it. But, its very expensive for what it is. And no, its not the same as the 100 missions. I tried one on the other day at an airshow and the collar is different (more washed?) and there is a seam at the zipper.
Either way, although not as technically authentic as some, one of the best repro G-1s out there.
Originals - I've been through this game, and I no longer want to play If its in immaculate, NOS condition... great.
If you are not a fan of wearing someone else' sweat, dead skin and smoke smells... stay well clear.
If you have to clean, replace knit, lining or mouton... my gosh, what a palaver and expensive! I guess this depends on where you live, who you know etc...
I don't know G&B above. Was looking at an M422a, but the sizing was weird and put me off.
I absolutely LOVE my AVI LTHR 55J14 G-1. Its very close in look and feel to Cockpit's 100 missions at a fraction of the costs. The shoulders are a touch wide I think, and I'd have loved a touch more length... I replaced the zipper and the knit, and its awesome. The mouton collar is better than ELC's! I wear this jacket whenever I can.

 

[thor]

The G-1 is my favorite style jacket and I own about 25, both original and repro.
You can’t beat the look & feel and overall character of an original, but finding one in the right size and in good condition can be difficult. I have an original G-1 that I obtained from a P-3 pilot and it’s a keeper that I’ll never part with. Great history and provenance.
My favorite repro is my Lost Worlds G-1. Beautiful goatskin!
For a mid-range/good quality option Gibson & Barnes or The Cockpit are excellent choices. I own a Cockpit 100-mission G-1 and it’s one of my favorites.
I also have a US Wings G-1 that’s made of bison leather and it’s really nice. That hide is awesome!
Five Star Leather are located in Pakistan but they do make a very good repro G-1 and can customize it any way you like for a low price.

 

[Brettafett]

If you open to M422as, then consider https://www.headwindmfg.com/jackets.html
Excellent jackets also.

 

[Boyo]

What size are you after..

There is Alex's size 42 Gibson & Barnes, a size 40 Good wear and size 48 Aero (my sale) on page 1 of the classified this morning,

 

[Alexlutov]

Yes, it is interesting)))

 

[Reginald Buckleaf III]

Hi, soon I will be selling my g1 Gibson and Barnes in perfect or new condition, you can say, if interested, please, and the price will be much lower than $ 600))))

Thank you but it’s not my size. I need a 40. Good luck with your sale.


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[Reginald Buckleaf III]

I've owned a few G-1s/ M422as from almost everyone, incl originals. I'll say this...
ELC's G-1 is nice enough, but is it worth that price tag? Personally don't think so. Get one at a really good price, in really good condition... maybe.
Cockpit's 100 mission G-1 is a great jacket! The knits are a bit floppy and it tends to be a bit short in the body (for me at least), but I'd recommend this jacket any day, esp if you get one on sale. Looks and feels great. I'd get another.
The Top Gun Hero jacket is fantastic also, if only they made it without all the patches... I'd be all over it. But, its very expensive for what it is. And no, its not the same as the 100 missions. I tried one on the other day at an airshow and the collar is different (more washed?) and there is a seam at the zipper.
Either way, although not as technically authentic as some, one of the best repro G-1s out there.
Originals - I've been through this game, and I no longer want to play If its in immaculate, NOS condition... great.
If you are not a fan of wearing someone else' sweat, dead skin and smoke smells... stay well clear.
If you have to clean, replace knit, lining or mouton... my gosh, what a palaver and expensive! I guess this depends on where you live, who you know etc...
I don't know G&B above. Was looking at an M422a, but the sizing was weird and put me off.
I absolutely LOVE my AVI LTHR 55J14 G-1. Its very close in look and feel to Cockpit's 100 missions at a fraction of the costs. The shoulders are a touch wide I think, and I'd have loved a touch more length... I replaced the zipper and the knit, and its awesome. The mouton collar is better than ELC's! I wear this jacket whenever I can.

Thank you for the detailed info Brettafett.


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[Reginald Buckleaf III]

The G-1 is my favorite style jacket and I own about 25, both original and repro.
You can’t beat the look & feel and overall character of an original, but finding one in the right size and in good condition can be difficult. I have an original G-1 that I obtained from a P-3 pilot and it’s a keeper that I’ll never part with. Great history and provenance.
My favorite repro is my Lost Worlds G-1. Beautiful goatskin!
For a mid-range/good quality option Gibson & Barnes or The Cockpit are excellent choices. I own a Cockpit 100-mission G-1 and it’s one of my favorites.
I also have a US Wings G-1 that’s made of bison leather and it’s really nice. That hide is awesome!
Five Star Leather are located in Pakistan but they do make a very good repro G-1 and can customize it any way you like for a low price.

Wow! 25 G-1s. That’s quite a haul! [emoji23] Thanks for the input on Cockpit and another vote for Five Star.


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[Reginald Buckleaf III]

If you open to M422as, then consider https://www.headwindmfg.com/jackets.html
Excellent jackets also.

That’s a nice looking jacket.


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[Reginald Buckleaf III]

What size are you after..

There is Alex's size 42 Gibson & Barnes, a size 40 Good wear and size 48 Aero (my sale) on page 1 of the classified this morning,

That size 40 GW is intriguing but length has been added to it and I think it may be too long. Great deal though considering the retail.


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[Reginald Buckleaf III]

I also looked at the Aero G-1. Anyone want to chime in that has owned one?


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[El Marro]

I am guessing the Brill Brothers is an E series jacket with a synthetic collar so I would pass on that one. I have not handled an Eastman G-1 but I do own an ELMC horsehide G-1 and this is my favorite out of the seven G-1’s in my collection.

 

[Reginald Buckleaf III]

I am guessing the Brill Brothers is an E series jacket with a synthetic collar so I would pass on that one. I have not handled an Eastman G-1 but I do own an ELMC horsehide G-1 and this is my favorite out of the seven G-1’s in my collection.

It’s actually a C. Collar appears to be mouton.


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[Peacoat]

If it is a C series, I would go with the Brill Brothers. I like the original issue G-1s.

 

[El Marro]

It’s actually a C. Collar appears to be mutton.


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My mistake, I did not know that they made G-1’s that early. In that case I am with Peacoat as long as the collar looks to be in good shape.

 

[nick123]

Well, I was able to see the Cockpit G-1 in person on an impersonator the other day. Jacket looked really nice. This guy is a living repro.