Goodwear A-2 vs. Californian Ventura

[pauleway]

Really? Why?

Never have been a big fan of the A-2. Too plain. But both would be a good choice for every day use, and I'm sure you will get a lot of wear time out of either one. It's a no lose situation!

 

[Seb Lucas]

Isn't it down to weather you like knits and cargo pockets? I don't much so
my choice is easy. An A2 by the talented Mr Chapman is still an A2. Not so long ago in this town if you were seen wearing an A2 people would say " how 1980's". Since that was the era of bad mall shop imitations - think Highway to Heaven with Michael Landon. As others have said, it's your choice if you like both toss for it.

 

[Jeff M]

Isn't it down to weather you like knits and cargo pockets? I don't much so
my choice is easy. An A2 by Mr Chapman is still an A2. Not so long ago in this town if you were seen wearing an A2 people would say " how 1980's". Since that was the era of bad mall shop imitations - think Highway to Heaven with Michael Landon. As others have said, it's your choice if you like both toss for it.

As with everything else...it all comes down to personal preferences.
Pockets and knits are just a part of the equation. The fit is markedly different between the Ventura and a GW A2, to the point where, for me, it is a major factor in which I pick up heading out the door.
I won't wear my Ventura if I am going to be physically active in any way, it's a bit warm out to where I will want some "breathing room" in a jacket, or will be wearing the jacket for a prolonged period of time.
Going out for a nice dinner or an evening over at a friends house...or maybe to a movie where I will be taking the jacket off, then more chance I'll grab the Ventura.
Even then however I tend to reach for an A2.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Will the Roughwear 27752 look out of place in a 30's outfit to a trained eye? I know I'm being hyper-technical, but it was a late war contract and sometimes I wear a more 30's-looking outfit. I considered getting the Acme 1938 A-2, but the Roughwear looked more comfortable. Thanks.

 

[Seb Lucas]

As with everything else...it all comes down to personal preferences.
Pockets and knits are just a part of the equation. The fit is markedly different between the Ventura and a GW A2, to the point where, for me, it is a major factor in which I pick up heading out the door.
I won't wear my Ventura if I am going to be physically active in any way, it's a bit warm out to where I will want some "breathing room" in a jacket, or will be wearing the jacket for a prolonged period of time.
Going out for a nice dinner or an evening over at a friends house...or maybe to a movie where I will be taking the jacket off, then more chance I'll grab the Ventura.
Even then however I tend to reach for an A2.

Yeah, I heard you the first time, Jeff. I get where you're coming from and you make sense. However, if you were to order a Ventura made a little roomier that wouldn't be an issue. Also, I own a cool leather jacket with knits -becasue the look doesn't appeal to me I don't wear it often. That's as much a factor in how often something gets worn as anything else.

 

[Jeff M]

Yep. It all boils down to what ones tastes are.
It would be interesting to hear from some other folks who own/have owned a GW Ventura and A2.

 

[bretron]

Will the Roughwear 27752 look out of place in a 30's outfit to a trained eye? I know I'm being hyper-technical, but it was a late war contract and sometimes I wear a more 30's-looking outfit. I considered getting the Acme 1938 A-2, but the Roughwear looked more comfortable. Thanks.

I LOVE the 38 Aero; nicest details of any a2 contract JC offers IMO. You could always go that route, and specify with John that you'd like a more comfortable fit... Or there's the 39 Werber, which in my experience fits very comfortably.

 

[bretron]

Will the Roughwear 27752 look out of place in a 30's outfit to a trained eye? I know I'm being hyper-technical, but it was a late war contract and sometimes I wear a more 30's-looking outfit. I considered getting the Acme 1938 A-2, but the Roughwear looked more comfortable. Thanks.

I LOVE the 38 Aero; nicest details of any a2 contract JC offers IMO. You could always go that route, and specify with John that you'd like a more comfortable fit... Or there's the 39 Werber, which in my experience fits very comfortably.

My order started out as a 38 Aero, but has "evolved" to a 27798 Dubow with a slightly trimmer cut.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

I LOVE the 38 Aero; nicest details of any a2 contract JC offers IMO. You could always go that route, and specify with John that you'd like a more comfortable fit... Or there's the 39 Werber, which in my experience fits very comfortably.

My order started out as a 38 Aero, but has "evolved" to a 27798 Dubow with a slightly trimmer cut.

Maybe it's just me, but I had the Dubow 27798 and didn't like it. I wound up selling it. This new jacket will replace it. Although I loved the look of the jacket, it was very baggy around the middle and made me look fat. It had a weird cut where it's trimmer almost around the chest than it is around the midsection. I wore a 41 Werber that fit very nicely but it wasn't made in seal. The Roughwear was and seal is my favorite of John's leathers.

I emailed John to see if he'd make me a 39 Werber in seal like this one:

http://www.goodwearleather.com/photos/Werber1939_No1_46/A2_1939Werber.jpg

I can wear it as a 30's or 40's jacket since it is a pre-War A-2 so it works in both worlds.

 

[ButteMT61]

Maybe it's just me, but I had the Dubow 27798 and didn't like it. I wound up selling it. This new jacket will replace it. Although I loved the look of the jacket, it was very baggy around the middle and made me look fat. It had a weird cut where it's trimmer almost around the chest than it is around the midsection. I wore a 41 Werber that fit very nicely but it wasn't made in seal. The Roughwear was and seal is my favorite of John's leathers.I emailed John to see if he'd make me a 39 Werber in seal like this one:I can wear it as a 30's or 40's jacket since it is a pre-War A-2 so it works in both worlds.

Most likely, my upcoming GW is going to be the '38 Aero (Acme) or the '39 Werber. I was all over the place, but I think those are the final contestants lol

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Why those, Butte? I'm warming up to the 39 Werber myself.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I think the '38 Aero/Acme (if made to fit right) is the most stylish A-2 contract simply because of it's unique features.
HD

 

[ButteMT61]

Early war, unique. I love the stitching on the arms and above the waist knits too. Collar stand, etc. etc. I also think it should fit on the trim side, so I'm hoping it's the right choice for me. Lovely jackets.
Two Aero's followed by two Werbers.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Also..keep in mind that original Aero '38s were quite short in body length. Aero seems to make their repro '38 the same way. I don't know how JC does them,however.
HD

 

[thor]

A-2 or Californian Ventura....it's like choosing between vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Both are good and most people enjoy both. There's no "right" or "wrong" choice. Enjoy!

 

[Deleted member 16736]

John said he would make the '39 Werber in seal aniline HH. I changed my order to the Werber. As a pre-war jacket, it'll be more versatile than the Roughwear and the fit will be more trim while remaining loose enough to feel comfortable. I was afraid the Ventura would be tight as a sausage, as well as being too short for what I prefer. Thanks for everybody's help.

 

[derleicaman]

Hey Joel, I bought the Dubow from you and am loving it! I also own the RW 27752 in Horween Mustang HH that Weasel Loader used to own. As you know, the Dubow is a size 48, and the RW is a 46, but they are very similar in the room around the waist. I would have suggested the Werber as being a slimmer fit, so I think you are making a great choice. The Ventura looks great, but you better have the right body for it.
Take a look at John's site and the for sale jackets, specifically the B3. He gives more than his typical measurements for this jacket and if you supply these extra measurements to him it may help John nail your jacket.

 

[derleicaman]

Joel, just checked the 27752 against the Dubow and they are both more generous around the mid-section, and are very similar to each other. I have a Cable Rain Coat 42-10008-P in a size 46 in the new goat from John, and this is indeed a slimmer pattern than the other two. Might be something to consider. I think this pattern only came in goat, though. I had a later contract Werber from John in a 46 which was certainly slimmer as well. I recently sold it on to a fellow VLJ member. I recently lost about 7 pounds, which certainly makes me look less "fat" in any of the A-2s. Certainly helps with the "look".

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Thanks for those comments. Yes, the Cable is a nice jacket. I really think I made the right decision on the Werber. Coming from the Dubow, I wanted something different and hadn't realized that the RW was so similar to the Dub. Thanks everybody.

 

[Grayland]

Early war, unique. I love the stitching on the arms and above the waist knits too. Collar stand, etc. etc. I also think it should fit on the trim side, so I'm hoping it's the right choice for me. Lovely jackets.
Two Aero's followed by two Werbers.

Are all of these jackets russet? They don't seem to be seal brown, but are darker than the only russet I've ever handled (LW).