Improved ELC RW 27752

[aswatland]

If anyone is interested ELC have re-launched their RW 27752 A2 using more authentic Warhorse hh. The price is OTT and on a par with GW A2s now. Here's the link:

http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/eastmanleather/products/product-4248778.stm

I hope to see the jacket in the flesh at Flying Legends in July. What do people think of this jacket?

 

[saucerfiend]

If anyone is interested ELC have re-launched their RW 27752 A2 using more authentic Warhorse hh. The price is OTT and on a par with GW A2s now. Here's the link:

http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/eastmanleather/products/product-4248778.stm

I hope to see the jacket in the flesh at Flying Legends in July. What do people think of this jacket?

I've had their 27752. The cut is weird, as the shoulders won't lay down on your shoulders. They say it's because of the "Roughwear cut". I can't believe that all those service men put up with that ridiculous fit. I say they didn't get the shoulder cut right. Besides, they're still using the cheap knits. The new horse is nice but these other factors need to change as well. If you count all this with the fact that they want as much as a Goodwear, the obvious choice is Goodwear, as always.

Brian

 

[Edward]

I can't claim any expertise regarding individual contracts, but that said, given how good I know John's stuff to be, with prices being equal I'd probably choose one of those over Eastman. That sort of price bracket is well outside what I would be able to spend on one anyhow, so it's all academic. The big advantage of the eastman would, I suppose, be that it would be more quickly produced, given that though small-scale, they are working as a team as opposed to John's one-man approach. Not that either is necessarily qualitatively better, but it's inevitable that several folks will get through orders faster than one.

Funnily enough, I was going to order a GW myself before the value of the pound dropped through the floor; at GBP400 they were great; at GBP600, well outside what I could justify.

I wonder do these price rises (and Aero's much discussed price rises post Christmas) reflect the weak pound alone (bearing in mind that much of Eastman's business is international), or has there also been a spin off effect from the changes in US law with regards to the slaughter of horses (the US being a primary source of hh, as I understand it?).

 

[rumblefish]

I guess they justify the £649.99 ($1001.05) price tag because of the Italian leather?

'Tis nice looking though.

I'd consider it, but I'd wait until July when we can get Andrew's up-close opinion of it. But then again I can get quality leather from JC and have another Good Wear and those seem to hold a little more value according the the Ebster. >

 

[Phantomfixer]

I've had their 27752. The cut is weird, as the shoulders won't lay down on your shoulders. They say it's because of the "Roughwear cut". I can't believe that all those service men put up with that ridiculous fit. I say they didn't get the shoulder cut right. Besides, they're still using the cheap knits. The new horse is nice but these other factors need to change as well. If you count all this with the fact that they want as much as a Goodwear, the obvious choice is Goodwear, as always.

Brian

try wearing a mae west and parachute and seat harness for 12 hours a day for about six months. The shoulders will have relaxed by then.

 

[aswatland]

Having owned several original and repro RWs I can see no real probelm with their fit. The slight gap between the epaulet and the shoulder seam is certainly a distinguishing feature, but I have not found them uncomfortable to wear. Eastman have copied the 27752 contract well and once broken in their repro RW A2s are a pleasure to wear. Their latest 27752 is very close to the originals I have owned. The hh is close, but not spot on and I think the latest GW 27752 is closer, but IMO no repro maker has nailed the leather perfectly for this contract.

This ELC jacket is much closer to originals than their previous offering. I just wish they could get the pocket snaps correct, with the indentation in the snap, but they don't use United Carr snaps like Good Wear. A small detail, but if one is paying £650 for the jacket it ought to be sorted out.

 

[saucerfiend]

try wearing a mae west and parachute and seat harness for 12 hours a day for about six months. The shoulders will have relaxed by then.

What I'm saying is that in my opinion Goodwears "Roughwear" pattern is better than ELC'S. The original "Roughwear" pattern was fine. But something is wrong with the ELC cut... in my opinion. And again, the knits are for show, not go.

Brian

 

[aswatland]

What I'm saying is that in my opinion Goodwears "Roughwear" pattern is better than ELC'S. The original "Roughwear" pattern was fine. But something is wrong with the ELC cut... in my opinion. And again, the knits are for show, not go.

Brian

Brian it is hard to objective about the ELC RW pattern until one can actually see it in the flesh. They have nailed the pattern well IMO. It is pretty close to the original in the photos on their website. Remember there were variations within this original contract despite quality control being particularly rigorous in their Middletown factory.

As far as the knits are concerned they are spot on in terms of colour and weave. It is well known that original knits varied in terms of quality and thickness. The same knits are used on their current Cable and they are very close to those found on several of the originals in my collection. I also have the latest knits used by GW on my 39 Werber and they are slightly thicker than those generally found on originals.

 

[Phantomfixer]

What I'm saying is that in my opinion Goodwears "Roughwear" pattern is better than ELC'S. The original "Roughwear" pattern was fine. But something is wrong with the ELC cut... in my opinion. And again, the knits are for show, not go.

Brian

I understand. Just trying to redirect it away from another ELC vs. GW debate. I do agree with you that ELC's knits are their weakest point. I like the overall construction though.

 

[Smithy]

I understand. Just trying to redirect it away from another ELC vs. GW debate. I do agree with you that ELC's knits are their weakest point. I like the overall construction though.

I was of the understanding that ELC had addressed the "knit problem" a couple of years ago and that now their knits were very good. At least that was the discussion here back in 2007 or so.

I nearly ordered an ELC 27752 a year or so ago but decided against it. I'd be happy with their bog standard house in seal HH and am seriously thinking of giving Gary a buzz.

 

[Phantomfixer]

Smitty,

My experience with ELC predates 2007. You might be correct and hope you are. They make a good jacket otherwise.