Ernest P Shackleton
One Too Many
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- 1,246
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- Midwest
Check out those curves!
I'm still surprised by how the MA-1 (and now N-3B) is such a fashion staple.
I was in the commercial uniform distributor for a few odds & ends. The military styles are not official uniform for us. However, they are issued for specific training exercises, as a discreet way to cover the uniform top's badge & patches when in non-public-contact assignments, and used as uniform with patches for very specific assignments. Over the years, they have issued to me Alpha, Rothco, Propper, Spiewak, et cetera.
I asked the store manager why they have different brands, instead of just Alpha. The answer was pricing and availability. Our agency's contract specifies "3/4 length field jacket, 4 large pockets", or "short, waist length, bomber style jacket". Brand is not specified. And whichever company wants to have the store sell their product, they must maintain a certain level of quality. No batches of bad zippers, bad seams, or a sudden change order without reason; like cheap polyester instead of nylon or NyCo blend. After that, it's who can provide the best prices, be able to supply without backorder, and accept overstocks & returns. The store does not want 1,000 size small, no XXL, size large tall on backorder, navy blue not available in medium until next September, et cetera.
I'm sure that "collectors" and "enthusiast" will have preferences for specific manufacturer's and their product lines. Some people love that slim fit, modern jacket, which was never issued into military service. Other people insist on details such as zippers. "Made In USA" is another "must have" for some connissuers of militaria.
As for my specific experience, I don't like the slim fit. I like the original cut. Better for layering. More range of motion. And that little bit of extra puffy jacket helps conceal a holstered handgun. The Made In China Rothco is just as warm, nylon shell is water repellant in the rain, knit cuffs, collar, and waist hold up well, and the zipper works fine. I agree that the Alpha has a smoother zipper, knit cuff, collar, and waist does not feel like cheap socks, and the outer shell looks and feels more robust.
Water resistant is not waterproof. These were not made to be "waterproof breathable". Military technology of that era was to use a poncho and liner. You can't possibly expect to work outdoors, in the rain, all day. This is just good enough for you to be in The City, a sudden shower sprinkles you, and you run to your car, or the nearest awning, and work your way to permanent dry cover (i.e. a building).
As an issued work garment, paid for by the employer, I don't care. I'll get a uniform voucher for another one as needed. And because it's not "uniform", with no identification, shoulder patches, or unit insignia; we are issued different colors. They don't want everyone running around in the same black bomber. Sometimes, for whatever reason, they have alternative stock. I got a B-15 style once, and just didn't like it as much. The furry collar sort of got in the way and didn't feel comfortable to me. I was in there today, and they had a couple of CWU 45 style, and I am not so sure that I want the collar on the jacket. I'm sort of used to the collarless knit band.
Since I am not a collector, connoisseur, enthusiast, or fanatic; I would say that the best value per dollar spent is Rothco. Very close to military specification. Effective and functional. About $35, compared to upwards of $200. My opinion is purely based on price. I'm not buying a Rothco jacket to last a lifetime. Although I will tell you, that in several decades of service, Rothco jackets do hold up. I've never been out in the field, where a sudden physical movement like sprinting and climbing a wall, resulted in a burst seam or ripped fabric.
Generally my preference is for better quality
The reviews I have heard regarding Rothco previously were not great.
I like the idea that you could buy a high quality MA-1 from Rothco for almost no money.
I'm confused to whom that appeals though? The young people aren't going to care about that.
it only cost me $100
I haven’t worn it outside the house yet but it feels like it should be able to handle the Bay Area weather just fine.Yuuup. It's a winner. Fits well, and at a good price. Is it warm? Have you worn it in inclement weather yet?
Wearing my NOS Alpha MA-1 which arrived yesterday.
View attachment 220231
I’m pretty pleased with this purchase. Not as nice as my Buzz Rickson but it fits better and it only cost me $100. Come to think of it, maybe that makes it nicer than my Buzz Rickson!
it should be able to handle the Bay Area weather just fine
Seb, my new Alpha is an XL. For reference, I am 6’1” and 185 pounds at the moment. It is a US made version.That looks awesome. What size is it and is it a US made version? How would you describe the difference in the nylon between that and the Buzz?
Very true.We have a lot of microclimates here. Even in different parts of The City. It's typically cold, foggy, and windy out here by The Beach. At the same time, plenty of sunshine in The Mish. And I found out that it's cold every night, even in summer, in Hunters Point. And with the greater Bay Area, where I have a cool, windy, summer day of 60 degree Fahrenheit, Livermore, Concord, San Jose could go into the 90's and triple digits. Marin, Sonoma, & Napa could throw you onto another roller coaster ride.
Then we get the atmospheric river, El Nino, and PineApple Express. In San Francisco, with all the hills, there's always a low point. I've seen entire streets go under water.
Plenty of days in the year where I need more than just a t-shirt & a flight jacket.