MA-1 recommendations?

[Peacoat]

Which would company manufactured these jackets for the Air Force in the 50s?

There likely were several companies with the contract over the years during the 50s and 60s for both the Army and the Air Force. I looked for my MA-1 and my L2-B as the manufacturing company is listed on the tag. No luck. If I have time later, I will do another search. But quite frankly, I have so many jackets and coats, once something goes missing, it is likely to stay that way for several years until rediscovered by accident.

The L2-B is the lightweight version of the MA-1. That is the one I was issued while in flight school.

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

I recently got a Bronson MA-1 and really like it. Good value for money for sure.

I've been in the market for a new MA-1 for a while. The pictures I'm seeing of the Bronson make it look like they don't have much insulation/batting, which is common for the more fashion oriented versions. Are the pictures misleading? I would be wearing it in cold situations, so this is an important factor to me.

 

[Aloysius]

I’ve heard. Tempting for sure.

As I've mentioned before, the Bronson is a copy of the Buzz Rickson's–most likely the Lion Uniforms contract–and a completely different look from the late 70s jacket worn by McQueen.

I've been in the market for a new MA-1 for a while. The pictures I'm seeing of the Bronson make it look like they don't have much insulation/batting, which is common for the more fashion oriented versions. Are the pictures misleading? I would be wearing it in cold situations, so this is an important factor to me.

The Bronson has the same bulky look as the 50s originals (since it's a copy of the Rickson's), but with blend batting. The batting in the originals isn't the most practical thing either honestly, as much as I like mine.

 

[mumpy]

I've been in the market for a new MA-1 for a while. The pictures I'm seeing of the Bronson make it look like they don't have much insulation/batting, which is common for the more fashion oriented versions. Are the pictures misleading? I would be wearing it in cold situations, so this is an important factor to me.

The lining is 60% wool and 40% polyester. The jacket in size medium weighs about 1.3-1.5kg. I have worn it with a cotton sweater down to 0C and it was warm enough (I generally run hot though).

 

[WolfofStateSt]

How do you tell if an Alpha MA-1 is from the 70s? I found one with a Scovill zipper. Also, would you say those vintage ones are better made than the new ones.

 

[Aloysius]

How do you tell if an Alpha MA-1 is from the 70s? I found one with a Scovill zipper. Also, would you say those vintage ones are better made than the new ones.

What does the tag say? Does it have flapped pockets like the McQueen Alpha?

New ones as in the ones Valley Apparel keeps making in the old Alpha factory?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

What does the tag say? Does it have flapped pockets like the McQueen Alpha?

New ones, as in the ones Valley Apparel keeps making in the old Alpha factory?

The new ones are in both Valley Apparel and the new Alpha jackets, though I’m assuming Valley is better than the main brand Alpha ones.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

JACKET, FLYERS MAN, LIGHT ZONE L-2B


MIL-J-7481


SIZE: MEDIUM


ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC.


DRY CLEAN ONLY

I know it's an L-2B, but for me that looks close enough so long as I nail the era and color.

 

[Aloysius]

The new ones are in both Valley Apparel and the new Alpha jackets, though I’m assuming Valley is better than the main brand Alpha ones.

I mean depends on how you define better. I'm sure Alpha turns out a lot of stuff that the fashion market likes.

New Valley Apparel is basically like buying vintage Alpha, since they've been in continuous production. Sort of like how an Omega Speedmaster was basically the same thing from 1969-2020.

JACKET, FLYERS MAN, LIGHT ZONE L-2B


MIL-J-7481


SIZE: MEDIUM


ALPHA INDUSTRIES, INC.


DRY CLEAN ONLY

I know it's an L-2B, but for me that looks close enough so long as I nail the era and color.

L-2B might be more versatile too since you won't be limited by having to wear it in the winter. Sometimes I wear an L-2 almost like a sports coat under a winter coat, so they're not limited to the summer either.

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

As I've mentioned before, the Bronson is a copy of the Buzz Rickson's–most likely the Lion Uniforms contract–and a completely different look from the late 70s jacket worn by McQueen.



The Bronson has the same bulky look as the 50s originals (since it's a copy of the Rickson's), but with blend batting. The batting in the originals isn't the most practical thing either honestly, as much as I like mine.

The lining is 60% wool and 40% polyester. The jacket in size medium weighs about 1.3-1.5kg. I have worn it with a cotton sweater down to 0C and it was warm enough (I generally run hot though).

thanks. I don't know how I missed that detail. the blended batting sounds good, but I would like to tempt fate and wash mine on occasion. I'm not a dry cleaner type either. I owned a nice repro in the 90s, but I foolishly gave it away. I washed it here and there and didn't harm it. I'm looking to repeat that situation.

 

[Aloysius]

thanks. I don't know how I missed that detail. the blended batting sounds good, but I would like to tempt fate and wash mine on occasion. I'm not a dry cleaner type either. I owned a nice repro in the 90s, but I foolishly gave it away. I washed it here and there and didn't harm it. I'm looking to repeat that situation.

Bronson's pile liners shed a lot.

 

[mumpy]

If you want MiUSA, get a Valley Apparel one. If I'm not mistaken, they are the remnant of what was Alpha's US factory.

Any idea where these might be purchased online? They seem to be out of stock/discontinued in most places

 

[Aloysius]

Any idea where these might be purchased online? They seem to be out of stock/discontinued in most places

Yeah I think they're winding down production or might even have stopped. Lots of military surplus stores seem to stock their jackets though.

 

[Peacoat]

thanks. I don't know how I missed that detail. the blended batting sounds good, but I would like to tempt fate and wash mine on occasion. I'm not a dry cleaner type either. I owned a nice repro in the 90s, but I foolishly gave it away. I washed it here and there and didn't harm it. I'm looking to repeat that situation.

I believe the issue MA-1 flight jackets were 100% wool batting. When washed and then dried in a dryer, they would shrink in a minute. So, a lot of pilots were walking around with flight jackets that were too short.

Our flight suits had no waist, so it wasn't that noticeable. But I imagine if worn with jeans, it would be obvious the jacket was too short.

My flight jackets are fully badged and patched, the way they were when I was still military, so I don't wear them in public. I don't want the attention they would get, but I do wear them occasionally in my golf cart around the farm to give them some exercise.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I mean depends on how you define better. I'm sure Alpha turns out a lot of stuff that the fashion market likes.

New Valley Apparel is basically like buying vintage Alpha, since they've been in continuous production. Sort of like how an Omega Speedmaster was basically the same thing from 1969-2020.



L-2B might be more versatile too since you won't be limited by having to wear it in the winter. Sometimes I wear an L-2 almost like a sports coat under a winter coat, so they're not limited to the summer either.

I define better as longevity and durability. I have heard plenty of people complain about the zippers on new mainline Alpha jackets, either they get stuck or shed little metal bits after repeated use. I’m looking for a jacket that will ideally last me the rest of my life. I also have heard that synthetic liners loose effectiveness over time as they flatten, whereas good wool pile does not.

I already have two Harrington jackets that I love including one from Baracuta. Is the L-2B any warmer than them?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I believe the issue MA-1 flight jackets were 100% wool batting. When washed and then dried in a dryer, they would shrink in a minute. So, a lot of pilots were walking around with flight jackets that were too short.

Our flight suits had no waist, so it wasn't that noticeable. But I imagine if worn with jeans, it would be obvious the jacket was too short.

My flight jackets are fully badged and patched, the way they were when I was still military, so I don't wear them in public. I don't want the attention they would get, but I do wear them occasionally in my golf cart around the farm to give them some exercise.

I can only imagine. One time I was dropping my car off at the shop so I had to clean out my car of any misc stuff. There was a USS Wisconsin hat I had for when I take my scale RC Battleships to the lake. I figured I would never get mistaken for a servicemen since I am so young and because Iowa class battleships retired long before I was born. Still the guy at the shop said thank you for your service and I had to explain that I had never served and that the ship was like 80 years old. So embarrassing, I felt like an asshole. I turned to my lady friend and said I’m never wearing this hat again.

Obviously, you served, but I can understand why the attention might make you feel awkward. I’ve resolved to avoid any patches or emblems if ever possible. The vintage N3B I bought has no roundel. It's a shame cause the RMC Alaska Suka jacket is so sexy…

 

[Aloysius]

I define better as longevity and durability. I have heard plenty of people complain about the zippers on new mainline Alpha jackets, either they get stuck or shed little metal bits after repeated use. I’m looking for a jacket that will ideally last me the rest of my life. I also have heard that synthetic liners loose effectiveness over time as they flatten, whereas good wool pile does not.

I already have two Harrington jackets that I love including one from Baracuta. Is the L-2B any warmer than them?

I'd expect the Valley Apparels come loaded with whatever zipper is designated in the spec so it should be pretty tough.

Depends on the Harrington and the L-2, but they are broadly similar types of jacket for sure.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I'd expect the Valley Apparels come loaded with whatever zipper is designated in the spec so it should be pretty tough.

Depends on the Harrington and the L-2, but they are broadly similar types of jacket for sure.

I figured. I have the classic G9 Baracuta.

 

[Aloysius]

I figured. I have the classic G9 Baracuta.

What I meant is you know how Baracuta (and others) will sometimes do the Harringtons in different materials. I think a standard one should be roughly comparable to an L-2.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

What I meant is you know how Baracuta (and others) will sometimes do the Harringtons in different materials. I think a standard one should be roughly comparable to an L-2.

Oh, I know. I bought the standard one because I thought my brain would melt with all of Baracuta's options. I wouldn’t be surprised if they offered a warmer model than the MA-1. I realize I probably should have specified that lol