New Aero B-6

[HighandDry]

I got my Aero B-6 today. I bought it via Mark Moye and I can't say enough about what a stand up guy he is. I originally was set to buy a Cheyenne, but once the colder weather hit, I got the itch for something warmer. My Cheyenne had been on order for two months when I called Mark and asked him about switching to a B-6. Not only was it no problem, but I got the B-6 two weeks after I called him. I had asked about the length of the B-6 and he stated that it was a typical length military wear (about belt length), so I added 2 inches to the length. FWIW, it's a standard 42 with a back length of 27 inches.

I know that a lot of guys like their jackets trim fitting and shorter, but I always like them longer and roomier [huh] . I had asked Mark for a looser fitting jacket and I have to say, I feel that the jacket fit is perfect for me. It's long enough that I can bend over without the wind going up my back and I can easily layer a mid-weight sweater.

 

[oneterrifichog]

Great looking jacket and you are right Mark is excellent. It is sure is nice being able to adjust a jacket to your own needs too. I think you got a real nice jacket that will be very comfortable for years to come.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Very nice..!
I've been wearing my Aero B6 the last week or so. It's my favorite shearling jacket.
HD

 

[andy richards]

That is a very nice jacket. Congrats! Are there any innerpockets in this type of jacket?

 

[HighandDry]

No inside pockets. I'm pretty sure that you can't do inside pockets with shearling.

 

[rumblefish]

Very nice jacket!
Do you find the pockets to be a bit too high to comfortably use as hand warmers?

 

[HighandDry]

I think the height is ok, but the pockets are cotton drill, so they are not very warm. Retrospectively, I would have added a cotton flannel lining.

I was also thinking that a cleaner look would have been to tuck the shearling in at the cuffs and the hems. I know that's not the authentic look, but it would have made it a bit less "frilly" and been easier to keep clean.

 

[Edward]

It's way beyond my budget at present, but I'd love to see what Aero would do with the following spec:

- B6 (or possibly a D1?) base
- Horsehide exterior
- Interior cotton lining over the sheepskin, or possible a darker-coloured (dyed?) fleece, in order to keep it cleaner more easily

I think that could be quite a practical, hardwearing jacket. Not as warm as a covered B3, but most likely much less bulky.

One thing I have wondered about the B6 design.... in essence, they were created as a 'minime' B3 - a warm sheepskin, but less bulky than its elder sibling, allowing greater ease of movement in a cramped cockpit. I wonder why they dispensed with the horsehide panels on the arms. Was this an attempt to lessen bulk? That feature on the B3 always seemed to be a great thing, protecting the otherwise likely to be easily damaged elbows. I always thought that was one the B3 had over the Irvin (though to be fair, I don't recall seeing many surviving Irvins with severe damage to the elbows alone). I presume it was a design alteration that wasn't motivated by keeping the jacket as simple as possible in the interests of lowering the per unit cost, otherwise there wouldn't be the side zips, epaulettes, etc...

 

[Grinder]

Great jacket and Pics HighandDry, helped convince the wife that 'old fashioned' and ww2 designs are not that bad after all.

One question though - I saw the pics on the Aeroleather Ebay site and the epaulettes' snap button appears to be set forward of the shoulder seam somewhat - is this the same on yours?

Ideally I'd like to get the buttons set closer to the seam so the epaulettes lie as flat as possible. If they are set forward I wonder if it is a construction issue.

Cheers,
G

 

[HighandDry]

Mine are also set forward. With the collar down, the epaulettes stay down; but if you pop up the collar, the epaulettes do rise when you raise your arms. I'm not sure wether moving it closer to the seam would matter. Drop Amanda at Aero an email. She's very responsive, although I think they are a 2 week holiday.

 

[Fletch]

Ed, you might like the B-2, which Aero supposedly has in the works (they've done a one-off before). It's basically an Irvin in horsehide, lined in wool melton, with a very high mouton collar and a single flap pocket.

 

[Edward]

Ed, you might like the B-2, which Aero supposedly has in the works (they've done a one-off before). It's basically an Irvin in horsehide, lined in wool melton, with a very high mouton collar and a single flap pocket.

Oh yes, I've had my eye on a B2 for quite some time - longer, actually, than the B3 (one of which I have) or the Irvin (none yet).... I'll have to see whether I can afford one of those into 2010 when Aero start taking orders. I do have quite a lot of stuff to go on eBay over the coming months, so just maybe that might go some way towards funding one for Winter 2010/11...

 

[GriffDeLaGriff]

Wow what a beautiful jacket.
I want one of theese sometime. Got a reminder this year as the temperature
went down to -19

I do have an old cheap b-something copy but im embarrased to wear it since its so ugly made. But if the wind blows these cold winters then there just isnt anything like theese kind of jackets. I hope it will last you a lifetime.


Wearing it shorter (like Sylvester in Rocky4) does make it look cool, but i also prefer that length you got there when its freezing and blowing.
The waist is after all also one of the most important parts to keep warm. (along with the wrists, head and feet)