New budget M-65 Field Jacket?

[QueenFreyja]

Hello, I'm looking for an M-65 field jacket for under $250, I know a lot of people recommend thrifting or shopping surplus to get a vintage one, however I'd really like to avoid the uncertainties of conditio, repairs, smell, etc. and would rather just buy new from a modern manufacturer. From the research I've done online it seems to come down to Alpha Industries, Helikon Tex, and Bronson, so I was wondering which would be the best quality?

I've heard mixed opinions; some think Alpha is the best as they are the original manufacturers of the M-65 but others say their quality has significantly dropped since becoming a commercialized clothing brand.

Would love recommendations, thank you!

 

[navetsea]

I bought mine new very cheap something like $25 when converted into usd, a local indonesian cotton canvas replica without liner buttons, and when worn in slimmer size like this, i think it looks the part already, i often pair it with this cotton duck vest. But its not water resistant but works for my daily wear.

Another Indonesian brand "timechineco" also have m65 replica much better than what I got here for around $100 and in many sizes from xs to xxl Just google it, i once bought shawl collar cossack from that brand and pretty happy with it (although i re sewn the buttons to give them proper neck in stronger thicker thread).

But Im already happy with what I got here, $25 well spent for the look without the real function perfect for my warm tropical climate

 

[Khilij]

While I don't have the M65 from Bronson specifically, I have ordered a few other pieces from them, such as an MA-1 jacket, and been very happy with the quality.

 

[Doctor Damage]

There's quite a bit of discussion (and links) of repro jackets in the later pages of this thread:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/alpha-industries-m65-field-jacket.91980/

 

[barnabus]

I have an M65 from Helikon-Tex.

I can't recommend it highly enough, it's superb. Construction, attention to detail and robustness are outstanding. It is my go-to jacket for any situation.

I've never worn an original issue M65, but I have tried modern repros from Superdry and Brandit and Mil-Tec, as well as no-name budget alternatives.

I am very satisfied with mine.

 

[QueenFreyja]

I have an M65 from Helikon-Tex.

I can't recommend it highly enough, it's superb. Construction, attention to detail and robustness are outstanding. It is my go-to jacket for any situation.

I've never worn an original issue M65, but I have tried modern repros from Superdry and Brandit and Mil-Tec, as well as no-name budget alternatives.

I am very satisfied with mine.

Thanks for the rec! Do you happen to know whether the "Covert" M-65 that Helikon sells is the same kind? I can't seem to find any information on differences or whether they sold a different M-65 that was discontinued

 

[BloodEagle]

You could easily get a late 60s one in good condition for less than $100 if you look around, theyre not exactly in short supply

 

[QueenFreyja]

You could easily get a late 60s one in good condition for less than $100 if you look around, theyre not exactly in short supply

I'm not interested in surplus or pre-owned

 

[QueenFreyja]

I have an M65 from Helikon-Tex.

I can't recommend it highly enough, it's superb. Construction, attention to detail and robustness are outstanding. It is my go-to jacket for any situation.

I've never worn an original issue M65, but I have tried modern repros from Superdry and Brandit and Mil-Tec, as well as no-name budget alternatives.

I am very satisfied with mine.

Do you have the covert version? Seems to be the only one they sell now

 

[barnabus]

Do you have the covert version? Seems to be the only one they sell now

Nope. Not the Covert. Mine is the original one, like this:

M65 Jacket - NyCo Sateen - Helikon Tex

The M65 is traditional Nam era design used by the U.S. Army since early 1970’s. The construction of M65 clothing system evolved from previous M-series and it is based on on-the-ground experience of U.S. Army warfighters. Straight cut and pocket placement established a particular style and trend...

www.helikon-tex.com

 

[TLW '90]

Just go surplus, most are cleaned...etc and graded on condition where the worst ones are the cheapest...etc

For USGI anything original is always better because it's the real deal, most of the stuff isn't typically anything special so being original USGI is what's cool about it.
At least that's my opinion anyways, but most of my USGI clothing...etc was handed down to my by my dad who received it from uncle Sam back in the late 70's-80's.

 

[TLW '90]

I'm not interested in surplus or pre-owned

Get interested, because the reproductions just aren't the same.
Either things are tweaked / changed, you're getting similar quality for more in an inauthentic imported jacket, or you're paying way more for something very premium.
Get a good condition interwar m-65 from the mid -late 70's ,you can get a really good example for little money and get a liner with it.
You'll have a genuine piece that's actually worty having.

Personally I just don't think anything new that's within your budget is worth owning.

 

[mumpy]

Another vote for Helikon (I have the basic one, not the covert version). Realistically it could replace a lot of my jackets.

 

[QueenFreyja]

Get interested, because the reproductions just aren't the same.
Either things are tweaked / changed, you're getting similar quality for more in an inauthentic imported jacket, or you're paying way more for something very premium.
Get a good condition interwar m-65 from the mid -late 70's ,you can get a really good example for little money and get a liner with it.
You'll have a genuine piece that's actually worty having. View attachment 639586

Personally I just don't think anything new that's within your budget is worth owning.

No

 

[QueenFreyja]

Another vote for Helikon (I have the basic one, not the covert version). Realistically it could replace a lot of my jackets.

View attachment 639607

I'd probably get the helikon if not for the fact It's not available in XS, my chest is 38-40 inch or 96-102 cm, the small is 116 cm which would probably be giant on me

 

[barnabus]

I'd probably get the helikon if not for the fact It's not available in XS, my chest is 38-40 inch or 96-102 cm, the small is 116 cm which would probably be giant on me

You might be surprised.

I am a 39-40 chest and mine is a EU Small / US XSmall, and it fits perfectly.

There are plenty of pictures around here of me wearing it.

What Jacket Are You Wearing Today?

Just a casual Schott quilted CPO shirt today.

www.thefedoralounge.com

 

[mumpy]

You might be surprised.

I am a 39-40 chest and mine is a EU Small / US XSmall, and it fits perfectly.

There are plenty of pictures around here of me wearing it.

What Jacket Are You Wearing Today?

Just a casual Schott quilted CPO shirt today.

www.thefedoralounge.com

Also got the EU small with 40 chest and can wear it even with layers!

 

[MrProper]

I've just got a cheap M-65 here to try on. Costs around 50 EUR. For the few times a year I wear them, I don't think that's bad. I would like to try Helikon, but I still have to check the return policy as I have no idea what size I need to make it fit the way I want it to. It's possible that the sleeves will then be too short. I still have a Propper to try on, but I'm swimming away in L Long. But as the Propper has a plastic zip and the sleeves are different, it's not going to happen anyway.

 

[4444Design]

Nothing can beat an original - mine was issued to SEABEES

found on EBAY.com for less than 50 bucks - just needed a round in the washer ...

 

[Peacoat]

Nothing can beat an original - mine was issued to SEABEES

found on EBAY.com for less than 50 bucks - just needed a round in the washer ...

Unfortunately, she is adamant that she doesn't want the real thing. I have two originals, and wouldn't consider a civilian copy. But she is traveling a different road.