New budget M-65 Field Jacket?

[mumpy]

Now I feel bad that I've got an Alpha M65 on its way to me!

Would be nice to hear how it compares to the Helikon one!

 

[barnabus]

Would be nice to hear how it compares to the Helikon one!

I'll report back. It might even arrive today.

 

[TLW '90]

Sure if you're wearing skinny jeans it may look off, but not with a basic slim straight or regular straight.

 

[barnabus]

Would be nice to hear how it compares to the Helikon one!

It did arrive today.

It's going back, because the eBay listing had some inaccuracies. But never mind that.

The Alpha is absolutely not as well made as the Helikon, in my opinion.

The construction is less accurate, the details poorly-finished, the velcro fixings haphazardly placed. Stitching is all over the place. Nyco fabric feels thinner on the Alpha too. The whole thing just feels much less substantial and not as well put-together.

None of which really matters on a functional military jacket of course. But in a world where I could buy a Helikon jacket instead, I'd buy the Helikon jacket instead.

And I actually might. Because I do like the olive green colour, and the Helikon I already have is black. And Military 1st have them reduced again.

 

[Will Zach]

It did arrive today.

It's going back, because the eBay listing had some inaccuracies. But never mind that.

The Alpha is absolutely not as well made as the Helikon, in my opinion.

The construction is less accurate, the details poorly-finished, the velcro fixings haphazardly placed. Stitching is all over the place. Nyco fabric feels thinner on the Alpha too. The whole thing just feels much less substantial and not as well put-together.

None of which really matters on a functional military jacket of course. But in a world where I could buy a Helikon jacket instead, I'd buy the Helikon jacket instead.

And I actually might. Because I do like the olive green colour, and the Helikon I already have is black. And Military 1st have them reduced again.

Not camo?

 

[barnabus]

Not camo?

I've got a couple of Golden Mfg camo M65s on my eBay watchlist that really tempt me.

But just like prison striped trousers, I know I'll never actually be brave enough to wear it.

I haven't worn camo since I was a student in the early 90s.

 

[QueenFreyja]

@QueenFreyja did you manage to make a decision on your jacket yet?

Yes, I think I'm going to go with the Small Helikon Tex Nyco Sateen M-65, I might have done the Bronson if it were in stock as it had extra small sizes, but I live in a colder climate anyway so the included liner of the Helikon will be beneficial.

Thank you everyone for your advice!

 

[barnabus]

Thank you everyone for your advice!

Glad it was helpful!

 

[Aloysius]

Thx. I am there right now, till January. If you have his name, pass it along. Still lots of old-style craftsmen in Poland - knife-making, tailoring, woodworking, etc.

Found his name and it turns out someone from TFL has gone to the same tailor. Beautiful work!

 

[TLW '90]

I haven't worn camo since I was a student in the early 90s.

I've been wearing USGI M81 woodland camo on my head every single say since I was 12 years old, and will probably have a USGI patrol cap or USGI boonie in M81 woodland on my head when I die hopefully at the age of 100.
I have a few other hats that I wear for certain things, but I'm building up a lifetime supply of USGI patrol caps and boonies.

 

[Will Zach]

Found his name and it turns out someone from TFL has gone to the same tailor. Beautiful work!

Not my style, but beautiful indeed.

 

[Aloysius]

Not my style, but beautiful indeed.

Yes it's kind of funny how the guy had him do a sort of old fashioned American half-belt instead of something more traditional to the region, but it's harder to do the half-belt so I think that speaks to his abilities.

 

[MrProper]

The Helikon arrived today. When I got home, I just unpacked it quickly.
First impression: quality as I remember it from the originals from the past. Significantly better than Brandit in terms of workmanship and fabric/zips.
Brandit is size L, the Helikon size EU M. Both are about the same, the Helikon seems to be a bit wider. I'll put them on top of each other tomorrow.
The Helikon liner is a reversible jacket and could also be worn like this if the sleeves weren't 3" too short. And it's thinner than the Brandit, but looks much better quality.
At first glance, the Brandit seems to suit me a little better, but I'll take a closer look at that too.

 

[barnabus]

I've changed my mind, I'm going to keep the Alpha.

In spite of my moaning it's kind of cool, and after a little discussion with the seller we've agreed an agreement.

I'll post a bit more about it when I've got some time.

 

[MrProper]

The Helikon arrived today. When I got home, I just unpacked it quickly.
First impression: quality as I remember it from the originals from the past. Significantly better than Brandit in terms of workmanship and fabric/zips.
Brandit is size L, the Helikon size EU M. Both are about the same, the Helikon seems to be a bit wider. I'll put them on top of each other tomorrow.
The Helikon liner is a reversible jacket and could also be worn like this if the sleeves weren't 3" too short. And it's thinner than the Brandit, but looks much better quality.
At first glance, the Brandit seems to suit me a little better, but I'll take a closer look at that too.

I have directly compared the Helikon and the Brandit and have to say that the Helikon is better by far. The Brandit costs half as much as the Helikon, you get more than twice as much with the Helikon.
Everything about the Helikon is of higher quality. The fabric is heavier and feels better. The liner is almost a jacket in its own right, etc.
Even though both jackets have almost identical dimensions, there are still differences. The Brandit is 1/2 inch shorter than stated and than the Helikon. The sleeves of the Brandit are 1" narrower at the upper arm. The pockets on the Helikon are almost 1" larger. The epaulettes on the Helikone are wider than on the Brandit. The colours are different etc.
Guess which one I kept.
Here are a few pictures.

 

[MrProper]

View attachment 1727375577154.jpeg

 

[Trenchfriend]

@MrProper
But the Brandit isn't made to the original U.S. Army specifications, like the Helikon, right?

 

[MrProper]

@MrProper
But the Brandit isn't made to the original U.S. Army specifications, like the Helikon, right?

Very unlikely. The Brandit is a fashion M-65, which is certainly not bad for walking around town in from time to time. What can you expect for around EUR 50. In direct comparison, however, the Helikon really is a bargain and looks authentic.

 

[MrProper]

Another picture without the liner.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

@QueenFreyja would you have any interest in an unissued, mint late production (1964) M-1951? I have an XS regular on hand that just might work if you are interested and live in CONUS.