kowalski
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Treetopflyer said:My old shiny Nomex ripped and I was given one of the new Nomex jackets to replace it. I am not a fan of it. It feels and looks like canvas.
That's great, glad you like them. I really like nomex jackets, better than nylon to me, and up here in Canada you never see nomex. I think Valley made the best quality ones, based on the various brands I've seen. It's hard to say why exactly, but when you've got a bunch lying there on the bed, the Valley ones just have a certain extra something, just fewer flaws maybe.Got 2 of these. A Valley CWU-36P, and an Alpha CWU-45P. Both brand new, both nomex. They both fit like a glove! Almost like they were made for me. Very typical B-15 type of fit.
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That's great, glad you like them. I really like nomex jackets, better than nylon to me, and up here in Canada you never see nomex. I think Valley made the best quality ones, based on the various brands I've seen. It's hard to say why exactly, but when you've got a bunch lying there on the bed, the Valley ones just have a certain extra something, just fewer flaws maybe.
Doctor Damage said:That's great, glad you like them. I really like nomex jackets, better than nylon to me, and up here in Canada you never see nomex. I think Valley made the best quality ones, based on the various brands I've seen. It's hard to say why exactly, but when you've got a bunch lying there on the bed, the Valley ones just have a certain extra something, just fewer flaws maybe.
Better than leather.Are you lying on the bed too. Feeling them?
Better than leather.
Would be interesting to have an FL Lounge vote on that one
N.B
I've got a friend who wears a Rubber Suit sometimes....is that normal?????
I was working on an informal "buyers guide" to these jackets which I will be happy to send if I can figure out how/where to upload it. It's not complete but it's got a lot of info in it for people new to the jackets.So, I've been thinking about getting a nomex jacket for wearing at, err, BBQs and stuff. Some of you guys own/have owned a lot of nomex between you. I've got a couple of questions, I'd be much obliged if anyone can answer.
Everyone got the same version. No variations existed at the same time, by which I mean the jackets have evolved over time, but no variations were made for different branches of service, etc.Did USAF/USN/USMC aircrew get issued the same versions of the CWU-36/p & 45/p?
1981 for the 36P jackets, not sure about 45P but probably the same date. Previously the maintenance manual said you could sew down the bi-swing back, which implies it was snagging, which might be why it was eliminated (also, these jackets fit well across the shoulders so the bi-swing was redundant).When was the change to the design that eliminated the bi-swing back?
That was quite recent, like the last 2 or 3 years, as far as I can tell. There have actually been three versions of the cloth: the first was 1970s and early 1980s, the second from then until the recent change.When was the change to the type of nomex, from the softer shiney type to the thicker stiffer type?
Originally the largest size was XL.Sometime in the 1990s (I think) they introduced XXL.These are "regular" length only but with the modification to the design in the late 80s or early 90s (again, working from memory) they made them a bit longer in the torso and sleeves. But that being said, deviations exist in all years as these were mass-produced garments. I've got a 1979 45P in newish condition which fits like a 1990s version, but I've got a 1978 45P which fits really short.What was the largest issue size?
The fact that you and I, who are much different body types, can both fit into CWU jackets demonstrates how forgiving the design is.I've had a lot of Nomex go through my hands (best avoid the Disco Gold/Tan version IMHO).
Sizing wise though I've found lots of nylon XL Flight wear too snug, most of the XL CWU Nomex jackets were a good fit.
Only one left now which is an early 45P Bi-Swing version in the softer material..lovely jackets.
I had an early one with the sewn down bi-swing that was near mint, moved it on due to preferring the above jacket.
I'm on the look out for a civilian Alpha USA 45P in nylon, obtained one for a friend & loved the cut, fit & nylon.