Nomex Flyer jacket

[bn1966]

Scored a CWU 45 today (with hood) Propper contract, will post pics of both this & Bi Swing back CWU 36 at some point very soon.

 

[Doctor Damage]

I also have an Isratex CWU-45P and an Isratex CWU-36P. I've had no issues with either, but Isratex did have quality issues with their flight suits, as I recall.

Was it somewhere in this thread that some problems with Isratex stitching falling apart were discussed? Here's some photos from a current listing on e-Bay of the seams falling apart on an Isratex jacket. I emphasize that I have no idea if this is a common problem with jackets from that company.

 

[bn1966]

I've never owned an Isratex jacket but have had past problems with stitching on Nomex CWU jackets.

 

[Doctor Damage]

I've never owned an Isratex jacket but have had past problems with stitching on Nomex CWU jackets.

And indeed the one I just received has similar problems. Basically the elbows and part of the sleeves had blown out at some point and been repaired (make that "repaired"), probably on a base somewhere since I've noticed a similar half-assed repair technique shows up commonly in e-Bay listings. It must be (as someone already said) that the nomex thread is not as tough as regular cotton thread and doesn't go the distance, or "made in USA" workmanship for military procurements is more haphazard than I thought, ha ha

 

[Treetopflyer]

The thread along the arms and pockets of all of the Nomex jackets I have been issued wore out. Like Doctor Damage has stated, maybe the nomex thread does not hold up as well as cotton. I also did not follow the "Dry Clean Only" instructions. It's hard to find a dry cleaner when you are in the middle of Atlantic ocean. So, I am not sure if washing it with normal detergent may have helped weaken the thread.[huh]

 

[bn1966]

I've heard people complain that 'aggressive' laundry can contract the back elastic & make movement uncomfortable too. Again, as you say try finding a Dry Cleaners in the Atlantic. L2Bs & MA1s etc with wool in the interlining appear to suffer badly if they see the inside of a washing machine (lining appears to contract, affecting fit & comfort).

 

[Monsoon]

My winter flight jacket had the same thing happen to it as in the pics. It's made by Isratex.

My first summer flight jacket was a rag. Pockets all coming apart, no velcro, finally the zipper separated from the jacket. No tears, just the stitchign gave up the ghost.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Thanks for the comments guys, these jackets seem to be pretty hit or miss. I might just buy a new one to at least give me the longest life possible. What's the view on sizing? The 1980 one I just got is size L which says 42-44 but the sleeves are 38" long which is like a 44L or something!

 

[bn1966]

Sizing does seem to vary by contract (in my experience), some XL's (46/48) appeared to be XL and some felt more like a L & had smaller measurements. I found Gibraltar & Propper to be fairly generously cut and if I remember correctly the likes of Valley Apparel may have come up a bit smaller. Certainly my 1980 Centre MFG Co CWU is quite a snug fit for a 46/48 & has fairly long sleeves.

 

[Doctor Damage]

I have a 1980 jacket by Lancer Clothing Corp. for the record.

Has anyone experienced any differences in condition/quality for the 45P versus 36P versions?

 

[Doctor Damage]

Just for the heck of it, I sent Alpha an email asking about measurements for their mil-spec nomex jackets. Here was their (predictable) response:

Unfortunately, we do not have exact measurements. The CWU 45-P Nomex Flight Jacket has a Tight Fit. You would locate your measurements on our Fit Guide, then order up one size. I would be happy to assist you with choosing a size if you send me your measurements.

If I follow their advice that would mean ordering a size XL. The vintage one I have is a size L and it's too big, ha ha!

 

[Treetopflyer]

Here is the jacket I am currently using. I was issued a new one, but I figured I would give this one a few more flight hours. I have had the sleeves repaired and now as you can see the pocket threads have worn out.

 

[Doctor Damage]

^ My guess is that fixing a 36P would be easier since it doesn't have the quilted liner of the 45P and thus seams could be re-sewn relatively easily. These definitely seem like jackets with limited life in them - you just don't see that sort of falling apart stuff with vintage MA-1s (other probs, but not seams that simply disintegrate). It must have something to do with the nomex.

 

[bn1966]

I would definitely ignore the advice of Alpha customer services...IMHO they haven't a clue these days about the products they sell. In the last couple of years they have given me bad advice every time I have contacted them

 

[Doctor Damage]

1976 nomex Alpha jacket, in outstanding condition!

 

[Doctor Damage]

nomex being worn where it's supposed to be worn and where it's not, ha ha


Lt. Col. Mark Ernewein, Col. James Mackey, Col. John Hoff and Col. David Closen


Captain (CPT) Jonathan Dowty; Major (MAJ) Lee Spechler; CPT Bryan Tash, and CPT Matt Glynn

 

[Doctor Damage]

Lt Col Rich Perkins (in a sunglasses advertisement)

 

[Doctor Damage]

nylon versus nomex: Doug Roysdon & unidentified pilot


Col John Breazeale (right)


Col. Joe Martinez II (left), 150th Fighter Wing commander, greets Lt. Col. Ronald Hedges (middle) and Maj. Jim Hawkes


Col Peter Olson


Capt Travis Burton in tan nomex

 

[Doctor Damage]

Received in the mail today a CWU 36P by Alpha dated 1980. Excellent condition, all seams and stitching are 100%, and only a few minor signs of use. And the chest measurement is smaller than the seller stated, thankfully. Bi-swing back. The old nomex looks great too, much more like cloth than the current jackets which scream synthetic/plastic. I'm thrilled and I'm looking forward to wearing this when I head to NYC next next week. I have a 1980 45P incoming, so fingers crossed that it turns out okay too.

EDIT: Some of the stitching around the edge of the collar is coming apart, but fortunately that's the easiest part to fix.

 

[Justhandguns]

I also have one size medium 45/p in coming. Seller claims late 60s' to early 70s', I shall see whether it is true or not.