road less traveled for jacket nuts? the N-2B flight jacket...am i crazy 4 loving it?

[Doctor Damage]

Thanks guys. Sadly confirms what I suspected! Does nobody make a long/tall version?

Look for a civilian Alpha which in my (limited) experience can sometimes fit longer. For example, I've got a USA-made Alpha from the 90s (polyfill), size Large, which has a 25.5" back including knits. That's not very long. I'm 6'1" and it juuuuuust works for me, although I'm mostly legs. Bluntly, if you're 6' or taller, forget about these jackets, especially mil-spec ones which I never saw one longer than 23.5" or 24" when I was looking around for one.

For due diligence, I suggest trying on one of Alpha's current brand-new N2B models which might (might) fit longer. If those aren't long enough, then forget about this style of jacket and move on to something else.

 

[bn1966]

What about a nice N-3B? It's on my hit list Had an N-3A but that was TOO WARM for the UK.

 

[MeachamLake]

What about a nice N-3B? It's on my hit list Had an N-3A but that was TOO WARM for the UK.

I bought a very nice condition original N-3B off eBay recently, size XL. I think it's the original version of the one Real McCoy's base their replica on (1960 Skyline model). No idea how it will fit but it was worth a shot! Will post pics when it arrives. If it doesn't work out, there will be an original for sale on here very soon!

 

[ButteMT61]

Oh don't even bring up "long/tall" versions here because the nutters will come out and spit vile about how "unauthentic" it is and make the makers look like thieves. Diamond Dave is making a bunch of new jackets in long that I for one appreciate.
But hey, it's way cool for us tall guys to only be able to choose from short jackets if we want to be totes legit and all.

 

[MeachamLake]

Oh don't even bring up "long/tall" versions here because the nutters will come out and spit vile about how "unauthentic" it is and make the makers look like thieves. Diamond Dave is making a bunch of new jackets in long that I for one appreciate.
But hey, it's way cool for us tall guys to only be able to choose from short jackets if we want to be totes legit and all.

My Diamond Dave B-15C Mod is arriving tomorrow! I’ve been waiting a good few months, very excited.

I for one am delighted he offers custom nylon - as I said, there’s no way I could wear an original with a 23 inch back length - that’s a good 4/5 inches too short for me!

 

[ButteMT61]

That's awesome, @MeachamLake - that one is my fave. I still think I will save for that, and I too can't wear a bloody 23" back! I got a NOS CWP 45 and that's about how long it is. I love it, but I feel like I'm wearing a tube top

 

[Doctor Damage]

I still think I will save for that, and I too can't wear a bloody 23" back! I got a NOS CWP 45 and that's about how long it is. I love it, but I feel like I'm wearing a tube top

I'm surprised that CWU jacket is so short, I've found that both the military and the civilian (Alpha, etc) versions usually have a 26" back, at least on a size Large, much longer than nylon jackets of the same size.

 

[ButteMT61]

I'm surprised that CWU jacket is so short, I've found that both the military and the civilian (Alpha, etc) versions usually have a 26" back, at least on a size Large, much longer than nylon jackets of the same size.

Mine is a NOS 80's Spiewak. In all other measurements, it's freakin' awesome. So I put up with the length and shockingly, I got a ton of compliments on it over the Xmas break. Then again, it could have been people being sarcastic

 

[Big J]

@Butte, calling me a 'nutter' now? Classy.
These jackets were never made in long/tall versions. Fact.
If someone wants to sell you a long/tall version, you've got every right to buy it.
But it would be inauthentic. You're opinion cannot alter that fact.
DD? He can't get his story straight on whether his nylon jackets are 'longer for a more contemporary fit' and 'improved wearability', or 'as per the contract specs'. He claims both to be true because he doesn't understand what he is making, because he didn't make up the patterns.
And yes, I'm a 'nutter'? Sure. There's a reason DD is banned from the Lounge.

 

[Edward]

Alpha N-2B quite N-2A like if a bit too dark a Blue. My latest original N-2A below:

View attachment 46748

How did you find the Alpha compared to the original? I know, poly fill, not wool/cotton, but was it close to as warm? I'm considering one of these as an affordable, wear-and-don't-worry alternative to an N2A.

 

[bn1966]

How did you find the Alpha compared to the original? I know, poly fill, not wool/cotton, but was it close to as warm? I'm considering one of these as an affordable, wear-and-don't-worry alternative to an N2A.

To be fair Edward the Alpha was constructed from top textiles & had wool / cotton fill giving a similar weight to my N-2A. The nylon shell was nice and thick & the knits were of a good quality. I've owned a few XL's from the Series (red & gold tag on cigarette pocket), all were moved on due to running BIG more like XXL's. I'm looking out for the MA-1 version in a Large

 

[Doctor Damage]

How did you find the Alpha compared to the original? I know, poly fill, not wool/cotton, but was it close to as warm? I'm considering one of these as an affordable, wear-and-don't-worry alternative to an N2A.

To be fair Edward the Alpha was constructed from top textiles & had wool / cotton fill giving a similar weight to my N-2A. The nylon shell was nice and thick & the knits were of a good quality. I've owned a few XL's from the Series (red & gold tag on cigarette pocket), all were moved on due to running BIG more like XXL's. I'm looking out for the MA-1 version in a Large

Edward, note that BN1966 is talking about the Alpha Replica series, which was quite close to the originals in terms of overall everything. Those are not easy to find, although oddly they seem more common in the UK than the US (which bodes well for you). The regular Alpha jackets are decent too, I've got one of the USA-made civilian ones, the hood is amazing, but the body is a bit thin with just the poly insulation, but with a few layers underneath it's still warm. However, if you are patient, look for one of the Alpha Replica series.

 

[Edward]

Edward, note that BN1966 is talking about the Alpha Replica series, which was quite close to the originals in terms of overall everything. Those are not easy to find, although oddly they seem more common in the UK than the US (which bodes well for you). The regular Alpha jackets are decent too, I've got one of the USA-made civilian ones, the hood is amazing, but the body is a bit thin with just the poly insulation, but with a few layers underneath it's still warm. However, if you are patient, look for one of the Alpha Replica series.

Thanks, both. I' familiar with the Replica Series: I have one of the B15Cs I bought some years ago when they were more common on eBay. Deadstock, cost me something like seventy quid including import and shipping. Wish I'd bought s second one now! I'm always keeping an eye out for something in that range again. I wish Alpha would bring it back ,but I can only assume that without a major, mainstream upsurge in interest they won't see the market for it.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Thanks, both. I' familiar with the Replica Series: I have one of the B15Cs I bought some years ago when they were more common on eBay. Deadstock, cost me something like seventy quid including import and shipping. Wish I'd bought s second one now! I'm always keeping an eye out for something in that range again. I wish Alpha would bring it back ,but I can only assume that without a major, mainstream upsurge in interest they won't see the market for it.

The first Replica series had MA-1, B15, N2A, and N3B coats. There was a second Replica series but it was MA-1 only (as far as I can tell) and although good quality was somewhat modernized in fit and proportions (you can tell the second series by the heavily ribbed knits; the first series had normal/classic knits). As for a market for this type of stuff, I'm with you, but hipsters and vintage workwear nuts would be the ideal customers but they seem happy to pay big $$$ for Buzz, etc, so it will never happen. Just keep an eye out on e-Bay in the UK and a Replica jacket will come up sooner or later (there was a really nice Replica N2A listed last winter which I was mulling over but I'm off nylon now, it was going for little more than the price of a beer and sandwich!).

 

[ButteMT61]

MA-1 and similarly styled jackets are still highly popular with the younger folks out here in loonyville.
And now I see why - I love that Cockpit cloth MA-1 I got last year as well as the CPW45 Spiewak. Had I been confident that the red BR MA-1 would be big enough (conflicting stories on sizing) I'd have gone with it in spite of wife's grumblings...
They're great jackets, and I never felt the connection to punks or other sorts that would be of the negative variety.

 

[Edward]

The first Replica series had MA-1, B15, N2A, and N3B coats. There was a second Replica series but it was MA-1 only (as far as I can tell) and although good quality was somewhat modernized in fit and proportions (you can tell the second series by the heavily ribbed knits; the first series had normal/classic knits). As for a market for this type of stuff, I'm with you, but hipsters and vintage workwear nuts would be the ideal customers but they seem happy to pay big $$$ for Buzz, etc, so it will never happen. Just keep an eye out on e-Bay in the UK and a Replica jacket will come up sooner or later (there was a really nice Replica N2A listed last winter which I was mulling over but I'm off nylon now, it was going for little more than the price of a beer and sandwich!).

It probably is the case that the small market for this stuff is mostly folks prepared to pay for the high end, expensive Japanese repros (and in all likelihood, that exclusivity is part of the attraction). A shame for the rest of us lighter of pocket.... I'm watching out for a deal I can't refuse on a few things on eBay. A green Alpha MA1 might just go on that list. The current one is close enough to the The Hunter look for a casual observer; I do wish they'd drop the embroidered logo on the windflap, but it's such a subtle detail, maybe not worth worrying about....

MA-1 and similarly styled jackets are still highly popular with the younger folks out here in loonyville.
And now I see why - I love that Cockpit cloth MA-1 I got last year as well as the CPW45 Spiewak. Had I been confident that the red BR MA-1 would be big enough (conflicting stories on sizing) I'd have gone with it in spite of wife's grumblings...
They're great jackets, and I never felt the connection to punks or other sorts that would be of the negative variety.

I think you'd be safe with the red one - the skinhead Nazi idiots these says only seem to gravitate to the green and the black - typically the cheapest of cheap copies that sell in whatever surplus store they buy bits to feed their 're war' fantasies...

 

[bn1966]

I owned a B-15 from the Alpha Replica series that went by chest size, and purchased a 44. That sucker was top quality but more like a 50 size wise (on the look out for a 42 which should really work out more like a 46).

The other 'Replica' series (red n gold pocket tag) goes S,M,L,XL & are also oversized IMHO & less accurate colour wise...my blue MA-1 was sold to me as 'black' but was dark inky blue. As stated the XL was in fact XXL meaning I need to find a Large. Did see one on the Bay, contacted Vendor but he wanted a fortune & was touting it as a 'service issue' jacket.

Did buy a modern Chinese Alpha L-2B as a beater in XL but that was cut too long & too big for my tastes.

Currently I have a B-15 & MA-1 from the 'Vintage' series, not the best textiles or accurate but the 'fit' works for me

I'd really like a B-15 Mod in the AF Blue, DD would appear to be the only source where I'd get a probable fit. Buzz are great but have never worked out for me, too tight or too long for my frame.

 

[bn1966]

Over here Skinheads still abound in certain circles but most are non-Racist from my experience (I know a few through the scooter scene). Racist element are in a minority. I might have a shaved bonce, but this is due to MPB & with a mad tache & Stetson cap my MA-1 doesn't draw any adverse attention

 

[Edward]

Over here Skinheads still abound in certain circles but most are non-Racist from my experience (I know a few through the scooter scene). Racist element are in a minority. I might have a shaved bonce, but this is due to MPB & with a mad tache & Stetson cap my MA-1 doesn't draw any adverse attention

I should absolutely distinguish between decent, ordinary skins and the EDL subhumans that (ironically) cone into my patch from up North to shriek about "outsiders" every so often!

One of my postgrads today was wearing a nice looking MA1. Got into conversation about it, turns out it belonged to his father, who was issued with it in the Peruvian Air Force in the eighties. Green liner, zigzag windflap, otherwise the Hunter jacket. Nice jacket. Scovill zips, I think.

 

[MeachamLake]

MA-1 and similarly styled jackets are still highly popular with the younger folks out here in loonyville.
And now I see why - I love that Cockpit cloth MA-1 I got last year as well as the CPW45 Spiewak. Had I been confident that the red BR MA-1 would be big enough (conflicting stories on sizing) I'd have gone with it in spite of wife's grumblings...
They're great jackets, and I never felt the connection to punks or other sorts that would be of the negative variety.

I always thought that the Buzz jackets would be too small for me, but when I was at the Eastman pop up shop last year I tried on a few. The slender MA-1 was - as expected - just hilariously slim and short for my 6'3 frame, but the chap there recommended the L2-B which apparently runs a little more relaxed and is quite a bit longer than the MA-1.

I think he was right, as HPA's website seems to confirm this with the L2-B measurements listed there. Could be worth a look at some point...