Tanker Jackets - Current Reviews ?

[polocoat]

I've been reviewing some of the "old" Tanker jacket reviews from 2008-09 and they mention that they are waiting for the latest edition of jackets from ATF, WWII Impressions, WPG, etc. Now that it's July 2010, has anyone bought one and would like to tell us their impressions of the latest edition of these Tanker jackets? Based on what I've read, Buzz's Tanker seems to be the best however, is there an acceptable alternative and what is it?

 

[EmergencyIan]

I own the Buzz Rickson Tanker jacket and have owned the current WWII Impressions Tanker jacket. They're both nice, but I much prefer the Buzz Rickson version. I have no experience with the ATF and WPG Tankers.


- Ian

 

[polocoat]

Thanks for the info. What is it about your BR that you like compared/contrasted with the WWII Impressions? Other than the collar zipper on the WWII Impressions going all the way up to the top, is there anything else about the BR that is more authentic (color, weight, etc.)? Thanks again.

 

[EmergencyIan]

Compared to the original tanker jackets that I've held and tried on, the BR is closest in in OD shade (though originals aren't all identical in their shade of OD). WWII Imp Tanker is almost a pea green. Also, the feel and weight of the material on the BR tanker is much closer to the original than the WWII Imp version. The BR tanker also has a vintage 40s NOS Talon zipper. The knits seem a good deal better on the BR version, as well.

By the way, I hear that ATF's Tanker is pretty darn good. I just don't have any experience with it.


- Ian

 

[polocoat]

Thanks again for your comments. Maybe I'll take a chance with the ATF even though the zipper doesn't go to the top of the collar as per the original. As a matter of fact, for protection against the cold, I like a collar that hugs the neck and doesn't allow cold air in. Do you know why the originals were made with that space at the top of collar (zipper doesn't go all the way up)? I'm going to post that question on another site.

 

[EmergencyIan]

Thanks again for your comments. Maybe I'll take a chance with the ATF even though the zipper doesn't go to the top of the collar as per the original. As a matter of fact, for protection against the cold, I like a collar that hugs the neck and doesn't allow cold air in. Do you know why the originals were made with that space at the top of collar (zipper doesn't go all the way up)? I'm going to post that question on another site.

Maybe so the zipper doesn't pinch your neck. Just a guess.


- Ian

 

[polocoat]

If this was the design for the zipper from the beginning and it was never changed then, I guess it served it's intended purpose (whatever that was).

 

[Edward]

Maybe so the zipper doesn't pinch your neck. Just a guess.


- Ian

Would be my guess too.

 

[Jeff M]

Thanks again for your comments. Maybe I'll take a chance with the ATF even though the zipper doesn't go to the top of the collar as per the original. .

It looks like the zipper does go all the way to the top of the neck on the pictures from the ATF web site;

http://www.atthefront.com/us/uniforms/images/tankerjackets/us_uni_tanker_main.jpg

http://www.atthefront.com/us/uniforms/tankerjackets.html#top

Well...maybe it ends about 1/4" below the top.

 

[polocoat]

Sorry, what I meant to say was the ATF zipper DOES go to the top unlike the more authentic BR.