wested A2

[richard gerrard]

Could you give any infomation on the wested A2.Thank you

 

[scotrace]

Welcome to the Lounge, Richard!

Wested makes an A2??

 

[Havana]

They do indeed. They made steerhide A-2's for the Harrison Ford flick Hanover Street and for the 1990's Memphis Bell film. Now they're offering them in horsehide. Never seen one outside of the movies though.

 

[MudInYerEye]

Avoid.

 

[kronos77]

Avoid.

We need more information than that.

 

[Weston]

Yes, I've always been curious to see one in person. If you've seen one in person, more info would be superb.

 

[Kt Templar]

I've seen one, I've even tried it on.

Before I get to that, I'm a big fan of Peter and Wested, they do a great job for the movie repro community and have made many A-2 jackets for wartime movies. Memphis Belle, Hannover Street, Aliens etc.

Now I'm not a A-2 buff so can only go by my experience. I have a Wested Raider and it fits me well, high armholes, shoulders on the shoulders etc.

I tried on on of the A-2's, it was a horsehide, and a 38 or 40. It didn't suit me, arms were too long and the shoulders sort of bunched up so that the epaulettes formed "o"s, the front wanted to oven up in an "A" shape.

So it was too big in the shoulders and too small in the butt! Perhaps the Indy is more forgiving to my shape or maybe I'm just to short for the waist knits. It could have just been the wrong size for me. What I can say is that it was perfectly well made and if it had fitted I probably would have bought it, the price was pretty good too. £130 or so in the shop.The leather was nice and soft and not too heavy. I have a lambskin and expected the horse to be very heavy but it wasn't bad at all.

 

[MudInYerEye]

We need more information than that.

Avoid very much.

 

[farnham54]

C'mon, Mud, you can't tell me NOT to buy an A2 from the guy who makes one helluva Raiders jacket by just saying "avoid very much"

What are you basing this on?

Is it because you've seen one? Own one? Heard from a friend-of-a-friend they were no good? Have a chip on your shoulder about Wested?

You lead us to no conclusions! Please elaborate on WHY you say we should avoid the Wested A2.

Cheers
Craig

 

[kronos77]

OK Mud,

Is it quality, authenticity, or both that troubles you about the Wested A2? And, please, give some detail. Please.

 

[richard gerrard]

OK Mud,

Is it quality, authenticity, or both that troubles you about the Wested A2? And, please, give some detail. Please.

Well Im not sure what troubles me. but i would like to see some pictures so i can make up my mind.so if there is anyone who has got a picture please show me.

 

[richard gerrard]

Has anyone, got pictures of a wested A2. if so please show me so i can see more detail.

 

[matei]

I've got one of his Raiders jackets. It fits great, and it is very rugged. I like it a lot and wear it often.

However, I didn't care for the B-3 (?) bomber jacket that they made. It really wasn't accurate at all, and even Wested said that it was aimed at average consumers, who wasn't into details. Certain features on the original, such as 1 map pocket, wouldn't be terribly practical for Mr. Average Consumer, who probably wears it to the mall on Saturday and that is about it.

I didn't see any A-2s while I was there. It is probably akin to the bomber jacket - a nice leather jacket for the money, but not accurate at all compared to other products out there.

 

[richard gerrard]

Thanks for the info, it was realy helpful. but it would be nice to see a picture.

 

[kronos77]

I noticed Wested's site isn't very good for pictures, even for the Indy jacket. That is surprising and dissapointing. maybe someone who knows the Wested people could suggest they put some larger and clearer photos up.

 

[adam]

I, too, was interested in ordering a Wested, basing this off the jackets they made for Memphis Belle, which I liked. However, as others mentioned, the website has a very poor picture.. I'm hesitant to order something from the U.K., spend all the money, and not be satisfied. I'll save my money for an Aero.

 

[Raymundo]

I think the fact that no one seems to know anyone who owns a Wested A-2 or has pictures of one says it all. They make jackets for movies in the costume catagory (nice looking but not long lasting). For movie making, that works fine. IMO, there are many A-2 reproduction manufacturers that make a better jacket at a better price that will last longer since they specialize in flight jackets.

Ray

 

[richard gerrard]

I think the fact that no one seems to know anyone who owns a Wested A-2 or has pictures of one says it all. They make jackets for movies in the costume catagory (nice looking but not long lasting). For movie making, that works fine. IMO, there are many A-2 reproduction manufacturers that make a better jacket at a better price that will last longer since they specialize in flight jackets.

Ray

Thank you for the wested A2 info. I think im heading towards Aero in the new year.

 

[Kt Templar]

Richard, where in England are you?

It might be worth visit to Wested if you are in the southeast.

The Wested A2 is what £150?. And you can have it in lamb, goat or horse. The goat and horse will last you plenty.

Aero etc are great and they do specialise, but you have to have deep pockets to start with, they will cost you twice as much. But it seems they may be worth saving up for.

I would disagree that all Wested jackets are "merely" costume pieces, that is definately not the case.

BTW Michelsons daughter has a Wested "Aliens" A2.

 

[richard gerrard]

Richard, where in England are you?

It might be worth visit to Wested if you are in the southeast.

The Wested A2 is what £150?. And you can have it in lamb, goat or horse. The goat and horse will last you plenty.

Aero etc are great and they do specialise, but you have to have deep pockets to start with, they will cost you twice as much. But it seems they may be worth saving up for.

I would disagree that all Wested jackets are "merely" costume pieces, that is definately not the case.

BTW Michelsons daughter has a Wested "Aliens" A2.

I live in the northwest,so wested are to far for me to visit. Maybe i will just wait until i have enough cash for aero or eastman.Already own a us wings A2, So im in no hurry. Thanks pal.