What should I buy: New custom Kelso A2 or Like New Aero/ELC A2?

[deluxestyling]

I have to thank ButteMT61 for selling me this Kelso. It's the same one pictured earlier in this thread now in London and getting some daily wear.

 

[Edward]

Looks great! I ws between one of those and An Aero Real Deal prior to the last price rise.... now I plan one of these and to put the ret aside for the next Aero utility jacket.

 

[deluxestyling]

I'm very happy with it and it fit a treat. The HH is breaking in nicely, still squeaky but already starting to show some grain.

Already mentioned is the fact it's not in the same league as Aero's A-2's but it's not far behind. I've owned an Aero 42-15142-P.

In life you get what you pay for and this is an excellent example of that.

Couple more snaps...

 

[dr.velociraptor]

After reading some of the things people do to their jackets on this forum to break them in I wouldn't pay good money for a used jacket. I would just pay a little more for one that's new.

 

[bretron]

@deluxestyling, Looks like its starting to break in nicely! Don't be shy of the rain, now... only gonna look and feel better with abuse! Question: is that russet lighter or darker in sunlight? My Kelso is considered seal, but only looks about a shade darker than that...

The one pictured above is their house brand when the company first launched. They currently offer a Rough Wear contract, and will soon be offering at least three others (plus an M422A). . I understand the new launch will feature more accurate snaps and zippers then were used on the RWs made to date. Biggest question mark for me is consistency of hides. If they can nail that, they'll be beating ELC and Aero IMO. You'll be getting a very close to period accurate jacket, handmade to order, at a savings of at least $300. Take that extra cash, buy a really nice NOS zipper, mail it to Kelso, and have em use it in production. Best of both worlds!!!

 

[deluxestyling]

After reading some of the things people do to their jackets on this forum to break them in I wouldn't pay good money for a used jacket. I would just pay a little more for one that's new.

This had only been tried on and never worn. New they run at £335 new with postage and this was £185 delivered.

Guess you pay your money and take your choice...

 

[deluxestyling]

@deluxestyling, Looks like its starting to break in nicely! Don't be shy of the rain, now... only gonna look and feel better with abuse! Question: is that russet lighter or darker in sunlight? My Kelso is considered seal, but only looks about a shade darker than that...

The one pictured above is their house brand when the company first launched. They currently offer a Rough Wear contract, and will soon be offering at least three others (plus an M422A). . I understand the new launch will feature more accurate snaps and zippers then were used on the RWs made to date. Biggest question mark for me is consistency of hides. If they can nail that, they'll be beating ELC and Aero IMO. You'll be getting a very close to period accurate jacket, handmade to order, at a savings of at least $300. Take that extra cash, buy a really nice NOS zipper, mail it to Kelso, and have em use it in production. Best of both worlds!!!

The colour is very close to what I see on my computer screen.

The snaps and zip could be better but neither bother me. If they offer better hardware then they'd getting closer to the upper bracket makers for sure.

 

[dr.velociraptor]

This had only been tried on and never worn. New they run at £335 new with postage and this was £185 delivered.

Guess you pay your money and take your choice...

I've read about people put lotions, fold them up, drench them in a bath tub and stick them in a dryer, I've even read about people using isoprpyl rubbing alcohol to break them in. You just never know, at this price point I would be too nervous to pay money for a jacket where I'm not sure what someone did to get that "broke in" look.

If I could verify none of this was done I would go used.

 

[bretron]

I've read about people put lotions, fold them up, drench them in a bath tub and stick them in a dryer, I've even read about people using isoprpyl rubbing alcohol to break them in. You just never know, at this price point I would be too nervous to pay money for a jacket where I'm not sure what someone did to get that "broke in" look.

If I could verify none of this was done I would go used.

+1, but you can generally find a plethora of basically brand new jackets that the original owner was never happy with the fit, and decide to dump it rather than break it in (by whatever crazy means!!). This is always the target used jacket I'm after (that and wayy underpriced )

 

[ButteMT61]

@Deluxe...
So glad you like it and are wearing it! I personally think it looks much better in person, in spite of your good pics.

@ DrV...
Had I done that, I'd have told him about it. Pics were sent and a deal was had. I passed along the good price I got and about an extra $35 when all was said and done. I could have easily sold it for much more as I got three offers before I even put it up for sale.

Everything I do is up here for the reading. I understand not wanting to buy a lemon, but it's up to both parties to make sure everything is understood. You get pics, you ask questions, and you make a deal. Nobody holds a gun to your head! I've always passed on a good deal or "paid it forward" as my first seller told me. It's good karma. Give a good deal, get a good deal. It's worked out well. I've never had anyone come back to me here or elsewhere and be anything less than thrilled. That's my goal - just like my eBay account. 13 years and 100% feedback.

New Kelso's should be coming soon. Looking forward to seeing them. Nicely done jackets.

 

[deluxestyling]

@Deluxe...
So glad you like it and are wearing it! I personally think it looks much better in person, in spite of your good pics.

@ DrV...
Had I done that, I'd have told him about it. Pics were sent and a deal was had. I passed along the good price I got and about an extra $35 when all was said and done. I could have easily sold it for much more as I got three offers before I even put it up for sale.

Everything I do is up here for the reading. I understand not wanting to buy a lemon, but it's up to both parties to make sure everything is understood. You get pics, you ask questions, and you make a deal. Nobody holds a gun to your head! I've always passed on a good deal or "paid it forward" as my first seller told me. It's good karma. Give a good deal, get a good deal. It's worked out well. I've never had anyone come back to me here or elsewhere and be anything less than thrilled. That's my goal - just like my eBay account. 13 years and 100% feedback.

New Kelso's should be coming soon. Looking forward to seeing them. Nicely done jackets.

100% with that. You are a man of your word.

 

[dr.velociraptor]

@ DrV...
Had I done that, I'd have told him about it. Pics were sent and a deal was had. I passed along the good price I got and about an extra $35 when all was said and done. I could have easily sold it for much more as I got three offers before I even put it up for sale.

Everything I do is up here for the reading. I understand not wanting to buy a lemon, but it's up to both parties to make sure everything is understood. You get pics, you ask questions, and you make a deal. Nobody holds a gun to your head! I've always passed on a good deal or "paid it forward" as my first seller told me. It's good karma. Give a good deal, get a good deal. It's worked out well. I've never had anyone come back to me here or elsewhere and be anything less than thrilled. That's my goal - just like my eBay account. 13 years and 100% feedback.

I was speaking more in generalities and not about this particular instance, I didn't even read the topic end to end just the initial post. If I could be assured the jacket wasn't broken in using rubbing alcohol, or a dryer etc... I would go ahead and purchase a used one.

 

[ButteMT61]

I was speaking more in generalities and not about this particular instance, I didn't even read the topic end to end just the initial post. If I could be assured the jacket wasn't broken in using rubbing alcohol, or a dryer etc... I would go ahead and purchase a used one.

I get it. I've seen jackets destroyed by various "aging" processes. That's why being part of a community is important. Even though it's online, you can still build credibility over time. Insist on pics, and ask lots of questions. I've yet to get burned, but it surely can and does happen.

 

[bretron]

Ive been burned, but not by TFL or VLJ members. Good peeps here IMO . Be cautious elsewhere, especially careful with "gift" payments....

 

[Shiloh John]

These forums are great, thanks all!!