What's the best cut repro A-2?

[gimmesomeshelte]

All-

I'm wondering which repro A-2 has the most complimentary cut. I've read that the ELC Star has a suit like cut, but that's about it. Most A-2 posts refer to the character of the leather, or the shape of the pockets, but very few discuss how one is cut in comparison to another.

Thanks for your comments.

Paul-

 

[MudInYerEye]

Buzz Rickson Rough Wear 23380.

 

[JWG]

Individual thing. What looks great on one guy may look poor on another.

 

[green papaya]

Individual thing. What looks great on one guy may look poor on another.

I agree, since everybody is built differently, it all depends which one fits you best

 

[gimmesomeshelte]

MudInYerEye

Can you elaborate?

Thanks.

Paul

 

[BellyTank]

I disagree with both of you-
Before you even start, we must know what is 'complementary' for YOU.

But having had a good few originals and repros- I agree with Mud'- the Japanese A-2 repros have the 'best' fit. Most of the others 'don't' fit and weren't even designed to fit.

As has been discussed umpteen times before(I don't mind repeating it)- the A-2 was cut as a 'shirt'(in a shirt style), rather than a jacket- so it can fit snugly and comfortably, as it should. Those of a chubby disposition, or those who have been indoctrinated otherwise, will of course, disagree and opt for the 'easy-fit' of Eastman's (and others)A-2s, which is actually scarily close to the fit of a modern Averix 'A-2'.

It depends what your wants, needs and expectations are, really.

Who wants an A-2 that fits like a suit..?

B
T

 

[JWG]

Belly Tank, I respectfully disagree with you. The gentleman asked which has the best cut. What style works for one individual may not necessariy work well for another i.e. some are longer in the torso than others, some wider in the shoulders, etc. which may not, pardon the pun suit everyone.

 

[gimmesomeshelte]

All-

I know this is tough, but together we can get through it

First, I know we're talking about A-2's here, but just for a moment think of it as some generic jacket.

Second, forget about fitting middle-aged frames into a jacket cut for a mal-nourished teenagers. We just talking about a jacket pattern in the abstract.

Third, let's assume that the ideal jacket shape for a man is trim in the waist, broad through the shoulders, not too long, and all the other little features (pockets, collar, etc.) in proportion with the rest of the jacket.

Which a-2 repro pattern comes closest to this (my) ideal.

Thanks for your time.

Paul-

PS. If we can get through this, maybe we can talk about population control.

 

[JWG]

No hostilities were intended.

From what you describe the ELC Star may be exactly what you want.

 

[BellyTank]

No respect necessary-

Belly Tank, I respectfully disagree with you. The gentleman asked which has the best cut.

That was the title of the post- the content asked; "...which repro A-2 has the most complimentary cut" -it didn't mean so much, when the content of the message conflicted with it. Best cut, to my mind, could only really mean most accurate compared to the original- complementary does not. There aren't different A-2 'fits' in reality- just in inconsistent copies being touted as authentic.
So, anyway, I addressed both points as best and as honestly as I could.

B
T

 

[MudInYerEye]

MudInYerEye

Can you elaborate?

Thanks.

Paul

I've owned several originals (and have tried on dozens) and owned many repros (Aero, LW, ELC, RMJ, etc) at various times. Almost nothing fits like an original. There are a myriad of things that usually go wrong on repros: the leather won't drape, the epaulets are t6o long, shoulders droop, too full in the torso, sleeves not tapered enough, hide to smooth, collar looks off, etc, etc., etc. The Buzz is the ONLY repro jacket I've had that fits exactly like an original in EVERY way, with virtually no deviation from original patterns, no concession to the modern physique which probably has a lot to do with the modern Japanese being closer in stature to 40's airmen than modern Americans. My Buzz RW fits like it was issued in 1942 (my Buzz Aero fits equally well, but I prefer the look of a RW). For the record I have an ELC RW 1401P in a custom size 36 long that fits pretty well (I actually waver between a size 38 and size 40). I like the ELC alot, but it resembles a fine tailor-made leather windbreaker much more than a WWII-issued A-2 jacket

 

[greyhound68]

I think for the fit you want the Buzz Rickson 23380 is best. The RMNZ Monarch is a close second. The Buzz is the best fitting A2 I have even when compared to my originals. It is also has the look of the real thing as well. It has wider shoulders than any of the RMNZ or Aero I have. ELC comes close with wide shoulders but the fit is not as good as I would want. Again I am kind of a tweener on ELC the 42 is a bit too big and the 40 may or may not fit depending on the jacket. In originals I take a 44 the BR is a 42 and has about the same fit as my original 44s.

 

[MrBern]

Damn MUD, you make me want to rush out &buy one right now.
-bern

 

[Harp]

A2 glove fit

I picked up an A2 flight jacket manufactured in Pakistan,
a russet heavy drape goat leather knockoff that fits like a
glove. All my other flight jackets fit, of course, but none have
this inexplicable quality. If you are looking for a "perfect fit"
flight jacket-while not a needle in the haystack-be advised that
size variations, manufacturer, and your own individual form factor
in to the equation. If you wish to restrict purchase to a premium
jacket line such as BR, RMNZ, or Emn, have your tailor measure
one of your best fitting jackets and yourself at current weight,
then contact the manufacturer's sales rep. I recommend Paddy
at Real McCoy New Zealand for a custom tailored jacket or a
best fit judgement.

 

[bfrench]

Pakistani A-2

I picked up an A2 flight jacket manufactured in Pakistan,
a russet heavy drape goat leather knockoff that fits like a
glove. All my other flight jackets fit, of course, but none have
this inexplicable quality. If you are looking for a "perfect fit"
flight jacket-while not a needle in the haystack-be advised that
size variations, manufacturer, and your own individual form factor
in to the equation. If you wish to restrict purchase to a premium
jacket line such as BR, RMNZ, or Emn, have your tailor measure
one of your best fitting jackets and yourself at current weight,
then contact the manufacturer's sales rep. I recommend Paddy
at Real McCoy New Zealand for a custom tailored jacket or a
best fit judgement.

Hi, Harp,

Could you give some more info about these pakistani A-2s - I hear about them but know nothing of them or where they could be purchased.

Also pics if possible

Bill French

 

[Harp]

Re: PakA2

Bill:

Most India/Pakistan A2 jackets are knockoffs that deviate from
standard WWII US Army Air Corps design specification, made from
goat skin, feature larger front pockets, and a most unfortunate
non-regulation patch back instead of a single panel back.
The sleeves can either be patched, or more properly sewn.
I own two such jackets; a xx-L purchased for a song on eBay,
(that I intend to have professionally altered by a neighborhood
leather worker); and the previously mentioned Pakistani which I
picked up at Maxwell Street's infamous flea market. While these
A2s are not for the purist-minded, "IPs" offer a strong product
at reasonable price. Sorry, cannot supply pix, but you might troll
eBay offerings and pick one up for around $40-65.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Once again I feel compelled to post this link to a comparative size table that I found helpful. It compares various sized A2's from different manufacturers by measurements. You can measure an A2 already in your possession and compare the dimensions to this chart in order to determine who makes the best overall fitting jacket for your own particular frame.



http://acmedepot.com/a2jacket/measure.shtml