Which is the best A2 manufacturer you can order from and get a jacket right away?

[Tell Kathy I Love Her]

Hi. In your opinion, which is the best company you can buy from and receive a great A2 right away, within a week or so? I just don't have the patience to order a jacket and wait six months for it to arrive.

 

[too much coffee]

U.S. Authentic (flightjackets.com). Not a great A-2 but a good heavy duty(if you get the horsehide) A-2 for about $420.00. Just stay away from their goatskin.

Welcome to the Lounge.

Regards, coffee

 

[Tell Kathy I Love Her]

Thanks, I've studied US Authentic here at the Lounge; many former owners stated they wished they had gone to a higher end manufacturer right away. What is the typical wait for the standard model Eastman, say a time worn seal brown horsehide? I have asked them directly, but they did not return my email.

 

[Phantomfixer]

history preservation associates in NJ are Eastman and Buzz Rickson distributors. If your A-2, in your size, is in stock, they will ship next day. Opinions on "best" vary around here.

 

[yar]

Thanks, I've studied US Authentic here at the Lounge; many former owners stated they wished they had gone to a higher end manufacturer right away.

Why not order it and see for yourself? You will get your money back if you dont like it anyway They needed only two workdays to send it to Germany from the USA.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I'd also consider Gibson & Barnes. They're on the west coast, and if they have your size in stock, you could get it pretty quickly. Their jackets are a bit more refined than US A's, if also a "generic" repro that's not super-correct to any particular original.

(Alternative viewpoint to going for the best first: I have been happy with my G&B and US A jackets for most of a decade. Sure, I want to get an awesome Good Wear someday, but with two kids in college, and having been on reduced work hours for the last two years, it's just not in the cards for now!)

 

[Justhandguns]

If you want to spend a little bit more, Toy's McCoy, Real McCoys or Buzz Rickson. They are stock jackets and not made to order.

 

[Tell Kathy I Love Her]

Thanks for the help and advice. I have bookmarked History Preservation Associates because I have to admit, a nice timeworn A2 or one of their warhorse A2 jackets is my absolute first choice. Ideally, I'd like to call them and order a jacket they have in stock and let them ship it right away. However, I remember one disturbing quote on this forum that stated the person would rather "have his kidneys shaved" than deal with HPA again. I hope they are fine to deal with. I wlll call them with my size dimensions and see what they say.

 

[OneEyeMan]

Thanks, I've studied US Authentic here at the Lounge; many former owners stated they wished they had gone to a higher end manufacturer right away.

WHY??
They seem like a good deal.
I'm not looking for a 100% authentic recreation of an A2.
All I want is a reasonably priced A2 with nice FQHH, decent fit, and well made.
Where do the USA jackets fall short?
Lenny

 

[Doctor Strange]

They fall short in comparison to the far more accurate (and expensive) repros from the premium vendors. No doubt you've seen the core A-2 group that wants nothing but the best, and is willing to pay for it. They make the most noise about how useless anything less than a museum-quality repro is.

But that doesn't describe all of us. Some of us, the ones who simply can't throw thousands of dollars at this interest, are quite happy with our US As, G&Bs, and even modern-spec US Ws, Cockpits, Alphas, Legendarys, etc...

US A jackets are a good deal, are very tough, and represent some important aspects of "authenticity" that otherwise aren't available at their price point (e.g., cotton linings and wool knits). Yes, many who get them eventually move on to getting the more expensive repros and decry them. But many also enjoy the heck out of them!

 

[MissMittens]

Things to watch out for. The pockets. True A2 design has no side-entry to the front pockets. They also have a small clasp on the collar that is missing from more than 90% of the reproductions. The color is also important, as hides were generally darker, but not as dark as brands like Avirex, etc. They were more "russet" in appearence than either light brown or dark brown. The zippers had wider pulls than the vast majority of reproductions. Goatskin has about the same "feel" as the originals, which were actually HORSEHIDE. Liners were OD poplin, had no interior pockets, and no internal decoration, padding, quilting, etc. The back of the jacket should be a SINGLE PANEL of leather, not two stiched down the middle. Seams were double-stitched.

Rough Wear probably made the best A2 of the period. I have a couple in my collection.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Virtually everything you listed is true of US Authentic's A-2s - no handwarmer or interior pockets, has the collar hook, the single-panel back (and two-panel sleeves), reasonably trim (if long) cut, and cotton lining and wool knits. True, the hide is thicker than classic horsehide, but the colors are pretty good, and yes, the zipper/hardware doesn't replicate the originals all that well. But as far as being a reasonable repro of an old-school A-2, the US A is miles ahead of anything else to be had for under $500 (apart from second-hand premium repros.)

And that's why the US Authentic is good choice for those who can't afford the premium repros and don't want a current-model jacket from Cockpit, US Wings, etc., masquerading as a WWII jacket that's cut too baggy, has the extra pockets, two-piece back, synthetic lining and knits, YKK zipper, etc.

 

[MissMittens]

I just took a look at the US Authentic A2 here http://www.flightjacket.com/a2.html

I must say, they are pretty nice.....they apparently even have the box stitching on the epaulets and a contract tag. Still looks a little long, but I would agree that it's better than Cooper. US Wings, Avirex, etc. And the price is VERY reasonable for what you're getting. I think it's a pretty good buy overall.

 

[WhiskeyTangoFox]

Thanks for the help and advice. I have bookmarked History Preservation Associates because I have to admit, a nice timeworn A2 or one of their warhorse A2 jackets is my absolute first choice. Ideally, I'd like to call them and order a jacket they have in stock and let them ship it right away. However, I remember one disturbing quote on this forum that stated the person would rather "have his kidneys shaved" than deal with HPA again. I hope they are fine to deal with. I wlll call them with my size dimensions and see what they say.

I have ordered through HPA three or four times and never had any problem with them. They really help you try to get your size right the first time over the phone. I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again.

Noel

 

[derleicaman]

I would second Noel's experience with HPA. I purchased a close-out Monarch A-2 from them in November and couldn't be more pleased with their service. They were very professional and courteous over the phone. They helped me with sizing and even offered to exchange the coat for another size if it didn't fit. They shipped promptly and the jacket fit correctly. I would certainly buy from them again.

 

[Tell Kathy I Love Her]

That's good news about HPA. They say on their site they try to keep most Eastman A2s in stock and although I haven't called them yet, I imagine this might be a good choice for a quick order and shipment. I really like the Eastman "time worn" models, but it appears HPA does not carry them.

 

[Fifty150]

Authentic? Sometimes modern engineering has it's advantages. Take classic cars for example. I would rather "restomod" than completely restore to OEM. Some of those old muscle cars need better handling and 4 wheel disc brakes. Same with a jacket. While some love the idea that they've got a jacket that is exactly as it would have been back in the 1940's, some of us spend that kind of money and would like to have handwarmers, inside pockets, and some insulation for warmth. Back in the days of yore & yesteryear, Thinsulate just wasn't available. But I don't see anything wrong with a lined jacket. Even better if it were wool or shearling. I don't want to be the guy who spends $$$$$ only to have a jacket that isn't warm. Another thing that I'm not all too crazy about is the classic fit. I don't need it. I've got an 18" neck, 48" chest, and 16" arms. In the 40's, very few people were into lifting weights or bulking up, and not to mention that their diet did not contain all the steroid enhanced milk and beef. I need a little bit more room to move in my clothes. Noboy wants to rip a leather jacket like Hollywood Hulk Hogan.

 

[JJR512]

...I don't want to be the guy who spends $$$$$ only to have a jacket that isn't warm...

But is it supposed to be warm? Was the original military designation of the jacket not "Jacket, Pilot's (summer)"?

 

[Tell Kathy I Love Her]

I think the analogy that Fifty150 made about old muscle cars is brilliant. Sometimes I wonder if the old WWII pilots could have the choice of some of our modern jacket advancements such as Thinsulate, would they take them? Thinsulate is warm and light and not particularly cumbersome in warmer weather.I have read posts about WWII pilots commenting about their old A2 jackets when asked about them. The single most repeated comment was their jacket was "too damn cold."

However, the reason I seek some of the more authentic makers is that these jackets also look more beautiful to me, with more character. Authenticity is not paramount to me, but a great looking jacket is, one that will be as beloved to me as the original A2s were to their original owners.

 

[Tommydean]

I have a US/ A jacket and i am very happy with what i got. it very tough and you do get alot for what you pay for. the reason i went with US/A is that they do run long and that is what i need. I just cant see spending a grand on a jacket