Which one? Aero Eastman or GoodWear

[LouisBailie]

Have a choice of one of 3 A2 jackets and just wondering which would be the nicest one to acquire. Your opinions are appreciated.

Here are the 3 jackets awaiting my purchase decision on which one to keep. All larger sized 48L jackets.

1) Aero W535 Seal Brown horsehide

2) Eastman USAAF Havana Brown Horsehide

3) Good Wear Dubow Shinki russet semi-aniline horsehide

I am going to return the two I do not want.

 

[zhz]

Keep the GOOD WEAR of course.

 

[trapp]

GW is the obvious default but only, in my opinion, if it's the best fit.

 

[Brettafett]

Great idea ordering all three and keeping the winner. Assuming they are returnable... If you are getting 'long' sizes, just make sure they allow returns. I may be wrong, but ELC does not accept returns on non-regular sizes (?), possible Aero also...

Back to the question. GW would be the obvious choice, however, you may find one of the others just fit better, or just piques your fancy...
I recon, wait till you have all three, try them on, take fit pics and post for us to study and comment on ;D and then decide which one 'feels' the best to you. It could be any of them - all good jackets. Good luck!

 

[Peacoat]

These are all custom jackets from manufacturers that I have. I think it would be a very bad idea to order all three and keep the one that fits the best. The jacket is being made to your measurements with the idea that you are ordering in good faith. It appears that you are not ordering in good faith, but just to see which fits you the best. In my opinion, this is not ethical. PC.

 

[ykurtz]

He could be talking about three jackets he ordered on EBay with return policies. That said, if LouisB is planning on ordering three new custom jackets, then I agree with Peacoat.

 

[Big J]

It all depends on the fit, not the brand.

Keep us updated on how those 'returns' work out...

 

[nick123]

Be sure post them up on here when they arrive.

 

[havocpaul]

You didn't say where you are acquiring these jackets but if it is from eBay then personally I am not in favour of anyone using eBay to buy and then return because of a change of mind, bad enough eBay seem to want it to turn into Marks and Spencer with open returns, fair enough if an item doesn't meet the description but otherwise should be no returns. That said, if not eBay and the sellers are happy with you returning then it will be down to how you feel when you have the jackets and what looks and feels best on you. Of course the current feeling is for everyone to say GW but don't dismiss the other two on maker alone, Aero have updated their A-2's (and GW now work with Aero anyhow!) and Eastman's are good too. Good luck with your enviable decision!

 

[rocketeer]

Have a choice of one of 3 A2 jackets and just wondering which would be the nicest one to acquire. Your opinions are appreciated.

I am going to return the two I do not want.

I would say dont even think of posting the results if that is the attitude.

These are all custom jackets from manufacturers that I have. I think it would be a very bad idea to order all three and keep the one that fits the best. The jacket is being made to your measurements with the idea that you are ordering in good faith. It appears that you are not ordering in good faith, but just to see which fits you the best. In my opinion, this is not ethical. PC.

Well said that man

You didn't say where you are acquiring these jackets but if it is from eBay then personally I am not in favour of anyone using eBay to buy and then return because of a change of mind, bad enough eBay seem to want it to turn into Marks and Spencer with open returns, fair enough if an item doesn't meet the description but otherwise should be no returns.

And well said Paul.
Part of the reason I no longer sell stuff like this on eBay

I would say find a stockist and try on. Or ask them if they will send something you can return. There are Aero stockists and Eastman, but you might be out of luck with a Goodwear.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

You folks seem to not realize yet that this is a pro buyer who's rules differ from the average Joe posting here. He has made that quite clear in about every thread he's commented on. Always a few steps ahead of our petty leather jacket dealings which most likely will be revealed again on this thread since the feelers have been put out once again for his enjoyment.
HD

 

[Stand By]

I agree with Peacoat, Rocketeer and HD and I think this topic is a bit off the mark as it's all too subjective -and invites further discord where it has gone before.
I could offer someone a bottle of wine that cost $300 and wax lyrical about the grapes, the soil, the climate, the agriculture, the unique barrels, the family-owned vineyard and the many generations they have invested in the estate, oh the hints of vanilla and the aftertaste of elderflower, blah, blah, blah.
But if I offer someone a bottle of $20 wine - and that person prefers it hands-down and they happily enjoy it, which actually is the "better" bottle of wine?
It's all about personal taste and I think there is a jacket out there for everyone, no matter if it's an LLBean "A2", Aviation Leathercraft, Aero, Alexander Leather, ELC, LW or a GW and if you feel that you got enough bang for your buck and the jacket makes you feel special when you wear it and it lasts, it's a winner for that particular person. Which one will fit better has as much to do with the person's unique build who is wearing it as the jacket maker.
It's not right in my book to return a properly advertised (i.e. well described and photographed), well-fitting, well-made, custom-made jacket just because it doesn't appeal for whatever capricious whim. That's not fair to the seller who is trading in good faith.

 

[LouisBailie]

All the people offering me these jackets are more than willing to send them to me for my try on fitting and approval with no question asked returns. They are no ebay sellers. Seems these jackets did not sell during the holiday sales period or were returned by others. Now they want to resell them...

So I am not "being unfair to a seller who is trading in good faith" ................

FYI HD I got a Oil Pulled steerhide jacket (same color) as in your profile pic for $425 delivered by Alexander Leathers just last month....plus a $35 Stetson German made leather cap also, off a return items pic, I saw....:eusa_clap

 

[Stand By]

I still don't understand why you're asking which one of the three is the best one to keep (and from the tense you used, I'm assuming none of them have even shown up yet?).
If everyone here said the GW is best, but you actually prefer the Aero or ELC, what difference would asking make? Keep whichever one you prefer because you like it best. That is the only right answer to your question.

 

[LouisBailie]

Sometimes the differences in the leathers used or manufacturing methods make a difference in my purchases, some here have insights into those and when they were made and or incorporated into production. Thus this post.

Very much like Saddleback leathers first production briefcases & bags vrs their current production. The first production models seem to be the heaviest duty and command higher prices for their durability.

These 3 just want a good mate to attach themselves along with the oem BG stars

 

[Tommer45]

Wow, everyone needs something to complain and/or get worked up about. If a company is offering a jacket to be tried on and then returned if it's not exactly what you want... then by all means take them up on that. LouisB good luck with the jackets I hope you get one that's a definite keeper. I think you are well within the all powerful code of leather jacket ethics.

 

[rocketeer]

If they were offering a free return service then that is fair. But to be honest that was not mentioned in the original post so attracted a few negative comments(such as mine)

 

[CBI]

A great thread as an example of how these forums can go down hill fast! One of the reasons I rarely post.

I would say go with the jacket that fits the best and you like the best. GW is going to be the most authentic repro and as such would be my favorite (maybe, I have not seen what you are considering) but that might not be your main buying point. Nice that you have some options.

 

[LouisBailie]

When were the current leather suppliers chosen for these current jackets?

I talked to JC today and he explained his choice the choice of Japanese horsehide over Horween or Itallian for his jackets, it should be nice if it fits. He also stated his would be the "shortest" length in the back of the 3, by 1/2 to 3/4 inch.

He also mentioned the sleeve width differences on the 3 jackets that was very helpful info to know.

This is the kind of info I will be taking into consideration when buying.

I am still getting more info from Stu on his stuff also. He also has one he is trying to unload.

 

[LouisBailie]

If they were offering a free return service then that is fair. But to be honest that was not mentioned in the original post so attracted a few negative comments(such as mine)

ASSumptions about anything without all pertinent information is risky.

I do not know what a "free return" service even is......

BTW and FYI I never requested anyone's opinions on the returning these jackets.