Which one? Aero Eastman or GoodWear

[Peacoat]

You may not have requested our opinions on returning these jackets, but you got them. Post at your own peril. PC.

 

[rocketeer]

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.

Free Return.
You do not have to pay to return the jacket/item. They may send a pre paid returns label or will reimburse you so you are not out of pocket.

These forums are only sources of information, dont take them too seriously or you may end up with something you dont really like in the end. Asking opinions or advice such as 'Which jacket should I buy' can bring up all sorts of choices from all sorts of wearers. But if you write it, it is meant to be read. Missing out the last sentence, "I am going to return the two I do not want." would have probably brought out different responses.
Personally I would trust my own judgement. All my jackets I have ordered I have kept and am happy with so I must do something right. Advise I took from the manufacturer. I was lucky enough to visit the Aero factory and the advise I was given on one style was, "I think you need this size but a little more in the waist". Perfect fit, thanks Ken.
When I first got into the repro market Eastman only made one style A2, now you can get all those different contract styles that may suit your figure so you are better off than I was then. So if you are in the market for a second hand Eastman in a 44, with shoulders like Big Bad John and the arms of a pro bodybuilder I have just the jacket for you.

 

[trapp]

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

Classy.

 

[Stand By]

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.

Indeed, it can be risky - especially when someone omits some salient points to their point of issue (!) and then invites comments.
And so people (myself included) will go by previous posts made by the member in order to consider the source further and attempt to connect the dots for themselves with what they have to go with from the information given, and I'm sorry to bring this up, but previous posts you've made haven't been … well, you've met some hostility, let's say that. Suffice to say, there's a lesson there for everyone, I think.
And many of us (myself included) are increasingly aware of how difficult eBay has recently become to sell items and have unfortunately experienced people who abuse the spirit of business - from the idle low-balling tire-kickers through to the blatant liars and charlatans. So if comments were received that weren't conducive to what you'd hoped, I hope you can understand that they were made solely to further the spirit of this jacket community - and for no other reason.
But then you say they're coming from dealers. Fair enough - and I think you're very lucky to be able to have established the no-obligation-to-buy return agreements that you have.
Personally, when I buy a jacket from a dealer, I feel that I'm making a commitment and I don't expect a refund - I do expect the dealer to work with me to address the issue until I'm completely happy (with the jacket I ordered - or I end up with another type) and so it's more of a credit - but they can rest assured that they get to keep my money and I know I'll get a jacket I'm delighted with. But that's just me.

I'm still a bit bemused as to the original question, if I'm honest: Three jackets are coming to you - none have arrived - but we're being asked "which is the best?" ?!?!
Well, as I see it, I think this is potentially a truly great thread that's just very premature.
I mean, you get the jackets (and that's a most unique and enviable position to be in!), try them all on, take lots of photos, assess the materials, review the service from each of the dealers - and then post the thread with the best photos and you tell us which you think is best. I know we'd all be very interested to read what you have to say.

But instead we're being asked to speculate. I just don't get it.
Okay, you asked: Which is best? Well, of the three makers you list, I can only say that from reputation alone and what I've seen here at the FL ('cos I've never been lucky enough to see one in person) I'd say GW is firmly regarded as the best A2 out there by most around here. From my own experience, I've only had an ELC 352nd A2 and was happy and think they're fine and well-made jackets in themselves, but if I was to have another A2 (and I would like another one day), I know I'd also be equally considering an Aero too. But I'd also want to see a Buzz Rickson myself before I could say on here which is "the best" A2 out there (for me).

I very much look forward to your thread and discovering which jacket you finally intend to keep and seeing how the CBI patches look on it. You'll have a winner, however it turns out.

 

[Mark Ricketts]

I have always been told that if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. My first assumption would be that there is something wrong with each and every of the jackets if the dealers seem that desperate to offload them.
My personal choice would have been to go with a proper jacket at a proper price, directly from the manufacturer. Not to waste my time, which is more important to me than saving a few shillings.

 

[ProteinNerd]

My first assumption would be that there is something wrong with each and every of the jackets if the dealers seem that desperate to offload them.

Not necessarily. In the custom game, I'm sure there are quite a lot of perfectly constructed jackets that for one reason or another don't fit the buyer perfectly and are returned for a remake. Maybe its something a simple as the sleeves are too long or short...how many times have we seen here people with jackets that don't have the ideal back length for them.

I know one of my jackets ordered through Insurrection was a size too small, I returned it, it was listed by them on eBay and was purchased at an "best offer" price a few weeks later at a pretty decent discount.

 

[Bunyip]

LB, that's spoilt for choice! Can you please post pics of the jackets when they arrive? It would be interesting for an A2 rookie like myself to see them all together...being in Australia, I've never seen any of those jackets in real life in the flesh.
Good luck with the decision, seems like trying to decide between a Porsche a Ferrari and a Lamborghini....

 

[LouisBailie]

Stand by: I do not have a whole lot of time to play around with the jackets like you suggest. I have agreed to test fit and keep them no longer then the time it takes to rebox and return.

I am trying them on and will immediately rebox the ones that do not fit for next day return.

The one I am keeping is also going back into the box and back to that vendor to get the lining pulled and patches attached then resewn in.

That is why I solicited opinions and information about these specific manufacturers' items PRIOR to their arrival scheduled in next 1-3 days. I wanted to know what to look for when assessing them while in hand. I like to have ALL info I can get PRIOR to buying....

I have gotten lots of good information (and have added several to my ignore list) from this thread, thru emails, and PMs thanks to all.

 

[LouisBailie]

Update:
GW DuBow jacket was too tight and returned
Aero jacket was too small in shoulders and returned
Eastman jacket was cut almost in half by customs inspector and returned to sender

all these jackets were very nice and if had fit would have be retained.

LW stated their jacket measured 1 inch less than my measured size and I needed to order it to see if it would fit. yea right....

The search goes on......maybe a used one will pop up that I WILL PAY TO ALTER...

 

[LouisBailie]

boy o boy, all good things come to those who wait.......

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=2575