MA1 with removable liner or no liner.

• Feb 24, 2018

• #1

S

SteveZ

One of the Regulars

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192

Hey guys. Been awhile since Ive visited. I would like to locate an MA1 flight jacket in Sage Green color for the warmer months to act as a light windbreaker and offer a bit of protection from the rain.

Anyone know if such a garment exists ? If not, possibly purchase a cheapie MA1 a size or two smaller than I usually wear and have a tailor carefully remove the inner liner. That should decrease the size a bit and without the fiberfill liner and be super light for the summer months.

Look the same as the traditional MA1 but ultra thin for warmer weather. I have seen a few jackets on the web that look similar to the original flight jacket but its not close enough for me. Most of that stuff is Hip Hop anyway with wild printed designs on them.

Love my MA1 for the cold weather but a warm weather version would make my day.

Anyone know if a non liner version exists or do I modify a conventional lined one ?

MANY THANKS !!

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #2

nick123

I'll Lock Up

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California

Dude, you need an L-2 or L-2A. That’s essentially the MA-1’s skinnier uncle. Doesn’t have the inner fill layer, and is close to the look of the MA-1. An original will be harder to find but go with Buzz Rickson, etc!

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #3

Peacoat

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My original flight jacket from the mid 60s (surely I'm not that old) was the L2-B. As Nick says, it is the warmer weather version of the MA-1. They should still be available on eBay, I would think. Be aware they are sized small and are very short waisted.

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #4

S

SteveZ

One of the Regulars

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192

Saw the L2 on E Bay and it still has a liner in it. Ill see if I can see one up close for a better look.

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #5

S

SteveZ

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192

Will Do.

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #6

Edward

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As pointed out above, the L2 series jacket - as almost every jacket - had a lining; what makes the difference between them and the MA1 is that the latter had an insulating layer between outer shell and lining. The L2 series jackets will suit your purpose. I have an older Alpha 'vintage series' model, and it is ideal for Summer use on a wet day. Note, though, that they will still be slightly warmer than something more breathable, like a cotton shell.

Originals, especially Nam and later, can be found on eBay, though rarer and pricey if you need a larger size like me. Another option as well as the Buzz jackets (which are fantastic) is the Alpha L2B BloodChit Dragonfly, as it's known. (Available in a whole range of colours, but particularly the olive green looks good if you want an accurate military look.)

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #7

S

SteveZ

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192

Many Thanks.

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #8

bn1966

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I have an L-2B that I wear as a summer go to, light and versatile, don't pull an MA-1 apart

 

• Feb 24, 2018

• #9

Seb Lucas

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7,562

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Australia

Gibson and Barnes make an MA1 with or without a liner. I got mine without as it is warm down here. They don;t do a removable one.

 

• Feb 25, 2018

• #10

Peacoat

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SteveZ said:

Saw the L2 on E Bay and it still has a liner in it. Ill see if I can see one up close for a better look.

Click to expand...

The liner in these jackets is the orange liner which can be worn inside out and exposed for search and rescue in the event the pilot goes down and needs a bit of help. Every time I put mine on, I said a little prayer that I would never need to reverse it. Much preferred being the rescuer than the rescuee.