Alpha Made In China...Help Needed

[bn1966]

Thinking of buying an Alpha L2B Jacket for the spring (when it eventually arrives). I want one in the Replica Blue..will need to go for a current Made in China Alpha. Does anyone have any experience of the quality? Sizing? of Chinese Alphas? I'm a 46" chest.

Cheers Lee

 

[Edward]

There's not much on the L2 to go wrong with. I'm eyeing one of those in the blue too. Nice navy blue, just like the originals. With a decent USAF decal, it seems it'd look pretty good. I have one of the early 90s Vintage Series L2As, and the XL is a neat fit on me. I typically wear 42-44. I don't know if these newer jackets are cut the same. I do wish they would revive the Replica Series of the early 90s, to the same quality, whether US or Chinese made. Cracking jackets.

 

[bn1966]

Thanks Edward, received an XL NOS (USA Made) Alpha L2 today in sage, came up slightly small so going to put it on e-bay I think & try one of the Chinese made ones in that lovely blue..probably XXL.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Thanks Edward, received an XL NOS (USA Made) Alpha L2 today in sage, came up slightly small so going to put it on e-bay I think & try one of the Chinese made ones in that lovely blue..probably XXL.

The Chinese ones are solid but the fabric is thinner than the US ones. But still better than a mall bought equivalent.

 

[majormajor]

Anyone have a link for these?

 

[Blackadder]

I find the Civilian model kind of thin whether Chinese or USA made.

 

[bn1966]

http://www.alphaindustries.com/Mens-Flight-Jackets/Alpha-Industries-L-2B-Flight-Jacket.asp

 

[Seb Lucas]

The material used to be DuPont flight satin nylon 6-6, but this is no longer specified. Anyone know more about the changes to this fabric?

 

[bn1966]

Have contacted Alpha customer services re: the Chinese made L2Bs. They will give advice as to sizing based on your chest size, weight & height but stated they couldn't provide me with jacket dimensions. Have contacted a couple of sellers on e-bay, but both stated they didn't physically stock the jackets themselves. As far as colour goes, Alpha stated that with regard to the blues, the Navy was closest to original service issue.

 

[bn1966]

Alpha suggest a 3XL L2B ( I must be huge @ 5.10" with 46" chest) Alpha can't give jacket dimensions. Now going for a Gibson Barnes (friendly customer service)MA1/A in Navy with Navy lining (Mil Spec Nylon)...XL in their sizing (fingers crossed). Close enough to an L2B for me...giving Alpha a miss at present.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Alpha suggest a 3XL L2B ( I must be huge @ 5.10" with 46" chest) Alpha can't give jacket dimensions. Now going for a Gibson Barnes (friendly customer service)MA1/A in Navy with Navy lining (Mil Spec Nylon)...XL in their sizing (fingers crossed). Close enough to an L2B for me...giving Alpha a miss at present.

The Gibson and Barnes is just an Alpha. I have one. Mil Spec... really? The nylon is thinner (than my old US made Alpha) but okay. I'd like someone to chime in about Dupont 6-6 nylon and whether this is still used.