Best A-2 for up to $600

[Nicolas Voss]

Hi guys,

I recently became interested in owning an A-2 or similar flight jacket (maybe an A-1 or G-1, not sure yet), both because of the history of the garment but also because of the look and aesthetics of the design. However, I'm not a reenactor, so details (e.g.: original zipper and stitching) are not a priority for me. With that in mind, I would like to ask the experts and conoisseurs of the fedora lounge which maker they consider best for up to $600. My priorities are leather quality and fit: The leather has to be durable and well tanned and dyed and the fit has to be slim, so as to fit my body type (I am 6 feet tall and weigh 132 lbs, and I wear a size 36 jacket usually).

I've already done a bit of research, and have identified US Authentics as a possible choice, but would like the opinion of the fine folks of the FL in case I'm forgetting or have not found out about a maker.

 

[Jeff M]

I'd check out US Wings too.

 

[ButteMT61]

For sure you can get a used A-2 from a great maker for that kind of money. Definitely search the Classifieds here and other forums, as well as eBay.
There are also WWII era jackets in your size and occasionally you might find a well-worn sample for that much.
If authenticity is not the priority, it opens up a lot of "A-2" models. "A-2" in quotes because some of them are just barely a resemblance of an actual A-2.

 

[Edward]

A pre-war contract would be your best choice for a narrower fit. $600 on eBay should net you something nice from one of the higher-end manufacturers - ELC, Aero, et cetera.

 

[Doctor Strange]

US Authentics are sized trim but long, which might work for you. Their jackets have a rough-hewn, handmade feel that's very different from mass-produced jackets. Personally, I much prefer the feel of historically accurate cotton lining and wool knits to the more common synthetics, which is another thing in US A's favor.

And consider Gibson & Barnes - you might benefit from their Tall sizes.

I have owned jackets from both, and would recommend these makers over the generic A-2/G-1 jackets sold by US Wings, Legendary USA, Cockpit, Schott, Alpha, etc. (many of which come from the same factory in NJ, despite their different labels and pricing.) You should avoid S-M-L sizing in favor of the finer numerical chest sizing. Also avoid "luxurious antiqued" lambskin - horsehide, goatskin, and steer/cowhide are all tougher leathers that are more appropriate for flight jackets.

Plenty of good choices out there...

 

[Blackadder]

There is also the Bill Kelso house A-2 for 400 euros.

 

[Sloan1874]

A pre-war contract would be your best choice for a narrower fit. $600 on eBay should net you something nice from one of the higher-end manufacturers - ELC, Aero, et cetera.

I was going to suggest Aero's sale page. There are a couple of nice used A-2s on there for £300-ish, which is well within your budget. Also, as a regular 36 wearer myself, I think you'd want to size up to a 38 to get a wearable fit.

 

[andyfalzon]

At 6 ft and size 36 it won't be easy to find off the rack, you maybe going to have to go for custom made.

 

[Jeff M]

There is also the Bill Kelso house A-2 for 400 euros.

Unfortunately, my experiences with BK have yet to bring joy.
Still hoping though.

 

[Fanch]

Maybe view Gibson & Barnes website and P/U info on their AN-J-3. Also consider one of their "historic" A-2's or their M-422A.

 

[bretron]

A gently used one

 

[Brettafett]

Tons of options... Besides all the above...
Ebay - pick up something special if you can get the right size, model, maker.
Cockpit has a nice, albeit not super uber authentic WW2 A-2 in HH, for egs
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/World-war-ii-cockpit-a-2-flight-jacket/1386957458.html
(also check americanequipage for good prices...)
Aerial Star - Have a couple of nice looking jackets... Samples I received look and feel very nice. See recent post of a member's A-2 version...

 

[tropicalbob]

I agree with Brettafelt, espeicially with regard to Aerial Star. The owner, Chris, really seems to go out of his way for his customers and the prices are right in your ballpark. A member here should be posting his new jacket in the next day or so. See what you think.

 

[ButteMT61]

Indeed. Since you're not an "authentic" nut, there are some A-2 styled jackets from other makers that should be considered. Johnson, Aerial Star, etc.

 

[Sloan1874]

Aerial Star were doing a great deal on the cash deposit side of thing as well, which would ease the financial side. Very jackets as well, from what I've sen.

 

[Nicolas Voss]

Thanks for all the answers guys. I'm going to keep an eye on the classfields and the ebay for a gently used jacket. Aerial Star also seems very impressive and competitively priced, and I also noticed that it's made of steerhide, vs the goatskin or horsehide of the usual reproductions. What are the differences in terms of durability etc?

 

[Jeff M]

Thanks for all the answers guys. I'm going to keep an eye on the classfields and the ebay for a gently used jacket. Aerial Star also seems very impressive and competitively priced, and I also noticed that it's made of steerhide, vs the goatskin or horsehide of the usual reproductions. What are the differences in terms of durability etc?

All were used in the manufacture of A2's back in WW2.
Assuming they are good hides and you don't plan on crashing them in a burning airplane, all will outlive you by decades.
All can be wonderful. Just depends on what you prefer. Some folks prefer one to the other.
I lean more towards HH and steer on A2's, goat on M422's/ G1's.
Goat tends to be more abrasion resistant. I think it has a bit of a different feel to it when worn.
To my eye doesn't tend to develop as much patina as HH or steer, though I have seen some exceptions.

 

[Sloan1874]

Ooh, can o'worms opened right there. Goat will retain it's 'newness' longest, that's for sure.

 

[Dr H]

To my eye doesn't tend to develop as much patina as HH or steer, though I have seen some exceptions.

True Jeff, goat can patinate well though:

 

[Fanch]

Thanks for all the answers guys. I'm going to keep an eye on the classfields and the ebay for a gently used jacket. Aerial Star also seems very impressive and competitively priced, and I also noticed that it's made of steerhide, vs the goatskin or horsehide of the usual reproductions. What are the differences in terms of durability etc?

Nicolas, unless I missed your saying earlier, you didn't tell us in which country you reside. That alone might heavily influence your decision. For what it's worth, one of my favorite jackets is an Aero A-2 Bronco that I purchased as a used jacket, although only rarely worn, by another FL member.