Recent content by kevinblack

Tony, I'm in Canberra and have just bought the Civil A-2 from G&B. I actually picked it up when in San Diego (more later). The Postage is not an issue. California and El Cajoun (sp) taxes were more than postage when I picked it up about US$35. It is actually cheaper to have it sent by G&B...

G&B do a military and civil B3 shearling for $688. You can dick around with sizes and they have a 100% satisfaction return policy. Their quality is excellent, I've their civil A-2. Authenticity isn't 100%, but that wasn't my goal.... Cheers, Kevin

I think also that the sheepskin with wool (shearling) attached was used because the wool traps air. The trapped air acts as an insulator which is why most cold weather jackets make you look like the Michellin man. So the choice wasn't sheepskin over goat or cow for the most durable, but which...

Hey Bill, You look taller in the photos I've seen. For reference I also have an Alpha CWU-45P in XL and that's a perfect fit also. I see you have the G&B Mark 31 (IIRC - the A2 with collar stand in russet goat). I really like that jacket and would have got it over the Civil A-2 (not that...

I have their Civil A-2 which is a 'modern Fit". It is supposedly current issue with the side entry pockets. Workmanship excellent and size (46R) seem fine. I sent my measurements via their web site. I have a sort of Bill French build although probably not as tall. (I'm the correct weight...

I have an A-2 Civil from G&B bought at Christmas. It is excellent quality (not a WWII repro though, I wasn't after that). Look at their catalog they have an A2 Mark 41, A2 Mark 43 and many others. Someone on VLJ was selling a Mark 41 IIRC for about half the going rate in Size 42 and hardly...

What size, VLJ forum has a Size 42 (I think it's the Mark 41 or 43) in russet HH IIRC for $350 US. Looks as new.... Just a thought, Kevin

Forgot to mention, theres a thread on VLJ regarding breaking in FQHH leather A2. It is a process that takes (according to the posts) from months to years. It would be something that I'm not into. The hide is tough and some report bruising, just reporting what has been said. Further, my...

See my recent post on Gibson $ Barnes Civil A2. Couple of comments. The goatskin is quite heavy, as heavy as cow, I was quite surprised when I got the A2 last week. It is the same as the current USAF issue A2, but with handwarmer pockets and inside wallet pocket. Price is about $308 or so...

Posted this on VLJ, worth repeating I think.... I ordered a G&B Civil A-2 goat from G&B in November to be picked up on my recent trip to USA. Wasn't really interested in Authenticity, just wanted a good jacket. After much deliberation regarding size (and sending measurements) ordered the 46R...

Idmax, Concur with Rob's observations. It seems to me it's the old 22 yro fighter pilot jacket in a not so 22 yro fighter pilot body. I have exactly the same problem (give or tke 30 years and an additional largish number of inches around the mid section). I realised that the 'authentic'...

Hi, From what I've read, most of the manufacturers 'hand select' their leather. See the section at G&B - others have similar testimonials. http://www.flightsuits.com/leather_leathers.html So most 'new' jackets would be free of those sorts of marks (but may have colour variations). I'd...

Ray, Woah..... One red flag is enough, you have several. Thanks for the heads up and I will take your advice (all of it). I have several e-mails in with G&B aka Flightsuits. I am hoping to be in San Diego in December (doing the Disneyland etc thing) and I understand El Cajoun is within 8km...

I have to agree, the high end repro makers are not the competition (or vice versa). As noted I'm looking for a comfortable, well made jacket for outerwear and flying. Again, as someone noted earlier, the USAF are into comfortable utility in the cockpit (isn't that where this all started many...

Hi, Anyone have experince with these guys. They are based in Turkey with a US office. You can get a tailormade jacket for USD$245. The reviews I've read from a number of USAF/CAP forums are quite positive for service and quality. I sent them an e-mail and got a detailed reply (US office...