B-15: your thoughts

JB17COT · Jun 5, 2013

Hi all,

While I'm waiting for my future A-2 purchase, I've been looking into the B-15 as well. I didn't like it at first but having looked at it in more details I think it isn't such a bad jacket after all and could look quite good. Clearly can't compete with the A-2 but I'm thinking it could be a good secondary jacket too (and after all it was worn but the same guys who wore the A-2).

I'd be interested to know your thouhgts on this jacket and where would you recommend buying one? I'm expecting to get a US Authentic A-2 (likely goastking) after the summer - I've seen they have the B-15 too, is it any good there? I'm not too fussed about 100% historical accuracy as long as it looks good and quite like the originals.

Cheers

JB

Dr H · Jun 5, 2013

Hi JB
I am currently selling an ELC B-15 (having recently acquired a vintage N-1 for my cold weather needs).
I originally had a couple of ELC B-10s (which were undoubtedly sharper in design), but ultimately less practical than the B-15.
I would heartily recommend the B-15: warm, weather proof, shower proof (if not water proof) and with both hand warmer pockets and large internal pockets.
Can't go far wrong with it.
Cheers

Otter · Jun 5, 2013

I have two both of which I love but are quite different jackets. I have an ELC Roughwear B-15, great jacket, alpacca lined and offsee zip, cavernous pockets very well made jacket. I also hav a Vintage Series Alpha B-15c, the USAF blue, nylon with dacron? filling. Probably warmer than the ELC and totaly differing in looks. The ELC is probably true to size, the Alpha I would say runs slightly small and has qiote a short body length.

Both came from the 'bay ,both basicaly unused, iirc I paid around GBP 185 for the ELC and GBP 30 for the Alpha as no-one else seemed to want it.[huh]

Edward · Jun 5, 2013

I love the B15. There was a time I wanted a B10.... foolishly, I passed on Aero selling off the last of their B15s at about 70% off because I preferred the B10 at the time. In more recent years, I'm a convert. I have an Alpha Replica Series B15-C, which is my favourite of all the B15 models. The Alpha is a nice reproduction. Good shell (if not perfect.... a little different than the shell of my B15-C MOD Buz Rickson, which is, to the best of my knowledge, spot on), right shade of navy blue, labelling is designed as a repro of the originals. The Vintage Series Alpha was a slightly cheaper model, made to the same pattern but in a lighter blue, and with labels which are not designed as replicas of the labels in the original jackets. I have an L2A from that series, and it is a good jacket, though I wish it was the correct colour. I do find it a very practical jacket in the Winter. Nice alternative to leather or an Irvin or B3 (especially in wet weather). I would eventually like to have more B15s in other models. They don't come up often on the used market on eBay, but when they do they can be a good buy. My Buzz Rickson came it at sub GBP200 (I think I paid around £150). I'd particularly like to have the later B15D model, and one of the earlier B15 / B15A models in pre-nylon gaberdine with the offset zip. Somewhere I have a nice Spiewalk B15 which is too small for me, and I really must sell next Autumn.

FWIW, I find the B15 (albeit that mine both have the USAF decal) is a more civilian-looking jacket, and the handwarmers and deep inner pockets are much more practical than the B10's A2 style patch pockets.

I'm actually very tempted by this one as a lower-cost option. Not a perfect repro, I'm sure, but I'm not looking for perfection.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW2-US-Ar...200?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53ee9664e0

bn1966 · Jun 6, 2013

I'm a big fan of the Alpha Vintage series Nylon B15s (made in USA). I started in the spring of 2012 with an ELC Roughwear B15 size 48 (I'm officially a 46 chest) but found the cut tight across my shoulders (even in 48) & had to move it on (fantastic quality & accuracy though).

I then picked up a green nos Alpha Vintage B15 in XL from the Bay & whilst not the most accurate it instantly became one of my favorite jackets over our prolonged British winter (the Irvin spent more time than usual in the cupboard) The B15 collar makes it softer visually to wear than an MA1 & it's comfortable to drive in.
I picked up the B15 Vintage Alpha in Blue yesterday for a song on the Bay. I enjoy wearing these jackets.

bn1966 · Jun 6, 2013

Now if we are talking A2s my most favourite jacket in the world is my ELC Horse hide Roughwear A2. I virtually live in this jacket. If I could only have one jacket it would be this one. I've worn it so much that although it's only five years old, it's already on it's second round of cuffs/waistband & lining. I love the slim fit of this item, it was a swine to break in (gave it the old 501 treatment...involves lots of water & then putting it on) it now fits me like a glove. What a classic design!

Smithy · Jun 7, 2013

The B-15 has been growing on me for sometime now and I'm thinking of splashing out on one. Seems to be one of the most useable and versatile flight jackets and I must admit the connotations with Sabre jocks in Korea is a nice bit of history that it carries.

bn1966 · Jun 7, 2013

Go for it Smithy, I own and have owned lots of flight jackets & the B15 has become one of my favourites. It took a while for me to come around to the idea of owning one, but after trying my first one on I was hooked & what a functional jacket it is.

Edward · Jun 7, 2013

bn1966 said:
I'm a big fan of the Alpha Vintage series Nylon B15s (made in USA). I started in the spring of 2012 with an ELC Roughwear B15 size 48 (I'm officially a 46 chest) but found the cut tight across my shoulders (even in 48) & had to move it on (fantastic quality & accuracy though).

I then picked up a green nos Alpha Vintage B15 in XL from the Bay & whilst not the most accurate it instantly became one of my favorite jackets over our prolonged British winter (the Irvin spent more time than usual in the cupboard) The B15 collar makes it softer visually to wear than an MA1 & it's comfortable to drive in.
I picked up the B15 Vintage Alpha in Blue yesterday for a song on the Bay. I enjoy wearing these jackets.

The Vintage series are very practical. I wish they'd bring back the Replica series. The Replica Series was the step up, a shot at doing an actual repro, labels and all. Not on the level of Buzz Rickson, though the impression I get is that the repro market in those days was less demanding (I think both Aero and Eastman were only doing house jackets back then), but close enough that if they were putting these out at £150 or so, I'd jump on them. They do still crop up on eBay NOS, but alas only in small sizes. I think I got the last of the XLs when I bought my B15-C; I'd love to get a B15-D in them. I don't think they ever did any earlier incarnations?

bn1966 · Jun 7, 2013

I don't think I've seen any earlier incarnations. I'm still on the hunt for an Alpha Vintage Series L2B in XL, there was a surplus trader on the Bay that used to have some NOS but is now down to smaller sizes only. The Chinese Alpha L2 XL can't be long in arriving now, will put the 2XL L2B (rent-a -tent) on the Bay this weekend. I ordered a G&B XL 'light weight' MA1 a couple of months back..in regular & the 'waistband' covered my backside, the cuffs covered my hands..trying to move that one on

Fletch · Jun 7, 2013

B-15? Hell of an airplane, but way underpowered even with the biggest engines available.

lol thought you might like that crazy pic...

bn1966 · Jun 7, 2013

Love the picture Fletch. Thanks for posting.

ButteMT61 · Jun 7, 2013

What engines? lol

ronbo · Dec 16, 2013

Right you are. I have a B-15 C Buzz Rickson and that thing is PERFECT. As warm as my Eastman B-3 Repro and a lot less stiff. BR uses 100% spot on material and the price reflects this (sadly enough). They used a NOS Crown zipper on mine and I wish they would have used a modern one as it sticks sometimes. But still Buzz is the way to go IMHO. Cheers -Ronbo

Atticus Finch · Dec 16, 2013

I like B-15 jackets. But don't wear one to the mall...especially a B-15C. People will be stopping you every five minutes asking directions to the Footlocker.

AF

Doctor Damage · Apr 16, 2014

thor · Apr 17, 2014

LW has a B-15 on their website which looks quite robust (though possibly not quite as accurate as Buzz Rickson or ELC). Just another option...

thor · Apr 18, 2014

Edward · Apr 19, 2014

That the LW? Nice. B15A spec, probably what Ken Caulder would call "over-engineered" - not a bad thing in my book if you're looking for a jacket you can wear to death and don't need Goodwear-type levels of accuracy. Very much enjoy my LW B3; had it six years now and it's wearing very well. Wouldn't be keen to deal direct with Stuart, but if I saw one of these used I'd definitely consider it.

bn1966 · Apr 19, 2014

Nice jacket, I had the Eastman B-15 but couldn't get on with it....shoulders felt too snug even on the 48.

B-15: your thoughts

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