- Messages
- 15,563
- Location
- East Central Indiana
Keep in mind nick. Where some see a 'little' extra...others observe a 'lotta' extra.
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Eastman A2 versus Gibson Barnes A2
- Thread starter TacAirlift
- Start date
Now that is what I would call extremely diplomatic. And you are spot on (as usual) with your observations.
kampkatz
Practically Family
- Messages
- 715
- Location
- Central Pennsylvania
An AAF veteran (14th AF, CBI theater, B-25 gunner) had a Cooper that his adult children had given him since his original gear had long since disappeared. When he passed away last year his children told their mother to give the jacket to me ( I had been visiting him as his pastor for several years) since none of them had any use for it. That jacket has more meaning to me than any new A-2, regardless of quality.
My Grandad would of said 'Buy the best you can afford'. So if that's a G&B then have it. Accurate, no. Quality, it seems so. If it's an Eastman then you'll be stepping up the ladder a few rungs, especially in accuracy. If it's a GW (although how they got dragged in this, I'm not sure) then you've reached the top, at least in mine and many others opinion.
Of course. Now we are talking museum quality.
AustinTX
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 134
- Location
- Houston, Tx.
If this is your first foray into the rabbit hole, I would suggest going with G & B, with one major caveat. You have got to get with them by email or phone and nail down your size requirements. Their default position is to make everything 30% too big, but their leather and workmanship is quite good. (Never thought about their leather being "bland", but it's kinda true. It's very uniform and doesn't acquire "character" easily.). I have three G & B's, and have had size issues with all; communication with them mitigates this. Paying $1000+ for an Eastman or GW requires real passion; paying $150 invites all manner of issues with inferior leather, fit, and hardware. I have no experience with Cockpit or USWings. Short version: pay up for quality leather and construction. If you catch the bug, double (or triple) down for a really fine and historically accurate jacket.
AustinTX
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 134
- Location
- Houston, Tx.
To be clear, I'm familiar with GB's chrome-tanned goatskin jackets, not so much their veg-tanned historical items (though I have handled their CBI/AVG jacket in horse--very nice). Others here can speak to their higher end jackets.
I'll add one more thing, that is worth mentioning here as it is germane to the subject. The "tactile feedback" one gets from putting on a G&B A-2 is hard to describe, but it just "feels right".
Out of my very small collection of about a dozen jackets, the G&B feels best when putting it on. But, never put on a jacket that cost three times as much as my G&B, so maybe I'm missing out on something. But my wallet is happy (so is my wife!).
Out of my very small collection of about a dozen jackets, the G&B feels best when putting it on. But, never put on a jacket that cost three times as much as my G&B, so maybe I'm missing out on something. But my wallet is happy (so is my wife!).
Gromulus
Practically Family
- Messages
- 573
- Location
- NE Ohio, USA
I concur. While I do not have any "high end" A-2 jackets as of yet, I do have a few Aero civilian jackets and I must admit my goatskin G&B is the most comfortable leather jacket I own. I purchased two G&B A-2 jackets, one goat and the other horse, in like new condition via eBay for under $200 each. A Goodwear or Eastman is most likely a nicer jacket but IMO G&B is a great "bang for the buck" jacket.
Buying the best one can afford is the right sentiment. I did this to get get to my current jacket collection and it took me a couple of decades.
As for the Corvette, I would take the 57 in a blink for the style and cool factor alone. Use it for Sunday drives and drive a medium Mazda for the everyday mundane driving. Modern performance cars are wasted on clogged roads and prey for eagle eyed speed cameras and vandals everywhere else.
As for the Corvette, I would take the 57 in a blink for the style and cool factor alone. Use it for Sunday drives and drive a medium Mazda for the everyday mundane driving. Modern performance cars are wasted on clogged roads and prey for eagle eyed speed cameras and vandals everywhere else.
The rule is the same for Corvettes...buy the most expensive one you can afford.
TacAirlift
New in Town
- Messages
- 46
- Location
- Florida
I want to thank everyone for their in-depth response to my question. It certainly generated a lively debate. I plan on giving the subject the time and effort that is required to make the right decision. The G & B historical A2's offer great bang for the buck along with a quality product. The Eastman and GW A2's are operating in rare air.
Stay safe gents.
You will want to contact G&B. A phone call is the best bet. Try to get good sizing info. Buy two different sizes, keep the one that fits best. G&B has a very LIBERAL return policy. I know this from personal experience.
Warning: Their customer communication and follow up is a bit spotty at times. You will need to be patient. Your patience will be rewarded in spades!
Sales & Customer Service
(800)-748-6693 or (619)-440-2700
Good luck.
Fly safe.
I have not been too supportive of GB on this thread but they got me at back today! I finally ordered one of their WEP jackets last night. They emailed me today telling me they processed my order but the waiting period for my jacket is about 14 weeks!!!!!!!!! ouch
Monsoon
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 351
- Location
- Harrisburg, PA
G&B jackets are very well constructed and they offer many different styles of flight gear, even Nomex suits and custom flight helmets (they provide flight gear to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the USAF Thunderbirds). They have a sales page on their website that sometimes have good deals. Their cloth/nylon jackets make excellent spring jackets. I bought a navy blue cloth A-2 with Thinsulate lining at 50% off. Overall superb workmanship and a steal at the discounted price.
Brettafett
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,340
- Location
- UK
As a practical wearer, esp if you plan to sit in a cockpit... check out their F-86 jacket. From a few pics I have seen it looks pretty good and have read somewhere on the forum that its very comfortable. Its a mash-up of various styles, but is certainly a genuine 'bomber' style jacket.
