Mexico made Gibson Barnes G-1 quality?

60foot6 · May 14, 2020

For a number of reasons I'm sure, G&B has moved their leather jacket production to their plant in Mexico. I do no not know exactly when they did this.

Has anyone purchased a Mexican made G-1 and can offer insight to the quality and sizing? For numerous reasons I am debating between G&B and US-A for a tall sized G-1 to replace the one I was issued recently in the Navy.

Source: an email reply I received from "Jenna Dupree - Product Specialist" on 31Jan2020

Seb Lucas · May 14, 2020

No idea. They moved around 6 years ago after cutting back their rangeof jackets.

I would also check pit to pit size as G &B have a history of fitting large.

nick123 · May 14, 2020

I'd try to locate a used USA one. Most are in pretty good nick. G-1s are rather abundant on ebay-less patience required than trying to find an Expedition, M-422a, etc. I have a 40 that feels like a 43/44 I rarely wear. I'm actually still grieving inside from the ending of most of their offerings. They were possibly the best mid-tier (price wise) company we had.

Deacon211 · May 14, 2020

I would also consider US Wings. They do some contracting to the Coasties and make a good jacket...at least in the A-2 I saw.

60foot6 · May 14, 2020

Deacon211 said:
I would also consider US Wings. They do some contracting to the Coasties and make a good jacket...at least in the A-2 I saw.

I’ve considered their offer, but my issue jacket and all the ones in the wardroom have the stitching line at the bottom, but the USWings and Cockpit do not. While in the past that line was not present on Coopers in the 90s, they do now it’s something I want to match as closely as possible.

Deacon211 · May 14, 2020

60foot6 said:
I’ve considered their offer, but my issue jacket and all the ones in the wardroom have the stitching line at the bottom, but the USWings and Cockpit do not. While in the past that line was not present on Coopers in the 90s, they do now it’s something I want to match as closely as possible.

Yeah, that narrows down your choices somewhat. I was originally issued a Cooper back in ‘91. I never noticed the seam until I became a jacket nut much later on.

I’ve never had a US A G-1, but I’d make sure you look at some detailed photos. There used to be a few departures from the issue pattern, like seamed knits on the cuffs.

Some others to consider are Five Star, Avi, and Legendary.

Legendary looks to be supplying the Blues these days. A little baggy, but otherwise good looking.

60foot6 · May 14, 2020

Deacon211 said:
Yeah, that narrows down your choices somewhat. I was originally issued a Cooper back in ‘91. I never noticed the seam until I became a jacket nut much later on.

I’ve never had a US A G-1, but I’d make sure you look at some detailed photos. There used to be a few departures from the issue pattern, like seamed knits on the cuffs.

Some others to consider are Five Star, Avi, and Legendary.

Legendary looks to be supplying the Blues these days. A little baggy, but otherwise good looking.

There in lies the other reason I was looking at USA and GB. I am 6’6” and have long arms. Those two offer long/y’all sizing whereas most others do not. I could order one from Pops or one of the many in Korea outside the gates but I’m not stationed there and can’t see the product as easily as I can here and return something if need be.

Deacon211 · May 15, 2020

60foot6 said:
There in lies the other reason I was looking at USA and GB. I am 6’6” and have long arms. Those two offer long/y’all sizing whereas most others do not. I could order one from Pops or one of the many in Korea outside the gates but I’m not stationed there and can’t see the product as easily as I can here and return something if need be.

Yeah, that’s a tough road to go down. The Pops jackets I’ve seen were visibly different than my issue ones. I also once had a Water Buffalo jacket made in Osan. Comfy but again, visibly different.

I’d be reluctant to suggest the more expensive options as they are often twice as expensive or more than what you are looking at.

Headwind Mfg does custom for 500-600ish. WWII patterns, but I’m sure they could get it to you in seal.

Alternatively, you might consider asking G+B for a leather sample or even a test jacket. They used to be great at returns.

Are you West Coast or East? Do they still have a showroom in El Cajon?

Might be worth a X country if you could swing it.

thor · May 15, 2020

You can try US Authentic (Flightjacket.com).
Very nice quality for about the same price as a G&B jacket, and they have tall sizes (and can customize it anyway you’d like).

60foot6 · May 15, 2020

Deacon211 said:
Yeah, that’s a tough road to go down. The Pops jackets I’ve seen were visibly different than my issue ones. I also once had a Water Buffalo jacket made in Osan. Comfy but again, visibly different.

I’d be reluctant to suggest the more expensive options as they are often twice as expensive or more than what you are looking at.

Headwind Mfg does custom for 500-600ish. WWII patterns, but I’m sure they could get it to you in seal.

Alternatively, you might consider asking G+B for a leather sample or even a test jacket. They used to be great at returns.

Are you West Coast or East? Do they still have a showroom in El Cajon?

Might be worth a X country if you could swing it.

I am East coast down south. Once I get "back" I'll see what they would do.

60foot6 · May 15, 2020

thor said:
View attachment 235084
You can try US Authentic (Flightjacket.com).
Very nice quality for about the same price as a G&B jacket, and they have tall sizes (and can customize it anyway you’d like).

Yeah as of now that's my front runner. While there some limited tall vintage jackets floating around, there's something to starting a career with something new that can age with you. If I had a family connection that might be a different story.

Deacon211 · May 15, 2020

thor said:
View attachment 235084
You can try US Authentic (Flightjacket.com).
Very nice quality for about the same price as a G&B jacket, and they have tall sizes (and can customize it anyway you’d like).

Hey Thor,

Have you had a USA? You certainly have the collection to make an objective assessment.

For my part, the pics on the website have always looked a little off. But those pics have been around for ages it seems.

I’d love to see an updated set of detailed pics.

thor · May 15, 2020

Hey there @Deacon211, I don’t have one of their G-1’s but I do have their seal goatskin G-8. It’s a well made jacket and it’s much better “in the flesh” than their website pics.
Excellent workmanship and good quality leather.
I’ve seen some US A G-1’s for sale on eBay and the updated high res photos look much nicer than the website pics.

Deacon211 · May 15, 2020

Good to know!

“Maybe someone will get one and post a review here“ he said perfectly innocently.

El Marro · May 15, 2020

I have a black goatskin US Authentic G-1 and I was not impressed by anything other than the hide, which is quite thick and robust. The jacket itself is well-made but for those of us who really like G1 jackets, who have owned and handled originals, there are just enough incorrect details to be annoying. In particular I really don’t like the knots that they use, The wrist cuffs are at least an inch if not two inches longer than those that I have found on any other G-1 or A-2 jacket I have owned.
I am not saying that this jacket is not a good value for the price but I was not happy with mine.

Deacon211 · May 15, 2020

Thanks El Marro.

Well, good input on both sides and from two guys who have had a jacket or two in their day.

Food for thought anyway.

60foot6 · May 15, 2020

What I’ll probably do when I get home in a few months is buy a 42 tall/long from G&B and US-A to compare. The US-A does appear to have longer arms which is good for me, and be made in , but if the knit cuffs aren’t made to fold inside but it could be a deal breaker.

thor · May 15, 2020

@60foot6 here’s a US A G-1 on eBay (I just did a quick search) and you can see the overall look of the jacket and some detail of the knit cuffs.
I’ve ordered from these guys in the past and they can customize the jacket any way you want. Extra inside pockets. Different liner. Different cuffs. They are very quick to deliver (afew days, not months).
I have a G&B G-1 in my collection and would rate them slightly better than US Authentic overall, but it was a made in USA Gibson Barnes, not Mexico. Good luck on the jacket and with your future career as a Naval aviator!

60foot6 · May 15, 2020

thor said:
View attachment 235284 View attachment 235285
@60foot6 here’s a US A G-1 on eBay (I just did a quick search) and you can see the overall look of the jacket and some detail of the knit cuffs.
I’ve ordered from these guys in the past and they can customize the jacket any way you want. Extra inside pockets. Different liner. Different cuffs. They are very quick to deliver (afew days, not months).
I have a G&B G-1 in my collection and would rate them slightly better than US Authentic overall, but it was a made in USA Gibson Barnes, not Mexico. Good luck on the jacket and with your future career as a Naval aviator!

Thank you! I'm of the double anchor variety but its still appreciated!

60foot6 · May 15, 2020

Slightly related, I want to believe the outgoing superintendent of the USNA is wearing a Gibson Barnes G-1 in the picture below. This is based on the pocket shape, and the angle and height of the wind flap. Must be a new purchase because his original jacket is in some museum because of his career accomplishments and as a member of VFA-14, the oldest squadron in the Navy.

Mexico made Gibson Barnes G-1 quality?

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