A-2 repro... You get one choice... Everyone encouraged to comment!

[bretron]

Monarch, monarch, monarch

 

[aswatland]

NOT Aviation Leathercraft.

Why ever not?

 

[Stand By]

Why ever not?

My first A2 was by them and it was steerhide - and it never softened the way I hoped or expected. It was just so stiff, even after all the conditioning and wear it had ... mind you, credit where credit's due; I will say that it always astounded me that it was 100% waterproof - even in the maddest of rainstorms and even at the seams. It never let me down that way, ever. It had an interior pocket and a simple YKK zip too. I bought it in 1988, so it was pre-internet research (and when ignorance was bliss in so many ways), but even so, even then I knew I never loved it - not like the Irvin I'd bought from them the year before .... but it kept me dry and it made me appreciate all the more what was to come later for having had it.

 

[rocketeer]

NOT Aviation Leathercraft.

Why ever not?

Though they are probably well made, they are not accurate enough and dont quite look right, even for me haha.

 

[Stand By]

Though they are probably well made, they are not accurate enough and dont quite look right, even for me haha.

Very well made they undoubtedly are. And I'll tell you something else, Rocketeer - when my ELC B3 had its mishap with the collar, I contacted Gary and he quoted me 120 pounds to fix it with a new collar, plus postage.
For a good while, I was in a complete quandry as to what to do for the best ... and I mentioned it to my brother. He'd loved the Aviation Leathercraft Irvin I bought in 1987 - so much so that he bought one for himself in 1989, which he still has and loves. He said that his had had a slight problem with a seam a couple of years previously - and he'd contacted Aviation Leathercraft about it and they told him to send it to them, which he did - and they fixed it for free - and mailed it back to him for free - and they'd done a perfect job of it too. Now THAT is service !!! He'd only ever bought one jacket from them - over a decade earlier - and they treated him like that. Amazing! :eusa_clap
Meanwhile, over the years, I'd made umpteen purchases and spent 4850 quid with ELC (I added my receipts up)- and I wasn't offered anything like that service. [huh]
So, as far as I'm concerned, I think Aviation Leathercraft made a good introduction for me into my hobby/passion here and the two jackets I had were out-grown after 17 years of faithful service - and not even remotely out-worn - (and I had to chop up my A2 to get the back panel off to frame it - that's what it took to get rid of it!) and although I wouldn't have another of course, I do respect them enough to say credit where's credit's due.

 

[Edward]

If somebody else was paying the bill, for me it would have to be one of the Goodwear Aero contracts, in that seal shade that is so dark it almost looks black in some lights, and with the strong red knits. I'd happily compromise accuracy on the knits to get whatever it is that Aero do with theirs that seems to retain the snap in them better - though to be fair I can't comment directly on this aspect of a Goodwear, I can only compare the technically more accurate ones on my ELC A2 which stretched out while the Aero's have stayed taut. In reality any further A2 I do pick up is likely to be a used Aero / ELC / w.h.y. in that general price bracket, but we can all dream!

 

[Brettafett]

Having just received some fantastic BK samples, I think all bets may be off....

 

[andyfalzon]

I bet on that!

 

[bn1966]

ELC A2 Roughwear....works for me

 

[Fanch]

Not the best pictures, but recently received an Aero A-2 Bronco from a FL member that is a size 44L. In order to have sleeves that are long enough, I had to sacrifice body length that could have optimally been an inch or so shorter. The A-2 is 5 years old but shows almost no wear and is a great jacket to grab from my closet to wear on the fly. Very lightweight and wearable.

 

[simonc]

That's a beauty Fanch and a great fit, spot on.

 

[Phantomfixer]

I would go with a Perry in russet goatskin if BK made them. My second would be a LW eeek in horsehide with less pointed collar tips and the pockets moved more towards the centerline...

 

[Foster]

Not the best pictures, but recently received an Aero A-2 Bronco from a FL member that is a size 44L. In order to have sleeves that are long enough, I had to sacrifice body length that could have optimally been an inch or so shorter. The A-2 is 5 years old but shows almost no wear and is a great jacket to grab from my closet to wear on the fly. Very lightweight and wearable.

It really does look good on you!

 

[Dr H]

I would go with a Perry in russet goatskin if BK made them. My second would be a LW eeek in horsehide with less pointed collar tips and the pockets moved more towards the centerline...

BK is working on a Perry at the moment I believe (a 1756 'no name' but Perry contract is nearing completion).

 

[kampkatz]

DrH,
If you get the Perry please share a photo.

 

[wdw]

Fanch, looking good. You're on a streak at the moment.

Can't be long until the Pioneer lands on the doormat.

 

[Stand By]

Yup. Beautiful jacket, Fanch. It's great in all regards and no insignia necessary - it's just great as-is.
Suits you, Sir

 

[devilish]

I think I already have my one choice. A Good Wear Dubow 20960 in the LHJ102 Shinki hide. If I could add a goat skin choice it would be Good Wear's Doniger.

 

[Dr H]

DrH,
If you get the Perry please share a photo.

I'm not planning to (recently picked up a BK A-1 and I have a GW Doniger that now satisfies my A-2 requirement having owned many Perry A-2 jackets, original and repro).
If you mail Andy on the BK thread he'll be able to update you on progress.

 

[Brettafett]

Looks great, fit looks superb, one of the best Aero Bronco A-2s I have seen... Good find!