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MA-1 Flight jacket

I-Jusa-I

Familiar Face
Messages
62
This isn’t an MA-1 thing in particular; common issue with Bronson.
Yeah I didnt mean it as a MA-1 specific issue, but didn't want to make a new thread for just the question.

The bronson is a nice jacket and thats the only issue I've had with mine so far, still open for suggestions if anyone has been able to "seal" the inner lining somehow.
 

Fifty150

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,140
Location
The Barbary Coast
Authentic or not? I don't know. I didn't undress one of these guys to inspect the garment. The MA-1 style is still pretty popular.



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Stebroc

New in Town
Messages
3
Hello everyone:). I looked at the thread and I applaud you for your knowledge of this iconic model that is the ma1. Beautiful and versatile. Since I have loved it for a while and I found a decent offer, I bought one, this one in the photo, in excellent condition. I imagine it dates back to the 80s, given the label and the details. However, I read in the thread that the most desirable would be the one from the 60s, 70s, right? This for the general quality? I saw that others recommended getting a modern series rather than an old made in USA like the one I have. I got a recent Alpha bomber, reflective fabric, and while I don't think it's bad, and it has slightly thicker cuffs, as far as general details go I don't think it's superior to the green made in USA that I got. I also wanted the original item with the historical fit (today I think it has changed a bit). However, I would love to have a ma1 from a few decades earlier, but I think it's difficult to find one in excellent condition and at a good price, right? Greetings to everyone again:)


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Doctor Damage

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,325
Location
Ontario
Nice jacket, Stebroc. Looks just like the one I have, although the knits on mine have seen a lot of miles. I wish it was an inch longer in the back and then I'd wear it more than once every few years. The civilian models, despite getting a bad rap, are just as well made as the old military ones, the only meaningful difference is the thin insulation, which sucks for serious cold but it more usable in cool weather. Anyways, glad you got one in such good condition, hope you enjoy it!
 

Stebroc

New in Town
Messages
3
good evening.:) In fact the jacket seems good to me, but reading this discussion, it seems that the jackets from decades before were the ones "to have". I would be curious to see and touch one up close. The problem, I think, is finding them in excellent condition. And the price will also be accordingly. In my case, however, having less insulation is actually an advantage. I live in southern Italy, and here the winter is very mild. So, the thickness of this ma -1 makes it usable many more days than a heavier jacket. Regarding the length, isn't it normal for the bomber to have a short fit? Thanks for your contribution:)
 

Doctor Damage

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,325
Location
Ontario
good evening.:) In fact the jacket seems good to me, but reading this discussion, it seems that the jackets from decades before were the ones "to have". I would be curious to see and touch one up close. The problem, I think, is finding them in excellent condition. And the price will also be accordingly. In my case, however, having less insulation is actually an advantage. I live in southern Italy, and here the winter is very mild. So, the thickness of this ma -1 makes it usable many more days than a heavier jacket. Regarding the length, isn't it normal for the bomber to have a short fit? Thanks for your contribution:)
The vintage military jackets with the heavy wool/cotton insulation would be far too hot for where you live. You would never wear it. So yes you got what is best for you. Quite a few years back I had a 1950s N3B military parka go through my hands and it was super heavy, but the quality of the nylon shell and the construction and assembly was no better than my Made in USA nylon Alpha jackets, just like the one you have. This is a heretical viewpoint, but I stand by it, haha
 

Stebroc

New in Town
Messages
3
The vintage military jackets with the heavy wool/cotton insulation would be far too hot for where you live. You would never wear it. So yes you got what is best for you. Quite a few years back I had a 1950s N3B military parka go through my hands and it was super heavy, but the quality of the nylon shell and the construction and assembly was no better than my Made in USA nylon Alpha jackets, just like the one you have. This is a heretical viewpoint, but I stand by it, haha
reading this thread it could be a heretical point of view hahaha. but have you personally ever touched a ma-1 of the most padded ones? anyway I think I can say with certainty that the fit of the garment has changed over the years, and is no longer the historical one, at least if we are talking about the modern alpha.
 

Doctor Damage

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,325
Location
Ontario
reading this thread it could be a heretical point of view hahaha. but have you personally ever touched a ma-1 of the most padded ones? anyway I think I can say with certainty that the fit of the garment has changed over the years, and is no longer the historical one, at least if we are talking about the modern alpha.
All of the old vintage military jackets from the 1950s and 1960s were made the same, I mean of the same materials, same quality, etc. Just the design and factory changed. The modern ones, as you say, are much different. For people who need Tall or Long sizes, the modern jackets are more accommodating since they seem longer (at least the few that I had), whereas the vintage ones are shorties and ride up your back if you're over 6' tall.
 

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,113
Location
UK
I’ve had original service issue MA-1’s / N-2B’s etc and found any of the earlier ones with heavy insulation too much for anything other than the coldest of UK winter days. The more modern lighter weight stuff gets the action.
 

pausiroy

New in Town
Messages
30
Hi guys, I saw two kinds of Buzz Rickson MA-1, was wondering which of these are close to the original? One of them says Slender Original spec, other seems like a boxy fit, aren't the MA-1 supposed to be boxy in general? sorry haven't had any encounter with this kind of jacket.
 

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El Marro

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,614
Location
California
Hi guys, I saw two kinds of Buzz Rickson MA-1, was wondering which of these are close to the original? One of them says Slender Original spec, other seems like a boxy fit, aren't the MA-1 supposed to be boxy in general? sorry haven't had any encounter with this kind of jacket.
you are correct that the boxy fit is more true to the original MA-1. The slender model is more of a fashionable take on the jacket.
 

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