US Authentic vs. US Wings vs Gibson Barnes

[pjstrass]

I have tried to find a thorough comparison here with no luck and ask if there are any recent comps between a US Wings Signature goat, US Authentic goat and Gibson Barnes Air Force A2. In my size they are about the same price. The US Authentic has wool cuffs and cotton lining and I am assuming collar stand like their horsehide. I presume that the other two have synthetic cuffs and lining. ..since wool and cotton are not mentioned on the websites. The US Authentic is a longer and slimmer cut...original military fit as far as I have read. I have a US Wings Signature horsehide and it is a bit baggy even with "military fit". FL posts often indicate G& B jackets are pretty fully cut . I find my US Authentic horse to be a really high quality jacket with much character and I prefer its' longer and slimmer cut. It is much heavier / thicker than the US Wings horsehide , which is fine since it gives me two weight and weather choices with the two jackets. Any help or comments appreciated.

 

[too much coffee]

Hi pjstrass;

The only one I can talk about is the US Authentic goat. Friend of mine got their G-1 about 5 yrs. ago. The goatskin felt very thin and not substantial. I realize goatskin is usually thinner, but his jacket just didn't feel right.
After he tried on my original circa 1960s Brill Bros. G-1, he sold the US Authentic and now he wears Navy issued jackets.
Good luck with your comps! I've heard good things about Gibson & Barnes also.
I'm glad you like your USA Horse A-2....great jacket.

Regards, coffee

 

[AngryNJ]

Gibson and Barnes has some videos that are real informative. I hope these help you decide.


This version of A2 (mark 31) has silk liner and real wool cuffs.

A2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdX8s7FmfbM

A2 (horsehide)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Sb-6nO3Es&feature=related

G1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3BsnVyYL8A&feature=related

M422A:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgtk7H8y5E4&feature=related

 

[Jack Burton]

I have never held a US Authentic or US Wings so I can't comment. I've had a Flightsuits (now G&B) Air Force A-2 for over 10 years now and the Goatskin seems pretty indestructible. I've put that jacket through hell and it's still in great shape. I think you should request hide samples from each company to help in your decision. G&B sends samples out at no charge.

 

[ButteMT61]

I have a few USW and for the range, they're really nice. I'm sure a G&B would surpass them, but for what I wanted out of them, I'm happy.
But if you move up, you'll likely be happier in the long term.

 

[Gene]

My US Authentic goat has lasted me for 3 years and fits me perfect. Can't speak for the other 2.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I had a US A horsehide A-2 for several years. I had a goatskin USW Indy jacket for a while, then gave it to a friend. I have two goatskin G&B jackets (a Civil A-2 and a Historical M-422A), which are now nine and five years old.

The G&B goatskin is indestructible. I've worn my G&B A-2 more than any of the other jackets: it's in great shape. The USW goatskin was also tough, but seemed a lot less refined - less supple, and with a very heavy finish coat. And as you know, US A's horsehide is mega-tough.

Fit and sizing is a whole other thing. I'm a widebody, and the G&B jackets (46R) fit me great. (Oh, they're bigger in the shoulders/chest and longer in the sleeves than I need, but nothing off the rack fits me right everywhere.) I had to get rid of the US A A-2 (44R) because its trim fit was a little snug to begin with, and then became too tight when I gained a few pounds. The USW Indy jacket (XL) just fit me totally wrong - much too large in the shoulders, and too tight at the waist.

What I'm getting at is that all of the jackets were reasonably well made of tough materials. Each maker has a quite different feel, but they're all good. However, their fits are all QUITE different. US As are trim and long (the 44 was two inches longer in the body than the G&B 46s). G&Bs are wide. And I must conclude that USWs are designed for a Schwartzeneggerian physique that I don't have.

So... You know how your US A fits, and you know where you need the room and where you don't. Decide from there. (If I were you, I'd go for a G&B - to have a diferent-feeling and looking jacket than the US A - but go down one or two sizes from your usual size, and maybe get a Tall to get the length closer to the US A.)

 

[macca]

gday, there i cant comment on the US authentic or the GB , but i have a US wings signature in goat , and wear it too death i reckon its a fine jacket, but as seems quite comman from others exsperiences they do run a bigger fit .. cheers

 

[fortworthgal]

I have a US Authentic A2 as does my husband. I have the russet horsehide and he has the seal brown horsehide. We both agree it is an extremely well-made and authentic jacket for the price. I cannot speak for the goat, but their horsehide jackets are top notch.

 

[ButteMT61]

I have a US Authentic A2 as does my husband. I have the russet horsehide and he has the seal brown horsehide. We both agree it is an extremely well-made and authentic jacket for the price. I cannot speak for the goat, but their horsehide jackets are top notch.

I'd love to see some pix of the HH. I'm considering one for my Dad. Thanks!

 

[fortworthgal]

Here is my russet horsehide:

 

[Phantomfixer]

Nice A-2 FWG. nice color and the patch is cool.
JZ

 

[ButteMT61]

@ FWG: Thanks for posting! Very nice. And the backdrop is great too! Looks like a nice jacket indeed.