Does anybody have any opinions/experience with this jacket? [huh] It's the classic A2 shape but it is half the normal horse hide price at £200. Is it worth it, or is the leather simply inferior? It looks a wee bit plasticky!!! Why would someone spend twice as much on HH? Any thoughts?
Here's the link to the jacket on Aero's site: http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/...ge?page=displayproduct&subcatid=32&prodid=634
I have an Aero steerhide on order and expect it in a week or so. When it arrives I will compare it to my Lost Worlds and Eastmans and will post my opinion of it. I may even take a few photos so you can see the fit, although I may not be the best model in the world! I have orderd it initially to use for working in so it will be tested for durability. I am not expecting a very authentic replica but an good quaility jacket in an A2 cut. I just hope the Steerhide is nice and grainy as suggested by Aero. We shall see. Cheerio
I don't have much experience with bovine hides, but i got a sample from them... it's still here further down the Jacket section. The steer appears very flexible but it is 2-2/5 times thicker than the horsehide and has a really regular grain on it. It looks like the grain you get on those plastic ring binders... almost "too" perfect. I could be totally wrong and it could be just really regular grain, I have a inkling it might be roller embossed. Whatever it is, it will make a very nice looking jacket.
Hmmm.... I'm not sure what to do here: Get this one at £200 - is it £200 saved off a HH A2, or is £200 wasted on a non-authentic jacket? I'm confused.... :eusa_doh: [huh]
I have experience with the steer A-2!! My first Aero flight jacket was a steer A-2 in the chocolate color. Overall, it was a very nice jacket. I loved the color, which is very close to Aero's russet but just a bit darker and less red. Chocolate is a very appropriate color description. The grain is very nice, but unlike horse or goat. I highly recommend the jacket to anybody who wants an A-2 but doesn't necessarily need to have the spec. leather authenticity. I parted with mine simply because it no longer fit. A plasticy leather it is NOT. It is quite supple, smells great, and looks a lot better than some of the oil-pull leathers I've seen.
Get this one, it's HH and only 300. Check out the character in the jerky horsehide. I've got one on order and hope to have it soon. I'll let you know what I think of it when it comes in. fedoralover
My son has the Choc Steerhide A-2 jacket and I must say that it is a nice jacket. As it is made for a size 14 yo, it feels heavy but it's rather grainy. Like Ferdoralover says, for another £100 more you can get the 'Real Deal' which is a fab jacket. Also check out Aero's sale section, you might pick up a bargin there if your size is there! Good luck in your choice!
Great information, thanks a lot fellas. One other small point - say you have a chest measurement of 48" even, at a relaxed exhaled point (and say inhaled it's up to 50") should one go for a size 46? In order to get the real A2 fit, and not some baggy jacket that makes you look sloppy? Any thoughts?
Aero's cut and fit is slim! I'd say give them your measurements and they will do the rest ! I'm a 42" spot on and have a several A-2 jackets from them and in a way wished I got the next size up ! (Gut relief!) Good luck !!
Spokes Man Fellows, I may have to invest in that steerhide A-2. The grain closeup is a compelling argument to get one.
The cut on this is still what you get with their "real deal" hh, i.e. a classic mid-wartime pattern. So fit is going to be just as good as what you get with dropping $900 on the good stuff. Pragmatically, very few would spot the color is off, and fewer still would even guess the steer is not hh... For $450 it is a great buy, IMHO....