A-2 Jackets from China Redux

[442RCT]

The Chinese made A-2 repro jackets are being offered on eBay for a bin $ 359.99.
Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, the smallest size currently listed is sz 44.

http://cgi.ebay.com/USAAF-Type-A-2-Hava ... 27b03a1538

 

[deand]

I like the looks of them.








dean

 

[Grant]

Nice jacket if you're into the vinyl look.

 

[CBI]

well, certainly low end. I would save my money for at least a used Eastman or Aero over something like this. Even a Gibson and Barnes would be preferable. The only thing that sparks my interest a little is that maybe with lots of work this jacket could look OK (hot water, re-dyed - the works) but still there are enough glaring details that the thing still looks pretty darn cheap. I am sure at some point, a Chinese manufacterer will make a higher end one but I an not putting myself on a waiting list.

 

[Anonymous]

Nice jacket if you're into the vinyl look.

Spoken like a true Cockpits A-2 owner grant :lol: :lol: :lol:

Dave

 

[Andreart]

i'm so pissed! i just buy an eastman and these half priced wonders show up. :lol:

 

[Persimmon]

There you go worrying all along about Eastman picking up those emails of yours.
Now if they hadn't just think you would be cash rich and could have bought two from China.
Damn how unlucky are you !!

 

[Andreart]

There you go worrying all along about Eastman picking up those emails of yours.
Now if they hadn't just think you would be cash rich and could have bought two from China.
Damn how unlucky are you !!

:lol: i wouldnt think twice about these things. I CAN'T WAIT TILL FRIDAY!!!!!

 

[nogbat]

i must agree a lot of plastic comes to mind....they could perhaps make a cooper look great.. :lol: :lol: :lol: :shock: :shock:

 

[Silver Surfer]

from the pix, i would say that the hides????? [muskrat, dog, sick horse, etc] are very thin. caveat emptor. general rule...ya get what ya pay for. re: a-1,,,bamboo buttons on the jac, who woulda thunkit? and yup, the sizing is screwy, almost mall sizing. btw: as we all remember, gary had sizing issues when he first stared, chappy had hide issues when he first started, et nauseum. point being, if this outfit keeps at it, they will address their failings, and get better. its tao way.

 

[442RCT]

Other than looking at the pics and guessing about the quality of the hides and assuming these jackets lack of quality because they're made in China, does anyone have any hands on personal experience with these jackets ?

I sent the seller a question in regards to availability of a Sz 40 or 42 in the future, and Shazam ! he lists one of each. I looked at the sizing for size 40, and the measurements are only about 1/2" longer than my sz 40 Sefton or sz 38 Eastman Rough Wear.

I don't know if it means much, but they post that they have an UNCONDITIONAL return policy if returned within 10 days and a one time size exchange policy.

 

[Peter Graham]

I don't know if it means much, but they post that they have an UNCONDITIONAL return policy if returned within 10 days and a one time size exchange policy.

Can't say fairer than that. I'd be really interested to hear someones first hand opinion of one of these but who's gonna be the first to buy one ? Not me !

 

[CBI]

what is the interest here? Save for something better! Makes sense to have a couple of really nice jackets (or ONE nice one) than lots of junk. I think one can see from the photos that these are of limited quality.

 

[nogbat]

good coment.. surfer :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Vcruiser]

what is the interest here? Save for something better! Makes sense to have a couple of really nice jackets (or ONE nice one) than lots of junk. I think one can see from the photos that these are of limited quality.

That's exactly what I've been thinking..but more and more of these type threads keep popping up...

 

[Andreart]

(psst: it's JUNK, just like everything else from china) some 6 yr old kid is making these in a sweatshop making 3 cents an hour. FUCK IT!
sorry i'm american, i buy my repros from England and Scottland :roll:

 

[watchmanjimg]

what is the interest here? Save for something better! Makes sense to have a couple of really nice jackets (or ONE nice one) than lots of junk. I think one can see from the photos that these are of limited quality.

That's exactly what I've been thinking..but more and more of these type threads keep popping up...

(psst: it's JUNK, just like everything else from china) some 6 yr old kid is making these in a sweatshop making 3 cents an hour. f*ck IT!
sorry i'm american, i buy my repros from England and Scottland :roll:

I too am surprised at all the hype over these jackets. I can't see any advantage to buying a leather flight jacket on the cheap. It's purely a luxury to begin with, so why not save up for a good one? If money is that tight one can buy any number of ordinary jackets that will certainly afford more warmth albeit with nowhere near the style.

Given the ease of scoring quality repros on the used market there really seems to be no point in messing with these jackets.

 

[442RCT]

what is the interest here? Save for something better! Makes sense to have a couple of really nice jackets (or ONE nice one) than lots of junk. I think one can see from the photos that these are of limited quality.

:lol: It's what I do...adopt orphan A-2 jackets, it's my hobby. :roll: I have a couple of Seftons that I'm very happy with, I have two Eastmans, a Real McCoy and an Aero...but I also have Avirexs, a Protec, an Aviation Leathercraft, Willis & Geiger, 3 or 4 Coopers, and even a lowly Banana Republic. Yeah I can afford a Good Wear, but honestly don't care one way or the other if I have one or not.

Given the ease of scoring quality repros on the used market there really seems to be no point in messing with these jackets.

I do buy 'quality repros when they show up in my size on the bay, but that doesn't mean I don't want to mess around with other brands.

I also own a half dozen or more G-1 jackets, with the exception of the Schott, all the others are original.

So far among A-2 jackets, if I were limited to own and wear just one single A-2, I'd chose a Sefton. If I wanted a "practical" flight jacket, I'd have to pick a CWU-45/P for warmth, ease of care, replacement, etc.. But as you stated, we don't wear A-2s to be practical.

 

[ausreenactor]

Gents..

I can see more of them popping up. The only reason that the price of At Thr Front stuff came down is due to the pressure on the prices by Chinese and Pakistan made kit. I have bought SS and US repro stuff from this guy and there is no disputing his customer service or the manufacturing quality. Pattern and accuracy somewhat less. But as stated by many you get what you pay for. US Vendors are now making their kit in China. They can not compete with making it domestically. They would be bankrupt. If one in four, or one in five buyers choose a Chinese jacket over a G&B or US Wings, they are in front. They reverse engineer a pattern and go from there. As to the hides? Who knows. I am going to relist my LW A-1 for a fast sale and will have a crack. But it will be unlikely that my LW will fetch his retail price!! (Unless you USA-AOK guys put your money where your mouths are If the jacket is only half as good, I have still saved money!!

I have ELC Rangoon shirts here, that many consider 'the business' when it comes to Pinks and Greens. Guess where they are made!!! China!! At probably a 1/4 of the price they charge..There are probably more components and items they sell made OS...

Couchy