AVI Leather's B-6 sheepskin flight jacket review & pics

[Brettafett]

Recently took possession of this AVI Leather B-6, my first shearling acquisition.

I am pleasantly surprised at how light it is, compared to how I’d ‘expected’ it would feel.
Leather is lovely, soft yet robust, with lots of character already.

I can actually move around in this, its not bulky at all.
The Bi-swing back surely helps, but the leather is forgiving and its easy to lift arms and contort oneself.

The light cream fur is warm, yet not bulky. I wore outside to take the pics at about 3 to 4 degrees and was quite comfortable.

The whole jacket appears very well made. Stitching is neat and tidy and the materials feel to be of quality.
Zippers are the same repro Talons as used on their other jackets, for both the body and at the hips.

Two front slash pockets made of heavy duty canvas, are deep & roomy enough for gloved-hands & phones.

Cont....

 

[mulceber]

Looks great, Brett - just one thing I’ll caution with shearling: you will get indigo transfer from your jeans (at least if they’re selvage). Not sure if that matters to you or not.

 

[Brettafett]

Of course, AVI have copied the pattern & details off an original WWII Aero Leather Clothing 42-5110-P.

Just looks decadent and plush!

Cont....

 

[Brettafett]

This jacket is an off-the-rack 42 and comes up a bit roomy on me, at 181 73kgs, 40” chest
Theres lots of room in the body that the photos don’t quite show, even layered with a micro-fleece.
Its a bit long I think, although the sleeves are great.
I think a 40 would have fit better, but then the sleeves may come up short.
The B-6 was made slightly longer by design, compared to the D-1 for example.

I’ll likely exchange for a size down, but am tempted to try a D-1, to compare.
I was initially keen on the D-1, but my curiosity pulled me to the B-6, mainly because it was official ‘flight’ clothing.
(I know a lot of D-1s made it into cockpits also).
Also, a lot of thought seems to have gone into the design, the bi-swing back, less bulky, more length, zipless slash pockets, adjustable zips at the hips etc.

All that being said, AVI has another solid jacket on their hands, and by all accounts are doing well with their sheepskin range.
A quality original maker jacket, with the WWII pattern and details, all at a very reasonable sum.
Purists may want to spend 2 or 3 times more for a top end maker, but this jacket will do everything those will do, without the hefty price tag.

 

[Brettafett]

Looks great, Brett - just one thing I’ll caution with shearling: you will get indigo transfer from your jeans (at least if they’re selvage). Not sure if that matters to you or not.

Thanks for the heads up Jan. I'd not be too concerned myself.As above, I'll likely try exchange this for a smaller size (or a D-1 which is shorter)

 

[Brettafett]

Heres an original to compare

(courtesy of 5 Star)

 

[mulceber]

Thanks for the heads up Jan. I'd not be too concerned myself.As above, I'll likely try exchange this for a smaller size (or a D-1 which is shorter)

Bet you could convince them to give you a 40 with added length in the sleeves.

 

[Dany McDonald]

Brett, the sleeve and body length looks good on you. Maybe it just me, but from the desktop, that AVi pattern is wrong. At first I thought you were wearing a D-1. B-6 should be slimmer, D-1 blousy and boxy like your AVi.
Just look at the original Aero B-6 how strait and slim its cut.

Sorry, just being honest.

D

 

[Brettafett]

Yeah, no worries. I have considered that, but also thought maybe it was the size.
A size down may help, but also keen to try a D-1.

 

[Dany McDonald]

There's an Eastman D-1 in 42 on TFL....

 

[Lord Flashheart]

For the money Brett that seems a credible offer from AVI. We've talked elsewhere about the tension between accuracy and budget. Be interesting to see the AVI laid flat to help with comparisons.

 

[Brettafett]

 

[Dany McDonald]

For the money Brett that seems a credible offer from AVI. We've talked elsewhere about the tension between accuracy and budget. Be interesting to see the AVI laid flat to help with comparisons.

I will respectfully disagree with that conclusion, that B-6 is way too generic to even spark a tension toward accuracy. Maybe budget wise at €550.00...

D

 

[Brettafett]

Price comparrisons.
As always, if you want uber accuracy in patterns, details and materials... You have to be prepared to fork out.

AVIs B-6 €549.00 ($578)
5 Star $573 for a 42
Bronson Mfg $799.99
Aero Scotland £1,140.00 ($1440)
Goodwear $1,299.00 +++ (Likely this is a lot more, couldn't find current price)
Eastman £1,349.99 ($1700)
BR and RM arguably even more $$

 

[Dany McDonald]

Price comparrisons.
As always, if you want uber accuracy in patterns, details and materials... You have to be prepared to fork out.

AVIs B-6 €549.00 ($578)
Bronson Mfg $799.99
Aero Scotland £1,140.00 ($1440)
Goodwear $1,299.00
Eastman £1,349.99 ($1700)
BR and RM arguably even more $$

Agreed that AVi is an option when the funds are thin for a B-6. I was commenting rather more in the spirit of your initial intention in the post. The comparison images you posted between AVi and that beautiful Aero is quite clear, you get a generic pattern in the end.

Hope my attitude is not perceived as elitist, I am not comfortable with money and jackets, it's very personal and we approach collecting in so many different ways. Sorry if I came out the wrong way.


Cheers.

D

 

[Lord Flashheart]

I will respectfully disagree with that conclusion, that B-6 is way too generic to even spark a tension toward accuracy. Maybe budget wise at €550.00...

D

I'm probably the wrong person to wade in anyway Dany, I've found my interests lie in RAF rather than USAAF shearling so I bow to those who appreciate their details.

 

[Brettafett]

Yeah, I 'm all for opinions and constructive criticism.
Once one handles an original or a top quality repro, its hard not to appreciate the details and opine on the differences between those and everything else.

I do think this is a nifty sheepskin for the money, and more than good enough for most... It does the job of keeping out the cold in style 100%
But I agree, there's room to improve on the pattern.
If I was able to try a 40, I'd have a better idea of the pattern.

Anyway, the intention of these reviews is to be informative and share opinions & perspectives.
Everyone's welcome to theirs.
plus, everyone loves the context derived from fit pics, when considering a new purchase.

As we're all well aware, there are always people looking for more info and pics.
A lot of people dont have a grand to drop on a jacket, let alone care less about zippers and particular details.
Many just want a "it's close enough and does the job" jacket.

Or like me, just curious about something new.
I wont be spending big bucks on sheepskin. Jacket funds go to A-2s and USN jackets, where my jacket passions lie.

 

[B-Man2]

Have to agree with Danny .
Not trying to be negative as well, but the shape of the AVI B-6 looks more like a D-1 with pockets and a bi swing back added.
But…….. for the price … it’s ok .

 

[B-Man2]

Brett
Did you take a good look at 5 Stars B-6?
Priced at around $580 for a size 40.
Looks pretty good and the fleece looks real good color wise. More like the color of an original and not as white as AVIs .

 

[FreddyF9]

Brett
Did you take a good look at 5 Stars B-6?
Priced at around $580 for a size 40.
Looks pretty good and the fleece looks real good color wise. More like the color of an original and not as white as AVIs .View attachment 168475

Hey Burt, in my experience, the quality of the fleece on FiveStar’s B-6s is just decent.
I’m not sure how it compares to AVI’s but, in my opinion, AVI’s fleece looks much better than FiveStar’s!
Fivestar’s B-6 would be great for reenactment but not much else…