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

[FreddyF9]

That said, your jacket looks amazing @Brettafett, Even in a larger size!

 

[B-Man2]

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…

Ok thanks for that info … didn’t know that .

 

[Silver Surfer]

When I get around to it, I have to post pix of the avirex b-6 that I acquired (used) from Japan. Yeah, that’s right, an avirex. Why ya might wonder, “ an avirex”? Well, it is unlike any avirex I have ever seen. It is remarkably well detailed, even with a brass conmar zipper, and brown cotton canvas pocket bags. Recently, I was emailing with John lever, and he wrote that there was (is?) a made for Japan? Made in Japan? Line from avirex. That would explain why I have not seen one like the one I have. Also, it is a spot on fit, and less expensive than just about any repro b-6s on the market. That said, I concur, that one shouldn’t have to spend big coin for a nice b-6.

 

[Smithy]

I'm just going to say it, buy an Eastman (or GW) Brett.

Those little niggles never go away.

Just my 5 and a half rupees.

 

[Silver Surfer]

When I get around to it, I have to post pix of the avirex b-6 that I acquired (used) from Japan. Yeah, that’s right, an avirex. Why ya might wonder, “ an avirex”? Well, it is unlike any avirex I have ever seen. It is remarkably well detailed, even with a brass conmar zipper, and brown cotton canvas pocket bags. Recently, I was emailing with John lever, and he wrote that there was (is?) a made for Japan? Made in Japan? Line from avirex. That would explain why I have not seen one like the one I have. Also, it is a spot on fit, and less expensive than just about any repro b-6s on the market. That said, I concur, that one shouldn’t have to spend big coin for a nice b-6.

 

[leper-colony]

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

 

[B-Man2]

View attachment 168505
View attachment 168507

Looks like you’re pretty happy with your 5 Star .

 

[leper-colony]

Looks like you’re pretty happy with your 5 Star .

Random from their FB page.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

When I get around to it, I have to post pix of the avirex b-6 that I acquired (used) from Japan. Yeah, that’s right, an avirex. Why ya might wonder, “ an avirex”? Well, it is unlike any avirex I have ever seen. It is remarkably well detailed, even with a brass conmar zipper, and brown cotton canvas pocket bags. Recently, I was emailing with John lever, and he wrote that there was (is?) a made for Japan? Made in Japan? Line from avirex. That would explain why I have not seen one like the one I have. Also, it is a spot on fit, and less expensive than just about any repro b-6s on the market. That said, I concur, that one shouldn’t have to spend big coin for a nice b-6.

I heard that Avirex for Japanese market, as well. All jackets mainly made in China , after those unfinished jackets shipped to Japan , all they need to do is sewing a label, finish a pocket etc.

 

[mulceber]

I heard that Avirex for Japanese market, as well. All jackets mainly made in China , after those unfinished jackets shipped to Japan , all they need to do is sewing a label, finish a pocket etc.

Rather annoying, this trend of Japanese manufacturers claiming credit for Chinese manufacturing.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Rather annoying, this trend of Japanese manufacturers claiming credit for Chinese manufacturing.

Only RMC have their own manufact facility, able to put together a jacket from raw materials.

 

[Dany McDonald]

Man all that B-6 talk has awaken the itch...

The photo of guy with the cup is really nice, thats the B-6 cut that I like!

D

 

[CK90]

Man all that B-6 talk has awaken the itch...

The photo of guy with the cup is really nice, thats the B-6 cut that I like!

D

Agreed, Dany. looks beautiful in that photo, much closer to an original.

 

[petermack09]

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
Eastman £1,349.99 ($1700)
BR and RM arguably even more $$

$1299 for the GW,,,is that correct ? That's a bargain, where do I sign up:

 

[Brettafett]

Missed out! Was likely a sale jacket, or from a while back.
I dont know current prices.

 

[Smithy]

One other option is an Eastman Fly Weight Irvin which would probably work well where you live over winter Brett.

I'm biased though as I think Irvins look far better than USAAF sheepskin jackets. And in your case, being a 4th FG enthusiast, don't forget that many ex-Eagles took their Irvins with them into USAAF service - I've got lots of photos to prove it. Vic France for example was very keen on wearing his old RAF Irvin around Debden over the winter months.

Another thing to remember is that if you decide to sell an Eastman they hold most of their value, same with a GW obviously as well.

 

[Brettafett]

Comment on measurements.
I took measurements today and they are pretty close to whats on the website.
Hard to take photos of accurately measuring the jacket, but the point is, they are where they should be
Size 42.

 

[Brettafett]

Fun pic of Lt Richard DeBruin of the 352nd Fighter Group, wearing his B-6

 

[Brettafett]

Another cool pic of Major John R. "Muscles" Bennett. Pretty sure thats a B-6

 

[leper-colony]

Another cool pic of Major John R. "Muscles" Bennett. Pretty sure thats a B-6
View attachment 169821

Not seeing epaulets.