C-2 Vest/Sweater

[gunnarthefeisty]

Can’t please everyone.

I think a proper repro would please folks. Even Buzz gets their zipper wrong!

 

[coolhandluke]

I think a proper repro would please folks. Even Buzz gets their zipper wrong!

The zipper on a repro C-2 is just something that you have to ignore to a certain extent. None of them are accurate as far as I am aware. Even RMC uses an M-42 style Talon on their version and it's the best of the best.

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

The zipper on a repro C-2 is just something that you have to ignore to a certain extent. None of them are accurate as far as I am aware. Even RMC uses an M-42 style Talon on their version and it's the best of the best.

I think the color is all that really matters to me. A brass zipper is like having yellow buttons on an A-1

 

[coolhandluke]

I think the color is all that really matters to me. A brass zipper is like having yellow buttons on an A-1

Gotcha...I can definitely sympathize with your feelings on that. Unfortunately, there's no great modern alternative to a Waldes Kover Zip, so manufacturers are just using zippers with similar shaped zipper pulls (with the exception of RMC).

I just threw an original M-42 Talon pull on my Bronson and have been relatively happy with it. I'd just prefer to have something 100% wool. I'd happily wear a Pike Bros, but I'm not paying $200 USD for one. I've been keeping an eye out for a used BR or RMC, but haven't had any luck.

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

Gotcha...I can definitely sympathize with your feelings on that. Unfortunately, there's no great modern alternative to a Waldes Kover Zip, so manufacturers are just using zippers with similar shaped zipper pulls (with the exception of RMC).

I just threw an original M-42 Talon pull on my Bronson and have been relatively happy with it. I'd just prefer to have something 100% wool. I'd happily wear a Pike Bros, but I'm not paying $200 USD for one. I've been keeping an eye out for a used BR or RMC, but haven't had any luck.

I feel you on the all wool. Bronson makes great stuff but their liberal use of synthetics disappoints me when I suspect they could use all natural stuff for a small price increase. I may have to just bite the bullet and get a Bronson - at least it's the right color!

 

[coolhandluke]

I feel you on the all wool. Bronson makes great stuff but their liberal use of synthetics disappoints me when I suspect they could use all natural stuff for a small price increase. I may have to just bite the bullet and get a Bronson - at least it's the right color!

It's not perfect, but a little easier pill to swallow as far as the price is concerned. I would gladly pay an extra $25-$35 for a 100% wool product. My only criticisms of the Bronson C-2 are the blended material, which makes it not as warm and a bit scratchy to the touch. It's definitely something to be worn over full sleeves. The collar is also a bit tall for my liking, which leads right back to the first criticism. It's not the most comfortable thing on your neck, when you're not wearing a collared shirt. Photos below are prior to installing the M-42 Talon and correct zipper stops.

 

[Saint-ex]

View attachment 182879

That's jacket man...

So about the PB C-2 zipper's color, I prefer the passed color of the older one, so, with wear and wash it would be same. It doesn't botter me.

Or maybe I could swap the zipper... Still in my mind...

About the cut it's funny because the collar of the Pike Brother is really different than the Bronson. Really low.

 

[coolhandluke]

That's jacket man...

So about the PB C-2 zipper's color, I prefer the passed color of the older one, so, with wear and wash it would be same. It doesn't botter me.

Or maybe I could swap the zipper... Still in my mind...

About the cut it's funny because the collar of the Pike Brother is really different than the Bronson. Really low.

Yeah, I complain about the height on the Bronson, but it's probably the second most accurate height. At least when compared to an original Goodwear. I think RMC is about right, Bronson's a little too high, BR's a little too short, and the PB is way too short. I personally like the profile of the RMC and BR collars the best.

Original GW

RMC

BR

Bronson

Pike Bros

 

[taiAtari]

It's not perfect, but a little easier pill to swallow as far as the price is concerned. I would gladly pay an extra $25-$35 for a 100% wool product. My only criticisms of the Bronson C-2 are the blended material, which makes it not as warm and a bit scratchy to the touch. It's definitely something to be worn over full sleeves. The collar is also a bit tall for my liking, which leads right back to the first criticism. It's not the most comfortable thing on your neck, when you're not wearing a collared shirt. Photos below are prior to installing the M-42 Talon and correct zipper stops.

I have all mentioned versions of the C2 (and clearly a problem...) and I'd say the Buzz and RMC are in fact scratchier than the Bronson. The Pike Brothers version is definitely the softest, but also the one I like the least as it somehow lacks the right utilitarian feel. The Bronson is pretty good, especially considering its price. Buzz and RMC are pretty on par, with the RMC just edging it IMO. They are all more or less oversized. I'd go a size down from normal if you want a 'war-time' close fit.
The civilian blue RMC is like an overbuilt version by the way, especially the hefty waistband with internal elastic. (the image below is with indoor lighting, so the colors are a bit off)

I did handle an original in Nagoya by the way and if I remember right it was also fairly scratchy. The Kover zip was a wondrous thing, sadly never reproduced as far as I know. The stops on that original weren't 'c' stops by the way, but more like the more modern 'knobs'.

 

[CK90]

That's jacket man...

So about the PB C-2 zipper's color, I prefer the passed color of the older one, so, with wear and wash it would be same. It doesn't botter me.

Or maybe I could swap the zipper... Still in my mind...

About the cut it's funny because the collar of the Pike Brother is really different than the Bronson. Really low.

Yeah, I complain about the height on the Bronson, but it's probably the second most accurate height. At least when compared to a Good Wear. I think RMC is about right, Bronson's a little too high, BR's a little too short, and the PB is way too short. I personally like the profile of the RMC and BR collars the best.

Original GW

View attachment 182905

RMC

View attachment 182907

BR

View attachment 182909

Bronson

View attachment 182911

Pike Bros

View attachment 182913

Honestly, I have considered splashing out (at some stage) on an RMC, I think they just released a new one...

Hefty price tag (as expected) but as you point out, they just always get it right!

 

[coolhandluke]

Honestly, I have considered splashing out (at some stage) on an RMC, I think they just released a new one...

Hefty price tag (as expected) but as you point out, they just always get it right!

There's a navy colored one currently on eBay in size 42. Not sure if it might fit you. It had a 21.5" PTP measurement IIRC.

 

[coolhandluke]

I have all mentioned versions of the C2 (and clearly a problem...) and I'd say the Buzz and RMC are in fact scratchier than the Bronson. The Pike Brothers version is definitely the softest, but also the one I like the least as it somehow lacks the right utilitarian feel. The Bronson is pretty good, especially considering its price. Buzz and RMC are pretty on par, with the RMC just edging it IMO. They are all more or less oversized. I'd go a size down from normal if you want a 'war-time' close fit.
The civilian blue RMC is like an overbuilt version by the way, especially the hefty waistband with internal elastic. (the image below is with indoor lighting, so the colors are a bit off)

View attachment 182897


I did handle an original in Nagoya by the way and if I remember right it was also fairly scratchy. The Kover zip was a wondrous thing, sadly never reproduced as far as I know. The stops on that original weren't 'c' stops by the way, but more like the more modern 'knobs'.

View attachment 182901

View attachment 182903

Great pics!!!

 

[CK90]

There's a navy colored one currently on eBay in size 42. Not sure if it might fit you. It had a 21.5" PTP measurement IIRC.

Just checked it out - pretty fair price too. I'd take a 40/42. Hmmm, tempting...

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

Yeah, I complain about the height on the Bronson, but it's probably the second most accurate height. At least when compared to a Good Wear. I think RMC is about right, Bronson's a little too high, BR's a little too short, and the PB is way too short. I personally like the profile of the RMC and BR collars the best.

Original GW

View attachment 182905

RMC

View attachment 182907

BR

View attachment 182909

Bronson

View attachment 182911

Pike Bros

View attachment 182913

Looking at pictures the Bronson looks about identical to the original. I guess the 20% acrylic is a small sacrifice I'll have to make unless Headwind actually makes theirs.

 

[coolhandluke]

Looking at pictures the Bronson looks about identical to the original. I guess the 20% acrylic is a small sacrifice I'll have to make unless Headwind actually makes theirs.

Don't put any of your eggs in the Headwind basket. If it hasn't been produced yet, it probably won't ever be.

Now knowing that the RMC and BR sweaters are not any less scratchy, I'd definitely try a Bronson out first. Like you said, they definitely look the part.

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

Don't put any of your eggs on the Headwind basket. If it hasn't been produced yet, it probably won't ever be.

Now knowing that the RMC and BR sweaters are not any less scratchy, I'd definitely try a Bronson out first. Like you said, they definitely look the part.

I'm an optimist. Besides, it's only been a year.

 

[coolhandluke]

I'm an optimist. Besides, it's only been a year.

Read some of the HW related threads around here and you'll quickly become a pessimist. Or at least much more cautiously optimistic.

 

[CBI]

My Bronson C-2 will arrive in a few days. Decided that it might be good under an A-2 however, never been crazy about the look. Kind of a strange where the zipper meets the collar, looks like unfinished or something. Bronson's price makes it worth a shot.

 

[Grant]

FWIW, I own an original Goodyear Knitting Mills C-2.
In terms of the wool knit, weave, weight and fit, the closest reproduction I've seen is the Real McCoy's C-2.
IMHO, all the other reproduction C-2's I've handled are too thick, bulky and have a baggy fit.

 

[gunnarthefeisty]

FWIW, I own an original Goodyear Knitting Mills C-2.
In terms of the wool knit, weave, weight and fit, the closest reproduction I've seen is the Real McCoy's C-2.
IMHO, all the other reproduction C-2's I've handled are too thick, bulky and have a baggy fit.

If only I had $600 for a sweater. Jeez!