Help wanted re purchasing a A2 Star

[Persimmon]

The GW Star is an awesome A2 and is far superior to the ELC version. It's on my wish list. Perhaps John will consider it along with other GWs when the time is right for him.

After looking at the pics of JC's Star in russet - a very nice A2 if I might add, plus currently owning a ELC Star from around 2007 (probably not warhorse) I was wondering why JC's A2 and ELC version are different in both leather shade and stiching colour.
From what I have read, the Star was available in both russet and seal and even though the style of the A2 seems the same from both manufactures they couldn't be more different.....which one is the more authentic or both are in their own way, I dunno.....confusing.

My ELC Star is a really great jacket, broken in nicely and very comfortable (even though the jacket does seem a bit dark in colour to me now I have seen other versions) and I would definately be looking at JC's verison when I am next in the market to upgrade my A2 as I love the Star and would to see JC produce a seal version.

Rather than highjack another thread I could do with some advice please.
I have some money (but not as much as John...but that's a different story !!) and have been tempted by the A2 Star.
I was seriously looking at the Eastman and then up pops the above info on another thread.
Should I walk away from the Eastman and buy another Goodwear (I have a Werber) ?
The Eastman is a Veg tanned Dark Seal where as with JC I have two Russet choices.
If its the Goodwear what is best ?
The Russet Pigment Horse or the Russet Aniline ?
Whats the choice guys and its not about time or money.
If you had to buy one what would it be.
Any pictures out their to compare ??
I have enough A2's to keep me going so there is no rush in getting it.
Equally I don't want to buy the cheaper one only to regret it and end up with both !!
God forbid.

 

[nogbat]

hi. i bought a goodwear star a2 6 months ago on e. bay, one of the new shade horsehides,its great but be careful of the fit if your ordering be generous with your mesurements,, but a great jacket in russet horsehide.. mine fits ok but my middle aged belly is a little tight :lol: :lol: . but like yourself ive had a few a2s but this is special...good luck with your choice..

 

[Cobblers161]

I can thoroughly recommend the pigment finish Russet, it differs greatly from the aniline Russet in that it is dull/matt and a russet that is more brown than red if that makes sense. The piment russet will develop character with time whist the aniline has it from the off. Having seen both in the flesh so to speak I am a great fan of the pigment russet, the aniline was too reddish for my liking but then I am rather conservative(with the tiniest of 'c's) in my taste. However despite being of a reddish hue the characteristic of the aniline leather and the feel was excellent.

Another thing to bear in mind is if you are after accuracy the the dull pigment is true to contract with the Star. I believe it was the very same contract he sent to the suppliers to base this latest horsehide on.

There are a fair few fans on here of the pigment russet who know a great deal more about A-2's than I will ever know so going on past threads it appears that this is the baby. I have a United Sheeplined in this and it is wonderful, not quite the same depth of character as the Seal Aniline from Japan but damn nice all the same.

I hope this helps rather than confuses.

Here's a link to an earlier thread of mine on the United showing the colour and initial characteristics of the pigment russet:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6451&start=10

 

[Persimmon]

Thanks and no confusion.
Accuracy is important but so is looks and thanks for the thread link
Looks like the Pigment finish russet from Goodwear unless somebody comes along as tells me the Eastman has its own advantages.

 

[Roughwear]

Alan, having owned an ELC Star and comparing it with my original there is really no comparison. The ELC Star is too dark-most Stars were russet not seal-and the leather is characterless. As Steve says the pigment GW Star is the way to go for complete accuracy. It is on my wish list!

 

[Persimmon]

Thanks Andrew .
Think that clinches it.
Well all I have to do is buy it now and spend more money !!
And wait until Autumn I guess if lucky.
Still the timing will be perfect to wear it
Anything else on your wish list that I should also look at as you know what's best (A2 only)