Irvin WPG RAF flying jacket

[Bombing IP]

I am thinking of getting an Irvin from What price Glory and have been looking at there pictures and comparing it with photos of originals .The originals seem to have a lacquer sheen to them and the WPG seems to lack this glossiness is there any way to duplicate this look myself .I like WPG Irvin's because they are thinner an are more suited to ground level and they are on sale at the moment .Any one got any input comments on the WPG on any topic would be appreciated .

Jeff

 

[CBI]

you could add a semi gloss coat to get a bit of shine. My original Irvin does NOT have a gloss to it so keeping it non-glossy will be authentic as well. Wow, at $295 for these jackets right now, you can't go wrong. These are excellent jackets!!!!!!

 

[Falcon_52]

Jeff - I had the same thought that you did when I got my WPG Irvin. I wanted a little more shine so I tried Fiebings Leather Sheen on it. It's an acrylic finish and is a pretty light coating once dry. I just applied it with some cotton balls and let it dry. It worked well.

Noel

 

[B-Man2]

WPG doesn’t have a sale on these often. Anyone considering one should keep that in mind.

 

[CBI]

Yep, considering an ELC is almost $1,500 new. Yes, ELC is a more authentic jacket of course but 5 feet away, WPG is just fine! ..........IMO

 

[B-Man2]

I’m with you John. For the price difference it works well. Additionally unless you live in a pretty cold climate the heavier ELC won’t get a lot of wear. The WPG is lighter but you’ll get a little more wear out of it.

 

[Pilot]

I’m with you John. For the price difference it works well. Additionally unless you live in a pretty cold climate the heavier ELC won’t get a lot of wear. The WPG is lighter but you’ll get a little more wear out of it.

If you order one, please mention without plastic trimming or collar... Is as already discussed here in other posts.
They still have a few of these older ( plastic ) versions on stock and sneak them in...in some orders...

 

[CBI]

agreed and good points!

 

[Pilot]

agreed and good points!

A friend of mine got burned...

 

[B-Man2]

Definitely good info...Thanks Brice..

 

[Pilot]

Cheap can be quite cheap at the end ( if a plastic version...)... and impossible to resell if needed...

 

[Bombing IP]

If you order one, please mention without plastic trimming or collar... Is as already discussed here in other posts.
They still have a few of these older ( plastic ) versions on stock and sneak them in...in some orders...

Do you have a picture of said plastic trimmings ,I was not aware of this .Thanks all for your input most appreciated .


Jeff

 

[Pilot]

Do you have a picture of said plastic trimmings ,I was not aware of this .Thanks all for your input most appreciated .


Jeff

Sorry no! The plastic has been discussed already here a while ago.... feel free to search back for those posts.
Plus the same plastic story happened to a friend of mine.
When I was still in the repro market, I only bought top tier...For Irvin’s: Aces High, ELC and Aero. Still have one unworn very early pre-war ELC Irvin (46“)...It will go for sale very soon when the first colder days will hit the northern hemisphere

 

[B-Man2]

I may be wrong on this and please someone correct me if I am, but I believe the plastic pieces were 1st generation jackets. The ones they sell now have been made without those pieces.....

 

[Pilot]

I may be wrong on this and please someone correct me if I am, but I believe the plastic pieces were 1st generation jackets. The ones they sell now have been made without those pieces.....

You are right...however, they still have some old stocks, which they “inadvertently” ship out if the buyer does not specify....If the buyer does not know...how can he specify...” no plastic, pls”?

 

[B-Man2]

You’re right , and I’m sure they would ship out the first thing the picked up. Good point...

 

[Pilot]

You’re right , and I’m sure they would ship out the first thing the picked up. Good point...

Yup! plus the “WTF factor” of the surely extremely well trained/paid and motivated employees in their factory ( located approx. 40 km from Dubai international Airport)...

 

[B-Man2]

Hahaha no doubt .... good insight !!

 

[CBI]

My experience with WPG is easy returns. At 1/5 the price of ELC, worth a shot. I really liked my WPG Irvin, I had lost weight so it was too large and I own on an original.

 

[ausreenactor]

I have never had a bad product from WPG. Sizing is an issue sometimes; however, that is generally tied to me not reading reviews. Go for the Irvin.