Greetings all! This is my first official post on this forum. I’ve been in the WWII USGI reenactment scene for well over a decade but have recently grown to enjoy WWII flight jackets. I’m aware of all the major manufacturers (current and defunct) and have enjoyed reading through countless reviews over the years.
I did an extensive review on a Fivestar (FS) Bronco 29191 on a popular flight jacket FB page that seemed to garner some good feedback (I may repost if there is an appetite for it). Recently, I posted a detailed review of my new J.A. Dubow on that that same page but unfortunately there seems to be some bad blood between the admin and FS so my post was deleted. Pettiness aside I still feel it is important to give an in-depth and honest review.
Ordering details: I ordered the J.A. Dubow goatskin A2 (no frills) directly from the FS website in early Jan. After some back and forth regarding sizing my jacket was mailed mid-Jan. I appreciated their concern for my sizing choice. I ordered a standard 40 which was a significant size increase from my Bronco (which fits like a glove but I wanted ample room for layering). Currently, I stand at 5’6”, 150 lbs with a 30” waist and 41” chest. I’ve got short arms and a short trunk so I knew the jacket might be a little long but it was a risk I was willing to take. I used their 20% holiday promo so with shipping the total came to just north of $270.
Historical background: This jacket represents a 50,000 unit contract executed in the spring of 1942. By this time many of the small, unique features of early A2s had disappeared. This is a no frills-government issue garment.
Photo details: All photos were taken in natural light with my phone. The fit picture is still natural light but we had a snowstorm last night so it’s bright as hell outside.
Leather: The jacket is a dark russet brown (no red tint) veg-tanned goatskin with some interesting grain (almost pebbled). The weight is consistent throughout with no identified thin spots. I wiped the jacket down with an alcohol solution and applied one coat of conditioner and was surprised to see that there was no dye transfer. Ultimately I find this to be well within the margin of error (weight and color) of original examples.
Stitching: The stitching is OD cotton thread (historically accurate) which is less obvious than white or khaki thread. There is fantastic attention to detail regarding the consistency of the stitch work and the leather hasn’t been harpooned like some other manufacturers. The reinforcements on the waistband and pockets are present. The epaulettes are constructed with the correct double stitch line and large rectangular boxes. The hanger (abeit wide) also features the correct box stitching.
Cuffs: FS contacted me and told me that their standard russet cuffs were not available. I opted to swap them with the dull purple wool cuffs. This is still accurate based on surviving examples. These cuffs are subtle and only show that “purple” in the sun which is better than some of the almost brandy colored examples available on the market. No issues with the application of the cuffs and waistband. They are snug enough to allow the leather to fall over naturally.
Lining: The lining is an orangish cotton without any added improvements. This material will weather nicely around the high traction areas just like the originals. It features the stud coverings on the collar as well. The tag is the classic single-piece construction with narrow font. I have seen examples of orange and yellow lettering so this fits the bill. The lining is devoid of any inspection stamps which is consistent with originals.
Hardware: FS has improved their hardware game. My chief complaint about my Bronco are the anachronistic snaps/studs they used. They have now eliminated this concern by incorporating smaller United Carr snaps on the pockets and collar which is accurate for this contract. The pocket features the correct leather reinforcements. The collar hook is your typical repro. No issues with the placement. The zipper is a triple marked stainless steel Talon repro. It is a safe option but I’ve seen double marked stainless steel and brass Talon zips on originals. Additionally the end studs near the collar are modern. This is not a huge detractor as you have to be within a foot yo identify this feature.
Patterning: Dubow is known for its small neck hole, pointed collar, wide arms, gracious waist, and curved, symmetrical pockets. All of these features have been fantastically replicated by FS. There is ample room in the arms thanks to large arm holes. The sleeves taper correctly to the cuff. The taper in the waist is subtle and helps to negate the jacket riding up when your arms are lifted. The shoulders are narrow with epaulettes sewn forward of the shoulder seam. All of this helps create a comfy yet athletic fit that would accommodate layers (which is exactly why I chose this pattern). I did not identify any glaring departures from original patterning of this contract.
Ending thoughts: I really like this jacket. It fits well and will allow me to wear more than just a t-shirt underneath. I’m excited to see how it weathers over the years. I can see why this is the FS flagship. It certainly gives the other guys a run for their money, literally.
I did an extensive review on a Fivestar (FS) Bronco 29191 on a popular flight jacket FB page that seemed to garner some good feedback (I may repost if there is an appetite for it). Recently, I posted a detailed review of my new J.A. Dubow on that that same page but unfortunately there seems to be some bad blood between the admin and FS so my post was deleted. Pettiness aside I still feel it is important to give an in-depth and honest review.
Ordering details: I ordered the J.A. Dubow goatskin A2 (no frills) directly from the FS website in early Jan. After some back and forth regarding sizing my jacket was mailed mid-Jan. I appreciated their concern for my sizing choice. I ordered a standard 40 which was a significant size increase from my Bronco (which fits like a glove but I wanted ample room for layering). Currently, I stand at 5’6”, 150 lbs with a 30” waist and 41” chest. I’ve got short arms and a short trunk so I knew the jacket might be a little long but it was a risk I was willing to take. I used their 20% holiday promo so with shipping the total came to just north of $270.
Historical background: This jacket represents a 50,000 unit contract executed in the spring of 1942. By this time many of the small, unique features of early A2s had disappeared. This is a no frills-government issue garment.
Photo details: All photos were taken in natural light with my phone. The fit picture is still natural light but we had a snowstorm last night so it’s bright as hell outside.
Leather: The jacket is a dark russet brown (no red tint) veg-tanned goatskin with some interesting grain (almost pebbled). The weight is consistent throughout with no identified thin spots. I wiped the jacket down with an alcohol solution and applied one coat of conditioner and was surprised to see that there was no dye transfer. Ultimately I find this to be well within the margin of error (weight and color) of original examples.
Stitching: The stitching is OD cotton thread (historically accurate) which is less obvious than white or khaki thread. There is fantastic attention to detail regarding the consistency of the stitch work and the leather hasn’t been harpooned like some other manufacturers. The reinforcements on the waistband and pockets are present. The epaulettes are constructed with the correct double stitch line and large rectangular boxes. The hanger (abeit wide) also features the correct box stitching.
Cuffs: FS contacted me and told me that their standard russet cuffs were not available. I opted to swap them with the dull purple wool cuffs. This is still accurate based on surviving examples. These cuffs are subtle and only show that “purple” in the sun which is better than some of the almost brandy colored examples available on the market. No issues with the application of the cuffs and waistband. They are snug enough to allow the leather to fall over naturally.
Lining: The lining is an orangish cotton without any added improvements. This material will weather nicely around the high traction areas just like the originals. It features the stud coverings on the collar as well. The tag is the classic single-piece construction with narrow font. I have seen examples of orange and yellow lettering so this fits the bill. The lining is devoid of any inspection stamps which is consistent with originals.
Hardware: FS has improved their hardware game. My chief complaint about my Bronco are the anachronistic snaps/studs they used. They have now eliminated this concern by incorporating smaller United Carr snaps on the pockets and collar which is accurate for this contract. The pocket features the correct leather reinforcements. The collar hook is your typical repro. No issues with the placement. The zipper is a triple marked stainless steel Talon repro. It is a safe option but I’ve seen double marked stainless steel and brass Talon zips on originals. Additionally the end studs near the collar are modern. This is not a huge detractor as you have to be within a foot yo identify this feature.
Patterning: Dubow is known for its small neck hole, pointed collar, wide arms, gracious waist, and curved, symmetrical pockets. All of these features have been fantastically replicated by FS. There is ample room in the arms thanks to large arm holes. The sleeves taper correctly to the cuff. The taper in the waist is subtle and helps to negate the jacket riding up when your arms are lifted. The shoulders are narrow with epaulettes sewn forward of the shoulder seam. All of this helps create a comfy yet athletic fit that would accommodate layers (which is exactly why I chose this pattern). I did not identify any glaring departures from original patterning of this contract.
Ending thoughts: I really like this jacket. It fits well and will allow me to wear more than just a t-shirt underneath. I’m excited to see how it weathers over the years. I can see why this is the FS flagship. It certainly gives the other guys a run for their money, literally.
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