Looks Like AVI is Back in the Game!

[g1jacketfan]

Also, how do the vintage Talons stack up quality-wise against the modern day YKK zippers that Excelled uses?

 

[ZuZu]

Great info! So AVI and the top tier reproduction houses are all using authorized new Talon zippers, but the more accurately shaped ones are licensed Japanese repros.

In terms of quality, have you noticed any difference between the Japanese Talons and Chinese (?) Talons?

Does AVI offer the ability to "upgrade" to the Japanese licensed Talon instead of the standard Chinese-produced Talon? I would imagine some AVI customers would be willing to pay an extra $30 for a more historically accurate zipper.

Sorry- I know nothing about AVI! The old WW2 Talons actually aren't that smooth but rather have a bit of drag with a distinct "zzzzzzzzz!" sound. The quality repros are smoother- I'd trust either (quality repro or new original) over the modern Talon.

 

[ZuZu]

Also, how do the vintage Talons stack up quality-wise against the modern day YKK zippers that Excelled uses?

I can't honestly say. Looks-wise the old Talons are beautiful and indestructible.

 

[g1jacketfan]

Does the AVI G-1 come standard with the "USN" stenciling on the back of the collar?

 

[coolhandluke]

Not sure where Mark Fisher sources his repro Talons from, but they are far and away the nicest operating repro Talon that I have felt...if not one of the best/ smoothest zippers period.

The Talon repro being used by Avi is not as subpar as some others out there, but it's also far from great. It's biggest negative is that the pull tends to get cockeyed in the slider quite often. Just replacing the slider/ pull assembly with an original Talon is a noticeable upgrade.

Below are photos of the Norshor Talon for reference...

 

[g1jacketfan]

Not sure where Mark Fisher sources his repro Talons from, but they are far and away the nicest operating repro Talon that I have felt...if not one of the best/ smoothest zippers period.

The Talon repro being used by Avi is not as subpar as some others out there, but it's also far from great. It's biggest negative is that the pull tends to get cockeyed in the slider quite often. Just replacing the slider/ pull assembly with an original Talon is a noticeable upgrade.

Below are photos of the Norshor Talon for reference...

View attachment 88341

View attachment 88343

View attachment 88345

How easy is it to replace the slider pull assembly with an original? What is the process?

 

[coolhandluke]

How easy is it to replace the slider pull assembly with an original? What is the process?

It's quite simple. Remove the top zipper stop with a cutting tool (snips/cutters/dykes), slide zipper pull off of top of chain, slide replacement pull on the chain, crimp replacement zipper stop on zipper tape.

 

[g1jacketfan]

Do the AVI G1's use two pieces of elastic for the back like the originals? I read that someone said the AVI M422s only use one piece of elastic.

 

[JonnyCrow]

Do the AVI G1's use two pieces of elastic for the back like the originals? I read that someone said the AVI M422s only use one piece of elastic.

Like this?

 

[JonnyCrow]

Their site claims bi swing back also

 

[Ritchy]

Here is the NOS MASH M42

 

[g1jacketfan]

Like this?View attachment 88381

Someone posted an original M422 photo which had two elastic bands. Did the original made in USA G1s have two bands or just one? Vintage M422 with two elastic bands below...

 

[g1jacketfan]

Here is the NOS MASH M42
View attachment 88419View attachment 88421View attachment 88423View attachment 88427

How does the Talon 39 differ from the Talon 42?

 

[mulceber]

How does the Talon 39 differ from the Talon 42?

• Years manufactured - M-39 first shows up on A-2 jackets in 1940 (maybe it was in production in 1939, which would make sense from its number?) whereas the M-42 first shows up on jackets in (you guessed it) 1942.
• color - the M-39 was a bright nickel color, whereas the M-42 is a bit more dull. This is informed speculation, but the military seems to have been concerned about zippers reflecting light, which might hinder a downed airman's ability to escape detection.
• M-39 is triple-marked (i.e. the word "Talon" appears twice on the zipper pull and once on the slider), where the M-42 is only double-marked.

 

[B-Man2]

Not to diminish your enthusiasm, but reading books and reading past posts on the “topic search” part of this forum, addresses most if not all of your questions. Have you tried either of these?

 

[PilatusPilot]

Just ordered an AVI M422A, it's now time to wait. Hoping the delivery will be quick!!

 

[PilatusPilot]

Jacket has been received!!

 

[Brettafett]

Thats a perfect fit.

 

[VeraVoulik]

Great jacket!

 

[Beaker_UK]

Has AVI stopped producing the Perry in Russet? How does it compare to their Bronco? I ask as I’m looking for options to replace my Platon Dubow as it’s just too short in the body.