MaydayWei
Well-Known Member
Hello everyone,
In light of the recent buzz and excitement (pun intended) surrounding the new Bronson Fall releases, I thought I would do a quick review between my Bronson '1955' MA-1 and my Buzz Rickson 1957 Lion Uniform Co. Repro.
Before we begin, I'd simply like to add that both jackets are fantastic. For their respective price points the Bronson really gives you bang for your buck in terms of relative value, and the Buzz less so.
Nevertheless, money aside, both jackets are simply great. Here are some of my observations:
1. SLEEVES
The most glaring difference in my mind is the way the Bronson's sleeves drapes in comparison to the Buzz. The Buzz's sleeves drape very naturally; yes, with creases but when laid flat it clearly... well... lays flat. It acts, to my mind, how a normal Nylon sleeve should. In contrast, the Bronson's sleeves seem to be very rigid, and I don't know why. Perhaps it has something to do with the construction or the materials themselves; but even when laid flat the Bronson's sleeves stick up and out in a jagged fashion. This, consequently, creates very clear and strikingly sharp creasing - resulting in an almost-ravine like appearance; especially when worn.
A little nit-picky, but it's the one and only real complaint I have about the Bronson MA-1. It's just very ungainly and unsightly and something that even my cheap Alpha MA-1 doesn't do; at least, not to such a degree.
Please excuse my harsh words regarding the Bronson's sleeves, besides this one issue; its a damn good jacket (as I will go on to explain).
BRONSON SLEEVES
BUZZ SLEEVES
2. THE LITTLE DETAILS
2.1. NYLON
Here, I have no issues whatsoever, I simply thought I would showcase (for those interested) the difference between the shades of 'sage' green employed by Bronson v. Buzz. (Picture directly below; Bronson on the left, and Buzz on the right)
I must note, however, that Buzz's Nylon definitely feels more decadent and silkier to the touch in comparison to the Bronson; especially the inside lining Nylon. Nonetheless, what the Bronson lacks in luxury it makes up for in robustness - the Bronson is tougher than the Buzz.
Please remember, of course, that you are paying so much more (RRP) for the Buzz over the Bronson. Luckily for me I picked up the Buzz at 230 USD
2.2 STITCHING
The Buzz's stitching is far more consistent throughout the jacket and is holistically better in the sense that (if you were really nit-picking) its a lot tidier, closer together, and generally better 'put together' (but not markedly so).
Honestly, a very small detail for the those who are seriously detail-oriented and who actually care about the little, little things.
That being said, I must point out that there are certain points on the MA-1 design where the stitching on the Buzz is obviously of a better quality; namely, the cigarette pocket and oxygen and radio wire snap buttons near the armpits of the jacket.
2.3. ZIPPERS:
I had honestly thought that the Bronson talon repros would not bother me; but they seem to lack the substance and weight that a YKK or the Crown zipper on the Buzz has. That being said the bloody repro talon zips up easier than the Crown one.
One thing to note, however, is that the faux leather zipper pull employed on the Bronson is very clearly faux; most obviously so when compared side-by-side with the Buzz.
Another little imperfection, but understandable given the price difference.
2.4. DECAL:
The Buzz's decal seems a little thicker but is more susceptible to chips, fading, scratches etc. than the Bronson's.
The Buzz's decal also seems waxier to the touch (?). Perhaps period accurate USAF decals were waxy? Huh, interesting.
2.5. TAGS:
Buzz's tag seem to be accurate to a real deal Lion Uniform Co. MA-1 tag that I've seen before: dead accurate there, I could discern no difference.
Bronson's is far off the mark, but who really cares about the tag accuracy but the few anal ones amongst us (me included).
Nevertheless, the Bronson's tag's inaccuracy in no way detracts or takes away from the Bronson Jacket as a whole.
2.6. CUFFS:
This is where the Buzz falls flat. I understand that the 100% wool composition is 'accurate' to the original...but damn is it itchy, scratchy, thin, and so incredibly fragile! The Buzz's knits, although more accurate than the Bronson's, is far, far more vulnerable to nicks, damage and so on. The Buzz's knits feel very flimsy and there is an irresistible inference that they will wear out easy.
The Bronson's knits on the other hand are tough, robust, rigid and markedly better at being everyday-wear knits in comparison to the Buzz's.
This is one part where Bronson, although less 'accurate', is most definitely superior for the trials of everyday jacket wear.
2.7. POCKETS:
Oh, and Buzz's outer pockets are lined with this wooly type Rayon, and the Bronson's is not. No biggie.
BRONSON DECAL
BUZZ DECAL
BRONSON ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
BUZZ ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
BRONSON TAG
BUZZ DECAL
3. CONCLUSION
If you've made it this far, I commend your perseverance and thank you for putting up with me for so long.
Despite my criticisms above, I can say in earnest that both Jackets are really very good reproductions.
The Bronson is a fantastic jacket at its price point and provides incredible value going into the repro jacket market; which is, admittedly, often a very expensive market to break into.
The Buzz, price aside, is really a great jacket; but please, try not to pay full retail if you can; it's pretty good, but not that as good as the price would suggest (if we are being perfectly candid).
I hope you've all enjoyed reading my 2 cents on Buzz v Bronson, please feel free to correct me if I had made any mistakes and I am happy to hear all your thoughts and comments.
Cheers, have a good weekend guys.
In light of the recent buzz and excitement (pun intended) surrounding the new Bronson Fall releases, I thought I would do a quick review between my Bronson '1955' MA-1 and my Buzz Rickson 1957 Lion Uniform Co. Repro.
Before we begin, I'd simply like to add that both jackets are fantastic. For their respective price points the Bronson really gives you bang for your buck in terms of relative value, and the Buzz less so.
Nevertheless, money aside, both jackets are simply great. Here are some of my observations:
1. SLEEVES
The most glaring difference in my mind is the way the Bronson's sleeves drapes in comparison to the Buzz. The Buzz's sleeves drape very naturally; yes, with creases but when laid flat it clearly... well... lays flat. It acts, to my mind, how a normal Nylon sleeve should. In contrast, the Bronson's sleeves seem to be very rigid, and I don't know why. Perhaps it has something to do with the construction or the materials themselves; but even when laid flat the Bronson's sleeves stick up and out in a jagged fashion. This, consequently, creates very clear and strikingly sharp creasing - resulting in an almost-ravine like appearance; especially when worn.
A little nit-picky, but it's the one and only real complaint I have about the Bronson MA-1. It's just very ungainly and unsightly and something that even my cheap Alpha MA-1 doesn't do; at least, not to such a degree.
Please excuse my harsh words regarding the Bronson's sleeves, besides this one issue; its a damn good jacket (as I will go on to explain).
BRONSON SLEEVES
BUZZ SLEEVES
2. THE LITTLE DETAILS
2.1. NYLON
Here, I have no issues whatsoever, I simply thought I would showcase (for those interested) the difference between the shades of 'sage' green employed by Bronson v. Buzz. (Picture directly below; Bronson on the left, and Buzz on the right)
I must note, however, that Buzz's Nylon definitely feels more decadent and silkier to the touch in comparison to the Bronson; especially the inside lining Nylon. Nonetheless, what the Bronson lacks in luxury it makes up for in robustness - the Bronson is tougher than the Buzz.
Please remember, of course, that you are paying so much more (RRP) for the Buzz over the Bronson. Luckily for me I picked up the Buzz at 230 USD
2.2 STITCHING
The Buzz's stitching is far more consistent throughout the jacket and is holistically better in the sense that (if you were really nit-picking) its a lot tidier, closer together, and generally better 'put together' (but not markedly so).
Honestly, a very small detail for the those who are seriously detail-oriented and who actually care about the little, little things.
That being said, I must point out that there are certain points on the MA-1 design where the stitching on the Buzz is obviously of a better quality; namely, the cigarette pocket and oxygen and radio wire snap buttons near the armpits of the jacket.
2.3. ZIPPERS:
I had honestly thought that the Bronson talon repros would not bother me; but they seem to lack the substance and weight that a YKK or the Crown zipper on the Buzz has. That being said the bloody repro talon zips up easier than the Crown one.
One thing to note, however, is that the faux leather zipper pull employed on the Bronson is very clearly faux; most obviously so when compared side-by-side with the Buzz.
Another little imperfection, but understandable given the price difference.
2.4. DECAL:
The Buzz's decal seems a little thicker but is more susceptible to chips, fading, scratches etc. than the Bronson's.
The Buzz's decal also seems waxier to the touch (?). Perhaps period accurate USAF decals were waxy? Huh, interesting.
2.5. TAGS:
Buzz's tag seem to be accurate to a real deal Lion Uniform Co. MA-1 tag that I've seen before: dead accurate there, I could discern no difference.
Bronson's is far off the mark, but who really cares about the tag accuracy but the few anal ones amongst us (me included).
Nevertheless, the Bronson's tag's inaccuracy in no way detracts or takes away from the Bronson Jacket as a whole.
2.6. CUFFS:
This is where the Buzz falls flat. I understand that the 100% wool composition is 'accurate' to the original...but damn is it itchy, scratchy, thin, and so incredibly fragile! The Buzz's knits, although more accurate than the Bronson's, is far, far more vulnerable to nicks, damage and so on. The Buzz's knits feel very flimsy and there is an irresistible inference that they will wear out easy.
The Bronson's knits on the other hand are tough, robust, rigid and markedly better at being everyday-wear knits in comparison to the Buzz's.
This is one part where Bronson, although less 'accurate', is most definitely superior for the trials of everyday jacket wear.
2.7. POCKETS:
Oh, and Buzz's outer pockets are lined with this wooly type Rayon, and the Bronson's is not. No biggie.
BRONSON DECAL
BUZZ DECAL
BRONSON ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
BUZZ ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
BRONSON TAG
BUZZ DECAL
3. CONCLUSION
If you've made it this far, I commend your perseverance and thank you for putting up with me for so long.
Despite my criticisms above, I can say in earnest that both Jackets are really very good reproductions.
The Bronson is a fantastic jacket at its price point and provides incredible value going into the repro jacket market; which is, admittedly, often a very expensive market to break into.
The Buzz, price aside, is really a great jacket; but please, try not to pay full retail if you can; it's pretty good, but not that as good as the price would suggest (if we are being perfectly candid).
I hope you've all enjoyed reading my 2 cents on Buzz v Bronson, please feel free to correct me if I had made any mistakes and I am happy to hear all your thoughts and comments.
Cheers, have a good weekend guys.