Hi Julian
Welcome to the forum.
While Avirex A2 Jackets are a good low end jacket that will meet all of your needs for colder weather, its not would I would call an accurate historical example of a vintage WWII A2 jacket in terms of reproduction accuracy. Definitely not in the same class as an Aero. Schott is also not a quality example of a WWII A2 Jacket maker. If reproduction accuracy is not your thing, then by all means continue to wear your Avirex A2 and disregard this post.
I have a very, very old Avirex jacket made of some light leather, no idea what exactly. It's not at all an accurate repro, but a good quality, fun little jacket.
JulianI believe this one is made of horse hide so I imagine it’s decently heavy. I don’t believe it is accurate at all for a WWII jacket but I believe it is at least period correct? I can’t find much information on Avirex and their relation with the US military.
Julian
You have to move forward a bit from WWII to the 1990's to see Avirex Military Contract Jackets. Avirex did have a military contract around that time for manufacturing the more modern A2's of that period.
.I believe this one is made of horse hide so I imagine it’s decently heavy. I don’t believe it is accurate at all for a WWII jacket but I believe it is at least period correct? I can’t find much information on Avirex and their relation with the US military.
Avirex horsehide jacket must have this label on lining (see picture). If it does not have, it is made of cowhide. Avirex had contract with USAF for A-2 jackets, contract years 1998 and 1999. Contract year jackets from 1998 are older version, without internal pockets and handwarmer pockets (side entry). Contract from 1999 is so called 21-st century jacket. It has internal pockets and handwarmers and construction (fit) is different. Avirex had contract 2007, but under the name of Cockpit, because they sold brand Avirex in 2005. B-man has Cockpit jacket from 2007, so he can tell you more, because he is an expert.The jacket I purchased is from late 70s I believe. I think they started their contract in 1978? For $70 I figured I’d see what it’s like. If it’s indeed horse hide, it has to be decent quality (I hope).
They made good jackets, if you do not expect authenticity and quality of top repro manufacturers. I have dozen od their jackets, ans they are all made in usa, because there is a difference in quality between jackets made in usa and jackets made in korea and china.Silvio is the expert of Avirex /Cockpit jackets.
He is the most knowledgeable A/C jackets expert here IMHO. He also owns several of them.
I just briefly saw the Avirex Korea factory outside of Seoul ROK end of the 90ies.
They had a great „ Top Gun „ G-1. superbly made... price was a fortune that time...
I had the same G-1 but made in China in my fingers very recently... no comparison... total crapola... if compared to the Korean made G-1.
Guess this is why they were sold... ( good profit making Co’ s buy others, but dont get sold )
Producing crapola never pays off for too long....especially in a competitive market.
I see what you guys mean. I was under the impression that these jackets (while not original) were used by the US as official flight jackets. I think I’m not as concerned about accuracy as I am about quality and sturdiness.
They made a.mistake in article. General MacArthur wore Roughwear A-2 jacket, made of horsehide.
Those jackets are treated with fire retardant. Todays supplier is Excelled. They are also suppliers for G-1 jackets.Here you go, the list is old and the newer jackets are not there.
Issued jackets will only be goatskin, thats the spec as it's the most fire resistant leather.
The USAF did tests and it was actually better than nomex.
View attachment 20366
As someone who grew up in the 80s and came of age in the late 90s (first job), I always lusted after an Avirex A-2. The name was super cool too!
I understand they couldn't turn down a handsome sum to sell the name... But couldn't they come up with something more unique than Cockpit? My. 0.2 only.
The jacket just came in yesterday and I have to say I am seriously impressed for having paid well under $100.
That's a great deal! I flipped one of those Avirex B9 leather vests on ebay for $265 last year.