CWU-36/45 questions

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Avirex is good but with those stitch problems I would stay out of it. It would be pretty notorious.

 

[Ed Rooney]

That is an expedient field repair. I had one done in red thread. It’s tough to hand sew nomex. Just take it to the ALSE shop.

What do you think about Avirex? I didn't know they were an official supplier, but apparently they had a contract in 84? Also, what do you make of this picture? I can't make it out, some stitching problems on the sleeve?

 

[Flightengineer]

My 36p was also Avirex, everything was OK, it was a 1985 contract. But with this seam .... I agree with Jorge. Look for another jacket.

 

[Greg Gale]

Thanks, so no jacket ending with an X. Isratex, Avirex

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

No, AVIREX is good, it’s just this specific example that you posted that should avoided. On the other hand, ISRATEX had a problem with their CWU-45s, so any from that brand should avoided. I know ISRATEX also had a CWU-36 contract, but I never owned one, so I comment about those.

 

[Ed Rooney]

You decide.

Thanks, so no jacket ending with an X. Isratex, Avirex

 

[Greg Gale]

Thanks to @Jorgeenriqueaguilera , this beauty is on its way to Hungary, and so are some kick ass VF-84 patches. At least I have a reason to look forward to returning home at the end of October. Will keep you posted!

 

[MaydayWei]

Hi, Greg

I’m 1,80 mts or 5’10” and my size is 42 on G-1s’ too, on CWUs; Medium fits me perfect. I would suggest you checking for pre-owned ones on ebay, you should be able to find them in a reasonable price and condition with some patience. Avoid the ones from ISRATEX, their stitching has problems. For Bali, I would take a CWU-36, the 45 is way to warm. Here are some pics of both. (MEDIUM)
CWU-45/P
View attachment 42334
CWU-36/PView attachment 42335

Hello everyone,
Hope you don't mind me reviving this thread somewhat.
I'm new here, but damn, I just have to say how much I love your collection and the pics you share with us @Jorge. (even follow the gram)
And controversial opinion amongst the leather nuts but the CWU45/ps and the CWU36/ps are just a little cooler; especially those old A and B models.
Just my two cents hehe.

Cheers

 

[MaydayWei]

Hello all,

If you would allow me to be a little self-indulgent.
I wanted to share a recent acquisition to the collection; which I hope I will care for well.
A NWT CWU45/p, Valley Apparel, 2014 contract (I think); the most common NSN and contract date of the 2014s that I've seen.

A little observation, if I may, it appears that the 2014 CWU45/p matte fabric (SPE1C1-14-D-1067) is a little darker, with less olive undertones, and is a little bit more emerald or bottle green than the earlier valley apparel matte cloth (SPM1C1-10-D-1012). Let me know what you guys think:

A small difference, but I was quite excited to notice it.
Other than the shade of the fabric itself it appears that the jackets are nearly identical in every way. Goes to show Valley's consistency on these newer 2nd gen matte fabric CWUs, eh?

Cheers

 

[917_k]

And controversial opinion amongst the leather nuts but the CWU45/ps and the CWU36/ps are just a little cooler; especially those old A and B models.
Just my two cents hehe.

Have to kinda agree with you, A2’s are nice and a staple of any collection, but the CWU just looks a bit more bad ass nowadays.

 

[MaydayWei]

Have to kinda agree with you, A2’s are nice and a staple of any collection, but the CWU just looks a bit more bad ass nowadays.

We may be in the minority, my friend! Have to be careful, we are wandering into some blasphemous territories with our statements haha

 

[917_k]

We may be in the minority, my friend! Have to be careful, we are wandering into some blasphemous territories with our statements haha

I’m safe (hopefully) as the G-1 is still my all time favourite flight jacket. Combines the cool turned up collar look of the CWU (and some of the warmth), with all of the qualities of a leather jacket.

 

[Ed Rooney]

I love the G-1 and CWU. As an Army guy, I feel like I need to have an A-2, but I have never found one that fit me like the G-1. The closest is my Avirex USAF issue A-2 in 42L, which is just a hair too long for my liking.

Leather “bomber” jackets are just not as popular as MA-1s right now, and CWUs are going to explode once Top Gun is released.

 

[MaydayWei]

I’m safe (hopefully) as the G-1 is still my all time favourite flight jacket. Combines the cool turned up collar look of the CWU (and some of the warmth), with all of the qualities of a leather jacket.

Very fair, very fair; I think I may need to catch the G-1 bug from ya.

 

[MaydayWei]

Leather “bomber” jackets are just not as popular as MA-1s right now, and CWUs are going to explode once Top Gun is released.

Fully agree Ed, the moment TG2 hits the big screen everyone is going to be looking for one and the prices are going to be far higher than what they're actually worth. Guess it would be a prudent investment to buy a few more while we still can at (somewhat) reasonable prices, eh?

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

Hello everyone,
Hope you don't mind me reviving this thread somewhat.
I'm new here, but damn, I just have to say how much I love your collection and the pics you share with us @Jorge. (even follow the gram)
And controversial opinion amongst the leather nuts but the CWU45/ps and the CWU36/ps are just a little cooler; especially those old A and B models.
Just my two cents hehe.

Cheers

Thanks @MaydayWei, and I agree with you, CWUs are not just cooler but the most practical flight jackets to date. No wonder you can see them being worn by other countries Air Force besides US. And when they are patched they look cooler! Here are some right out the closet: 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.

 

[Ed Rooney]

You need some Army style in there, Jorge. There should still be some around 15 years after flight suits were verboten.

 

[Jorgeenriqueaguilera]

I do have some of those, tan and green. They are in my locker but I have some pics on the roll, they are cool, too!

 

[MaydayWei]

Thanks @MaydayWei, and I agree with you, CWUs are not just cooler but the most practical flight jackets to date. No wonder you can see them being worn by other countries Air Force besides US. And when they are patched they look cooler! Here are some right out the closet: 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.
View attachment 44575

Now I know what they mean when they say that Jorge has it all! What a curated and stunning collection you have! Gorgeous!

 

[MaydayWei]

Here is my humble attempt to mimic Jorge.
My first CWU45/p is the only one I have velcro-patched at the moment.
I thought I'd do it up USAF style: Air combat command, 336 FS.