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Buzz v Bronson [2020]: MA-1 Comparison; the little details...

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
IMG_9456.JPG

IMG_9459.JPG


BUZZ SLEEVES
IMG_9462.JPG


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.

IMG_9447.JPG


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
IMG_9409.JPG


BUZZ DECAL
IMG_9430.JPG


BRONSON ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
IMG_9406.JPG


BUZZ ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
IMG_9423.JPG


BRONSON TAG
IMG_9399.JPG


BUZZ DECAL
IMG_9428.JPG


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.
 

mulceber

Moderator
Nice review, Wei! I'm always up for a good head-to-head comparison that goes into the weeds a little bit.

I wonder if the drape of the sleeves has to do with age. Was the BR jacket used when you bought it? I know the drape of leather jackets will improve with age, but I'm not sure if Nylon will do so as well.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
I wonder if the drape of the sleeves has to do with age. Was the BR jacket used when you bought it? I know the drape of leather jackets will improve with age, but I'm not sure if Nylon will do so as well.

Thanks for the kind words!
I got the BR in almost-mint condition. When I got the BR, the USAF decal on the inside by the label was fully there; not so much any more after I've worn it a good few times.
But to my knowledge, the BR drape has always been the same.
Good point you make with the parallel with leather; although, I have worn the Bronson far more than the BR and the it's till as stiff and jaggedy as ever.
I'm really not sure why, though.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
Great review...

Only have one BR MA-1. It is a bulky jacket..

Yahoo Japan can eliminate that retail factor for you. Plenty on offer.

Thanks very much!
Haha, please do not tempt me; I was checking out Yahoo Auctions all of last night after being introduced to a Mr. Juno-san and his Proxy service.
My, my, let's not enable me further.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
By the way guys, is there any way to tag Bronson into this thread?
I was hoping they could see the sleeve issue and take note for next time.
I'm new here, so any help with how to do that would be greatly appreciated!
 

London Cabbie

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
View attachment 44689
View attachment 44687

BUZZ SLEEVESView attachment 44688

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.

View attachment 44690

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
View attachment 44691

BUZZ DECAL
View attachment 44692

BRONSON ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
View attachment 44693

BUZZ ZIPPER EXAMPLE:
View attachment 44694

BRONSON TAGView attachment 44695

BUZZ DECAL
View attachment 44696

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.
I have been requesting someone to do this comparison for a while and you have nailed it with a detailed and honest review. Thankyou @MaydayWei.
Would love to see the comparison fit pics. Do you have other nylons to review..?
 

917_k

Well-Known Member
Nice comparison review @MaydayWei. The Bronson jacket is obviously very good value and as you say, the RRP in BR jackets is pretty steep, but it just had the edge in terms of authenticity. The way those sleeves sit to me says that the filling is thicker and of better quality, which looks much closer to the real thing and i imagine makes it a warmer jacket.

Ive just acquired a BR B-15c mod (picked up for a bargain £160 GBP) and whilst I don’t have another jacket to compare it against, the quality is superb. If it didn’t have the BR tag you’d pass it off as an original.
 

Flightengineer

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the informative review. Nothing beats the original (I've always owned the originals), but Buzz is usually as close to the original as possible. I didn't consider Bronson since the first release, seeing the uncorrect zippers and sleeve pocket I didn't even look further when they made this MA1 two years ago.
The same thing with their nylon versions of B15.
 
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Rutger

Well-Known Member
Excellent review !
For the scared of prices: most BR can be found for a decent price with patience and a bit of negotiating.
To me, the described differences are quite sufficient to go with BR and RealMcCoy and nothing else.
If a DD ever shows up though......

I've got another Japanese make MA-1 in the attic which appears to more closely resemble BR. Walked up just now, saw the pile and decided to dig it up another day. Put it on a couple months ago and what I considered a failed purchase about 8 years ago actually felt pretty good. No stiff arms, rather loose cuffs though. Nylon shell is near indistinguishable from BR. But the zippers etc might be off-spec though.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
Thank you all for your kind comments, I'm glad you all appreciated what I had to say.
Just a little surprised that that many people took the time to actually read my (rather irrelevant) ramblings!
Nonetheless, I am very happy to have contributed somewhat to the VLJ community.
I have been wanting to do such a comparison for a while now; since December of 2019 to be exact.
Can't spell procrastination without... uh well, without procrastination.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the informative review. Nothing beats the original (I've always owned the originals), but Buzz is usually as close to the original as possible. I didn't consider Bronson since the first release, seeing the uncorrect zippers and sleeve pocket I didn't even look further when they made this MA1 two years ago.
The same thing with their nylon versions of B15.

I quite agree with you on choosing originals > repros. I'm quite like that with CWU jackets.
However, I tend to find that its really rather difficult to come by an original say 1940s M422a or a 1950s Sage green Ma-1.
Even if I did, there's the matter of: (1) absurd prices (for one in good nick); and (2) condition (most originals are at least decades old at this point).
And, even if these old jackets went for a good price and were in good condition, I would simply be too afraid to wear out and damage such a well-preserved piece of history! Argh! What a dilemma.
Long story short, I agree with your underlying sentiment on originals; but IMHO the repros allow us to experience them better - in a far less stressful way. And the less worries you have about a jacket, the more wear time it gets; at least, that's the case in my limited experience hahaha.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
I have been requesting someone to do this comparison for a while and you have nailed it with a detailed and honest review. Thankyou @MaydayWei.
Would love to see the comparison fit pics. Do you have other nylons to review..?

Maybe on my next day off, I will try to remember to get some fit pics!
Generally, like most sources say, the Bronson fits on the slim side (which is not a bad thing for someone of my build) and is generally shorter than most modern jackets; a perfect length for the shorter gentleman such as myself.
The Buzz, in contrast, is far blousier; very wide in the chest; I have to wear my Winter woolies to fill it up. Alas, the super wide and poofy fit is period accurate. After all, I believe it was meant to be layered on top of a flight suit etc. etc. With regards to length, it is my understanding that BR Nylons are generally short in the body; which is, again, perfect for the shorter gentleman. This is also true.

And, unfortunately, those 2 are my only 2 noteworthy Nylons! I have an Alpha Ma-1 in black, buuut I have a sneaking suspicion that might not have been what you meant ;)
 

Flightengineer

Well-Known Member
I quite agree with you on choosing originals > repros. I'm quite like that with CWU jackets.
However, I tend to find that its really rather difficult to come by an original say 1940s M422a or a 1950s Sage green Ma-1.
Even if I did, there's the matter of: (1) absurd prices (for one in good nick); and (2) condition (most originals are at least decades old at this point).
And, even if these old jackets went for a good price and were in good condition, I would simply be too afraid to wear out and damage such a well-preserved piece of history! Argh! What a dilemma.
Long story short, I agree with your underlying sentiment on originals; but IMHO the repros allow us to experience them better - in a far less stressful way. And the less worries you have about a jacket, the more wear time it gets; at least, that's the case in my limited experience hahaha.

I'm not against quality repros. I agree with you. I have a repro from Buzz B-15C and this is an exact copy of the Monarch contract. I also have a Bronson B-15A and it's not a bad jacket.
I just don't like how Bronson made this MA1.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
I'm not against quality repros. I agree with you. I have a repro from Buzz B-15C and this is an exact copy of the Monarch contract. I also have a Bronson B-15A and it's not a bad jacket.
I just don't like how Bronson made this MA1.

Totally understandable! My first comment might have come off a little more aggressive than I had intended, apologies my friend.
Unfortunately a lot of 'tone' gets lost in text and translation.
But, if I may, what exactly about the Bronson MA-1 is it that you dislike?
 

Flightengineer

Well-Known Member
Totally understandable! My first comment might have come off a little more aggressive than I had intended, apologies my friend.
Unfortunately a lot of 'tone' gets lost in text and translation.
But, if I may, what exactly about the Bronson MA-1 is it that you dislike?

No problem, mate, and you have nothing to apologize for.
As I already wrote, as soon as they made it I didn't like the uncorrect zippers and the details of the sleeve pocket. If they decided to put a specific contract on the label and try to copy it, they had to use the correct zippers. They took what they had. You also correctly wrote about the sleeves in your review.
 

MaydayWei

Well-Known Member
No problem, mate, and you have nothing to apologize for.
As I already wrote, as soon as they made it I didn't like the uncorrect zippers and the details of the sleeve pocket. If they decided to put a specific contract on the label and try to copy it, they had to use the correct zippers. They took what they had. You also correctly wrote about the sleeves in your review.

Ah, I see, very understandable gripes.
If you buy something that is not exactly what you want, but is close to exactly what you want; you' will just end up up paying twice.
That's a lesson I learned the hard way hahaha.
 
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