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Decent, moderately priced A2

T

TrainDriver

Member
Hello folks. I’m looking for a “decent” A2. I would love an Eastman or Aero, but man, I just can’t justify 1000-1200 for a jacket. Heck, it’s hard to justify 600-800 price range I’m considering.

Although I like the historical reproductions of ELC and Aero, I’m don’t really need to have the knowledge that my jacket is exactly like Jimmy Doolittle’s. I am concerned with having a jacket with good leather and good build quality.

My first leather jacket was a U.S. Wings Indy type jacket. It was $389, but I believe it was $385 worth of leather, and $4 worth of thread and build quality. The threads are fraying coming loose in multiple places. Just seems shoddy craftsmanship.

I am considering a Cockpit USA government issue A2. I know it will not be an exact replica, with Talon zippers and epaulets placed exactly where Suzy seamstress placed them in 1940. I just want it to be good leather and quality craftsmanship. Does anyone have a Cockpit A2 with pics?

What is the general opinion of Cockpit? What is the general opinion of that 600-800$ range? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
 
FlakMagnet

FlakMagnet

Well-Known Member
I have two AVI A2’s (Bronco contract, in goatskin, and seal and choc brown), and they check all the boxes for me. They’re available in horsehide as well.

There are some 5Star A2 owners here on the forum who could chime in
 
B-Man2

B-Man2

Well-Known Member
Don’t waste your money on a Cockpit A2.
Listen to what the guys above are telling you.
Used ELC and Good Wear jackets are the way to go . You can have one for what a Cockpit will cost . You can do better financially with an Aero of Scotland A2. If you want to get a jacket that’s about the same quality of a Cockpit but significantly less money then look at a 5 Star A2. Lastly don’t be in a rush, there’s a deal every week on a good quality A2 jacket so just be patient. It’s too hot to wear one this time of year anyway and because of the season it’s a buyers market right now . Good luck with your search .
 
Greg Gale

Greg Gale

Well-Known Member
Cockpit produces quite inaccurate, more like 'fashion' jackets that are nice but way overpriced these days. I echo what Burt said, I'd stay away from them. If you can't afford an Eastman:

1) Get a used ELC if it's really an Eastman you want
2) Get a new Bill Kelso - their prices are still not too blown up, and they're absolutely top tier
3) Get a Dubow from Platon - top tier jackets at half price, as long as the contract fits you. It's pretty short in the torso and sleeves
4) AVI Leather - pretty decent quality, especially for the price, fairly accurate and great fit. Can't go wrong with it.
 
CombatWombat

CombatWombat

Well-Known Member
If you're looking for a great goatskin A2 try Christine's Sydney
They fit like a "proper" A2 should and the materials are top notch
Go for $300AUD nowadays and up to a 52 inch chest with short, regular and long lengths
 
Brettafett

Brettafett

Well-Known Member
@Greg Gale nails it.

Owned a number of Cockpits, OK, but way over-priced and better buys out there.
If you're after a new jacket, can push that price a bit and are not in a rush.... Bill Kelso is top notch.
BK sits in the same boat as GW and ELC, although GW is the Captain of that boat.

There are lots of reviews and pics on this forum.

Secondhand market is always worth a look and depending on your size, you may find a good deal. If you are open to buying secondhand, this should be your Plan A
Being the devil's advocate, I must add that you need to go in eyes wide open.
If you need to clean the jacket (maybe that doesn't bother you), or if you need to replace knit parts or anything else, it can add a chunk of change to your budget.
So, ask questions, do your homework.
If you find a jacket in your size, in good condition at a fair price, it would be a happy day.

Highly recommend AVI's Bronco A-2 if you are on a budget and want new... Easy choice over Cockpit
Copied off original in their collection. Also options of horsehide or goat etc
Sure, not in the same league as GW, BK or ELC etc, but its $330 to $360!!!

Heres a review I did of my AVI Bronco. Fantastic A-2 for the price.
www.vintageleatherjackets.org

AVI LTHR's 'new' Bronco A-2 horsehide pics!

Recently received AVI’s ‘new’ Bronco incarnation and promised to show-&-tell. Overall, I’m very happy with the jacket. Well-made, fits to a T and is arguably the best Bronco pattern they have made to date. This is the horsehide version. Its light, supple and feels to be about the correct weight...
www.vintageleatherjackets.org www.vintageleatherjackets.org

Heres a thought. Pick up an AVI or 5 Star A2... Then put cash aside for to top end jacket. This way to get to work out your best fit.
 
T

TrainDriver

Member
For those asking, I’m probably looking for a 48. I have a 46 Cockpit modern A2 and it seems juuust a bit snug, and I don’t see too many folks offering a 47 1/2, so I think a 48 would be alright. I’d rather have a little too much room than feel constricted.

I believe I’d prefer a russet horsehide. The seal “brown” in the Cockpit modern A2 passes for black in my book.

Someone mentioned the “trainee” line with Aero. That was a good call. I’ll have to keep an eye on those.

Since Avi and 5 Star both come pretty equally recommended, which one between the two?

This isn’t going to be an immediate purchase. Probably closer to Christmas, but gotta fight the wife over “how many leather jackets do you need”, “what’s the difference in that one and the one you already have”…ya know, the same stuff we ask about their shoes.
 
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