Any experience with Sporty's a2

[PilatusPilot]

Hey I know a few of you guys had the Sporty's a2. They claim they made it from a real mil spec pattern... Any thoughts about it? It's 250$... So I mean... Sounds like a good deal too.

 

[daw]

I don't have one of their A2's, but years ago bought one of their anj3's-paid about $90 on ebay, nearly new. However, it is HUGE, way oversized and much larger than I expected for the stated size, and not really accurate (wrong collar and hand-warmer pockets). Based on that experience I'd be skeptical about buying another by that maker. Be careful about getting measurements and not relying on the stated size of the jacket.

 

[B-Man2]

Same experience here. I had an A2 that was nice goatskin, but oversized and not historically accurate.

 

[Brettafett]

Mil spec pattern? Maybe a 1990 mil spec pattern. Not WWII that's for sure. I know the quality is good, but you'll find the hardware, knits etc will be modern types.
If you're after something more akin to WWII A-2.... or a goat A-2 for around that ball-park $, you 'd do well to consider Fivestar's Dubow.

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Depends on the age of the jacket I guess. Mine's a 1990's repro and not WW2 accurate but I really liked it and just happened to review it this morning:

https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/the-1990s-sportys-pilot-shop-civilian-a-2-style.25945/

 

[Brettafett]

Funny you say that. One of my favourite A-2s still happens to be my circa 2019 AVI LTHR 'Bronco'. Its a soft seal goat, drapes well, light, may not be the world's most super accurate 'Bronco' repro, but its so easy to wear. A firm favourite...

I also had a Willis & geiger from the 90's that had the collar of a Monarch and a satin lining... really looked the business.

Apologies, didn't mean to redirect the thread...

 

[PilatusPilot]

Thanks for all the replies! I saw pictures of their jackets.. the leather looks pretty good. And the price is very nice as well. I also kinda of like the appeal of it being a civilian version now I'm just waiting for Shawn to get more horsehide and his new contract ready, and then I'll decide.

 

[Bombing IP]

I had a Sporty A2 and they were sold in a time where they were more mall jacket buyers than people who wanted correct A2s .What I remember about it that it was way oversize ,the pocket flaps were ugly and the pockets were gigantic .Only a blind man on a galloping horse would call it a real A2 .

BIP

 

[PilatusPilot]

Never heard that hahahaha quite a funny way to put it. I start noticing that everyone is saying that they are a little too big and oversized for some reason

 

[Bombing IP]

Like I said the mall jackets were oversized that was the style back then so it was made to fit the fashion style of the time .

BIP

 

[Brettafett]

100% above. If you are US-based, by all means try one. But just understand what you're getting.
Personally, Id look into an AVI LTHR if still available or Fivestar.
Civilian A-2s also quite often have hand warmer pockets... Im sure Shawn can add this to a custom jacket if you wish.
Or... Get a Dubow pattern with those slit handwamrer pockets (like a B-15), that'd be very practical and something different.