Avi or 5* for A2 jacket

[Ritchy]

I plan to buy the anj3 from Avi in the next few days once I have decided on the size. I wonder about the opportunity to order an A2 at the same time to save shiping, knowing that the choice of models is much more limited than at 5* I've seen a lot of VLJ members talking about their USN Avi jackets while the A2s often come from 5*.
Is Avi better than 5* for USN jackets and not as good for A2?

 

[B-Man2]

For the price I don’t think you can go wrong with either one of them . The advantage of 5 Star is that they offer a few more different maker contracts than AVI . I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve owned jackets from both companies . I’ve found both companies to be responsive both in answering questions and in customer service . If I were thinking about which one to order I would order an A2 from AVI and try it on and examine the quality of the hide and workmanship . If you don’t like it , you can always return it . 5 Star would always make you a jacket, but I’m not sure how their return policy works .

 

[B-Man2]

You can still delete your duplicate post at this time .

 

[Ritchy]

I can't find how to ! I just can edit it

 

[Ritchy]

For the price I don’t think you can go wrong with either one of them . The advantage of 5 Star is that they offer a few more different maker contracts than AVI . I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve owned jackets from both companies . I’ve found both companies to be responsive both in answering questions and in customer service . If I were thinking about which one to order I would order an A2 from AVI and try it on and examine the quality of the hide and workmanship . If you don’t like it , you can always return it . 5 Star would always make you a jacket, but I’m not sure how their return policy works .

Thank you Burt, i just need to choice now betwen the Perry and the Bronco

 

[Brettafett]

@Ritchy, I think Burts given great advice there.
May as well get a Bronco from AVI for fit. Make sure you go up one size from your chest size, assuming you're of average build. Same for the ANJ-3.
You can always return this for a refund.
ANJ-3 is a very wearable jacket. Super comfy.
I personally love my HH Bronco, wore it today. I'd also prefer it over the Perry pattern.
Why? For me, Im not a fan of the collar stand and blunted Perry collar. It sits high. Dont like it. Others will likely feel differently.

Then, have a look at Stu's (@London Cabbie) Roughwear A-2 he recently received from 5*, looks sweet.
Shawn also appears to offer more choice of leathers. Might be worth looking into samples.
I like the look of his Dubow and @ties70 Ties' Monarch A-2... Options!

Good luck

 

[Ritchy]

@Brettafett Thank you very much Brett for your comments which lead to further questions regarding the ANJ-3.
I am 1.88 m tall and weigh 82 kg with a chest measurement of 105 cm and a shoulder width of 50 cm.
The 44 and 46 seem to be suitable, what do you recommend?
Besides, what would you change on your ANJ3?
I plan to put on a vintage Navy patch in leather but the choice on the net for quality is rather limited, unlike what is found for the USAAF. Anyone have any recommendations?
Regarding the A2 I will take the time to compare the Bronco and the Perry. Have you posted photos or a review of the Bronco?

 

[Brettafett]

Yes, Ive had every version of AVI's Bronco. Reviews are in 'Repros' somewhere.
ANJ-3 also.

ANJ-3, I recon 44 but fit can be quite subjective.
I would try and compare the measurements on the website with a jacket you already have (if possible).

I am 1.81 72kg, 39.5 to 40" chest, 18"+- shoulders and the 42 fits well. I usually add an inch to sleeve length also. But thats me.
I can wear a light sweater if need be also.
Wouldn't change a thing. You are always welcome to upgrade if you choose, zipper, etc but its not necessary if you just want a banger & a beater of a jacket.

 

[Kennyz]

Yes, Ive had every version of AVI's Bronco. Reviews are in 'Repros' somewhere.
ANJ-3 also.

ANJ-3, I recon 44 but fit can be quite subjective.
I would try and compare the measurements on the website with a jacket you already have (if possible).

I am 1.81 72kg, 39.5 to 40" chest, 18"+- shoulders and the 42 fits well. I usually add an inch to sleeve length also. But thats me.
I can wear a light sweater if need be also.
Wouldn't change a thing. You are always welcome to upgrade if you choose, zipper, etc but its not necessary if you just want a banger & a beater of a jacket.

Hi Brettafett,

What is AVI's horsehide like? I'm curious about how it ages, the patina.

Thanks

Ken

 

[Brettafett]

Hello Ken,

I cycle through my jackets, so they dont quite get a ton of heavy wear.

Its not really fair to compare this HH to the likes of the top maker's offerings.

What I can say, is that I like the colour/ hue of the seal, its a pretty accurate weight (same as the top ends) and thickness (around 1.1mm to 1.2mm).
It 'gives', is easy to move around in, and has some decent grain & character out the bag.
So far its holding up really well. Been in a few showers, been on some trips, feels like it will last and last.
It appears a bit more opaque, and feels slightly more vinyl-like compared to the top end jackets, but thats not to be misinterpreted as a 'negative'...
Again, Im comparing a 289 Euro jacket to a £1100 jacket with specialist leathers.

Bottom line, its a brilliant jacket for the price!

 

[Kennyz]

Hello Ken,

I cycle through my jackets, so they dont quite get a ton of heavy wear.

Its not really fair to compare this HH to the likes of the top maker's offerings.

What I can say, is that I like the colour/ hue of the seal, its a pretty accurate weight (same as the top ends) and thickness (around 1.1mm to 1.2mm).
It 'gives', is easy to move around in, and has some decent grain & character out the bag.
So far its holding up really well. Been in a few showers, been on some trips, feels like it will last and last.
It appears a bit more opaque, and feels slightly more vinyl-like compared to the top end jackets, but thats not to be misinterpreted as a 'negative'...
Again, Im comparing a 289 Euro jacket to a £1100 jacket with specialist leathers.

Bottom line, its a brilliant jacket for the price!

Thank you, Brettafett. That's very helpful feedback. Seems AVI makes great jackets at a great price!

Ken

 

[Ritchy]

Yes, Ive had every version of AVI's Bronco. Reviews are in 'Repros' somewhere.
ANJ-3 also.

ANJ-3, I recon 44 but fit can be quite subjective.
I would try and compare the measurements on the website with a jacket you already have (if possible).

I am 1.81 72kg, 39.5 to 40" chest, 18"+- shoulders and the 42 fits well. I usually add an inch to sleeve length also. But thats me.
I can wear a light sweater if need be also.
Wouldn't change a thing. You are always welcome to upgrade if you choose, zipper, etc but its not necessary if you just want a banger & a beater of a jacket.

Thank you Brett

 

[Ritchy]

Hi there
Some news, I couldn't make up my mind for the A2 and couldn't wait for the ANJ3, so I placed an order for a size 44 with AVI last night. The wait begins.