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ELC, Aero, or... ?
- Thread starter talleyho
- Start date
mulceber
Moderator
I’m not as well-versed in Irvins as I am in AAF stuff, and there are others here who could steer you better, but my impression is that both ELC and Aero make very good Irvin repros, but neither is perfect. At the kind of prices Eastman charges (a topic very well-canvassed on this board), I’d want perfection. So my vote goes to Aero as the better choice.
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Nickb123
Well-Known Member
This thread may be helpful -
A comparison of both makers’ lightweight Irvins, but I think it could give you the gist.
A comparison of both makers’ lightweight Irvins, but I think it could give you the gist.
bseal
Well-Known Member
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B-Man2
Well-Known Member
I think that in this case what you’re willing to spend will pretty much tell you which jacket to choose. If you have an unlimited budget then an ELC is probably the best bang for the buck at this time . Bseal is right in that an Aces High Irvin is one of the best out there, but they are no longer being made and they hardly come up for sale. So you could be waiting years for one in your size. Good wear doesn’t offer them or I’d say Good Wear. So that leaves Aero. If you have a limited budget then it’s an Aero for you . As I said earlier, if you have an unlimited budget then it’s ELC. Now here’s a thought … If you have a limited budget but you still want an ELC … Pre owned ones come up fairly frequently and at reduced prices …. So there you have it . Your wallet will help you decide which options are best for you.
mulceber
Moderator
There's currently a gorgeous original for sale on the ELC classifieds for around the price of an Eastman repro new. It doesn't mention the sizing, but you won't find a repro more accurate than that.
Lord Flashheart
Well-Known Member
As @mulceber says neither Aero nor ELC's offerings are perfect (zips being a particular point) but both are very respectable choices. For the money (and I'm not objective here) I think Aero's Late War repro to be a sound option though it doesn't look like they still offer that.
Another review here https://www.vintageleatherjackets.o...ob-black-fleece-irvin-repro-comparison.26191/
Another review here https://www.vintageleatherjackets.o...ob-black-fleece-irvin-repro-comparison.26191/
John Lever
Moderator
I think the advice given by others , to buy used is best.
The very early, pre 1995 Eastman jackets are my favourite but can be fragile. There was a later period when Eastman used Riri zips with plastic pull tabs and also slightly red/orange tinted fleece. These are not good features IMO.
The later Aero jackets are superb.
Aces High jackets were only ever made in very small numbers so might be almost impossible to find.
The very early, pre 1995 Eastman jackets are my favourite but can be fragile. There was a later period when Eastman used Riri zips with plastic pull tabs and also slightly red/orange tinted fleece. These are not good features IMO.
The later Aero jackets are superb.
Aces High jackets were only ever made in very small numbers so might be almost impossible to find.
Chris 55
Well-Known Member
There is a new sheepskin colour and finish coming from Five Star which is due very soon.
Shawn has a couple of my original jackets he's been working from so hopefully the new skin should be spot on.
He also has a hood from the coastal command jacket for pattern and colour match.
Shawn has a couple of my original jackets he's been working from so hopefully the new skin should be spot on.
He also has a hood from the coastal command jacket for pattern and colour match.
Shropshire-lad
Well-Known Member
Errr….. Ebay item: WPG IRVIN badly listed so probably missed… sitting at £80 with a best offer option…. 44 to 46” - number below:
284968730609
284968730609
John Lever
Moderator
Looks superb.
I have been told some WPG jackets have plastic seam tapes. This looks like all leather but it can be hard to tell.
John Lever
Moderator
Might be worth a punt at the price
B-Man2
Well-Known Member
Have you ever given any thought to owning an original Irvin?
Spitfireace
Well-Known Member
My advice would be to go with Aero if you are looking for a new jacket. The price is a lot more reasonable than Eastman. If you have to have an Eastman, go used, if you can find one in your size. In my case an Eastman either new or used was not an option as they don't make them in my size (short). Aero will make to measure. I was lucky to find an original that is in my size, but finding an original without any damage to the leather or seams is not easy to find. Most of the ones I see on eBay have tears in the shell. As far as the zipper issue goes, I wish someone would make an exact copy. I think Eastman's is pretty close but it is stamped Eastman, is it not Eastman owner's?
Pa12
Well-Known Member
I bought an Eastman Irvin in 2008. Beautiful jacket. However, I found it a bit too heavy and constricting for me. I sold it and bought an Eastman roughwear b-6. It’s just a more comfortable weight for me. No denying they build beautiful stuff, put the price is getting up in the crazy zone.
