ELC, Aero, or... ?

[mulceber]

That's also a really important consideration: do you live in a climate where you're likely to get a lot of use out of a normal Irvin. Unless you live in the Northern US, Canada, or somewhere similar, you might be better off getting either Eastman's fly-weight Irvin or Aero's Merino sheepskin Irvin.

 

[John Lever]

I own both original and Eastman Irvins. Both are equally robust but I tend to wear the reproduction more for obvious reasons. Here's my old trusty Eastman Irvin.

View attachment 83454

Another one I shouldn't have sold....

 

[John Lever]

Had a close look at the WPG the seams tapes look like plastic. I could be wrong of course.

 

[ausreenactor]

Light weight Irvin from ELC based on pics and reviews here.

 

[Pa12]

I wish they had the light weight one when I bought mine. Would still have it. Must have been a chore in a cockpit. Made me kind of claustrophobic, like wearing a straight jacket. Guess it depends on what you plan to do wearing it.

 

[Pa12]

Even though I’m in Canada, I generally where an a-2 most of the winter. But I’m generally just going from the house to the car . Might wear the b-6 in January when the temps get stupid. But I live in the country and therefore don’t walk anywhere. If I have to work outside plowing snow and whatnot, I abandon all of it and wear my insulated coveralls. Don’t like the cold anymore. Too many years on the ramp.

 

[Spitfireace]

That's also a really important consideration: do you live in a climate where you're likely to get a lot of use out of a normal Irvin. Unless you live in the Northern US, Canada, or somewhere similar, you might be better off getting either Eastman's fly-weight Irvin or Aero's Merino sheepskin Irvin.

I like your Merino Mulceber.. whoops hope that's not too forward of me.

 

[Spitfireace]

Had a close look at the WPG the seams tapes look like plastic. I could be wrong of course.

You get what you pay for man. That's it.

 

[Spitfireace]

Even though I’m in Canada, I generally where an a-2 most of the winter. But I’m generally just going from the house to the car . Might wear the b-6 in January when the temps get stupid. But I live in the country and therefore don’t walk anywhere. If I have to work outside plowing snow and whatnot, I abandon all of it and wear my insulated coveralls. Don’t like the cold anymore. Too many years on the ramp.

I can't take heat or probably cold although I live in BC. Can't take any extremes. I think I'll have to live in a climate controlled bubble.

 

[Pa12]

I can't take heat or probably cold although I live in BC. Can't take any extremes. I think I'll have to live in a climate controlled bubble.

I’m like that too now. Think it’s an age thing.

 

[Spitfireace]

I’m like that too now. Think it’s an age thing.

two months exactly from today will be my 61st birthday. 61 was born 61.

 

[Spitfireace]

you rook marvelous.

 

[Spitfireace]

Sorry that was a Billy Crystal thing.

 

[Pa12]

Your just a kid. Turned 62 last April

 

[Spitfireace]

Your just a kid. Turned 62 last April

sorry I'm so younger brother nieve?

 

[Spitfireace]

thread cleared.

 

[Spitfireace]

I'm fine. I've been fine the whole time.

 

[Spitfireace]

well maybe I'm a year younger or so. ... not much.

 

[Kermit3D]

@mulceber 's "Aero Merinos" Irvin is fantastic, that would be my choice. It's a light weight, but in my opinion it's perfectly credible compared to an original.
Aero Leather seems to have redesigned their website. I can't find the "Merinos" option for the Irvin... or maybe it's because I just woke up and didn't finish my coffee.

 

[John Lever]

You get what you pay for man. That's it.

Not true.
Only early version had plastic components. Later jackets are all made from leather but cost the same.