Lightest replica jacket

[Canes580]

I recently purchased a beautiful replica A 2 jacket.(picture posted on this site)
Unfortunately I had to return it. I have a herniated disc in my neck and the weight caused pain after about 20 minutes wearing it.
My old polo bomber jacket never caused me pain.
‘Does anyone have a suggestion where I could find an authentic looking A 2 that was really light ?

 

[Brettafett]

AVI LTHR

Bronco A-2 Flight Jacket - Goatskin - AVI LEATHER

• 100% Goatskin (product picture shown in russet horsehide) • Seal brown and russet colour-matched to originals • Bevelled pockets corners with scalloped flaps • Sleeves with less taper at the wrist • Slightly longer leather hanger strap • Epaulet box-stitching • Cotton lining colour-matched to...

www.avileather.com

I have the recent 2019 version. Its made from a light, supple, yet robust seal goatskin. The jacket is very comfortable to wear and the lightest of all my A-2s.
I've done numerous reviews on these jackets, if you want to search, I see even google shows them up.

Its sits as a firm favourite, even among my high end jackets.

 

[Canes580]

AVI LTHR

Bronco A-2 Flight Jacket - Goatskin - AVI LEATHER

• 100% Goatskin (product picture shown in russet horsehide) • Seal brown and russet colour-matched to originals • Bevelled pockets corners with scalloped flaps • Sleeves with less taper at the wrist • Slightly longer leather hanger strap • Epaulet box-stitching • Cotton lining colour-matched to...

www.avileather.com

I have the recent 2019 version. Its made from a light, supple, yet robust seal goatskin. The jacket is very comfortable to wear and the lightest of all my A-2s.
I've done numerous reviews on these jackets, if you want to search, I see even google shows them up.

Its sits as a firm favourite, even among my high end jackets.

Was there a particular web site you got the jacket on ? The jacket I had purchased was an Avirex made from goatskin.

 

[dinomartino1]

The link was in brettafetts post, click on the red, you can only buy a new AVI jacket from AVI.

Bronco A-2 Flight Jacket - Goatskin - AVI LEATHER

• 100% Goatskin (product picture shown in russet horsehide) • Seal brown and russet colour-matched to originals • Bevelled pockets corners with scalloped flaps • Sleeves with less taper at the wrist • Slightly longer leather hanger strap • Epaulet box-stitching • Cotton lining colour-matched to...

www.avileather.com

 

[Canes580]

Thank You

 

[Garylafortuna]

It is my understanding that goatskin is quite a bit lighter in weight than horse or cow, and has a higher tensile strength to boot. Several months ago I purchased two flight jackets of basically the same style and size from FiveStar. One was goat, and the other was buffalo. The weight of the goatskin jacket is about half the weight of the buffalo hide one. But if you really want super light weight, you need to go with kangaroo hide; the lightest, strongest leather in the known universe. I'm serious.

 

[Kennyz]

You might want to contact Shawn at Five Star Leather about having a lighter jacket made, Canes580. I've no doubt he could more then help you out.

Ken

 

[Brettafett]

If you're in the US, and not too pedantic on WWII/ original pattern detailing, then you could try Cockpit USA.

Lightweight Flight Jacket | Zip-Up Leather Jacket

Lightweight and sleek, the A-2 flight jacket is perfect for a day at the office or a night out on the town. Order this zip-up leather jacket from Cockpit USA.

cockpitusa.com

But at that price you could get two AVI LTHRs or 5*s

 

[Canes580]

Lols great but it only comes in black!

 

[busdrivermike]

You could try San Diego leather factory
They make modern A2 jackets and do custom orders
I had a motorcycle jacket made when I was 70lbs heavier
They had several leather options goat / dear / cow / lamb
And in several weights

 

[dinomartino1]

A shame it was too heavy it looked good on you.
I see you bought an avirex goatskin jacket, did you with it by any chance weight it.
If we knew the weight and size we could help you more.

"Retired Atty. Was a history major undergrad. I am a WWII buff. Father fought in the Pacific. Just started doing research on The A.V. G. and 14 th A.F. I thought it would be great to own a replica-tribute jacket. Looking at all great A-2s out there, I might consider getting more."

You might consider an M-41 jacket as a lightweight option, there is a militaria shop in US called ATF "at the front" that sells two versions one with wool and one with a cotton lining and you could patch it.

US WW2 M41 Field Jacket

Reproduction WWII field jacket by At the Front. These offer a cooler and less expensive alternative to regular M41 jackets- all we did was eliminate the flannel lining and replace it with cotton poplin. Externally identical to the regular models.

www.atthefront.com

Here is my M-41 jacket from at the front with cotton lining, 47th bomb sqn patch, they flew A-20 Havocs in North Africa and Italy

 

[Canes580]

I want to thank you all for the suggestions, especially Kennyz. Shawn from Five Star Leather was very helpful. He recommended thin Capeskin. I ordered made a russet lightly distressed A2 made from Capeskin with cotton liner and a silk Kuomintang blood chit sewed on the right side. After I get it I will decide whether to either paint or patch or neither.

 

[Kennyz]

My pleasure, Canes580 . That jacket you ordered from Shawn sounds awesome!

Ken

I want to thank you all for the suggestions, especially Kennyz. Shawn from Five Star Leather was very helpful. He recommended thin Capeskin. I ordered made a russet lightly distressed A2 made from Capeskin with cotton liner and a silk Kuomintang blood chit sewed on the right side. After I get it I will decide whether to either paint or patch or neither.