Wedge417
Active Member
Hello everyone,
As the title implies I'm contemplating a future A-2 purchase, but the choices have blossomed in every direction since 2008 (date of purchase of my first and only A-2).
Back in 2008 I was too poor to consider ELC (big mistake I should have saved up), the internet was not what it is today, thus choices were extremely limited to my then knowledge, and I opted for a US A russet horsehide A-2. It was my first A-2, I knew nothing about them, and ordering online from Europe was somewhat of a pain in the foot as I knew I couldn't get the proper size and would have to be contempt with what I would get in the mail.
I eventually wore the US A jacket sporadically, but was never happy with the cut, the style or the authenticity. I eventually developed a love-hate relationship with that jacket and tried to wear it to break it in, hoping to get rid of those boxy shoulders and stiff leather but to no avail. I'm not even talking about the long sleeves, which are my biggest annoyance. We're in 2021, the jacket is barely worn sleeping on a hanger in my closet and every time I look at it or give it a try, I have this bad taste of ill-spent money.
The time has come for me to try A-2 jackets again. I hope this time will be a better experience.
A few things to know:
-I'm no tall and skinny flamboyant USAF pilot. I'm 5'7" and 176Lbs. I'm retired-mil keeping in shape. Think of Joe Rogan for body type.
-I'm looking for a vintage fit. A jacket that would be like a glove, that I'd pick and wear without questions, tough and well fitting. No baggy stuff. Sleeves on the shorter side.
-Price wise I can't afford GW and other such top de la creme jackets.
I entrust my questions to your wisdom:
Q1: Can my body type be a problem in regards to certain contract specs?
Q2: Among the myriad of quality makers that now exist, ELC, BK, Platon, Aero, Buzz, Real Mc, 5*, AVI ... and those I forget. My head is spinning trying to figure out which one would be MY jacket. I need your help to narrow down my choices and get some advice on sizes.
Thank you all in advance for your precious help, I'm looking forward to receiving your advice.
As the title implies I'm contemplating a future A-2 purchase, but the choices have blossomed in every direction since 2008 (date of purchase of my first and only A-2).
Back in 2008 I was too poor to consider ELC (big mistake I should have saved up), the internet was not what it is today, thus choices were extremely limited to my then knowledge, and I opted for a US A russet horsehide A-2. It was my first A-2, I knew nothing about them, and ordering online from Europe was somewhat of a pain in the foot as I knew I couldn't get the proper size and would have to be contempt with what I would get in the mail.
I eventually wore the US A jacket sporadically, but was never happy with the cut, the style or the authenticity. I eventually developed a love-hate relationship with that jacket and tried to wear it to break it in, hoping to get rid of those boxy shoulders and stiff leather but to no avail. I'm not even talking about the long sleeves, which are my biggest annoyance. We're in 2021, the jacket is barely worn sleeping on a hanger in my closet and every time I look at it or give it a try, I have this bad taste of ill-spent money.
The time has come for me to try A-2 jackets again. I hope this time will be a better experience.
A few things to know:
-I'm no tall and skinny flamboyant USAF pilot. I'm 5'7" and 176Lbs. I'm retired-mil keeping in shape. Think of Joe Rogan for body type.
-I'm looking for a vintage fit. A jacket that would be like a glove, that I'd pick and wear without questions, tough and well fitting. No baggy stuff. Sleeves on the shorter side.
-Price wise I can't afford GW and other such top de la creme jackets.
I entrust my questions to your wisdom:
Q1: Can my body type be a problem in regards to certain contract specs?
Q2: Among the myriad of quality makers that now exist, ELC, BK, Platon, Aero, Buzz, Real Mc, 5*, AVI ... and those I forget. My head is spinning trying to figure out which one would be MY jacket. I need your help to narrow down my choices and get some advice on sizes.
Thank you all in advance for your precious help, I'm looking forward to receiving your advice.