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Post by IndyBlues on Oct 12, 2006 21:12:17 GMT -5
What are your thoughts on these jackets. Up until I found COW, I kind of assumed Indy's jacket WAS an A-2, or something similar.
Steve McQueen wore one in "The Great Escape" Doesn't get much cooler than McQueen.
I always liked the look of them, and even owned a few cheap ones.
I've been really thinking of buying one, maybe an Historical Version from Flightsuits(kind of expensive), or maybe one of their civilian versions(more affordable).
Any A-2 owners out there, or one time owners?? What are your thoughts, and maybe you can school me one the better versions out there, and what to look for. I'd love a vintage one, but not too many around in size 46. Besides, unless you know of a veteran getting rid of one(highly unlikely), you will pay through the nose for one.
Well, what are your thoughts,...experiences,...etc.
'Blues
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Post by Stefana Jones on Oct 13, 2006 0:39:54 GMT -5
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Post by Stefana Jones on Oct 13, 2006 0:41:23 GMT -5
(this post is a duplicate of the one in "Tales of the Gold Monkey" in "general chat")I've recently bought another A2 flight jacket (actually last July) on ebay. It is made of a "pre-distressed" hide that looks very "vintage" and cost me only $30 !  I've decided then to make myself a "Jake Cutter's Flying Tigers jacket" by hand-stiching a "blood-chit" on the back. The "blood-chit" (when delivered) was too "clean" and brand-new looking to add to the "aged" jacket. So I distressed it by sandind it on a few areas, and dirtying it by adding shoe polish. Here are some pics... (they are a little bright being taken in sunlight, so the colors look lighter and the distressing (on the blood-chit) is less apparent. But pics taken with the flash did the same thing so...  )     All I need now is a tan color "crush cap" ! 
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Post by Stefana Jones on Oct 13, 2006 0:43:10 GMT -5
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Post by indianatone on Oct 13, 2006 0:45:10 GMT -5
It's funny you bring this up, IndyBlues. I always thought the same about the A2 (that it's the jacket Indy wore) before finding out more detail also. I always liked the style of it, and it's classically cool as you've mentioned. Even pre-dating Indy as the standard-issue must have adventure jacket in earlier films. I also bought the "80's offerings" of the jacket and they never looked quite right, either. They didn't hang right and (GAH!) the 80's can just be renamed the "era of shoulder pads" since all jackets seemed to come with them. It made the jackets look so - 80's. Since COW and learning more detail about the specifics of the jacket, I've actually been thinking more and more about picking up a legit A2 (something the cheap or 80's versions don't look like). I don't know that you have to pay through the nose for one - you could if you wanted to - but I've been this close to clicking "send" on the USWings website many times since then. It's a classic jacket that stands the test of time. I'm a big fan of the uniqueness of the Indy jacket, but there is something about those A2's, isn't there? If you're not dead-set on Flightsuits, you might try www.uswings.com, more specifically, www.uswings.com/ta2.aspand check theirs out also. They claim to be a supplier to the military and if that's the case, their A2's should fit the bill nicely. And the price ain't too shabby. |
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Post by Kt. Templar on Oct 13, 2006 2:33:23 GMT -5
Those US Wings one are very nice looking. Prices are pretty good especially the goatskin one. Every so often I find myself looking at Eastman or Aero or Cirrus and thinking that their warm russet jackets look particularly nice. Then I realise the price is about 300 but POUNDS not DOLLARS! Sigh! Ok I'm cheap! The one thing is though I like the look of the jacket on others I'm not sure the style will fit me it seems less forgiving than the Raiders jackets (As you all kinw I'm short and not a little bit round.) and I'm sure on the knit ended sleeves, they remind me so much of many 70s and 80s jackets (shudder). I did try on a nice horsehide one at Peter's, the leather looked and felt fabulous on the hanger, but on me... sleeves were too long and bunched up, epaulettes would not lie flat and were permanent leather "o"s on my shoulders and the waist knit landed at my butt meaning that the front of the jacket was pulled open in an "A" shape. NOT flattering at all!  Needless to say it didn't fit me right! Only about £135 in the shop too! If I get a windfall I may get him to make me one that fits or even a "Aliens" Ripley A2 just for the hell of it. |
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Post by Havana on Oct 13, 2006 9:54:03 GMT -5
The Indy jacket is the best leather jacket ever but the A-2 is a close second. I bought my first A-2 at a yard sale right after seeing ToD in 1984. I thought it was the same as the Indy jacket. It was the same flight jacket as seen in all the classic movies. Everybody from John Wayne to the King of the Rocketmen wore one. It's the classic American military jacket and always will be. Just as an Indy jacket gives you a feeling of adventure, the A-2 gives you a sense of history. I'm not an authenticity nut but I will suggest that you only buy one with a 1 piece back. You have to get used to the fit. It's very different from a Wested fit but I don't find it to be a problem at all. You might put one on and think it feels weird. You just have to give it a little adjustment time espeically if it's new. The Indy jacket is a universal everything jacket. The A-2 is a purpose designed jacket. It's made to fit and function while you're seated in a cockpit. Everything else is secondary. I suggest buying a used one on Ebay for under $50 and wear it. That will help you decide what features are really important to you when it comes to getting a new one. I recently bought a super nice goatskin, Cooper on Ebay for $38! I was in the USAF in the early 90's right after they brought back the A-2's. I wasn't a pilot and didn't get an issued jacket but everyone was so glad to see the A-2 return. It's got qualities that a nylon or nomex jacket can never match. Here's some other places to look. www.flightjacket.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1www.legendaryusa.com/A_2_Leather_Flight_Jackets_s/27.htm |
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Post by jweaver on Oct 13, 2006 15:24:43 GMT -5
I love my A-2. My dad he bought it new at an Army surplus store in the mid 70's. Once he "out grew" it he passed it along to me. Its one of my favorite jackets. its cut to the original military spec with no inside or hand warmer pockets. Its also a slim fit, much more than my Wested. 30+ years can do some really cool distressing. Another cool jacket is the ANJ-3. Its pretty much an A-2 with the action pleats and half belt of a G-1. If I was gonna buy a jacket with knit cuffs and waist, the ANJ-3 would be the one.  |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2006 15:27:43 GMT -5
Yessir, A-2's are A-1 jackets The ones shown in this thread are exceptionally nice. If you are tired of them please send them to me. ;D Cheers, G-MANN |
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Post by IndyBlues on Oct 13, 2006 18:35:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies, folks. Yes, I have been bitten by the A-2 bug as well. I just scored a replica B-3 Shearling on Ebay, and I think I'm going to set my sites on an A-2 next.
'Blues
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2006 11:15:43 GMT -5
Here is an A-2 or A-2 close enough that I picked up on ebay recently. Having been a fan of this type of jacket since before Indy I thought I would pick one up. I know a lot of folks don't like the knit cuffs and waistband but as Ken and I have discussed on those windy days they can be a real plus.  Cheers, G-MANN |
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Post by IndyBlues on Oct 18, 2006 14:33:07 GMT -5
Damn, that looks cool! Nice score on the A-2, Gmann!
'Blues
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2006 15:10:25 GMT -5
Thank you sir! I am actually much happier with it than I thought I would be. Just needs a little Pecard's to liven it up a bit.
Cheers,
G-MANN
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Post by IndyBlues on Oct 18, 2006 16:04:12 GMT -5
It STILL screams adventure!....INDY!,..Indy jacket or not. Looks like it has some history, too.
'Blues
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Post by pitfallharry on Oct 18, 2006 16:08:57 GMT -5
Wow, that jacket definitely gets a in the distressing department! Do you know what year the jacket was made? It's a good looking jacket. How much did you end up paying for it? |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2006 16:12:08 GMT -5
I think in the 70's was when it was made. A little over $100.00 I made a deal with the seller on his Buy IT Now price.
Cheers,
G-MANN
PS: I owe a debt of thanks to Indyblues. He is the one that got me looking at A-2's on ebay.
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Post by IndyBlues on Oct 18, 2006 16:43:00 GMT -5
Garsh,.....'tweren't nuthin'
'Blues
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Post by Stefana Jones on Oct 18, 2006 21:43:08 GMT -5
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Post by Ragingblues on Oct 18, 2006 22:05:25 GMT -5
I forgot to add this earlier.... cool looking jacket John! Very worn in and quite comfortable looking too. Ken |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2006 8:43:46 GMT -5
Ken,
Thanks. The pecards has brought this jacket back to life. It was as dry as a decrepit old monkey skeleton when it arrived. 2 coats of Pecards has done the trick though.
Cheers,
G-MANN
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Post by Ragingblues on Oct 19, 2006 8:50:37 GMT -5
Ahhh.... the decrepid old monkey skeleton rears it's ugly head huh? ;D ;D Now that's dry! Glad to hear the jacket's back to life, and was such a good deal. Ken |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2006 8:35:03 GMT -5
Here is the same jacket after 3 treatments of Pecard's Lotion and 1 coating of Pecard's Dressing. The Dressing really did the trick of brining this jacket back to life.  Cheers, G-MANN |
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Post by IndyBlues on Oct 21, 2006 9:24:09 GMT -5
Wow! You can really see the difference, since the first pics. That jacket looks right out of WW2. Very cool.
'Blues
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Post by indianatone on Oct 21, 2006 11:05:26 GMT -5
That A-2 is looking great, G-Mann! I'll bet the guy who sold it is slapping himself for not seeing how well it could have been restored before he sold it. ;D They are very effective in those colder climates, too! Even the "knock-off" versions I had still worked well in the snow and cold weather. I'm starting to think the A-2 is a must have alternate for such occassions. Thing is, which one do I get? The military issue with only the cargo pockets? Or the 2000 model with inside pocket and handwarmers? |
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Post by Stefana Jones on Oct 21, 2006 11:26:57 GMT -5
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