Gibson & Barnes arrived

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 3:36 am

Not so fast...
I mean the A-2 I got. It's a current USAF issue in Goatskin. I got it one size smaller to avoid the fuller look. It fits great but not as great as a WWII. Also, I would prefer the lining to be orange.

Other than that, it is an excellent jacket, with beautiful leather and high quality stitching.

Highly recommended to those who like the A-2 and can't afford the WWII repros

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 3:41 am

PLATON wrote:Not so fast...
I mean the A-2 I got. It's a current USAF issue in Goatskin. I got it one size smaller to avoid the fuller look. It fits great but not as great as a WWII. Also, I would prefer the lining to be orange.

Other than that, it is an excellent jacket, with beautiful leather and high quality stitching.

Highly recommended to those who like the A-2 and can't afford the WWII repros

Hey Platon,

What did they charge you for shipping to Greece, right?

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 3:49 am

Hi KT,

I didn't buy direct from Flightsuits, I was lucky to find a brand new jakcet of my size on ebay. It cost $134 plus $57.5 shipping. I paid another $35 in custom duties (grrrr) when it arrived, but it's still OK.

I imagine if you buy direct they will ship by UPS which is always controlled at customs so you might end up paying around 150% of its price in customs and taxes. (cause I don't think you can't convince Flightsuits to write at the custom declaration form that jacket's price is e.g. $15, low enough so you won't have to pay taxes.)

I will post photos when I get my camera back.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 3:55 am

Actually, I can post the pictures of the auction

I would suppose it looks better than the US Wings A-2.
Anyone can confirm?

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 5:03 am

Nice looking jacket to these uneducated eyes! Very nice price too, the shipping cost is about right.

I've got a A-2 from the Wings sale on the way via a friend in the US it does mean I pay for shipping to him and then onwards to me doubling the chance of it getting "lost in transportation". Combined shipping costs $55.

I'll post a pic when it arrives.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 5:47 am

It's still cheaper than the $165 US Wings wants for shipping outside US.
I have a friend in th US who can help me in the same way, but I wonder if the US Wings jacket worths the trouble. Their sale price is very good, but I have no way of knowing what is the flaw of the jacket beforehand and also if the fit is good and all.

Forgot to say that the goat skin looks very nice, I never liked it but now I do. It's color is great too.

What I don't like is the right handed zipper. It just doesn't feel "right".
Also, if the zipper pull is on the right side, shouldn't the storm flap be on the right side as well?

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:02 am

I have one in lambskin. You're right, GREAT jackets!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

CM · Post by CM » Wed Apr 04, 2007 7:44 pm

It looks fantastic!

raider 57 · Post by **raider 57** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:23 pm

Looks like a fine A-2 jacket. You still got it for a good price even with the shipping. I've been looking to get myself an A-2 next and debating either the USW or th GB. The Gibson Barnes goat is only about $50 more than USW, and there are more sizes. Anyway,Thanks Platon, your detail photos are very helpful and sway me even moreso to the GB jacket. I suppose if I wear a 40 normally, I should go with a 38 for a close fit, eh?

raider 57

Technonut · Post by **Technonut** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:39 pm

I suppose if I wear a 40 normally, I should go with a 38 for a close fit, eh?

Yes.... A size down for a good fit. I love my G&B jackets. I am a 44R, but order 42R in G&B jackets. Here are pics of my horsehide mahogany historical A-2:

raider 57 · Post by **raider 57** » Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:28 pm

AOK, Thanks for the advice.

raider 57

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:52 am

I've had my eye on a G&B A-2 for a long time but have debated with myself whether I prefer the russet or the mahogany. The mahogany horsehide looks particularly nice in your photo, but then, so does the russet horsehide that I've seen. Adding even more to the agony of indecision, I'm also fond of the vegetable-tanned russet goatskin.

viewtopic.php?t=4981&highlight=rundquist+a2

One day I may have to toss a coin or just consult a financial advisor for advice on how to own ALL three.

Let's see, then there is also that... 8-[

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 2:48 am

I suppose if I wear a 40 normally, I should go with a 38 for a close fit, eh?

Yeah for sure. That's what I did. The fit of the jacket is great. It's very close to the body. Looks a lot like a WWII repro with only exception that the pockets are a little bigger, but still great size, and that the upperpart of the sleeves is a little more roomier.

Actually, I am very satisfied with the jacket fit. I didn't expect it to be so great.

Go for it.

Lao Feng · Post by **Lao Feng** » Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:03 pm

Beautiful!

Gibson & Barnes arrived

Gibson & Barnes arrived

Re: Gibson & Barnes arrived

GB A-2

GB Sizing