Hi! I just joined here recently, and have spent some time reading through the forums, and I am floored by the vast amount of information and knowledge here on the forums!! This place is amazing!! It is a bit overwhelming almost ha ha. I have been looking at Indy jackets, trying to learn about all the different options and makes, and happened upon a US Wings Jacket on Ebay, seller says it's a Avirex Indy Jacket. I looked on US Wings website and cant find anything about an Avirex Indy jacket. It looks to be the USA made jacket based upon its lining look, compared to the import versions lining.
I have attached some photos of the jacket. It looks sharp, but the sizing seems off as well, based on the sellers measurements. Its labeled a Small, but the pit to pit measurement is 23 inches. Doesnt that work out to a 46 inch chest measurement? Not exactly a size small? Do the US Wings jackets run big? Sorry for so many questions for a first post.
I'm going to preface this response with a "to my knowledge" disclaimer. Having said that:
That is absolutely not a US Wings jacket!
USW has never made an Indy jacket with a two piece back - one of the most distinctive features of an Indy jacket.
Also the pockets and storm flap are not USW design.
I don't remember USW ever offering a quilted lining in a jacket.
Lastly, as far as I know, US Wings and Avirex are two separate companies. I thought at first the seller used both names in the title to increase the search hits, but looking at the additional pictures in the listing there is no way this is a USW jacket.
Thanks for the info! The seller has the jacket listed as US Wings Indiana Jones Avirex jacket, I was unaware of Avirex being a company in and of itself. I figured something was wonky about the jacket and listing, as I couldn't find anything on US Wings website similar to this particular jacket. So I'm guessing it's a knockoff? Anyways, thanks for the reply!!
If you want a definitive answer, send an inquiry and these photos directly to David Hack, CEO of USWings, and member of our site , at info@uswings.com.
Thanks for all the help, I have emailed David Hack at the email provided, and look forward to hearing back. I for sure will post his response when I hear back. Thanks again!!
So I emailed David Hack and received a reply regarding this jacket. He confirmed that this is definitely NOT a US Wings jacket, and that they have never used the type of pattern or lining that the jacket is made of. He also confirmed that Avirex did not make the jacket either. He said that the US Wings label was likely sewn into the jacket by someone.
It never ceases to amaze me the lengths people will go to dupe someone. Shameful.
Indiana Jeff wrote:Glad you came here to ask before plunking down your hard earned cash.
Regards,
Indiana Jeff
Oh yeah, before I buy anything I research and research, and then research some more before I come to a decision. I appreciate all the help and the wealth of knowledge here. I can't say it enough how much I appreciate and enjoy happening upon a forum with a good group of people that help each other and just enjoy our shared passions and hobbies!
As a bit of trivia, the owners of Avirex sold the name about 12 years ago and now operate as Cockpit USA. They made, and still do make some pretty nice jackets, many of them being US made. I have a few old Avirex jackets. Don’t think they ever made and Indy style jacket. As Cockpit they make a jacket called the Rouhhneck that’s close, but it’s a half belt style piece.
