Club Obi Wan

Know anything about the G&B Raider jacket? It is for fans of vintage cowhide, but they will not make an Expedition in this type of leather, so that leaves us with another modified A-2, more closely resembling an A-2 than its cousin. Was the 'Raider' designed by G&B/Flightsuits, originally?

I owned one of G&B's for a while in seal brown goatskin. Absolutely bullet-proof, great quality, very comfortable, but a bit big on me so I sold it. The first time I saw this design was way back when in "The Cockpit" catalogs for Avirex stuff. It was the "Avirex Vintage Raider Jacket". At the time, they said "many inferior copies have come and gone, but ours endures", so I take it that it wasn't original with them. They used a pre-distressed cowhide and were offering it at the time for $250.00.

It really is a great design, best of both worlds if you like knits. You have a flight jacket with great pockets for travel that zipper closed, while having the freedom of movement in the pleated back with back belt design like a G-1 Navy jacket.

I think I prefer it to the A-2 even.

It's a design that has been around for a long time. Some think it's a military pattern but isn't.
I remember back at the time of the first movie some sellers were hailing it as the movie jacket, which of course it isn't.
I've seen them from back then in shrunken lamb as well as 'antique' cowhide. I thin Avirex made some in Shrunken Lamb, as they made and (as Cockpit) still make some of their A-2 style jackets in it.

It's a civilian jacket that has been around for decades - McGyver wears one.

Yep, I once owned one (gave IT away), and it was, like all their jackets, a VERY well made jacket.

It's name has absolutely nothing to do with our hobby.

Regards! Michaelson

Ironically, I actually bought Tibors' old GB Raider jacket over on The Fedora Lounge.
It's a great jacket! It's a 44T and the sleeves are almost too long, which is something I NEVER say, as I'm a 36/37 sleeve in dress shirts. There is a small fold at the base of the knit where it meets the leather due to the extra length, but I don't mind it at all.
I'm new to the forum and it's unlikely I'll be really putting together an Indy impression. So, it's no Indy jacket, but I'm fine with that. As a regular leather jacket that is vintage inspired, it's a great piece. It also looks good with a fedora.....

Welcome!

Is the jacket heavy? Similiar in weight to a novapelle?

Texan Scott,
I can't comment on any other jacket, as I've never had any of the others.
For kicks, I did put it on my bathroom digital scale, and it weighs in at 4 lbs with nothing but air in the pockets.
It's substantial in my opinion.

thanks for the info!

Hey there rmrdaddy,

Glad it's keeping you safe and sound, and welcome to this corner of the jacket world.