Club Obi Wan

The Raiders jacket, as well as the Navy's G-1 have an action back, designed to expand, whereas the Air Force A-2 has a one piece back. I have a G&B Expedition and am contemplating purchasing an A-2. Can someone comment on whether there is a difference in comfort between the two designs? Do the bi-swing back and underarm gussets really make that big a difference in wearability? Thanks for the input!

During my Navy days, I was stationed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, and worked as a Hospital Corpsman at the med clinic. I made friends with one of the pilots (even though I wasn't supposed to) -- he gave me his G-1 when I left the base and I still have it. I've worn an A-2 as well -- I like the A-2 better. The G-1 is still nice, though. If I were you, I'd go with the A-2, no questions asked.

Just my two cents.

Cheers,
~Flattery

Hey Flattery,

The Naval Air Station is only 30 minutes from where I live.

Not a bad area. I especially liked Solomon Island.

Hey PWD,

The A-2 is a classic design and with the knit cuffs and waistband an excellent choice for winter wear. I haven't found my A-2 to be a problem without the action back.

Depending on the manufacturer, there is some give in the arms for movement. The only exception is when raising hands above your head; then the jacket rides up at the waist. Not a great problem, just an annoyance if you have stuff clipped to your belt like cell phone, blackberry, knife, gun, etc. You have to tug your jacket back down around those items.

pwd wrote:The Raiders jacket, as well as the Navy's G-1 have an action back, designed to expand, whereas the Air Force A-2 has a one piece back. I have a G&B Expedition and am contemplating purchasing an A-2. Can someone comment on whether there is a difference in comfort between the two designs? Do the bi-swing back and underarm gussets really make that big a difference in wearability? Thanks for the input!

"YES" it does make a difference in wearability depending on your build and the tasks you will be accomplishing with the jacket. If you're slim then lack of bi-swing will not be a problem.

There are reasons that the bi-swing back was developed in the first place.....
But if you are a pilot sitting in a cockpit with a stick between your legs and your arms pretty much at your sides- shoulder movement is minimal.

I would suggest asking G&B how much $$ to incorporate those features into an A-2 that is being constructed. But I don't think they are taking custom modifications for a few months (according to the receptionist there)

Flattery wrote:....he gave me his G-1 when I left the base and I still have it. I've worn an A-2 as well -- I like the A-2 better. The G-1 is still nice, though. If I were you, I'd go with the A-2, no questions asked.

Flattery, what is that you like about the A-2 over the G-1? Just curious.

I.J.

I like the overall look better than the G-1. The G-1 I have has the pilot's fuzzy collar, and even though I like it on that jacket, I like having a simple leather collar. The A-2 was lighter and breathed better in warmer weather. Really it's just a personal preference and aesthetics.

G & B offers the AN-J-3...which is the G-1 with plain leather collar. Exact same as G-1...gussets, bi-swing back and belted in back...just not fur collar and they add ther A2 wind flap over zipper. Sounds like a good compromise.

Hmm... *strokes chin* I should look into that...

Thanks for the input, fellas...

I went ahead and ordered a Gibson & Barnes Civil A-2. The bad part? They said the jacket would not be made for two months...

It won't even be MADE for two months?

That's right--ordered on September 1. Expected delivery in November. They must be busy.

Sounds like it. I'm sure it will be worth the wait, I've heard good things about their jackets. Hang in there, buddy.