MA-1 recommendations?

[Technonut]

The Bronson jackets are really well made and value for their money, both nylon and cotton. I own a couple of them and I wear them really often.
The article you posted is 100% right about the vf59 jackets. Alpha has become a fashion brand their last years and this version has nothing to do with originals (that does not mean it is a bad jacket).
I have tried numerous brands and versions since the mid 90's: alpha made in the us, alpha made in china, alpha replica series, greenbrier made in the us, bronson, red tornado, toys mc coys... if you ask me the best nylon version I have had (a b15d mod) is the alpha replica series.
View attachment 764949 View attachment 764950

The Alpha replica series does look to be very well-made and detailed. Going by a quick e-Bay search, they seem to be scarce there.... I'll be on the lookout for one depending upon the prices. However, I think it will be difficult to beat the Bronson overall taking price into consideration for what one gets...

In yet another update, I will be returning the Bronson B-15C Modified that recently arrived..... Great, nicely constructed jacket..... BUT, the USAF shoulder decal is noticeably slanted and misplaced.. Makes the jacket look cheap to my eye and bothers me... Bronson was kind enough to send me a prepaid shipping label to a USA address, and will issue a full refund..

 

[itsme]

The Alpha replica series does look to be very well-made and detailed. Going by a quick e-Bay search, they seem to be scarce there.... I'll be on the lookout for one depending upon the prices. However, I think it will be difficult to beat the Bronson overall taking price into consideration for what one gets...

In yet another update, I will be returning the Bronson B-15C Modified that recently arrived..... Great, nicely constructed jacket..... BUT, the USAF shoulder decal is noticeably slanted and misplaced.. Makes the jacket look cheap to my eye and bothers me... Bronson was kind enough to send me a prepaid shipping label to a USA address, and will issue a full refund..

Could you post a picture of the decal?

Generally I'm not a huge fan of decals, but since it's small I wanted to give it a try. But actually I still don't like it.

Also, I’m not a big fan of the fit of the jacket, so I’m considering returning it.”

 

[Harris HTM]

However, I think it will be difficult to beat the Bronson overall taking price into consideration for what one gets...

I like most of my bronson products. Their ma-1 is a really well made jacket. The only thing that bothers me is the back length as it is quite longer compared to original fit. And to a lesser extend the colour as I think it is a bit greener than similar repro's I hava had or seen.

 

[itsme]

Did the jackets arrive? What is your impression?

Sorry for keeping you waiting — we had quite a bit to do around the house. Here are a few comparison photos. Maybe I’ll manage to take some fit pics later.

The Bronson jacket is of course closer to the original, but somehow the fit doesn’t feel quite right to me, and I’m not a fan of the logo placement. The Red Tornado jacket is obviously a variation of the original, but it’s similar to the Steve McQueen MA-1, which I really like. In terms of quality, they’re very comparable — the RT just has a 100% wool lining. That said, the sage color of the Bronson is more interesting… somehow.

Maybe I'll keep both, but I have to figure out...

Please find more detailled pictures attached, otherwise the post gets to long...

 

[Technonut]

Could you post a picture of the decal?

Generally I'm not a huge fan of decals, but since it's small I wanted to give it a try. But actually I still don't like it.

View attachment 764951

Also, I’m not a big fan of the fit of the jacket, so I’m considering returning it.”

Sure.... Pardon the ****py phone pic. The color is actually a very nice AF blue. It's the pic I sent to Bronson since I already have the jacket packed and ready to ship right now:

Is the jacket you received a bit too large for you? I know that I am swimming in the Real Simons MA-1 that I have in size 3XL in comparison to Bronson's 2XL with my 44" chest. Bronson's 2XL fit is just right for me...

 

[itsme]

Sure.... Pardon the ****py phone pic. The color is actually a very nice AF blue. It's the pic I sent to Bronson since I already have the jacket packed and ready to ship right now:

View attachment 764965

Is the jacket you received a bit too large for you? I know that I am swimming in the Real Simons MA-1 that I have in size 3XL in comparison to Bronson's 2XL with my 44" chest. Bronson's 2XL fit is just right for me...

Am I right in thinking the logo sits too far toward the back of the sleeve? It looks very similar to my logo overall. The only real problem — and I honestly don’t get it — is that the text is so close to the logo. It’s printed from a template, so this really should’ve been spotted during QC.

I’m not swimming in it; around the arms it would be too tight otherwise. That said, it does bunch up a bit in the back and the waistband is too loose. I’ll take some proper photos and post them later.

Just a quick heads-up: I had a Red Tornado in XL before and it was too small. The zipper also got stuck, and when I was taking photos earlier I noticed that the **L has a different zipper. That seems a bit strange — maybe they’re from different batches. If anyone’s interested, make sure to go with the Bico zipper!

 

[Harris HTM]

Sure.... Pardon the ****py phone pic. The color is actually a very nice AF blue. It's the pic I sent to Bronson since I already have the jacket packed and ready to ship right now:

View attachment 764965

Is the jacket you received a bit too large for you? I know that I am swimming in the Real Simons MA-1 that I have in size 3XL in comparison to Bronson's 2XL with my 44" chest. Bronson's 2XL fit is just right for me...

Maybe I have asked you again but how does the real simoms compare to bronson qualitywise?
By the way this is my greenbrier. Civial version from the early 90's. A bit ligther than an alpha of the same period but I like it better- fitwise and knits.

 

[Technonut]

Am I right in thinking the logo sits too far toward the back of the sleeve? It looks very similar to my logo overall. The only real problem — and I honestly don’t get it — is that the text is so close to the logo. It’s printed from a template, so this really should’ve been spotted during QC.

I’m not swimming in it; around the arms it would be too tight otherwise. That said, it does bunch up a bit in the back and the waistband is too loose. I’ll take some proper photos and post them later.

Just a quick heads-up: I had a Red Tornado in XL before and it was too small. The zipper also got stuck, and when I was taking photos earlier I noticed that the **L has a different zipper. That seems a bit strange — maybe they’re from different batches. If anyone’s interested, make sure to go with the Bico zipper!

The decal placement on my Bronson B-15C, MA-1, and B-15A jackets is MUCH more pleasing to my eye than on the recent B-15C Modified shown. Bronson claimed it was within "acceptable" production specs, but I just can't unsee it after noticed.... Here's the others mentioned:

Maybe I have asked you again but how does the real simoms compare to bronson qualitywise?

Sorry, I've been meaning to post that comparison, but I'm wanting to get some decent quality pics to show differences in the nylon "sheen" between them. My phone isn't up to the task, so I'll need to bust the camera out... The Real Simons has more of a satiny luster to it than the Bronson. I do like the more muted look of the Bronson. The Real Simons also has smooth nylon pocket linings, which feel cold, and puts a shiver up my spine when placing my hands in initially.

I will get some pics up soon, along with a more detailed comparison... I'll just post it here instead of starting another thread...

 

[Technonut]

I like most of my bronson products. Their ma-1 is a really well made jacket. The only thing that bothers me is the back length as it is quite longer compared to original fit. And to a lesser extend the colour as I think it is a bit greener than similar repro's I hava had or seen.

Personally, I wouldn't want the one I received any shorter. It would ride up over my belt otherwise. I was just out shoveling snow, and grabbed a couple bad phone / mirror pics, but shows the fit / length well enough... It's great how easy it is to blank-out the background (most of it anyway) from pics these days.... :

 

[Harris HTM]

Personally, I wouldn't want the one I received any shorter. It would ride up over my belt otherwise. I was just out shoveling snow, and grabbed a bad phone / mirror pic, but shows the fit / length well enough... It's great how easy it is to blank-out the background (most of it anyway) from pics these days.... :

View attachment 765042

Yes, obviously they added some length so it can accommodate modern body types. I think I had read this also on their instagram page years ago.

 

[bn1966]

Still got an Alpha Replica B-15 Mod to finish refurbing, dry clean and knit replacement (MASH). Today I’ve been wearing my Greenbrier vintage civvy MA-1, looks good and fits great but nylon is a lot thinner than Alphas of the same period.

 

[Lynford Andrews]

I’m looking to pick up another MA-1 as my current jacket no longer fits due to losing some weight. The one I have now is an Alpha Industries in sage green. I’m looking to stick with the same color. Aside from Alpha are there any other manufacturers in the same quality and price range? I know CockpitUSA has a made in the USA model but I’m not looking to spend that much. I’m leaning towards Alpha’s slim-fit MA-1 - anyone have any experience with this model?

Hi, Yeah, I do have one in a size 40" it's genuine USA issue jacket in mint condition was professionally cleaned and hung with a polythene wrap and never worn.

 

[Peacoat]

The decal placement on my Bronson B-15C, MA-1, and B-15A jackets is MUCH more pleasing to my eye than on the recent B-15C Modified shown. Bronson claimed it was within "acceptable" production specs, but I just can't unsee it after noticed.

Bronson may claim the 8th Air Force roundel was within "acceptable" production specs, but it isn't within acceptable military specs.

The specification for unit patches is one inch below the shoulder seam and centered on the sleeve. That 8th Air Force unit patch fails on both counts.

 

[JM021]

saw this thread and curious if any recommendations of MA-1 jackets in leather? or is it unpopular in leather compared to more traditional nylon material?

 

[Edward]

The Bronson jackets are really well made and value for their money, both nylon and cotton. I own a couple of them and I wear them really often.
The article you posted is 100% right about the vf59 jackets. Alpha has become a fashion brand their last years and this version has nothing to do with originals (that does not mean it is a bad jacket).
I have tried numerous brands and versions since the mid 90's: alpha made in the us, alpha made in china, alpha replica series, greenbrier made in the us, bronson, red tornado, toys mc coys... if you ask me the best nylon version I have had (a b15d mod) is the alpha replica series.
View attachment 764949 View attachment 764950

The Replica Series were great. I wish they'd bring them back. Presumably Alpha just doesn't see it as worth their while... they're aiming of course at the sort of mass market that doesn't care about that sort of 'authenticity', and the likes of us won't represent sufficient unit sales for what they want to do. A pity, but that's the law of the markets forf you.

The Alpha replica series does look to be very well-made and detailed. Going by a quick e-Bay search, they seem to be scarce there.... I'll be on the lookout for one depending upon the prices. However, I think it will be difficult to beat the Bronson overall taking price into consideration for what one gets...

I've owned both an Alpha Replica Series B15C and a Buzz Rickson B15C Mod. Both via ebay, about twenty or so years ago. The Buzz was used (but seemed unworn), the Alpha NOS, still bagged. I still kick myself that I didn't buy a couple more of the Alpha at the asking price (and a green one, the 'D' spec). The Alpha was about 75% or so the way there of the Buzz. Buzz the nylon shell was beautiful, the Alpha very acceptable. Knits were superior on the Buzz. Filler on the buzz felt a little stiffer than that of the Alpha, but both were equally warm - the Alpha a fraction more so due to the difference in collar. At the prices I bought at, the Buzz (about £150 at the time) was the winner, though at the new priced of a Buzz now compared to if Alpha put the Replica back out at the same sort of cost as their other off-standard lines (thinking the likes of the VF-59 - not a milspec jacket by any means, but in terms of changes and variation on the standard model, a similar level of variation from the standard), save for "money no object, top level accuracy required" situations, I'd say the Alpha represented much better VFM.

The post-62 / orange liner MA1 I really wanted to buy new was a Valley Apparel. VA jackets are produced in the Knoxville factory that Alpha used when they were made in the US, and also as memory serves were the same jacket from the same factory as had been issued to the USAF. Alas it seems I left that a year or two late; it's not hard to find them all over various websites labelled "sale" and "sold out"; VA themselves seem to have dropped the model and only do their CWU jackets now. A shame, but doubtless again following their market.

Yes, obviously they added some length so it can accommodate modern body types. I think I had read this also on their instagram page years ago.

Not sure it's so much body types as fashions, and this infernal perpetuation of low "waistbands" that sit some four inches below the natural waist.

saw this thread and curious if any recommendations of MA-1 jackets in leather? or is it unpopular in leather compared to more traditional nylon material?

They do exist. Schott I think do one; various other brands like Alpha and Wested definitely do. I've never been impressed myself. They were occasionally seen about on the civilian market in the eighties when MA1s more generally became very fashionable (they were, of course, never USAF issue). To my eye they never looked quite right; I think the combination of a shell material for which the design was not intended was why they just bever quite sat right. Like one of those huge, picnic-table spoilers on a 911; technically an upgrader, added cost, but for me detract significantly from the look of the design. Purely a personal opinion, though - YMMV.

If I wanted a modern looking flying jacket like that except in leather, I'd be looking instead at the 80s West German style. Not unlike an MA1 in practical terms as a garment (albeit I don't think the lining is insulated to the same degree as an MA1). Similar jackets were issued in various shade of grey to West German air force pilots and, on and off, ground crew, from at least the late 50s, though it's this 80s version you typically see everywhere:

The shade of grey varied a lot over the years (and afaik there were very rare other colours issued to army and navy fliers - useful thread here over on VLJ - https://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/modern-german-flieger-jacke.28562/

These are also now reproduced by a number of different labels. Rothco do one (which I've not handled); Silvermans also do their own. Usually in a mid-grey, sort of a carbon grey in Akubra terms:

All the repros I've seen come in either milspec grey (varies with or without flags), or plain black (no flags).

Not a million miles away from an MA1, but somehow they just look much better to me as a leather jacket than any rendering of an MA1 I've seen in leather. Maybe it's the sight difference in cut.

Repros and originals alike seem to sell for anywhere between one and two hundred notes over here.

 

[raf]

Body and sleeve Length requires some attention on the part of the buyer. Most originals, IMHO, were made a little on the "short" (body) side for comfort when seated. A good many (but not all) Repros mimic this.

Sizing-Up to obtain desired body and sleeve length often means that body of jacket is objectionably too large.

 

[itsme]

saw this thread and curious if any recommendations of MA-1 jackets in leather? or is it unpopular in leather compared to more traditional nylon material?

Personally I don't think that MA1 and leather fit well. I'd rather take a look at Aero 50s College Jackets.

 

[bn1966]

Personally I don't think that MA1 and leather fit well. I'd rather take a look at Aero 50s College Jackets.

Agree! Was a 90’s fashion over here in the UK & one that I didn’t buy into …

 

[itsme]

Please excuse the delay, I’ve been very busy lately. Attached are a few photos of the MA-1 jackets from Bronson and Red Tornado.

Despite the logo, I decided to keep the Bronson jacket. To be a fair customer, I would have felt a bit guilty not keeping it, since it is exactly as shown in the pictures and otherwise fits well. After all, I already knew beforehand that I’m not a big fan of visible labels… anyway.

As you can see, the Bronson MA-1 is noticeably more “puffed up” and therefore looks more classic, while the Red Tornado is less tapered but also less bulky. That said, it feels very high quality and keeps me just as warm as the Bronson jacket.

I’ve actually received compliments for both jackets, saying they look distinctive and stand out. No one has ever said that about a nylon bomber jacket I’ve worn before — and I’ve owned quite a few. In the past, the feedback was more along the lines of “other jackets suit you better.” So it looks like I made the right decision keeping both of them.


For reference: the Bronson is a 3XL, and the Red Tornado is a 2XL.

Bronson:

Red Tornado

 

[MrProper]

Here's a summer MA-1.
Two layers of nylon, but no padding in between.
Fits me better than my Baracuta Harrington.
It's an Alpha Industries MA-1 TTC.