New M-65 or Stick with Vintage?

[thedashdaddy]

I have fallen hard for the M-65 jacket. I have a few vintage ones, and they are my favorite. I love the rakish and contrasting feel that they offer, especially over smarter attire. That said, my first was one from Alpha Industries, their current iteration. Compared to my forty-something-year-old jackets, the heft and feel just wasn't there. So, I'm selling it. With that given, I have my eye on the Cockpit USA version, as I've read that it's USA-made, with better materials, etc. I know what most people will say, and I should stick with the vintage, contracted jackets, but I guess I want something to call my own, especially if it is well-made and new, maybe something I can wear dressed up. However, the price is something to consider for what it is, and I have been mulling over whether to buy it. I'll be honest, part of it is general curiosity, I want to see what a new American-made M-65 is like, especially the stitching, as my vintage ones are quite old. Yes, I realize that Cockpit USA was never a contracted supplier, and it is a reproduction. All told, I am interested to hear your feedback.

 

[BloodEagle]

I'd personally stay with the vintage pre-1970 ones for the best pattern and feel. The new ones wont age like the old ones because unless theyre a specific repro like RMC or Buzz RIckson etc they all have differing quantities of nylon used for the main material

 

[Brandrea33]

My only experience is with Iron Heart M65.

It’s very well made and provides for more modern interpretation of the original.

 

[Peacoat]

I have two originals. That is what I would stick with as I know the quality. But a reproduction might work well if that is what you are after. And especially if members vouch for them.

 

[Zombie_61]

My first M-65 was found at a local swap meet. It was a little large on me, but I liked it so I bought it. The left sleeve had a patched hole, and closer inspection revealed the faint remains of a blood stain; it was after I asked the seller about it that he informed me the jacket had belonged to his younger brother who got it when he'd been drafted and sent to Vietnam in the late-60s. I haven't found one since that fit me as well and was as comfortable as that first one, but I still like the M-65 for it's versatility. That said, if you can find a vintage one that you like, grab it.

 

[CatsCan]

I think Made In USA does not automatically mean better quality or Made in "so an so" automatically means lesser quality.
Check out Helicon Tex M65 50/50 Polycotton. Materials, heft, cut and colour are on par with the authentic issued ones from back then while the money you pay for it is more reasonable for what it is than say Cockpit or RMC. Helicon Tex is made in Poland though, if this is something that discourages you.
I have an authentic 1967 one, but know someone with a Helicon and I can't make out a superiority of my 1967s.

 

[Pandemic]

I used to borrow my dad’s 1960s M65 as a teenager, but stopped when the USMC insignia started feeling like stolen valour on me.

I wear a lot of Helokon-Tex for work and it is excellent- far better than the American equivalents.

If I were in the market for a new OD M65, I would definitely go with Helikon-Tex.

Disregard their size charts and go one down for your normal. I’m 6’0” and 180lbs - I wear a Small.

 

[大馬伕]

I think Made In USA does not automatically mean better quality or Made in "so an so" automatically means lesser quality.

I agree. Unfortunately, M-65 jackets are not a common item you find at every mall. It's almost impossible to go shopping, try them on, then compare them side by side. I am not the kind of guy who will order 8 or 10 jackets, then return the jackets I don't like. So I just buy what's more commonly available.


For me, what matters is function. I'm not emotionally attached to the vintage classics, nor do I care about authenticity. I'm not trying to fit into a small, tight jacket, because I saw some old photos. just want a jacket that keeps me warm. I need to move my arms freely. And I want room to layer under it.

I have a Rothco and an Alpha. In my daily life, both work. No problems with either. After decades, my only regret is that the Alpha cost more. I can't complain today about what I paid over 20 years ago. But Alpha isn't twice the quality. Rothco has held up just fine at half the price.

I'm not a collector. I don't have the same views as people who want the best of the best. I am not able to appreciate the best.

 

[4444Design]

I'd stick with originals

I'm not that into M65s and do not have a clue about the special characteristics to identify the year of make (except the label) but i owned/handled some "newer" copies through time and always got back to the "real deal"

It will possibly get hard to find early ones NOS but you find them in relatively good condition. Fabric is easy to clean/wash which makes it easy to kind of re-activate them.

I manegd to find an original with a SEABEES patch on the pocket - it was dirty and i payed 20 bucks for it - put it oin the washer - hand-dried it and fine ...

Found a similar one for my wife as well (you get them smaller ones even more cheap) and she loves it

 

[MrProper]

I think Made In USA does not automatically mean better quality or Made in "so an so" automatically means lesser quality.
Check out Helicon Tex M65 50/50 Polycotton. Materials, heft, cut and colour are on par with the authentic issued ones from back then while the money you pay for it is more reasonable for what it is than say Cockpit or RMC. Helicon Tex is made in Poland though, if this is something that discourages you.
I have an authentic 1967 one, but know someone with a Helicon and I can't make out a superiority of my 1967s.

I agree with that.
I have two Helikon Tex M-65s and I think they are in no way inferior to the original ones I used to have.

 

[Pandemic]

I agree with that.
I have two Helikon Tex M-65s and I think they are in no way inferior to the original ones I used to have.

Did you size down one?

 

[MrProper]

Did you size down one?

Yes, I took a size M. L would be much too big.

 

[TLW '90]

Real M65 or fake M65 ?
A USGI M-65 is the only real M-65 in my book, but for me they're a purely uutilitarian piece with sentimental value and I'm not wearing them for fashion.

Maybe I wouldn't care that much if I was and hadn't grown up with the M-65's my dad handed down to me.

 

[Zombie_61]

Real M65 or fake M65 ?

How can we be sure? No, I'm not trying to be a smart ***, I'm sincerely curious because I'm not former military. I bought my first M65 at a local swap meet near the end of the 1970s--not the reason I went, but it was there, it fit me comfortably, and I liked it, so it went home with me. I got the impression it was the genuine article when I saw the patched hole (about the size of an American nickel) on the left sleeve just above the elbow, and remaining traces of blood stains. I wore that jacket almost until it was falling apart, and wanted to get another one, so I paid a visit to a few of the local "military surplus" stores to see what was available. The people working there kept showing me the "manufacturing tag" which included the name of the company that produced the jacket(s), and the specification number the jackets were allegedly made in accordance with. Since then, I've looked for the specification number on that tag, but with minor changes to the spec over the years I'm still not quite sure I'm getting the "real deal". So, is there anything special I should be looking for, or is it all just a big roll of the dice and a hope and prayer that the jacket I'm buying is indeed military surplus?

 

[TLW '90]

A real M-65 will be made by a contractor, have a NSN or MSN and should have a MFG date.

 

[Zombie_61]

A real M-65 will be made by a contractor, have a NSN or MSN and should have a MFG date.

Thank you! That helps.

 

[MadCat]

I think Made In USA does not automatically mean better quality or Made in "so an so" automatically means lesser quality.
Check out Helicon Tex M65 50/50 Polycotton. Materials, heft, cut and colour are on par with the authentic issued ones from back then while the money you pay for it is more reasonable for what it is than say Cockpit or RMC. Helicon Tex is made in Poland though, if this is something that discourages you.
I have an authentic 1967 one, but know someone with a Helicon and I can't make out a superiority of my 1967s.

They used to be. They’re made in China now.

 

[CatsCan]

They used to be. They’re made in China now

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