MA-1's are the least-expensive model of flight jackets. The MA-1 was the flight jacket in service the longest (from about 1955 until 1977) and went through various design modifications over that time. They started out being available in blue and sage, and then became available only in sage (so blue and sage are historical, while black and other colors are not). Orange lining and pocket flaps (which come on many reproductions) also came along later as design modifications. The Alpha Industries MA-1 is a very good jacket (Alpha Industries having made MA-1's for the military). It costs around $90. At about $40 are the Rothco and Knox Armory MA-1's (available from amazon.com and various other retailers). They are lower quality and not as authentic, of course, but they are decent for the money.
A Historical MA-1 (Mil. Spec. MIL-J-8279D, 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron)
Alpha Industries MA-1
A very nice jacket.
Rothco MA-1
The Rothco MA-1 looks reasonably correct in its design. The stitching and fabric patterns seem reasonably historical, and it even has an MA-1-like product label in the pocket, so some nice touches there. The major difference from the Alpha Industries MA-1 is that it is not as high a quality. The outer nylon shell does not have a supple satin-like texture. The zippers and snaps are not as nice. Not bad for $40, though, in terms of its MA-1 features. Between the Rothco and the Knox (the two $40 jackets I looked at), I think that I like the Rothco a little bit better.
Scenario patches sewn onto the back work just fine!
Knox Armory MA-1
The Knox Armory MA-1 also looks reasonably correct in its design. The stitching and fabric patterns seem reasonably historical, and it has an MA-1-like product label in the pocket, so some nice touches there. The major difference from the Alpha Industries MA-1 is that it is not as high a quality. The zippers and snaps are not as nice. Not bad for $40, though, in terms of its MA-1 features.
by Brooke P. Anderson
e-mail: brooke@electraforge.com
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