New Karbon jacket thoughts?
 

Hey everybody...has anyone worn the new Karbon jacket and what do you think about it?

As for me, it's only day 3, but I'm not too happy about it. Here's what I think so far:

Pros: it's lighter than the leather jacket, it's more discrete, it's waterproof.

Cons: it's not that comfortable-it seems stiff and plastic-like. The inside seems unfinished with lots of rough sewn parts that lightly itch and irritate after wearing a while.
It doesn't breathe well-when wearing it indoors, I was quickly getting hot and sweaty. Combine that with the scratchy parts, and it was generally uncomfortable to wear. My arms would be red as if I had some rash.
It doesn't protect from the cold and wind that well-for all money we paid and high-tech promises, I was not too feeling too warm during walk arounds in less than 50 degree temperature. Wind seemed to go right through me, and I could feel the chill from the sweat the jacket generated from being indoors.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts and if I'm the only one. Thanks for reading...

Yep, you're the only one that doesn't like it.;). I'm wearing it on a trip right now myself. I only have one day wearing it right now, so the jury's still out. You can unzip the "armpit area" if you want ventilation while inside. Some guys have said that that helps a lot. As far as the other concerns, it seems like it could be better than the leather jacket for certain things, and worse for others. I'm not blown away by the jacket so far, but I get a lot of complements and the wife likes it. Unfortunately she doesn't have to wear it.

Has anyone considered the possibility that the lightweight jacket now, and the leather jacket preceding it have been a part of a long term plan to devalue the airline pilot position in the eyes of the general public and each other? To go from being a respected professional to the equivalent of a bus driver or service provider to lower expectations?

The fact is that appearances matter. Right or wrong people make assessments of you based on your appearance every day.

Look at a former Pan Am uniform, a Delta uniform etc. The hat, the blazer, it instantly says "airline pilot". Crisp. Professional. Quasi-military. It instills confidence and pride.

The lightweight jacket looks like something a delivery guy might wear.

I'm not trying to be a black helicopter guy, but I lament the slow death of the traditional airline pilot uniform because I do feel as though it meant something.

That said I would happily ditch the tie. [emoji23]

You wouldn't wear the leather or new light weight jacket because they are not professional enough, but you would gladly ditch the tie. OK, I think I got it.:rolleyes:

When I see a Delta pilot in their full blown uniform glory, only two things come to mind:

1. Double-Breasted Van Admiral; or

2. Gay Pride Parade.

Not that there is anything "wrong" with either, but count me out. :D

No you're dead on. I'd either like to look like a professional airline pilot has looked for generations (single breasted please) but if we aren't going to do that and we are going full casual, then can we ditch the tie like Virgin America did? [emoji38]

Didn't the pilots complain for years and get the company to cave and allow this new jacket?

I'm not wild about how they look and won't be buying one. The leather jacket, when properly sized and zipped up, looks good.

Unfortunately, plenty of guys at all airlines who don't wear the proper size of various uniform items. Giant baggy shirts, pants that bunch up around the ankles, yellow/stained shirts, thick rubber-soled shoes. My buddies with jobs outside the industry don't dress like that - why do we?

I understand there's a balance between comfort and professionalism. But my point is, if I'm going to look like a valet, I better be comfortable as hell. This jacket so far didn't meet either goal.

One more critique: the $20 nametag looks like an afterthought.

COMPLETELY agree Zap except for the part about ditching the tie. The leather jackets look unprofessional to say the least. This lightweight jacket is just appalling to see on an airline pilot. And the profession continues to erode into the $h!tter......