Helikon M65 Nyco Jacket - Black

The jacket is great, but it has two drawbacks. Firstly, the sizing – it's better to choose a size smaller. Secondly, after a year I used the lining for the first time and noticed that it is missing a snap on the left side.

I've noticed that in reviews of the Brandit M65 and Alpha jackets, few people mention that the material of these models is very different from the original, contract-issue jackets, which are made from a 50/50 nylon and cotton blend—and this should matter when choosing a replica. In my opinion, only Helikon follows the contract, using the proper material, while even Alpha has moved away from these standards. My Helikon jacket, even though I've had it for a year and washed it several times, is still great. It's the type of material that makes these jackets so valued, and functionality is just an extra. So, if you care about matching the original, you should go for the 50/50 nylon and cotton blend.

Since the M65 became fashionable as the "Schimanski" jacket, I've repeatedly had jackets of this type from different manufacturers. Most didn't last long, but now I've had a green Helikon for more than 5 years – it looks like new and I don't particularly take care of it. That's why I treated myself to a second one in black. Comfortable, robust fabric, warm (the lining is easy to remove) and practical, as you’d expect from an M65. The size fits me perfectly. The only thing is, the green is a bit bright, but a bit more colour in life never hurts ;-)

The perfect jacket for every season except summer. Absolutely outstanding. Size S fits a person who is 174 cm tall and has broad shoulders. It's worth choosing a size smaller than usual because the jacket is quite roomy.

Great jacket. I only have a complaint about quality control before shipment – in my example, the material on the shoulders is sewn crookedly and wrinkles. I didn’t notice it, but my wife pointed it out. It’s a small thing, but it spoils the overall impression.

At first I was sceptical about the purchase, I even planned to return it. But after trying it on, the jacket stayed with me and I wear it everywhere. It’s comfortable, soft and practical, which is no surprise in the M65. The workmanship is brilliant.

The jacket is very solid and durable. I have it in black, and the workmanship is of a very good standard. I deduct one star for the too stiff material – in my opinion it could be softer, but not everyone will mind. The second star is deducted for the oversized cut – I have size M, but it's like a big L. Those with a slimmer build should take this into account. Other than that, the product is really robust, perhaps even too much: after a few years of use in the forest there's no sign of wear and the jacket is undamaged – I only wear it in winter.

I bought the jacket on sale, it looks great as an M65 model. I recommend getting a size down. I weigh 70 kg, 180 cm tall, and the jacket is a bit too big, but unfortunately there wasn't XS available (even though the size chart said there was – that's a mistake). The jacket is waiting for colder days to be fully tested. The patch is very nice. Overall I recommend it. The jacket is heavy, so I expect it will be warm. Pros: appearance, pockets, liner, faithful M65 replica, the olive colour is impressive! Cons – sizing is generous. To sum up: I recommend it!

Great jacket for off-road, I use it together with dedicated trousers (nice that you can combine them). I've been wearing it for 5-6 years now on many rallies, it hasn't been spared. Large pockets, practical hood that is easy to unfold and hide, pluses for the drawstrings at the bottom and velcro on the sleeves. The insulated liner can be quickly removed (you can wear it like a fleece, it has its own buttons). The pockets are capacious.

Great jacket for off-roading – I use it together with the dedicated trousers, and you can also connect them together. I’ve had it for about 5-6 years and it’s accompanied me on many rallies, never spared. The jacket is roomy, has a nice hood that’s quick to unfold and fold, drawcords at the bottom and velcro on the sleeves – big pluses. The warm liner can be removed in two minutes (and worn as a fleece – it has its own buttons). The pockets are very spacious.

Very useful jacket, I use it for off-roading together with dedicated trousers (great option to combine jacket and trousers). Over 5-6 years it has survived many rallies without being spared. It has large pockets, a practical hood that is easy to unfold and hide, as well as adjustable sleeves and drawstrings – a big advantage. The insulated liner can be quickly removed and worn as a fleece – it has its own buttons. The pockets are very spacious.

Great quality jacket – I've been wearing it for 8 years and nothing has happened to it. The slight fading of the material only adds to its charm. It's warm and spacious. The hood in the collar is very thin. Worth buying.

I don't recommend the black version – it really attracts lint, fluff, and pet hair, which can be annoying. It's better to choose the classic green or woodland. The jacket is as well made as the much more expensive Alpha, so there’s no point overspending. I personally gave up on the sleeve roll-up system with Velcro because it annoyed me, and a tailor sewed the sleeve up for me – it's perfect now. I know the original military version had it too, but it’s just impractical for me.

I've had this jacket for several years and I think its quality surpasses Brandit, and it's very similar to the much more expensive Alpha. I made some minor adjustments, for example, the Velcro at the cuffs irritated my skin – a tailor sewed in material there and it's fine now. I also got rid of the epaulettes because they got in the way when carrying a backpack. In my opinion, it's better to buy this jacket than an Alpha – they're almost identical, but the Alpha doesn't have a removable liner.

The jacket is very good quality – strong material, workmanship at a high level. Very warm (with the liner). Size L fits my build perfectly: 176 cm, 101 kg, chest 116 cm. A bit loose over a t-shirt, tight over a sweatshirt.