Hey, everybody. I am in the market for a new leather jacket & a new vest. Somewhat budget constrained, I am looking for everybody's opinion whether or not to buy a nicer jacket and skimp on the vest, or buy a nice vest and not necessarily a top-of-the-line jacket.

I will wear the vest every time I ride, and admittedly, I do not wear a jacket nearly as much as I should, usually only on super cold days. I currently live in lower AL (LA), so I ride all year, and I'm from Minnesota, so I don't think you need a jacket on lots of days when everyone else does.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance...

 

Get the good jacket, cause when you need it, you NEED it. The vest sounds more like a 'nice to have' for you. Course if the vest is going to hold club patches then it's a different story.

 

With budget in mind, since it's winter, buy the jacket now.
Buy the vest in the spring.

 

buy the jacket. I got mine at jamminleather.com for 95 bucks and would put it up against any harley jacket for 500 bucks

 

There are ways to get quality in both. What is your budget? Also, check out my thread that was on this section earlier this week. A lot of good information regarding vests. Well, a lot of side conversation too that is pretty funny to read. Are you a member of the CVMA?

 

My $99.00 Allstate jacket is heavy, sturdy, and warm. I see no reason to spend more, unless it's just not your style (old style biker). And a leather vest can be had equally cheap. If it's just for decoration (for patches), just make sure it's nothing fancy and has plenty of flat panels.

Decent chaps, jacket, and vest can be had for around $200.00.

 

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I saw the vest thread - good stuff. I'd like to keep both comfortably under the $400-500 range total. Still trying to get stuff that will last a while...

CVMA 28-3. What chapter you in?

 

For me jacket is a must have, doesn't have to be HD's finest most expensive or even HD. Living in the south you probably don't need it for 8 or 9 months of the year but eventually you'll need one if you ride all year long. Sounds like you'll get more use out of a vest though. Now that winter is almost here you might think about getting that jacket now. Check out e-bay, forum classifieds, craigslist etc., maybe get one used in good condition.

 

23-1 North Texas. I suggest checking out a Wilson leather outlet store. The one where I found my vest was doing 70% off everything last weekend. Their leather is thick and heavy too. Got a vest for me and a leather jacket for the old lady for just over $230. Both seem to be high quality, but you can't tell until you ride in them for a while. Either way, if I have to replace them in 2 years, I will feel that I got my money out of them.