Thanks for any help you guys can offer on this. I am going to buy one of the following two jackets. Right now I'm trying to find anyone that has either of these or that knows of a good site where I can find a review of either of them. I have owned Vanson products in the past and currently own a perferated Vanson jacket. However, their site sux and I can't find much technical info on the jacket such as leather grade.
I have not owned either of these, but bought a summer jacket from them this summer. Worst Customer Service I have dealt with. No returned phone calls, delays in shipping, poor Web site, and misquoting of cost. I really liked their jacket, but will never buy from them again
I've owned two Vanson jackets - perforated leater and perforated nylon/leather blend. The jackets are well made, but the leather is extremely stiff and will take a LONG time to wear in fully. I own an Aerostich Roadcrafter, but since I bought a Deluxe three weeks ago, I wanted to add some quality leather to my riding gear.
Listening to the comments about Fox Creek Leather I drove up there this weekend and spent several hours in their store trying different products. The sales people are terrific - both Melinda and Scarlett took turns answering questions and getting gear for me to try. They let me ride with it, return to the store, and fine tune the sizes. Great people, but more importantly incredible gear.
The leather is far more supple than Vanson and at least as thick - in fact it's thicker than the perforated jackets I have from Vanson, but I can't compare it to the regular Vanson gear. Frankly, taking it home and comparing it to Vanson, I far prefer the Fox Creek gear. The Classic I & II are typical "biker" jackets, but built to outlast the owner, and similar to the Schott jackets in style. They are also lifetime guaranteed. The quality beats anything I've ever owned or seen - by a lot. There are lots of nice touches in the jackets - full inner pockets (used to be called "gun pockets" before it became politically incorrect), built in "neck warmer" stored in the inner lining that zips out for warmer weather riding, zippered pockets to keep your stuff where you want it, real metal and leather all over - no cheap stuff.
Before you invest in either Vanson or Schott, give them a try. If you don't like what you get, they will accept returns for a full refund, as long as the gear is returned in new condition within 30 days. Compared to Vanson & Schott the prices are far lower, and the quality is as good as it gets. They are also 100% made in the USA.
Incredible value, great customer service, super high quallity products. Hard to not like them, but if the jacket styles don't work for you, you may need to look elsewhere. Search for Fox Creek leathers on this site, lots of comments, almost universally positive - that's how I found them. By the way, the ride there and back was almost 400 miles - beautiful mountain roads, great scenery - well worth the trip.
PS: I have no connection with Fox Creek, just a satisfied customer.
can't see why others haven't jumped in already but heres another bump for Fox Creek. do a search and see for yurself. they even havesale andclearance offerings. if your set on your "brands" no prob... your wearing it. however, you cannot be disappointed in any way with FCL. [sm=icon_ladiesman.gif]
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My Schott jacket is still ingreat condition and it's over 20 years old.I don't know if the newer ones are the same quality though.I recently went with a ballistic nylon jacket because it's weatherproof and light but I am holding on to my leather Schott.
I wear a Schott. It just happened to be the brand they were selling at the store I went to. 8 years and counting. If I were to buy a new jacket I would check out fox creek as all I hear about them is good though.
Well, here's my 2 cents. I've owned a Vanson for the better part of 15 years and only just gave it up cause it "shrunk". I ordered a new one which I had to have made cuz off the rack didn't get it (I'm 6'3", 350). Other posts are correct in saying they're stiff.....real stiff, but if you want a 20+ year jacket, Vanson is it.
Fox Creek has really great people working for them but they really didn't want to work on custom sizing for me. Maybe it was just a fluke, don't know, but I did try on a few of thier jackets and they seem like quality stuff...
I'm very happy with my Schott Bros jacket that I purchased in 1975. All of the stitching is still good. Sleeve lining a little worn but overall the jacket is in very good condition.[/align]
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Vanson vs SchottNYC
can't see why others haven't jumped in already but heres another bump for Fox Creek. 
do a search and see for yurself. they even havesale andclearance offerings. if your set on your "brands" no prob... your wearing it. however, you cannot be disappointed in any way with FCL. [sm=icon_ladiesman.gif]
