Vests
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,410
From: Jackson, OH
Nice looking vest OP. You can almost smell the quality leather right there.
I'm not exclusively Fox Creek as a buyer, though it's my #1 go-to for leather. Their lighter weight leather vests are still solidly built and have plenty of thickness. Their standard thickness vests feel like they could stop a .32 slug...it literally feels like I'm wearing flexible armor. I'm probably partial toward FC because I've been there and met the people. It's a business based in very rural Appalachia and everyone there has that "let me help you" attitude. Walking inside is amazing...lots of wood and tons of leather...like candyland for leather lovers. I'm feeling the need to go back now!
I'm not exclusively Fox Creek as a buyer, though it's my #1 go-to for leather. Their lighter weight leather vests are still solidly built and have plenty of thickness. Their standard thickness vests feel like they could stop a .32 slug...it literally feels like I'm wearing flexible armor. I'm probably partial toward FC because I've been there and met the people. It's a business based in very rural Appalachia and everyone there has that "let me help you" attitude. Walking inside is amazing...lots of wood and tons of leather...like candyland for leather lovers. I'm feeling the need to go back now!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 2,457
Thanks Dillbilly. I know FC has lots of fans here. I am sure FC quality is probably way better than FMC. This FMC leather is not even close to what you would see on upper level leather jackets. It's lighter.
I didn't know FC were in Appalachia region. I might pay them a visit next time I take a trip to NC.
I didn't know FC were in Appalachia region. I might pay them a visit next time I take a trip to NC.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,079
Likes: 1,239
From: New England
I ordered my vest and jacket from them. The first jacket they sent me was too tight, so they said "we'll send you one size up and just return the one you have." We shipped the same day, me to them, them to me.
They aren't inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination, but they do frequently have 10% off sales. I'm saving for another jacket (I now have brown) and chaps. Their gloves are also top-notch. And no, they don't pay me nor am I associated with them in any way. Just a totally satisfied customer.
They aren't inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination, but they do frequently have 10% off sales. I'm saving for another jacket (I now have brown) and chaps. Their gloves are also top-notch. And no, they don't pay me nor am I associated with them in any way. Just a totally satisfied customer.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 20,424
Likes: 24,217
From: WetCoast
My leather one is on in my avatar… bought it at Harley Davidson… Most of the time when I go outside I’ve got a down vest on when not riding… summer and winter… I called them my “man purse”…
Last edited by CanadianRocky; Jun 16, 2022 at 11:35 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 20
From: Chardon, Ohio
Maxxym, if you are from the CLE try TRD Leathers, and SP Leathers- both in Cleveland on Detriot. Ave. they carry multiple brands and make their own stuff as well.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,443
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I already got one but good to know about those places. I will definitely check them out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,915
Likes: 5,929
From: NorCal
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My vote is for Espinozas Leather.
If you are looking for something economical but of very good quality look for True Element vests on Amazon. I have one to use with the club for 8 years and it's the same as the first day. For less than 100 you get the same quality as many over 200 bucks
If you are looking for something economical but of very good quality look for True Element vests on Amazon. I have one to use with the club for 8 years and it's the same as the first day. For less than 100 you get the same quality as many over 200 bucks
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 691
From: Headland, AL
I know the OP already bought a vest, but just for general information, I go to First Manufacturing first because most of their styles come in Tall sizes as well as Regular. I realize even every tall guy doesn't necessarily need jackets, shirts, pants etc. in Tall sizes, but I'm a real knuckle-dragger, and many a'knuckle of mine have been saved from just plain ol' walking around road rash with those extra long sleeves. It used to be that I didn't need Tall in a vest, as I'm long-legged and long-armed, but pretty average torso. Then I started gaining weight. Now a regular sized vest looks as bad on me as a shrunken T-shirt on a fat man laying flat on his back does, and though I have yet to buy a Tall vest, I've been in the market for one for several months.Haven't found any in brick and mortar stores anywhere near here, and I won't be gambling on ordering one without being able to try it on this new body of mine first.
Anyway, I've had no problem with my First Manufacturing jacket that's around 20 years old now. The only time it looks that old is after riding through swarms of soft-shell big bugs with mustard-yellow innards that I hadn't gotten around to cleaning yet. Otherwise, the leather looks almost new, it's supple and there's no scratches or scuffs visible anywhere on the jacket. Don't get me wrong though - I'm not saying FM is "as good" or "better than" Fox Creek or any other brand. I'm just saying I'm a very happy customer of FM's.Whatever the OP got (I'm going to go back and look right after posting this) I sincerely hope they love it and it lasts forever.
Blues
Anyway, I've had no problem with my First Manufacturing jacket that's around 20 years old now. The only time it looks that old is after riding through swarms of soft-shell big bugs with mustard-yellow innards that I hadn't gotten around to cleaning yet. Otherwise, the leather looks almost new, it's supple and there's no scratches or scuffs visible anywhere on the jacket. Don't get me wrong though - I'm not saying FM is "as good" or "better than" Fox Creek or any other brand. I'm just saying I'm a very happy customer of FM's.Whatever the OP got (I'm going to go back and look right after posting this) I sincerely hope they love it and it lasts forever.
Blues