Leather Jacket
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 4
From: Payson, AZ
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
I thought this tread was about Langlitz jackets. I have a Langlitz CHP horsehide jacket that's almost 60 years old and is the most awesome jacket I've ever owned! It is my daily wearer. If you pay $1000 for a jacket that will last 3 generations (or more!) that's cheap!
My 60 year old Langlitz worn by a California Highway Patrolman back in the 1950's
My 60 year old Langlitz worn by a California Highway Patrolman back in the 1950's
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 1
Just getting the facts, that's all. I emailed them this morning and they emailed me back within an hour and told me that they, in fact, contract them to US factories. I emailed Vanson a month ago and never heard anything back so I forgot about it. Yesterday, they returned my email with an unpunctuated three word response.
Yeah, call that nitpicking but when I buy my US made jacket it's going to be from FoxCreek because the service and the effort to supply that service are what matter to me. I am sure Langlitz is worth the money, but I will not pay that much for a jacket. FoxCreek seems like a good price for a good jacket. With Vanson being made overseas now and their service being notoriously horrible, the choices are narrowing. Langlitz, Schotts (sic?), and Fox Creek...and maybe some small custom shops.
Yeah, call that nitpicking but when I buy my US made jacket it's going to be from FoxCreek because the service and the effort to supply that service are what matter to me. I am sure Langlitz is worth the money, but I will not pay that much for a jacket. FoxCreek seems like a good price for a good jacket. With Vanson being made overseas now and their service being notoriously horrible, the choices are narrowing. Langlitz, Schotts (sic?), and Fox Creek...and maybe some small custom shops.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
Harley has had there perforated jacket at half price in most of there stores. But I like the Joe Rocket vented jacket non leather over a perforated leather jacket. A plus Joe Rocket is coming with waterproof liner in the Joe Rocket jacket.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From: Southern Ohio
I exchanged PMs with a forum member here that seems to have good judgement and has knowledge of Vanson jackets in particular. As a result I emailed Vanson last week and they responded within an hour with a "Yes. We would love to have your business!" email. This last Mon. I asked them some specific questions (which should be real hard to answer, like "what is this jacket's length?" ) and received no reply. So yesterday I used the shotgun approach and re-sent the same email about 3 times and received this response: "Hey. it's only been three days. Have some patience. I will answer you later today." It is now later on the NEXT day and I've received nothing. And I really want a perforated jacket.....
I have a fully perforated Vanson Mark 2 that I would like to sell but I have not got around to listing it. I bought it new last month from the local bike shop but I don't think I can get used to how short it is due to my height (6'3"). I wish if fit because I love the way it feels and looks. Let me know if you would be interested. I'm not even sure what to ask for it.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 4
From: Payson, AZ
Here's one of my "poser" jackets after taking a 70 mph slide and tumble
I don't think he was saying your jacket was a poser jacket. At least that's not the way I read it. I thought he was saying.. look here these jackets last 60 years.... crap jackets don't last even 10 years. His pictures were of Hollywood types wearing fashion jackets. I thought he was complimenting your jacket.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 4
From: Payson, AZ
I don't think he was saying your jacket was a poser jacket. At least that's not the way I read it. I thought he was saying.. look here these jackets last 60 years.... crap jackets don't last even 10 years. His pictures were of Hollywood types wearing fashion jackets. I thought he was complimenting your jacket.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
I don't think anyone is questioning the quality of a Langlitz jacket. There are stories from some forum members how these jackets saved their hides from serious road rash. I don't doubt that. But I've also heard stories from owners of other jackets (Fox Creek comes to mind) that have done the same thing. Hell, I've seen a guy go down at 60 mph with a $150 leather and no road rash. My point is there are plenty of jackets that will do that.
As far as broken bones. I'm pretty sure that if your arm or shoulder twist a certain way, or slams into something hard enough, there's no leather jacket that will prevent a broken bone. Armor on the other hand probably will.
I could care less if my jacket lasts 60 years. I won't even be alive then. Hand it down to a family member? Ok....that's cool, but that may not be important to some. It's not to me. And so much for that "perfect custom fit" if you do hand it down. Not to mention that there are probably plenty of other jackets that will last as long. Custom fit? Sure that's nice, but again, to many it's not worth the price. I've had numerous leathers over the years that weren't custom made and I can honestly say that none of them were uncomfortable where it ruined my ride. Actually many were extremely comfortable.
That said, wear what you want and don't criticize someone for wearing something you wouldn't. And don't boast about how you can afford to spend a grand on something when you know plenty of people who can't. Good for you if you can and nothing to be ashamed of if you can't. I'm sure there are plenty who can but would just rather put their money into something else. That's cool too. I personally think I can get as much longevity from another type of jacket for half the price. If I'm wrong and it only lasts 20 years, I'll just buy another one.
Buy what you want, wear what you want and don't worry so much what others are doing as long as it doesn't affect you.
As far as broken bones. I'm pretty sure that if your arm or shoulder twist a certain way, or slams into something hard enough, there's no leather jacket that will prevent a broken bone. Armor on the other hand probably will.
I could care less if my jacket lasts 60 years. I won't even be alive then. Hand it down to a family member? Ok....that's cool, but that may not be important to some. It's not to me. And so much for that "perfect custom fit" if you do hand it down. Not to mention that there are probably plenty of other jackets that will last as long. Custom fit? Sure that's nice, but again, to many it's not worth the price. I've had numerous leathers over the years that weren't custom made and I can honestly say that none of them were uncomfortable where it ruined my ride. Actually many were extremely comfortable.
That said, wear what you want and don't criticize someone for wearing something you wouldn't. And don't boast about how you can afford to spend a grand on something when you know plenty of people who can't. Good for you if you can and nothing to be ashamed of if you can't. I'm sure there are plenty who can but would just rather put their money into something else. That's cool too. I personally think I can get as much longevity from another type of jacket for half the price. If I'm wrong and it only lasts 20 years, I'll just buy another one.
Buy what you want, wear what you want and don't worry so much what others are doing as long as it doesn't affect you.
Last edited by JekyllnHyde; Apr 5, 2010 at 11:41 PM.