Jackets
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
My Fox Creek Bomber is a great jacket. Best value in a leather jacket, I've seen, but the friggin thing weighs like 9 pounds and makes my shoulders cramp up when I ride any good distance, so lately I've just been wearing a canvas jacket, much like your Carhartt, or my N3B-style parka. Not as protective as leather, but more comfortable to ride in (for me) than leather...
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 13
Personally, I like Vanson. I started with a FirstGear which I outgrew and got tired of the zipper getting stuck, the vents never closing properly, etc. I decided to buy a quality jacket. Was recommended FoxCreek, so I order a jacket (exchanged it a few times due to sizing), but ultimately ended up giving up on F.C. due to fit and the final jacket smelled like death. Got a Harley brand jacket but was never satisfied with the fit or finish (leather was thin and it bunched up on me on the bike). Decided that it came down to either Vanson or Langlitz. Decided to order a Langlitz as a graduation present for finishing grad school. Received the Langlitz and was totally unimpressed. I know lots of guys like them, but I just couldn't see that the jacket was worth the hefty price tag (sent it back and got a refund). Called Vanson as a last attempt at getting a quality leather, they said they just finished a run of the Highwayman jacket. My local leather shop was willing to order in a few for sizing, and I bought mine (size 44) on the spot. The Vanson is amazing. Fits perfect, offers tons of protection, smells wonderful (like rich leather), and had ample storage and a serial number for identification. If you're willing to spend a few bucks (Vansons are around $500-650) I don't think that you'll be disappointed with a Vanson. Course if they have to make you a jacket it takes forever.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 134
Likes: 53
From: Southeastern CT
Do me a favor and take your holier than thou attitude and go **** on someone else's thread.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Logan Ohio
I love my two jackets from Branded Leathers in LIC, NY. Very heavy, excellent zippers and stitching. The make the jackets for NYPD and LAPD mounted units.
www.800branded.com
www.800branded.com
yup, what he said
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
Myself and the wife wear Langlitz Jackets and Pants.
In the summer Vanson Vent Max and heavy jeans
In the summer Vanson Vent Max and heavy jeans
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: USA
I wear an Icon jacket. Very well made and reasonably affordable.
I've had my plain black Motorhead jacket for several years and it works great for any temperature I ride in. It is the only full leather jacket I have owned that is comfortable to ride in when the temps hit the mid 90's. For myself, a huge benefit is it has no collar so it doesn't restrict my neck movement.
I've had my plain black Motorhead jacket for several years and it works great for any temperature I ride in. It is the only full leather jacket I have owned that is comfortable to ride in when the temps hit the mid 90's. For myself, a huge benefit is it has no collar so it doesn't restrict my neck movement.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
I went through a TourMaster in a year and a half.
It was cheap, had armor, a warm lining, and was fairly water/windproof. Was happy with the purchase at the time.
But, like most things made in China, you see the value of the purchase in about a year. It just plum wore out. Some zippers busted, the armor pockets busted and let the armor slide around, the fabric got brittle from sun exposure, etc. Oh, well. Some things I could have fixed, but the whole thing just started going to crap all at once.
I did end up getting another leather jacket, but a nice in-between is a Duluth Trading Co. jacket in their "firehose" canvas. It's meant for riding--good, long sleeves, zip cuffs, fully lined (too warm for summer, but great for cool days), and while not treated for waterproofness, the canvas weave is so tight that it is. No armor, but it's the slide that gets you anyway, not the impact.
For less than the price of a TourMaster, the Duluth jacket is a far better value, IMO.
A *good* leather jacket, though, can't be beat.
It was cheap, had armor, a warm lining, and was fairly water/windproof. Was happy with the purchase at the time.
But, like most things made in China, you see the value of the purchase in about a year. It just plum wore out. Some zippers busted, the armor pockets busted and let the armor slide around, the fabric got brittle from sun exposure, etc. Oh, well. Some things I could have fixed, but the whole thing just started going to crap all at once.
I did end up getting another leather jacket, but a nice in-between is a Duluth Trading Co. jacket in their "firehose" canvas. It's meant for riding--good, long sleeves, zip cuffs, fully lined (too warm for summer, but great for cool days), and while not treated for waterproofness, the canvas weave is so tight that it is. No armor, but it's the slide that gets you anyway, not the impact.
For less than the price of a TourMaster, the Duluth jacket is a far better value, IMO.
A *good* leather jacket, though, can't be beat.