Buy a jacket now, cut the sleeves off in the spring.
Jacket vs. Vest
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
If I wanted to go bottom dollar, I'd just buy a jacket and vest used on Ebay for $100 total. I have USA made leather jackets that cost me under $50 used (Schott and Excelled).
CVMA Chapter 1-1
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
Fox Creek leather is expensive but you only pay once. Plus they give a life time guarantee. I paid $380.00 for a HD jacket that was not all that impressive. For a little over $500 for the FC jacket and it's at least 3 times better. The vests they sell are just as nice. Plus the staff are real friendly and helpful. 100% American materials and labor also. Hope this helps...
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
Jacket: Protects you and keeps you warm. A well made one will last decades.
Vest - place to hang silly patches and pins so you can pretend to be a "real biker" (exceptions of course for a vest which is intended to be the base of a cut).
One is akin to your seat belt in the car. The other is like having LED lighting in the wheel wells.
Vest - place to hang silly patches and pins so you can pretend to be a "real biker" (exceptions of course for a vest which is intended to be the base of a cut).
One is akin to your seat belt in the car. The other is like having LED lighting in the wheel wells.
Jacket: Protects you and keeps you warm. A well made one will last decades.
Vest - place to hang silly patches and pins so you can pretend to be a "real biker" (exceptions of course for a vest which is intended to be the base of a cut).
One is akin to your seat belt in the car. The other is like having LED lighting in the wheel wells.
Vest - place to hang silly patches and pins so you can pretend to be a "real biker" (exceptions of course for a vest which is intended to be the base of a cut).
One is akin to your seat belt in the car. The other is like having LED lighting in the wheel wells.
Are you that much more of a biker than the guy with the vest and patches? I am sorry, but to me a "real biker" rides a motorcycle and is not worried about what other people wear when they ride their bike. Maybe I am way off.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: PNW
I guess I did not initially specify:
yes, the vest will display patches; no, I don't wear one to look like a black leather cowboy or the dude from the Village People (both of whom I did see at Thunder Beach, by the way).
Basically what I am asking is to choose between a LJL/Fox Creek/Schott/HD jacket and a vest made in Pakistan, or a Mossi/First Classics/River Road jacket and a LJL/Fox Creek/Legendary USA vest. Both offer protection, albeit in different places, and the cheaper jackets will still keep my skin on my arms.
Just having trouble deciding...
I appreciate the input so far.
yes, the vest will display patches; no, I don't wear one to look like a black leather cowboy or the dude from the Village People (both of whom I did see at Thunder Beach, by the way).
Basically what I am asking is to choose between a LJL/Fox Creek/Schott/HD jacket and a vest made in Pakistan, or a Mossi/First Classics/River Road jacket and a LJL/Fox Creek/Legendary USA vest. Both offer protection, albeit in different places, and the cheaper jackets will still keep my skin on my arms.
Just having trouble deciding...
I appreciate the input so far.
Last edited by Vikingur; Nov 20, 2011 at 12:26 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 9
From: 3rd Stone From The Sun
Since you indicated you will wear the vest all the time I recommend you spend the extra money on a good quality vest that will last. Fox Creek Leather has great stuff and you can get a vest for a little over $100. Plus, there stuff is made in the USA and as a combat veteran that might actually mean something to you.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
Jacket. Gives your arms some protection as well.
I got a real heavy buffalo leather vented leather from Leatherup.com for $99 delivered, no tax.
I use a Polartec vest under it when it gets cold that zips up and covers most of my throat.
If you are a pin and patch person, eventually you will get a leather vest.
I got a real heavy buffalo leather vented leather from Leatherup.com for $99 delivered, no tax.
I use a Polartec vest under it when it gets cold that zips up and covers most of my throat.
If you are a pin and patch person, eventually you will get a leather vest.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,551
Likes: 22
From: Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Ive got a cheap vest, but will upgrade to a beeter one soon. I have patches that I bought at places I've been, but haven't had them sewn on. Got 6 or 7 so far. Some of them will eventually get sewn, some won't.
Gotta rub the all in dirt for awhile so I don't look like a poser...
Don't go cheap on the leather....THICK and soft is the way to go, not thin and smooth...unless you want a vest for summer and one for spring/fall.
Gotta rub the all in dirt for awhile so I don't look like a poser...
Don't go cheap on the leather....THICK and soft is the way to go, not thin and smooth...unless you want a vest for summer and one for spring/fall.