Leather Jacket Advice
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
And it's really easy to type about how cheap leather jackets don't last when you're on an anonymous internet forum, but the fact remains that there are a ton of riders out there that have cheap, old jackets.
If it makes you feel better spending a mortgage payment on your jacket, more power to you. But you'll never convince most people that it's any better or will last any longer than a $150 LeatherUp jacket.
Especially someone like me who dumped $450 on a piece of sh*t Fox Creek, that doesn't fit as well as a $130 LeatherUp jacket.
I don't have much control over whether or not the moco sources some of their parts overseas. I do have control over whether or not I support Chinese or Pakistani garment sweatshops. I'll suggest that the U.S. made leathers are of better quality, and worth the difference to me, but I'm not going to put anyone down for making a different choice.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Sometimes you can't avoid buying Chinese. There just isn't an American electronics industry anymore, so things like television sets and microwave ovens will always be Chinese. But when I have a choice, and especially when the American products are of superior quality, I will make the effort to buy U.S. made goods. In the case of leathers, the choice is clear to me.
I don't have much control over whether or not the moco sources some of their parts overseas. I do have control over whether or not I support Chinese or Pakistani garment sweatshops. I'll suggest that the U.S. made leathers are of better quality, and worth the difference to me, but I'm not going to put anyone down for making a different choice.
I don't have much control over whether or not the moco sources some of their parts overseas. I do have control over whether or not I support Chinese or Pakistani garment sweatshops. I'll suggest that the U.S. made leathers are of better quality, and worth the difference to me, but I'm not going to put anyone down for making a different choice.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,808
Likes: 3
I am. It's not my job to please anyone else.
At least you aren't one of those hypocrits riding around in a foreign made jacket with an american flag on the back of your bike.
Hey, I couldn't find an american mad leather jacket that fit either. I tried fox creek and a few others. NOTHING fit right. too long in the torso or too short in the reach. I finally had to go with a jacket made in britian. I feel bad about it, but at least they aren't china. and a thousand dollars for a custom jacket just was not possible then. I say, if it's a matter of fit and all that, sure. If it's a matter of just saving a buck, shame on you.
As for Fox creek, I tried on several jacket styles and sizes from them, and none fit. The quality was very good though. Alsso disappointing was the scarcity of american made leather jackets with CE armor and venting. there are a few, but they are few and far between. Frustrating. We seem to never innovate, just stick to old styles and never use anything new.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
I have been buying leather jackets for about fifty years in all price ranges and styles from Sears to Langlitz. I have grown or gained weight and so left a few behind but I have never had any leather jacket wear out, fall apart or let me down in any way.
The OP sounded like he did not want to spend a small fortune (or even less) so he can probably forget most of the brands mentioned here like Langlitz, Vanson, Fox Creek, Schott, etc.
I don't own one of these but for all I know about their return policy and customer service, he could probably at least check out something from Leatherup. If he insists on US made, he should shop on ebay for something slightly used. I have bought both Langlitz and Vanson on ebay with very good results and at quite a savings. Still more expensive than Leatherup though.
The OP sounded like he did not want to spend a small fortune (or even less) so he can probably forget most of the brands mentioned here like Langlitz, Vanson, Fox Creek, Schott, etc.
I don't own one of these but for all I know about their return policy and customer service, he could probably at least check out something from Leatherup. If he insists on US made, he should shop on ebay for something slightly used. I have bought both Langlitz and Vanson on ebay with very good results and at quite a savings. Still more expensive than Leatherup though.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Southern Lancaster County, PA
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From: Colorado Front Range
