Vanson jacket appreciation

[floater]

The E fits you much better, aside from length the c2 almost seems like 1 size up from the E, way too puffy in the back and sleeves, and yeah the quilting looks good as does the slightly shorter length but imho overall it doesn’t make up for the fit difference.

 

[unhatted]

I'd like to hear what others think

Both are great but the dialled-in fit of the E is hard to beat IMO. The added length wouldn’t bother me.

…but you’re welcome to sell me whichever one you like least

 

[Canuck Panda]

That looks like an older and different cut of the model E than the 2022 version I had. The 2022 Model E has wider sleeves and contouring side panels under the corset lacing. It fits almost the same as the Model B in one size down.

Anyways, the model E jacket you have fits you a little better than the padded C2.​

 

[TartuWolf]

First of all big thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and opinion!
Initially the C2 was strongly favored, but then the model E fans came in force haha.

Here are my own thoughts.

Ways in which the C2 is superior to the E in order of importance:
- Quilting is the obvious one. Adds a lot of character and uniqueness to the jacket. It's definitely a one of a kind specimen, I have not managed to dig out a single example on the internet. Definitely a collectors piece as much as it is a very functional indestructible wearing piece. Am I a collector? VERY far from it.
- The leather is deeper and shinier black, which I really love. It also has more character and grain, especially in the upper sleeves. Although the E does have some very nice back panels, which look better than the C2.
- Back length specifically. Believe it or not they are both the same length in the front(where it matters)! C2 has a slight front drop, E has a stronger back drop. The shorter back also kind of increases the bottom hem width which feels nice.
- The wider sleeves do feel a bit more comfortable with thick layering, especially in the elbow area.
- Brass/metal zipper insert pin. Damn Vanson for using plastic ones on most of their jackets including the E!
- Sleeker belt loops.

Ways in which the E is superior to the C2 in order of importance:
- Fit in terms of feel. First of all the E feels MUCH better in the chest, much more open. The C2 kind of crunches me forward a lot more, which is fantastic for riding, but not for my (filthy) casual use. Secondly the snug mid back / waist fit is simply ecstatic for me, feels fantastic - I don't get that with the C2 at all. Thirdly the slimmer and slightly shorter (due to the wear, creasing and no quilts) sleeves feel better. Also because the sleeves on the E are rotated very different than they are on the C2. I don't think I will ever find a jacket that fits my body as well as this model E in terms of feel. Slightly shorter body (especially back) and sleeves would improve it even further though.
- Fit in terms of looks. This is where you folks a lot of disagreement and for good reason - it's so subjective! Apart from the unfortunately longer back the model E wins hands down for me. Slimmer and more form fitting all throughout without sacrificing ANYTHING in terms of mobility and comfort? Sign me up! Sure the hourglass shape of the mid-lower back looking from the side is not ideal, sure the laces might have a bit of corset vibe, sure the tail is not ideal looking from the back and from the side. But overall the E looks much better to me in terms of fit.
- Mouton collar! I removed it to make the comparison more fair and clear, but I'm a real sucker for the mouton on the E. I'm even having a gold-ish mouton made as a replacement/variation for the black one. I'm sure it will look stunning, matching the brass hardware.
- This goes under the first two points but still worth mentioning separately - the side lacing is UNPARALLELED in terms of dialing in the fit, especially for folks like me who have a very slim waist compared to the chest and hips. For example the CHP style lacing would be useless for me.

So it's basically:
quilting + shorter back
VS
better fit in terms of both feel and look excluding longer back (subjective) + mouton + god level mid/lower body adjustment via laces.

I definitely can keep both, the finances do allow me, but I can hardly imagine myself reaching for the C2.

Conclusion : I will be putting up the C2 for sale. Gorgeous and unique piece, but the minimalist in me insists and strictly forbids collecting.

I'll also try to do a post comparing them side by side as I have a unique opportunity as they are both in the same leather and same size.

Cheers!

 

[TartuWolf]

Also some side shots for completeness sake. E is more half houglass, C2 is more barrel shaped.
Open:

Closed:

 

[Herrvallmo]

Also some side shots for completeness sake. E is more half houglass, C2 is more barrel shaped.
Open:
View attachment 676068
Closed:
View attachment 676069

From these pictures the E looks more flattering on you, so I agree with you going with it over the C2

Cheers!

 

[Tom71]

First of all big thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and opinion!
Initially the C2 was strongly favored, but then the model E fans came in force haha.

Here are my own thoughts.

Ways in which the C2 is superior to the E in order of importance:
- Quilting is the obvious one. Adds a lot of character and uniqueness to the jacket. It's definitely a one of a kind specimen, I have not managed to dig out a single example on the internet. Definitely a collectors piece as much as it is a very functional indestructible wearing piece. Am I a collector? VERY far from it.
- The leather is deeper and shinier black, which I really love. It also has more character and grain, especially in the upper sleeves. Although the E does have some very nice back panels, which look better than the C2.
- Back length specifically. Believe it or not they are both the same length in the front(where it matters)! C2 has a slight front drop, E has a stronger back drop. The shorter back also kind of increases the bottom hem width which feels nice.
- The wider sleeves do feel a bit more comfortable with thick layering, especially in the elbow area.
- Brass/metal zipper insert pin. Damn Vanson for using plastic ones on most of their jackets including the E!
- Sleeker belt loops.

Ways in which the E is superior to the C2 in order of importance:
- Fit in terms of feel. First of all the E feels MUCH better in the chest, much more open. The C2 kind of crunches me forward a lot more, which is fantastic for riding, but not for my (filthy) casual use. Secondly the snug mid back / waist fit is simply ecstatic for me, feels fantastic - I don't get that with the C2 at all. Thirdly the slimmer and slightly shorter (due to the wear, creasing and no quilts) sleeves feel better. Also because the sleeves on the E are rotated very different than they are on the C2. I don't think I will ever find a jacket that fits my body as well as this model E in terms of feel. Slightly shorter body (especially back) and sleeves would improve it even further though.
- Fit in terms of looks. This is where you folks a lot of disagreement and for good reason - it's so subjective! Apart from the unfortunately longer back the model E wins hands down for me. Slimmer and more form fitting all throughout without sacrificing ANYTHING in terms of mobility and comfort? Sign me up! Sure the hourglass shape of the mid-lower back looking from the side is not ideal, sure the laces might have a bit of corset vibe, sure the tail is not ideal looking from the back and from the side. But overall the E looks much better to me in terms of fit.
- Mouton collar! I removed it to make the comparison more fair and clear, but I'm a real sucker for the mouton on the E. I'm even having a gold-ish mouton made as a replacement/variation for the black one. I'm sure it will look stunning, matching the brass hardware.
- This goes under the first two points but still worth mentioning separately - the side lacing is UNPARALLELED in terms of dialing in the fit, especially for folks like me who have a very slim waist compared to the chest and hips. For example the CHP style lacing would be useless for me.

So it's basically:
quilting + shorter back
VS
better fit in terms of both feel and look excluding longer back (subjective) + mouton + god level mid/lower body adjustment via laces.

I definitely can keep both, the finances do allow me, but I can hardly imagine myself reaching for the C2.

Conclusion : I will be putting up the C2 for sale. Gorgeous and unique piece, but the minimalist in me insists and strictly forbids collecting.

I'll also try to do a post comparing them side by side as I have a unique opportunity as they are both in the same leather and same size.

Cheers!

Great write-up!

I am late to the party and you are allready cleaning your place up, but will say: Visually, I prefer the C2 for its more "brutal" looks, but your kill it with both jackets!

 

[ton312]

It seems you came to the same conclusion that I had. The C is a great jacket but it is a boxier fit. Functionally less useful on a bike IMO too. But at the end of the day for me it also just plain didn’t look as good.
The C, mid 1990’s

E of same era:

Another plus for the E is a belt isn’t required to draw in the waist. Both jackets in a 44” though I have worn the E in a 46”. I don’t wear these styles anymore but if I did I would only consider the E. Over any Aero, LW or any makers crosszip for that matter. IMO it is THE crosszip. Even the other great jackets don’t have the complete package of the E in terms of looks and functionality.

 

[TartuWolf]

Great write-up!

I am late to the party and you are allready cleaning your place up, but will say: Visually, I prefer the C2 for its more "brutal" looks, but your kill it with both jackets!

Thank you!
Yeah I'd say the C2 gives more of a beefy big guy / gorilla / ton312 look
while the E gives more of a sleeker slimmer / panther or some predator cat / MrProper look.
No offence for the weird reference guys

 

[Viking752]

Thank you!
Yeah I'd say the C2 gives more of a beefy big guy / gorilla / ton312 look
while the E gives more of a sleeker slimmer / panther or some predator cat / MrProper look.
No offence for the weird reference guys

I resemble that beefy big guy/gorilla remark.

 

[TartuWolf]

You do!
But correct me if I'm wrong - the C2 has more than one cut? Here's an example of one that seems to be cut much more slim? Not nearly as bulky. I know the quilting definitely adds some bulk.
@TelemarkTumalo
https://www.reddit.com/r/leatherjacket/comments/1c81fr5

 

[TartuWolf]

It seems you came to the same conclusion that I had. The C is a great jacket but it is a boxier fit. Functionally less useful on a bike IMO too. But at the end of the day for me it also just plain didn’t look as good.

Another plus for the E is a belt isn’t required to draw in the waist. Both jackets in a 44” though I have worn the E in a 46”. I don’t wear these styles anymore but if I did I would only consider the E. Over any Aero, LW or any makers crosszip for that matter. IMO it is THE crosszip. Even the other great jackets don’t have the complete package of the E in terms of looks and functionality.

I have to agree with classifying it as the ultimate cross zip, but mainly for Y shaped folks, because the corset is the main defining feature of this model.
Action backs are not that uncommon.
The front is not that special apart from the EXTREMELY functional chest pocket (which is shared by the C2 as well) - most jackets seem to have small chest pockets that you barely use for anything, while the Vanson ones will eat a full sized modern smartphone without any problem and zip up as well.
I'd still like something with a cleaner lower back and ideally a D pocket - something like a J106 or a J-21 through J-24. That's my least favorite part of the Vanson E - the hardened extra thick tail. The C2 feels much better in that regard.
And a similar effect to a model E can be achieved by ordering a custom Y shaped body or (god forbid) altering an existing V shaped body, but I'm not sure that there is anything STOCK out there that can do this.

 

[unhatted]

You do!
But correct me if I'm wrong - the C2 has more than one cut? Here's an example of one that seems to be cut much more slim?

Based on this, I wonder if sizing down is part of it. IIRC from when he almost bought a jacket from me, TT has a slightly larger frame than you or I, and that 36 seems to fit him perfectly. Assuming both your jackets were 36, I’m curious as to how a 34 C2 would compare? It’s well known that Vanson sizing differs across models, albeit not as egregiously as say Aero…

 

[TartuWolf]

Based on this, I wonder if sizing down is part of it. IIRC from when he almost bought a jacket from me, TT has a slightly larger frame than you or I, and that 36 seems to fit him perfectly. Assuming both your jackets were 36, I’m curious as to how a 34 C2 would compare? It’s well known that Vanson sizing differs across models, albeit not as egregiously as say Aero…

No way I could go for a 34, the 36 is already restrictive in the chest :/

 

[unhatted]

No way I could go for a 34, the 36 is already restrictive in the chest :/

My mistake, looks roomier in the pics!

 

[TartuWolf]

@unhatted Yeah that's part of the problem - for the more massive / bulky look I would also expect more room, but it feels more restrictive than the model E. I think it mainly has to do with how the sleeves are attached and rotated. On the other hand for someone with the same or bigger chest size than mine, but with different posture it might feel fine!