Aero Hercules Advice

[Stro]

New member here hoping for a little advice on my next Aero. I purchased my first Aero over the summer, a 30's half belt in brown CXL FQHH with a tartan lining. I absolutely love the jacket but it is obviously not warm enough for the winter months. I am now contemplating my next order for something I can wear here in Ohio during winter - mainly temperatures in the 20's and 30's. As far as the style, I think that I am set on the Hercules. I still have some questions regarding the lining and leather.

My biggest concern is which lining to go with. I am leaning towards shearling but have heard mixed reviews on the appropriate temperature range. Is it possible that shearling could be too warm for temps in the 20's and 30's? Would the alpaca be more appropriate or is there another lining I should look at?

As for the leather I am thinking about going with black CXL steer. I have been debating whether a lighter hide such as jerky horse or one of the vintage/tumbled/battered type hides would be a better choice for winter wear. I know that my CXL horse gets extremely stiff in cold weather and have heard that is a common trait of CXL tanned leathers. I don't mind the weight of a heavy jacket and prefer the look of the CXL, I just don't want it to get so stiff in the cold that my range of movement is greatly limited.

Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, please feel free to add any other details I should consider. Thurston Bros nailed the fit on the first one and I am confident they will again on this style.

 

[Peacoat]

The alpaca won't be warm enough for your winters there in Cincy. I have the alpaca in my Highwayman, and don't consider it a cold weather jacket for the temps here in Middle Tennessee. Your winter temps are a few degrees colder than what we normally have. I don't think the wool tartan liners would fit the bill either. I would go with the shearling

 

[ButteMT61]

Alpaca is nice, but indeed not a severe cold weather option. I grew up in PA and I know the weather is similar. Another member here SimonC got a killer jacket that I think would be great for you. Lemme see if I can find 'er.

 

[ButteMT61]

Here it is:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?74689-Shearling-Hercules
Get steer. Sheerling innards. You'll be in heaven!

 

[Sloan1874]

The Thunder Bay would be ideal, I think.

 

[handymike]

The Thunder Bay is pretty cool! but If you like the Hercules, Simon's rocks!!!
I think if it's a designated Winter jacket, the steer with shearling is a great call.

 

[Stro]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It sounds like shearling is the way to go. Simon's jacket looks incredible!

 

[Stro]

Order placed with Thurston Bros. Aero Hercules in black CXL steer with black shearling lining. Standard collar, not fur and no storm cuffs. Can't wait!

 

[Highwaymanman]

Order placed with Thurston Bros. Aero Hercules in black CXL steer with black shearling lining. Standard collar, not fur and no storm cuffs. Can't wait!

Wow, this jacket sounds great. Simonc's jacket is one of the best on the site. What hardware did you get and what's in the sleeves?

 

[Stro]

I went with nickel hardware and black cotton drill in the sleeves. The only other modification was 28.5" sleeves and 31.5" length to fit my 6'6" 235 lbs frame. My half belt has a 28.5" body length. I am hoping the extra 3" will be appropriate for the Hercules design.

 

[ButteMT61]

Stro, sounds awesome. Are you sure about no fur collar? It's badass.
And my last question. Think about the drill in the sleeves. It's a bitch when you have a similar shirt under. I wear a lot of Carhartt duck canvas and flannels and it grabs a lot. I wished I'd have put something more slippery in the sleeves. Others disagree, but I wanted to toss that out there.
Jacket sounds awesome. Can't wait to see it.

 

[Sloan1874]

Yeah, I'm Butte, if you're wearing a jacket that's shearling-lined, it's obviously going to be cold, so the fur collar gives you the wind proofing that you'll need and it looks bad ass! I'm talking as somebody who has an Irvin, btw. I was out today in the horrendous weather so I just flipped up the collar, buckled it across and shut out the elements. [huh]

 

[Stro]

Butte, I have cotton drill in my half belt and definitely know what you mean. It can be a pain to put on with long sleeve shirts. I'm still pretty new to the custom jacket game. What other options are available for the sleeves? I should have some time to adjust my order since Aero is on holiday for the next few weeks. I'm also second guessing the collar choice. I was thinking the regular collar may be a bit more versatile as far as wearing with both a casual or dressed up look. Considering this is designed to be my winter jacket, maybe I should go with fur. Do any other members have a strong opinion on the best option for the collar? Thanks for the help!

 

[ButteMT61]

Stro, fur collar in winter is a godsend. But don't let us sway you. Get what you want.
There are options for the sleeves. A rayon or the like will be easier to deal with. Maybe even a tartan or tweed? My Ventura has plaid wool tweed and it's way better.
I'm contemplating having Aero change my sleeves this summer. The drill is a PITA.
I got my pockets all lined in heavy brown cord. Don't know if they do that still but recommended.

 

[Cyber Lip]

Personally I think the fur collars look silly. I would just rely on scaves instead. You can always wrap a scarf around your neck and lower face and flip the collar up for the same effect + it looks better

 

[simonc]

Leather is cold on the neck and face, fur is warm. Personal tastes on the collar but for a winter jacket a shearling collar kills the cold dead, its a luxurious look and feel. For the very reasonable cost Aero offer it for, I would consider it. And for what its worth the Aero corduroy for the arms is a warmer option.

 

[Sloan1874]

Why do you think it looks silly, cyberlip? It's just as classic a look as a plain collar.

 

[Cyber Lip]

I don't know, just my own personal taste. I also don't like half belts

 

[Sloan1874]

The only practical argument I can think of against a fur collar is that it can be a pain if you get caught in the rain.