And Another Happy Highwayman Owner

[bobjones]

Regarding point #1, we've got three posts (OneEyeMan, bobjones, and Southernwayfarer) in the last few days reporting mistakes or minor defects in Aero products. Is this the result of trainee made items? Is this typical? I'd be interested to hear from members who have owned multiple products from Aero about minor defects. I think Aero is a great company and we're lucky to have them but this seems a bit surprising. I don't think a small section of bunched up and sewn thru lining would ever effect the enjoyment of the jacket but when it comes to judging quality craftsmanship isn't the devil always in the details? I've never seen a mis-stitch on a full-priced Alden shoe.

My 2008 Stockman was really flawless, and it is possible that they were just overwhelmed with orders this year with the weakness of the pound. They are also on Holiday starting after next week, so they could be rushing a tiny bit to get alot of orders out before the 3 week break starts. IMHO, the oversights are not indicative of their general reliability and excellence.

 

[Fiver64]

I can understand Lenny's concern about the lining........ mine isn't perfect either and does have a fair share of pilling, but it's sound and doesn't detract. I guess it's a matter or just how off the seam error is. If it compromises the integrity of the actual seam, then it's a concern. If not, it's just a visual anomaly. In the end, you have to be happy and AERO probably would make it right if it really bothers you, Lenny. From the pics though, it's an awesome jacket!

 

[OneEyeMan]

Fiver,
In my jacket, it's just a "visual anomaly" like you say.
And the stitching is perfect.
I can overlook it.
I can also overlook the slight length difference between the 2 sides at the bottom of the zipper; it's only like 1 or 2mm max.
Funny, but if you look at Mark Moye's AeroUSA photo gallery on EBay, you can clearly see some jackets with this defect, even worse than mine.
I do wish, however, that somebody thought to put the inner gun pocket on the other side from the exterior zippered pocket.
Like I originally said, it does get pretty thick where the 2 overlap.
But in the end, it's a stunning jacket and I can overlook all of these flaws.
Lenny

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Fiver,
I do wish, however, that somebody thought to put the inner gun pocket on the other side from the exterior zippered pocket.

Lenny - do you think they put it on the same side as the eyebrow pocket because most people are right handed?

If you truly intend to use the gun pocket to carry your sidearm, most right handers will, if drawing across the body, draw from their left side. The standard eyebrow pocket is on the left side of the jacket. Maybe that is why they have both on the left side?

As for left-handed people, I guess they are out of luck. lol

My Highwayman came with two gun pockets, so I thought that was the "standard" offering. I didn't think to request only one gun pocket so you've given me something to think about with my pending Veste de Rallye order, where I asked for gun pockets again. The VdR doesn't have the outside eyebrow pocket so this may be less of a concern.

To be clear, I asked for gun pockets at Mark's suggestion. I wanted something to carry my cell phone without using the exterior handwarmer pockets. I do not intend to carry a sidearm in the gun pocket, as I dislike "off-body" carry. If I have to take off my jacket and stow it, it means I'm separated from my gun. Even if I am wearing a backup gun, losing custody of a gun is not a good idea! lol

 

[OneEyeMan]

Yes, defiitely.
I'm not a gun person, so it's just a utility pocket for me.
Like I said, if I had it all to do over again, I would either omit the exterior zippered pocket to give a cleaner look, or put the gun pocket on the right side so you don't have that thick bulge of overlapping leather.
Funny that I'm the only one to ever write about this.
Seems that pretty much every Highwayman pic I see has both pockets on the left side. Maybe I'm just ANAL!!!:eusa_doh:
Lenny

 

[H.Johnson]

I have owned 10-12 Aero jackets over more than 20 years and they have all been top quality with no machining faults worth mentioning, unless I bought them at a discount as 'seconds' in the factory sale. The examples shown on the forum are not, in my opinion, typical of Aero's traditional 'first quality' work. Some people seem to think that such faults don't matter, but if you aren't told about them in advance of purchasing, so you can make a choice, why should you pay the same price as a guy who is getting a 'perfect' jacket?

Regarding point #1, we've got three posts (OneEyeMan, bobjones, and Southernwayfarer) in the last few days reporting mistakes or minor defects in Aero products. Is this the result of trainee made items? Is this typical? I'd be interested to hear from members who have owned multiple products from Aero about minor defects. I think Aero is a great company and we're lucky to have them but this seems a bit surprising. I don't think a small section of bunched up and sewn thru lining would ever effect the enjoyment of the jacket but when it comes to judging quality craftsmanship isn't the devil always in the details? I've never seen a mis-stitch on a full-priced Alden shoe.

 

[Southernwayfare]

I have owned 10-12 Aero jackets over more than 20 years and they have all been top quality with no machining faults worth mentioning, unless I bought them at a discount as 'seconds' in the factory sale. The examples shown on the forum are not, in my opinion, typical of Aero's traditional 'first quality' work. Some people seem to think that such faults don't matter, but if you aren't told about them in advance of purchasing, so you can make a choice, why should you pay the same price as a guy who is getting a 'perfect' jacket?

Good to hear someone stand up for high quality. Items that are not first quality should be sold as seconds. Frankly I'm struggling to understand the "be happy with what you received and don't complain" opinions.

 

[H.Johnson]

I think we are in the minority.

Many years ago, at the start of the 'dotcom boom' I set a class of e-Commerce students the task of doing a research (term) paper on the implications of trading on the WWW. Almost all of them eulogised it, pointing out the new opportunities, wider market, etc. based mainly on articles in business magazines, but one student's paper particularly impressed me as being thoughtful and insightful. She felt that it wouldn't lead to prices coming down and that production quality would suffer.

She compared a business selling on-line with a traditional small-town shop selling womens' clothing. We can easily transfer her thesis to Aero's business, I think. The price level, she suggested, would be maintained because more people can be 'reached' on-line who would be prepared to pay the higher price. She went on to propose that quality would be compromised because people would find it more difficult to return goods and would be less likely to complain. More than this, she suggested, the small-town shop relies on repeat business to a small population, so it can't afford to dissappoint anyone as it must take a long-term view of customer relationships (what we now call CRM). The on-line business, by contrast, can afford to disappoint each of its customers - even if they never buy again there will be enough new customers to enable the business to prosper. I think she had a point, although the more recent advent of on-line forums should do something to inform potential buyers of possible problems, which tends to undermine her thesis.

The above scenario certainly doesn't sound like the Aero I know and love. I still see it as a small town company ('Transatlantic Clothing') based on long-term customer satisfaction, recommendation and repeat business. I'm sure the present staff want to maintain these fine traditions, but I sure hope that they aren't pushed down that route inadvertantly due to pressures on production.

 

[Fiver64]

Good to hear someone stand up for high quality. Items that are not first quality should be sold as seconds. Frankly I'm struggling to understand the "be happy with what you received and don't complain" opinions.

I agree with Southernway, being fairly anal about expensive jackets myself, but IMHO, if you know (going into it) that AERO jackets are hand made, made of leather that has it's own unique anomalies, and is therefore NOT stock cookie-cutter product, it makes these concerns (albeit quite valid) easier to live with. Speaking only for myself, SLIGHT deviations in seams or stitching, while somewhat annoying for awhile, becomes a mark of individuality once broken in. Now, getting strom cuffs when not ordered, or pockets in the wrong places is a whole different battle! Also, these minor flaws make your coat easier to find in a smoky bar when hanging next to one just like it!

Not sure what's up with AERO these days, given all the apparent inattention to order details , etc. But in the very least, perhaps a note and even a few pics directed to their attention might produce positive results and remind them to SLOW DOWN and not rush the orders.

 

[Fiver64]

Fiver, I have three Vansons and one Highwayman, and am considering a Mercury for street wear. How would you compare the fit of the Mercury to the Highwayman?

Sorry for the hijack!

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, Ace. The mercury is IMO more of a true current motorcycle jacket. That is to say, the mercury has longer arms with zip sleeves and a smaller collar. The wide collar of the highwayman is classic in style, but annoying if you ride. Tends to flip up at higher speeds. The Mercury has cleaner lines, a one-piece back and no breast pockets. My mercury has a cotton tartan lining vs. the worsted wool of the highwayman. On the other hand, the Highwayman is much heavier (made of FQHH) and has the inner cuffs (if you like them). It's more of colder weather jacket so will get a bit less annual wear than the Vanson. The aero has a nicer brass zipper where the Vanson is nickel. Both are very high quality and both have their place in your closet! Hope this helps, and thanks for asking!

 

[Ace Rimmer]

^^ Fiver, thanks for the detailed response. I am between bikes right now so if I got a Mercury it would only be for street use. All three of my Vansons are basically bike-only jackets so they're not seeing much use right now. I think I'll wait to see how my second Aero turns out and then make a decision on a waist-length black jacket.

 

[Fiver64]

More Vanson!

Ace----- post some pics of the new Aero when it comes in! I'd still spring for the Mercury though......... awesome cut. Not so much of a MC cut, IMHO, but truly a comfy bumming around town look.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

Ace----- post some pics of the new Aero when it comes in! I'd still spring for the Mercury though......... awesome cut. Not so much of a MC cut, IMHO, but truly a comfy bumming around town look.

Thanks, will do. If it's anything like my first Aero, it may be another 25 weeks before I get it! lol