Best cross zip or double rider jacket

[masonship]

Hello all,

New to this website and I don’t know how I lived so long without it. Y’all are making me go down some deep rabbit holes.

I did search for an answer on this topic, but didn’t find quite what I’m looking for. I’m looking to get my first black cross zip double riders jacket. Used or new, budget between $700-$2k. I’m seeing a lot of brands discussed, but I would love some opinions on best fit, leather, craftsmanship, value retention, etc. I’ve primarily been looking at Y’2 and Schott so far, but it seems like there’s so many smaller awesome brands out there. Which ones should I be looking at?!

Thanks!

 

[Bennarion]

If you have the opportunity to try on this jacket somewhere, start with this

Buying a jacket online without experience and having it fit you is like hitting the jackpot

 

[navetsea]

there is no "the best" or "the one" there is only jackets that fits you best, so you have to try perhaps one time if you know your measurement well or several time if you don't know your measurement well, if you find that jacket, then wear that jacket all the time until it becomes The One, it's a self fulfilling prophecy, because you can't have that much connection to something unless you wear it all the time.

if you keep looking out then you will end up with many pieces but without no special connection to any

 

[Peter Mackin]

So you don't want a real motorcycle jacket just one that looks the part? If that the case just buy the one you like best.iom if you want the very best of both worlds just buy a vanson model E,it's the real deal.

 

[navetsea]

I think you need to be aware crosszip jacket mostly come with dangling belt, do you realistically wear it half zipped all the time or do you wear it mostly open, dangling belt has some cons to for practical reason, it can scratch on things, if you move too frantically it can bump on things or to little kids, but to me the dangling belt looks cool, however if the cons outweight the coolness then perhaps you need one with removable belt or aviator jacket that is usually without belt despite similarly crosszipped.

 

[Peter Mackin]

That's 100% correct, and why i never, never wear a belt on my jackets if I'm anywhere near the bike.a mistake I made over 50years ago taught me that.

 

[dannyk]

Sounds like you really need to consider what you’re after. If you actually ride a motorcycle modern day tech and armor can’t be beat. It’s about safety and comfort. If you want a middle ground brands like Vanson are top tier. . They’ve always prioritized making cool looking jackets that can still be worn on a bike. Won’t be as safe as modern day safety gear ( they do make that as well) but I’m talking traditional just leather badass bike focused jackets. Schott can’t be beat for the look. It’s a classic name and they make one of the coolest looking iconic jackets. But they don’t offer customization, they don’t offer a lot of the cooler leathers that exist these days, or different zippers and buttons you can get. The Japanese brands offer more interesting leathers, super accurate stitching, more styles even within one style. So much variety within crosszips, and a lot are based on vintage styles. They offer almost no safety or protection. Of course there are exceptions but most are meant for the super cool looking aesthetic and are not the most protective or comfortable on a bike or in a bar fight or zombie apocalypse haha. Yet since a lot are based on classic American and British styles you can also look at the vintage market. Some are crazy expensive the market has wild ups and downs and ups again over the last 15 or so years. Yet you can still find steals out there. Check the finds and deals page right here on TFL. Members check out eBay, Aliexpress, rakuten, eBay Japan etc…and post good deals they find.

So having even said you want a crosszip….doesnt really narrow it down. You have a healthy budget to spend which is good….but there’s no best. No hands down best overall brand or style. Its priorities. Do you want laser focused cutting and stitching, the coolest looking leather, the heaviest most protective leather, iconic silhouette, something that will look new forever, a quick fading quick breaking in look, a vintage rock n roll look….what are your priorities? If you can come back and list your top 3-4 priorities, needs vs wants the people here are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. No one will tell you what the “best” is though; because we’ve all realized there isn’t one. Seriously there isn’t. We all have different favorites and values. But we can help you decide on what we think you’re looking for or what we think fits your wishlist best. We Just need a lot more details!

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

Hello all,

New to this website and I don’t know how I lived so long without it. Y’all are making me go down some deep rabbit holes.

I did search for an answer on this topic, but didn’t find quite what I’m looking for. I’m looking to get my first black cross zip double riders jacket. Used or new, budget between $700-$2k. I’m seeing a lot of brands discussed, but I would love some opinions on best fit, leather, craftsmanship, value retention, etc. I’ve primarily been looking at Y’2 and Schott so far, but it seems like there’s so many smaller awesome brands out there. Which ones should I be looking at?!

Thanks!

My only advice is to save your budget and don't blow it all in one place. The chances of getting "the one" the first time out are slim. If you are discerning, you will get one and then realize that you actually wanted a slightly different pattern (for example, a shorter or a longer torso, a different back construct, a different zipper set up, etc).

I'd get something of good quality but used off eBay or from TFL classifieds. $300-400 will get you a good quality used jacket; if it's what you want, then you are golden, but if it's not quite right, you still have options.

Schott 613, Vanson E, classic Cal or Al CHP - all of these and many more would make great first crosszips (my first one was a Sears Leathershop steerhide for $90 and my second was a 50s Windward for $350 and my third was a used Lost Worlds Trojan for $700. Those three have pretty much scratched my crosszip itch).