Californian... Aero or Good Wear?

[The Man at C&A]

A lurker breaks cover.....

I am the proud custodian of a pair of Aero's, a bog standard FQHH black Halfbelt and a Cheyenne with a moulton. Neither are suitable for warmer weather (if it ever arrives) and I don't like A-2's.

So I'm thinking of a Californian in goatskin but I'm torn between the Aero or the lovely but expensive offering from Good Wear. Searching hasn't uncovered much about either jacket, but is the premium for the GW likely to be worth it?

Any comments...?

 

[feltfan]

I own a Good Wear A-1. I am now waiting for my Aero Hercules.
But if I were to buy another leather jacket (could happen) it would
probably be the Californian, if he is making my size.

My opinion will be more useful to you after I get my
Hercules and can compare (though the jackets are
very different). I will say this:

- there is a life and a crafted look to John's jackets that I
have not seen from any other maker. Not sure how else to say this.
- John is the real deal- truly dedicated to his craft. I like
supporting that.

I don't even like A-2s and I find his gorgeous.

You already have two Aeros. Why not get something different.
You can't go all that wrong in the worst case. But I suspect
you'll be very impressed.

 

[Seb Lucas]

You already have Aero, so...

The Chapman jacket (I've spoken to him about this one) is utterly wonderful. It looks something like the lovely Bruce Willis Surrogates jacket Tony Nowak offers, but is a bit more authentic. Goat is, in the view of many, the toughest, lightest jacket material going - which if your weather isn't cold is pretty much ideal.

 

[nicholasb]

I will third that - you have 2 aero and the Good Wear looks amazing. If I had money for another jacket it would be the Good Wear or Aero Cossak. Its been said before - you cannot go wrong either way. Plus, selfishly I would love to see some pictures of the Good Wear.

 

[Daniel Hunter]

I have an Aero Californian in buffalo and it's one of my favorite jackets.

 

[OneEyeMan]

I've never seen an Aero Californian.
Could you please post pix?
Lenny

 

[Aaronlowe]

That Good Wear Californian is absolutely stunning. If I had a grand laying around............

 

[CBI]

notable qualitative difference with Good Wear over Aero. John's moto jackets are getting a lot of attention these days. I am the opposite of some here. I don't care for moto but love A-2's. Owning both Aero and GW's A-2, no contest...........GW hands down. If I ever do go moto, GW is the choice. Also, consider Johns horsehide as his new stock from Japan is the nicest looking leather anyone sells. BTW, I am not saying Aero does not make good stuff, just that GW is even more handcrafted, better hardwear and certianly nicer hides (in my opinion). I would think with Aero's new pricing that difference in price is less of an issue now.

 

[Cooperson]

Just got an email from Amanda, my new Aero Californian is on the way!

I wanted to try one of Aero's medium weight hides this time, to compliment my heavy horse Highwayman, so I have gone with the russet jerky horse. Will has sized it a 38", which sounds a bit lean to me as my Highwayman is a 40", but I sent him all my measurements so I'm trusting his experience on this. Ordered it a bit longer than standard and added a few mods so can't wait to see it. I agonised for a long time before going for the Californian and the jerky horse, I just it hope it all works out ok - ordered it end of November so it's been a long nervous wait

Will try and post some pics when it lands.

 

[Daniel Hunter]

Here's mine....

 

[Papa M]

Will has sized it a 38", which sounds a bit lean to me as my Highwayman is a 40"....

You probably don't need to worry. My Californian is a 40, whereas my mid weight Highwayman is 42, and my FQHH Highwayman is 44. My A2s are 44 also. The small sizing of the Californian is fine.

 

[Cooperson]

You probably don't need to worry. My Californian is a 40, whereas my mid weight Highwayman is 42, and my FQHH Highwayman is 44. My A2s are 44 also. The small sizing of the Californian is fine.

Thanks for that Papa M, you have just saved me a couple of sleepless nights

 

[PoohBang]

why not just go for the real thing and get a vintage Californian?

I own one and love it. Goodwear is almost spot on to the one I own.

I like the action back in Goodwear where Aero is plainer.

for me, I'd go hands down Goodwear if you don't go with original.

 

[AngryNJ]

Here's mine....

That is beautiful! What leather/color is that? That's an aero right? I love that. Great... now I have 3 new jackets I want to buy...

 

[Papa M]

Here's mine:

 

[feltfan]

Here's mine:

Wow, Papa M, what could be in the second picture that would
inspire a user to have it taken down?
"This file removed due to violation of ImageShack Terms of Service or by user request."

That must be some photo of a jacket!

Er, great jacket, BTW.

 

[Papa M]

Wow, Papa M, what could be in the second picture that would
inspire a user to have it taken down?
"This file removed due to violation of ImageShack Terms of Service or by user request."

That must be some photo of a jacket!

You've baffled me Feltfan. I'm seeing three pictures. Are you only seeing two? If so I'll re-load them.

 

[feltfan]

You've baffled me Feltfan. I'm seeing three pictures. Are you only seeing two? If so I'll re-load them.

Yeah, the middle picture isn't showing up. Instead a box shows
up with the text I typed in. Reloaded a few times.

Probably it would be better if you just sent me the jacket
for a closer look...

 

[Papa M]

Have re-loaded it. Can you see all three now?

 

[Kid Mac]

All three are now visible, but I think Feltfan still needs you to send him the jacket.

Mac