Finally able to order an Aero

[Heiko]

Boring..not in the least. I appreciate your point of view, just don't share it. The operations of a clothing company are not the emphasis of this board, I don't think.

 

[Sloan1874]

Heiko, there is no particular emphasis of this board. All it is called is 'outerwear', which is a pretty broad topic. Look at the Good Wear price increase thread, then the breaking a jacket one and then, as this one originally was, a 'here's my order' thread, all sit well within the remit of the board. If you want to discuss the trustworthiness and reliability of a maker, there's nothing to stop you starting your own thread - except, obviously, the bar tenders.

 

[majormajor]

The operations of a clothing company are not the emphasis of this board, I don't think.

So, Heiko. You joined FL just last month. And already you are schooling us on your views regarding the emphasis of this board.

I would suggest you school yourself in the term "Trolling".........:eusa_clap:eusa_doh:

 

[wdw]

To me, knowing about, and being a small part of, the trials and tribulations of one of the companies discussed on this board makes it that bit more "real" and interesting.

I could buy a perfectly serviceable jacket from M&S and think no more about it, but thanks to this board I (and many others) am now an unwitting dupe in an alleged worldwide fraudulent transactions and conspiracy soap opera. Thanks to my location, I (and again many others) have even spoken face-to-face with many of the main players and have visited the scene of the alleged crimes. I'd say all that was perfectly valid as a topic of discussion on this board.

Or we could simply count stitches...

 

[pauleway]

Have Aero given any indication a to when they'll be back to running as normal? Of my Aeros that were bought new and direct from Aero, two were bought from the sale page, and so shipped immediately. My Bootlegger (with minor modifications) took the quoted twelve weeks, while my Waterfront (the all wool jacket, not the leather reversible one) was done in less than a month. That was early 2010. I should think once they sort out he existing backlog, they'll be back to something more like that.

I ordered a HB with the Waterfront wool pattern(Alpaca lined) and got it in about eight weeks. I have a 2-tone 30's HB ordered in mid August and hope to get it soon!

 

[Heiko]

So, Heiko. You joined FL just last month. And already you are schooling us on your views regarding the emphasis of this board.

I would suggest you school yourself in the term "Trolling".........:eusa_clap:eusa_doh:

That I find the quoted text utterly hysterical means I've underestimated the passion that Aero arouses. I do not get passionate about manufacturers of articles of clothing or any of the other things I like. I appreciate a good product, but that is where it ends.

This sentimental approach to companies is unnatural to me. I use Microsoft products but when they can't deliver I do not sympathize with their organizational problems and wait for them to change. I am consistent in that regard with all products I purchase. I think I would try to endure Aero's problems if I saw no other alternative--but I see a few other companies in Aero's league.

If you think I've unduly criticized Aero, then that's ok with me. And since when does the implied uncertainty of "I don't think" indicate 'schooling'. Perhaps some are far too invested in brands than they even realize.

 

[Sloan1874]

@mm +1
@wdw +1

Microsoft: faceless multinational with global span who specialise in products that are about as faceless and functional as you can get, churning them uniformly out by the hour.

Aero: a small company based in the Scottish Borders, with about 14 staff producing approximately 50 jackets a week made to specific order by the hand.

Are you sure you want to continue with that comparison?

You sound like you really don't need or want our advice tbh - we're all about enthusiasm and interest in the companies and their products around here, so it's pretty boring. Maybe the VLJ would be better suited to your needs?

 

[Heiko]

Yes, but you are in love with the company...your response is predictable.

The comparison is not apt...but it is how I judge companies. They provide a service, if they cannot and there is an alternative then the matter is settled.

I am actually more demanding of the companies of big ticket items. A big part of the transaction is timely service.

As for your advice, what is the advice you are giving me? And is it not unsolicited in this instance? All I can see from your posts is that Aero is the best, and I am simply saying maybe not at the moment...My view is hardly radical. Please, ease the preaching and edification--this is a jacket company after all.

 

[Sloan1874]

Yes, but you are in love with the company...your response is predictable.

Are you now going to send us PMs upbraiding us for our views, like you've done elsewhere on the FL?

 

[Heiko]

I don't see how that is relevant in the discussion of Aero...but if you want to make me out to be a bad guy then, ok. A little histrionic, but perhaps that is what works.

 

[Dr H]

Maybe the VLJ would be better suited to your needs?

Enough already ... Boring now...

 

[Heiko]

What is the VLJ? Sloan's pedestrian wit is lost on me

 

[Dr H]

Another forum (Vintage Leather Jacket Forum) that regularly attracts derision here as Aero products are rarely featured.
As a regular of both VLJF and the Hat Place the jibes get a bit tiresome but hey ho....

 

[Heiko]

Thanks, I will look into those forums. They don't sound like bad places at all.

 

[ForestForTheTrees]

Heiko, yes this place is rather Aero-centric at times, but try to keep in mind that Aero has been at this for quite some time and have developed a loyal following.

While I ended up returning the jacket I ordered from Aero, I found them to be pleasurable to deal with and don't have anything negative to say about them. At least they are being up front about current lead times as best I can tell, and that's a good thing in my mind. Others might choose to provide to choose more "optimistic" time frames knowing that they won't meet such dates.

While it might pale in comparison to the amount of information to be found on Aero's products, there is still a good amount of information to be found regarding alternative choices. If it hadn't been for this place, I doubt that I would have learned of Johnson Leathers out of San Francisco. For that I'm extremely thankful so my time spent here has totally been worth it.

Enthusiasm for Aero is always going to exist here, and it obviously feels like one has entered the Aero Fan Club reading many of the threads. But I believe they've earned it over the years and many folks have developed a good relationship with them. that's undestandable when you receive positive individualized service. It's not any different than my praise for Johnson Leathers. There just happens to be far fewer JL customers here so there just isn't as much buzz over their jackets or any other number of other manufacturers for that matter.

As with any other forum, you can mentally filter out what you want. In my case I've found that I've learned a lot through reading the Aero-based threads, much of which is applicable to leather jackets in general.

 

[Sloan1874]

Enough already ... Boring now...

Actually, that wasn't sarcasm, Dr H. VLJ is, if not Aero-free, has a different emphasis and atmosphere to the FL - horses for courses, as we all know. Our friend seems to be looking for something that he's just not getting here that he may find there.

And for the record, I would love to see more UK companies producing different types of civvy jackets - if there was a Himel or Free Wheelers doing stuff for Western-type prices, I think it would go gangbusters over here. I don't think the market is saturated, it's just that people don't seem to be looking at the gaps in it.

 

[Heiko]

The only thing you've proved is that you are singularly focused on Aero Leather. There is no reason or logic to your devotion either, as your posts in the other thread show. Wait times for Aero are no matter but wait times for other companies disturb you. Also, you got to be kidding if you think there is no alternative to Aero. This kind of dedication and passion for a company is almost suspicious.

But, yes, thanks for being so concerned about me and thinking of another forum for me.

 

[Dr H]

Actually, that wasn't sarcasm, Dr H. VLJ is, if not Aero-free, has a different emphasis and atmosphere to the FL - horses for courses, as we all know. Our friend seems to be looking for something that he's just not getting here that he may find there.

And for the record, I would love to see more UK companies producing different types of civvy jackets - if there was a Himel or Free Wheelers doing stuff for Western-type prices, I think it would go gangbusters over here. I don't think the market is saturated, it's just that people don't seem to be looking at the gaps in it.

My mistake Sloan, I'm obviously getting a little thin skinned where this is concerned - that was genuine exasperation.
The Himel Bros. type jacket line suggestion is a strong one. I've commented before that a more modestly priced Heron would fly.

 

[Sloan1874]

As far as I can tell it's just an A-1, a popular jacket as GW has proved, with the knits replaced with leather. Does not seem a massive leap for any maker - Eastman and Aero both have A-1 types, surely a tweak isn't too much to ask?!

 

[Dr H]

It's very much like the LVC Menlo in cut/pattern with buttoned cuffs.