Freewheelers vs. The Real McCoys vs. Vanson Cross Zip Jackets

[Marc mndt]

I own around 20 Vansons and the older models have all been the worst of the bunch, i would now only buy recent ones with the current label.

My 70s / 80s white label Vanson didn't even feel like it was made out of leather. It was more like a sponge with a sprayed on topcoat.

 

[Bfd70]

All three look good (though agree rmc is a bit big for you). Best looking Vanson I’ve seen. If the buyer of the RMC sees this and finds it too big on them please pm me. My 40 is getting a little snug. I can’t shed this weight I’m blaming on the pandemic.

 

[Bfd70]

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Just thought I’d post these pics to show a newer not broken in C2. At the time I was an OTR 36 and this is a 36. The nice people at vanson shipped me a 36 and a 38 and said to send back the one that didnt fit. Only 2 complaints i have about the pattern are that I don’t care for the deep dive at the collar when zipped and that the upper arms are a bit big

 

[matchankh]

View attachment 411876
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Just thought I’d post these pics to show a newer not broken in C2. At the time I was an OTR 36 and this is a 36. The nice people at vanson shipped me a 36 and a 38 and said to send back the one that didnt fit. Only 2 complaints i have about the pattern are that I don’t care for the deep dive at the collar when zipped and that the upper arms are a bit big

Looks amazing on you!

May I ask what is your height and chest size? I’m 5,8 40” chest and wondering if a 38 would fit me.

Found a size chart on a Japanese site. A 38 might be a bit tight Im not sure.

 

[Rich22]

The Vanson looks the best. Very good! It fits across the shoulders better than the other two, that both have excess material there.

 

[tmitchell59]

That Sportclad that just sold would have been the perfect vintage jacket to jump in with.

Just the jacket I was thinking of too.

This screams to me that it's time for you to venture into vintage

Vintage jackets can easily expand most closets quickly. They can become addictive. They are just another option often overlooked.

 

[Will Zach]

You guys better quit goading @dudewuttheheck into the vintage rabbit hole. He'd have to change his website and motto from almostvintagestyle to vintageorbust or something like that...

 

[Bfd70]

Looks amazing on you!

May I ask what is your height and chest size? I’m 5,8 40” chest and wondering if a 38 would fit me.

Found a size chart on a Japanese site. A 38 might be a bit tight Im not sure.

View attachment 411896

i’ve always used the chart on the site with success. In the picture i’m 5’10” 150# 36” chest

 

[dudewuttheheck]

The Vanson has such a terrific pattern and the leather has so much character that I'd almost overlook the center seam on its back. Almost. Wondering if this fit could be accomplished with a 1-piece back.

Yeah the center seem is my biggest complaint

This screams to me that it's time for you to venture into vintage

Yes I know. I have actually made a couple of attempts to purchase vintage jackets. I just haven't been quick enough. I almost didn't get this Vanson!

That Vanson looks amazing. Great look when broken in. That Freewheelers is a piece of jewellery.
Like Marc says, time to look for that perfect Herc, Sportclad or Oakbrook. I think the shorter length of those jackets would be perfect for you.

I am looking. I've tried to get a couple. I just am very picky so I'm not going to just grab anything

I personally think that this stitch count is overrated. For fine fabric or very thin leather, yes ok, that may be a factor.
But with a heavy, tough leather, the stitching can be rustic. I think that somehow fits better.

I love looking at beautiful craftsmanship on any item. Still, I am happy to overlook it when the Vanson fits this well.

I first scrolled down past the text to see the pics, to get a better context of what you're saying and literally stopped scrolling at the first Vanson pic, how perfect it looks. Not that the others don't but Vanson fits you absolutely sick. And honestly, I know their stitching can be utilitarian but the leather, the creases, hide, it all looks perfectly comparable to its $3000 brethren. Thought for a second it's that FCL Vanson knock-off as I forgot you had an actual Vanson incoming.

That's one of the things I've been saying for years; These new guys, they can stitch well and have some nice hides but Vanson's been at it for decades, perfecting their jacket and only during such rare occasions we see one showcased against other brands, does that fact become pretty damn obvious.

As for the hide, your jacket's made of my favorite type of leather Vanson's been using. I know it's weird at first but this hide is actually a lot less processed than most other fancy leathers. No teacore, no shiny finish or nothing - This is pure naked cowhide, quickly chrome-tanned and then lightly dyed. What you can do is literally grab a can of shoe creme and restore the entire jacket to look like it's brand new. It's super tough while being soft and easy to maintain. You won't ever do anything to it you can't fix at home.

Keep this jacket.

Oh don't worry the Vanson is not going anywhere. The RMC was sold well before I even made this post. The Freewheelers is staying. I love it.

Vanson, by far is the best fit. The RMC doesn't fit you at all. The Freewheelers looks great also and is a beautiful jacket, but with your style the Vanson just screams to be worn. The beauty of jackets like the Vansons and Schotts out there is they were meant to be worn hard and rough. It's harder to do that with jackets like the Freewheelers considering the initial cost they have.

I've been waiting to see pics of both of those jackets on these boards since you got them!

edit: I do agree with Carlos regarding the shoulders on the Japanese jackets.

Yes I agree the Vanson fits me best easily.

Personally i think the FW and RMC are the wrong shape for you.
Both jackets are very V shaped, and you are very A shaped, because of that the shoulders look empty and oversized on both jackets.
The Vanson on the other hand fits you great, i would not change a thing about it.

Well I'm more hourglass shaped tbh which is weird. I have a 41.5" chest, 30.5" waist, and very large bottom and thighs. I need a good amount of tapered but the jacket has to be short enough.

The RMC is definitely much too wide in the shoulders, but i saw that immediately and sold it. Technically the Fw and Vanson are equal in the shoulders, the Vanson is just more structured there so it looks like it fits better there. Overall its the best fitting for sure, but im still quite happy with the FW.

Sell both Japanese made jackets if you have not already. This post screams exactly what I (and others) have been saying about Vanson for years! The japanese jackets look like lunch meat next to a thick slice of prime rib and the Vanson looks absolutely made to measure on you.

No chance of selling the FW. I adore it. It does need to break in some more, but I'm happy eith the fit. No, it doesn't fit as well as the Vanson, but only one other jacket fits me on the same level as this Vanson does. This is just further proof to me that I need super short jackets.

 

[ton312]

This is just further proof to me that I need super short jackets.

I think this is just it...both the FW and the RMC look to be almost blazer length (really the RMC is wildly too long), while the Vanson hits you right where it should. Same with the other jacket you have, the shorter one with the stubby collar....can't remember who makes it but it too looks absolutely spot on for fit. Agree with @Marc mndt too....you could literally have pick of the liter in vintage gear. It's time to make the leap. You've dipped a toe with the Vanson (with wild success and PERFECT result)....now...take the dive into flavor country.

 

[Marc mndt]

I am looking. I've tried to get a couple. I just am very picky so I'm not going to just grab anything

My approach to buying vintage is totally different from my approach when buying new: I basically grab anything as long as the price is right.

I've learned through experience that asking about measurements yields ballpark figures at best. People don't know how to measure and even if they do, measurements don't tell the whole story: if the pattern is great I can fit a 22" ptp, with a poor pattern a 23" might feel restrictive. Same holds for back length.

Condition is also hard to judge: one seller's 'poor condition' might be another seller's 'excellent vintage' condition.

The better the listing in terms of pics, measurements and description, the higher the price.

Also, if you find something really good it might be best to BIN without asking any questions. Otherwise someone else will snag it.

My best vintage buys were listed with the worst pics and no measurements. Buying vintage is a combination of gut feeling, experience (judging size by looking at the overall dimensions) and sheer luck.

 

[sweetfights]

That Vanson was given to you by the Greek gods of badassery! End of story. Fit trumps so much. The FW’s is exceptional too.
Keepers both.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

You guys better quit goading @dudewuttheheck into the vintage rabbit hole. He'd have to change his website and motto from almostvintagestyle to vintageorbust or something like that...

Haha I'm trying but I haven't gotten lucky with vintage yet.

I think this is just it...both the FW and the RMC look to be almost blazer length (really the RMC is wildly too long), while the Vanson hits you right where it should. Same with the other jacket you have, the shorter one with the stubby collar....can't remember who makes it but it too looks absolutely spot on for fit. Agree with @Marc mndt too....you could literally have pick of the liter in vintage gear. It's time to make the leap. You've dipped a toe with the Vanson (with wild success and PERFECT result)....now...take the dive into flavor country.

Blazer length is a bit much. Even the RMC is not blazer length. Is it much too long? Absolutely, but not blazer length. That would be around a 27.5" back on me. This jacket is only 24". With that said, I agree it's much too long. The FW is a little too long, but I'm so used to having to deal with it that I still like the fw jacket. If I get to the point that I find enough perfect shoes vintage jackets then maybe I'll change my tune, but I'm not there yet.

I am actually looking for vintage jackets. Ive tried to buy a couple and i did just try to get someone here to part with a vintage french cyclist jacket.

My approach to buying vintage is totally different from my approach when buying new: I basically grab anything as long as the price is right.

I've learned through experience that asking about measurements yields ballpark figures at best. People don't know how to measure and even if they do, measurements don't tell the whole story: if the pattern is great I can fit a 22" ptp, with a poor pattern a 23" might feel restrictive. Same holds for back length.

Condition is also hard to judge: one seller's 'poor condition' might be another seller's 'excellent vintage' condition.

The better the listing in terms of pics, measurements and description, the higher the price.

Also, if you find something really good it might be best to BIN without asking any questions. Otherwise someone else will snag it.

My best vintage buys were listed with the worst pics and no measurements. Buying vintage is a combination of gut feeling, experience (judging size by looking at the overall dimensions) and sheer luck.

This is what stops me from going all in on vintage. I just don't want to deal with all of that. I want vintage jackets, but I'm just trying to be selective and get the right ones without having to flip too many.

That Vanson was given to you by the Greek gods of badassery! End of story. Fit trumps so much. The FW’s is exceptional too.
Keepers both.

Haha agreed. It does fit ridiculously well

 

[matchankh]

@dudewuttheheck I think I read in your review that your vanson is a sz 38? If so does it have a p2p of about 21” and back length at around 23.5”? With your chest at 41.5 does it feel restrictive at all?

 

[morrison2951]

I own around 20 Vansons and the older models have all been the worst of the bunch, i would now only buy recent ones with the current label. I know other members have the opposite experience but it has been mine.

I've actually had good experience with the 2nd generation Vanson label (after the white Vanson Associates) as well as the few and far between Vanson HH models.

Some of the best leather I've ever owned.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

@dudewuttheheck I think I read in your review that your vanson is a sz 38? If so does it have a p2p of about 21” and back length at around 23.5”? With your chest at 41.5 does it feel restrictive at all?

It's around there in the chest, but much shorter in the back length. A lot shorter. No it feels very comfortable.

 

[matchankh]

It's around there in the chest, but much shorter in the back length. A lot shorter. No it feels very comfortable.

I see. Maybe the pattern with action back helps a bit.

The new c2s I’m looking at are longer in the body at around 23.5”. Maybe yours is a custom or just the older ones are cut shorter?

 

[HarryLime]

I actually think the J-24 in your correct size would possibly be the best of the bunch.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I see. Maybe the pattern with action back helps a bit.

The new c2s I’m looking at are longer in the body at around 23.5”. Maybe yours is a custom or just the older ones are cut shorter?

My guess is that the old ones were shorter, but I'm no Vanson expert

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I actually think the J-24 in your correct size would possibly be the best of the bunch.

I think you could be right. My guess is that I need the new pattern in size 38