Help choosing between Aero Board Racer & Cafe Racer

[holdemchamp1225]

hi all,

I know this might not pertain to everyone here but I would appreciate any and all help from fellow members that have had both or know the difference between both of this classic Cafe Racer style jackets.

FYI, I currently have 7 Aero jackets and 2 are the standard Cafe Racer. Just sold one to a fellow member which was a brown Cafe Racer in size 38 CXL FQHH.

I think I am in-between sizes as the 36 fits PERFECT with just a T-shirt but tight with a sweater or riding shirt. The 38 was fine with a sweater or riding shirt but slightly loose with a T-shirt.

My question was if the Board Racer fit was different than the Cafe Racer fit, meaning if it fit closer to the body than the standard Cafe Racer. If so, would a size 38 Board Racer fit similar to a size 36 Cafe Racer? I have asked Aero but received some conflicting responses so I figured I would ask those who have actually owned or tried on both. Could you please give your take on mobility and comfort as well as overall fit and finish?

I will be selling off several Highwayman jackets here and possibly on Ebay.

They are:

1. black CXL FQHH zip sleeve size 36

2. brown FQHH size 36

3. cordovan 4oz CXL Steerhide size 38

I would be open to a trade for either a Cafe Racer in size 36 or 38 or Board Racer in the same sizes BUT my ONLY requirement would be that the sleeves and body lengths have to be 25" - 26".

If not, I was thinking about just custom ordering through Aero direct so I can choose every aspect of the jacket.

If I missed something or if you feel any other info might help in the decision I am open to listen. Thanks in advance.

 

[ProteinNerd]

In my experience the two have VERY different fits.
The Cafe Racer has much more room in the chest and shoulders then cuts in and is fitted at the waist while the Board Racer is much slimmer throughout especially across the shoulders.

I'll try and paste in my spreadsheet numbers (yes I keep a spreadsheet lol) of the jackets I've had. Hopefully the formatting isn't too bad or I'll come back and clean it up when I get a chance. Obviously I can't guarantee these numbers but this is what I've found.


Jacket. Size. Pit. Shoulder
Cafe racer 36 21.5 18.25
Cafe racer 38 22.5 18.5
Cafe Racer 40 23 19

Board Racer 38 21 17.25
Board racer 40 22 17.75
Board Racer 42 22.5 18


Hope that helps

 

[holdemchamp1225]

In my experience the two have VERY different fits.
The Cafe Racer has much more room in the chest and shoulders then cuts in and is fitted at the waist while the Board Racer is much slimmer throughout especially across the shoulders.

I'll try and paste in my spreadsheet numbers (yes I keep a spreadsheet lol) of the jackets I've had. Hopefully the formatting isn't too bad or I'll come back and clean it up when I get a chance. Obviously I can't guarantee these numbers but this is what I've found.


Jacket. Size. Pit. Shoulder
Cafe racer 36 21.5 18.25
Cafe racer 38 22.5 18.5
Cafe Racer 40 23 19

Board Racer 38 21 17.25
Board racer 40 22 17.75
Board Racer 42 22.5 18


Hope that helps

Thanks for the detailed reply. Did or do you prefer one to the other and may I ask why ?

 

[Pdxgeo]

Does it cost more to order custom vs. off the shelf pricing?

 

[Fanch]

@pawineguy has both but has not posted here for the past 8 months. He is sized similar to me and wears a 42 Cafe Racer and a 44 Board Racer. If you have broad shoulders and narrow waist / midsection, I would tend to choose the Cafe Racer. The shoulder measurements given by @ProteinNerd are revealing - similar look but completely different patterns.

 

[holdemchamp1225]

@pawineguy has both but has not posted here for the past 8 months. He is sized similar to me and wears a 42 Cafe Racer and a 44 Board Racer. If you have broad shoulders and narrow waist / midsection, I would tend to choose the Cafe Racer. The shoulder measurements given by @ProteinNerd are revealing - similar look but completely different patterns.

hi,

My only concern was being in-between sizes so I thought going with a 38 Board Racer could work for me since the 36 Cafe Racer is slightly too tight with anything other than a simple T-shirt. I do have wider shoulders BUT not linebacker wide. I have been into martial arts for over 25 years and MMA for over 7. Play a variety of sports from golf, snowboarding, squash, and tennis.

Since I already have a black Cafe Racer in 36 made from 4oz CXL Steerhide I was thinking about trying a cordovan Board Racer in 38 made from the heaviest tumbled CXL FQHH available from Aero. I spoke with a few people from Aero and Holly stated that I could request the heaviest tumbled hides they have and the cutters would be able to choose for me. I do understand that the tumbled hides are usually slightly lighter than the standard CXL FQHH due to the tumbled process but I prefer to be able to enjoy the jacket out of the box and do not really like having to break it in which takes months due to me having many other jackets. Another option would be a tumbled 4oz CXL Steerhide as I prefer a heavier jacket. Aero does not make a tumbled 4oz Steerhide BUT they stated that it could be a custom job, a first for them in this hide and process, which would cost an extra 25 pounds.

Still undecided but I am open to try new things. My existing black Cafe Racer in 36 fits great in the body but unfortunately is slightly short in the sleeves so I will be replacing that eventually with another custom order after deciding on this next jacket which I am sure will be in CORDOVAN.

So now the choice is narrowed down to:

CORDOVAN Board Racer in 38 made from tumbled CXL FQHH (25 1/2" for both sleeve and body)

CORDOVAN Board Racer in 38 made from tumbled 4oz CXL Steerhide (25 1/2" for both sleeve and body)

CORDOVAN Cafe Racer in 36 made from tumbled CXL FQHH (25 1/2" for both sleeve and body)

CORDOVAN Cafe Racer in 36 made from tumbled 4oz CXL Steerhide (25 1/2" for both sleeve and body)

Once I figure this out, I will immediately order a second jacket in BLACK which will depend on what I order in CORDOVAN. So essentially if I order a Board Racer in tumbled CXL FQHH I will try and order a Cafe Racer in tumbled 4oz CXL Steerhide to compare the difference.

Am I wrong to think this way or should I stick to one hide that I prefer more than switch to compare??

 

[holdemchamp1225]

Does it cost more to order custom vs. off the shelf pricing?

A custom order costs the same unless you add features such as an inside pocket, tartan lining, etc...

 

[b1lf]

One thing to note, the Board Racer also does NOT have back/shoulder gussets, which would likely limit mobility, however I haven't owned or even tried on both of them... so just take that as a minor observation.

Apparently, you can custom order the Board Racer with gussets.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Have you thought about the new cordovan Vicenza? I really prefer the Vicenza to almost all the other leathers now. It's a great mix, substantial but not too heavy nor doesn't it really need to break in.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Thanks for the detailed reply. Did or do you prefer one to the other and may I ask why ?

I definitely like them both. I've got 2 Board Racers and just ordered a standard style Cafe Racer Sheene.

If I could just have 1, I'd go the Board Racer, I just like the details that make it stand apart from any typical cafe racer you might see on the street, the zips on the top of the wrist, the longer length and raised zip start position all make it stand out from a "typical" cafe racer but having said that, you need to nail the fit and if a cafe racer is going to fit you better, stick with that imo.

Have you thought about using Thurston Bros? Their fit service is amazing and Carrie and Wade really know their stuff.

 

[AeroFan_07]

One thing to note, the Board Racer also does NOT have back/shoulder gussets, which would likely limit mobility, however I haven't owned or even tried on both of them... so just take that as a minor observation.

Apparently, you can custom order the Board Racer with gussets.

So my 4-pocket Cafe Racer (size 42 on tag) purchased off the rack at Thurston's fits me perfect with a t-shirt, and just barely with a long sleeve dress shirt on. The shoulder gussets it has on it Do Not limit mobility, instead they do the opposite (to a degree). They open up a little more flexibility. It's 4-oz Steerhide and the break-in was quick and simple.

I might offer this for a thought...a Cordovan Steer CR with Olive cotton drill lining, and Olive, brown or black 3" Cordoroy bottom lining trim makes for a very solid, long-wearing jacket. Especially on a close fitting jacket, the Cordoroy lower lining helps keep the lining from showing wear & tear. Mine has it, (with a wool tartan lining) and I really like it.

Good luck, wish your other jackets were just a bit larger...(But I don't need the temptation.)

 

[Fanch]

I think the Board racer was originally considered a racing shirt. Have you considered a Cordovan Vicenza HH, Aero's newest Vicenza offering? If you are in the US, I strongly recommend going through Thurston Bros for a fit jacket, as others have recommended.

 

[ProteinNerd]

The thicker leathers definitely make a difference in movement and feel if you are going for a slim fit. There is no disputing the FQHH and 4oz CXL steer look great but for a slim fit, I find they restrict mobility somewhat, Vicenza is the way to go imo.

 

[Fanch]

Well said. ^^^^

 

[holdemchamp1225]

Have you thought about the new cordovan Vicenza? I really prefer the Vicenza to almost all the other leathers now. It's a great mix, substantial but not too heavy nor doesn't it really need to break in.

I have thought about the Vicenza leather option BUT since I prefer a heavier jacket I figured it was a no go. From talking with Aero directly and seeing what was available I was told that the TUMBLED CXL FQHH would be a good option since it would be one of their heavier leathers and due to it being a signature CXL leather it would wear well and be very durable. The tumbled process makes for almost ZERO break in period which is highly attractive to me since I rarely have the time to break in jackets due to travel, work, or just having too many jacket options.

 

[holdemchamp1225]

I definitely like them both. I've got 2 Board Racers and just ordered a standard style Cafe Racer Sheene.

If I could just have 1, I'd go the Board Racer, I just like the details that make it stand apart from any typical cafe racer you might see on the street, the zips on the top of the wrist, the longer length and raised zip start position all make it stand out from a "typical" cafe racer but having said that, you need to nail the fit and if a cafe racer is going to fit you better, stick with that imo.

Have you thought about using Thurston Bros? Their fit service is amazing and Carrie and Wade really know their stuff.

Yes Carrie contacted me and was very gracious in offering to help. Unfortunately I am currently in one of my homes in France so Thurston Bros is not a viable option at the moment. Wish they had a store in the EU somewhere. If I were in my home in CA or FL I would definitely go through Thurston Bros since their fitting process seems an ideal solution for me.

Shame !!

 

[holdemchamp1225]

So my 4-pocket Cafe Racer (size 42 on tag) purchased off the rack at Thurston's fits me perfect with a t-shirt, and just barely with a long sleeve dress shirt on. The shoulder gussets it has on it Do Not limit mobility, instead they do the opposite (to a degree). They open up a little more flexibility. It's 4-oz Steerhide and the break-in was quick and simple.

I might offer this for a thought...a Cordovan Steer CR with Olive cotton drill lining, and Olive, brown or black 3" Cordoroy bottom lining trim makes for a very solid, long-wearing jacket. Especially on a close fitting jacket, the Cordoroy lower lining helps keep the lining from showing wear & tear. Mine has it, (with a wool tartan lining) and I really like it.

Good luck, wish your other jackets were just a bit larger...(But I don't need the temptation.)

Good advice and thanks. I will definitely add the cordoroy lining trim around the kidney area as I had a leather trim added to another Cafe Racer that I sold in bown CXL FQHH. I prefer a Tartan lining so I think I will go with a Royal Stewart Tartan with the Cordovan CR and a McCleod Tartan for the black CR.

 

[holdemchamp1225]

I think the Board racer was originally considered a racing shirt. Have you considered a Cordovan Vicenza HH, Aero's newest Vicenza offering? If you are in the US, I strongly recommend going through Thurston Bros for a fit jacket, as others have recommended.

Please see my response to @ProteinNerd above. I really like the Vicenza leather BUT I prefer a heavier weight jacket. Do you or does someone here have a CR with the Vicenza leather? If so, could you kindly weigh it as I would like to know the difference in weight between a Vicenza and a CXL FQHH or 4oz CXL Steerhide?

 

[holdemchamp1225]

The thicker leathers definitely make a difference in movement and feel if you are going for a slim fit. There is no disputing the FQHH and 4oz CXL steer look great but for a slim fit, I find they restrict mobility somewhat, Vicenza is the way to go imo.

Would you mind weighing your jackets and telling me the difference in weight between the various hides? Thanks

 

[Fanch]

I only have bedroom scales, although my FQHH Teamster is noticably heavier than my two Vicenza Sheenes. I also have a Shinki Himel Ventura, goatskin Maxwell, and veg tanned HH G&B A-2 Mark 43. My preference in terms of look, feel, and drape are my Vicenza jackets. I prefer black Vicenza over russet Vicenza. I have handled a friend's seal Vicenza Premier HWM that was incredibly nice, although the jacket was too restrictive in the shoulders and chest, especially the shoulders.