Himel Bros. Grizzly Jacket Review

[dudewuttheheck]

Thanks @handymike and @tropicalbob !

I appreciate it guys!

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Interesting thread.

Dude, your mistake was stating that Himel jackets are inherently superior to other jackets, including Aero jackets in particular. As the subsequent discussion has illustrated, the endless subjective factors that comprise the “quality” of a jacket render any proclamation of superiority indefensible.

Ironically, those who politely chastised Dude’s ill-advised statement are largely guilty of the same infraction, albeit much less direct in presentation. CXL is best . . . Japanese jackets are fashion garments . . . etc.

I have made no secret of my love of Shinki HH. That said, I do not believe Shinki is superior to other HHs. Rather, Shinki HH best satisfies my subjective preferences, and best meets my subjective needs/uses. I have handled most of the other leathers discussed here, and none better match my preferences.

I have also made no secret of my utter hatred of Horween FQHH/CXL (aka the suit of armor) (sorry Ken). FQHH/CXL may provide superior protection during a motorcycle crash, but in all other respects, it is infinitely less functional than medium weight HHs. It is rigid, inflexible, and outright uncomfortable. IMHO, rigid and uncomfortable is the antithesis of “functional.” Of course, my definition of functional is predicated entirely on non-motorcycles uses. If one requires maximum protection to withstand a motorcycle crash, the analysis is entirely different.

Another irony worth noting: I suspect that very few people have personal experience with all of the leathers discussed here, and some are making broad judgments without the requisite first hand knowledge.

There are also undeniable brand loyalties influencing this discussion, and understandably so. Not surprisingly, those who favor Aero were displeased with the subtle disparagement of Aero, and came to Aero’s defense. I have done the same in relationship to the brands that I favor.

There is also a subtle bias against more expensive jackets that inevitably influences these discussions. Like everything else, a jacket’s “worth” is inherently subjective. ZO6 owners mock Ferrari owners for paying too much money for an equal performing car. Ferrari owners respond with a long list of factors that warrant the extra cost. Neither is right, and neither is wrong. The only wrong position is denigrating those who espouse the opposing viewpoint.

In the end, Dude’s statement was ill-advised, but the response was also a wee bit overdone.

Net net: We all are looking for something different, and we therefore prioritize and exalt different factors. Dude’s emphasis on certain elements of a jacket’s construction is no more correct or incorrect than Ton’s emphasis on thickness and protection. The key is mutual respect for opposing opinions. Fortunately, mutual respect is a cornerstone of this great community.

Signing off from the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Well, I honestly believe that from the specific criteria I am judging from, Himel jackets are inherently superior to Aero. My mistake was not clarifying why/how I believed they are superior under certain criteria.

Aero and Vanson are superior in terms of durability and I should have made a point of that as well.

 

[Monitor]

I have also made no secret of my utter hatred of Horween FQHH/CXL (aka the suit of armor) (sorry Ken). FQHH/CXL may provide superior protection during a motorcycle crash, but in all other respects, it is infinitely less functional than medium weight HHs. It is rigid, inflexible, and outright uncomfortable.

Super, I like to think it is relatively clear that while I really like Aero, I do not favor them over some other companies, but trust me when I say that all but one CXL jacket I owned were really soft and pliable right out of the box. Admittedly, CXL can be all over the place and perhaps it was only this rigid batch of leather you've handled but in my experience, these jackets are really, honestly neither all to significantly rigid nor inflexible compared to any other leather of similar weight.

I find all the tales of Horween CXL's weight grossly exaggerated - and it was hearing all this talk on how rigid, heavy and whatnot Aeros were that convinced me to get one so I was in fact quite disappointed once I actually got my first CXL jacket (which wasn't bad at all in the long run, just that I was expecting something completely different). My prior experience with leather jackets was limited to Vanson Model A and Schott 618HH, both of which were either heavier and sturdier than an Aero or at the same level.

But like I said, perhaps you've by only handled the tough ones. That old Aero Police jacket that I had was quite literally unwearable how stiff and rigid it was so yeah, I now what you mean. But the stuff they're using nowadays is really not all that heavy at all. My last Aero, the HWM was among the softest jackets I've had. Well, at a room temperature, at least, but still... In fact, just looking at Dude's jacket in the video, I would say that it's exactly as soft, heavy and pliable as say the CXL CR I have had.

Not trying to convince you of anything, just saying... I'm surprised you find it this uncomfortable. I always figured Shinki's at the same weight as Horween CXL?

 

[tmitchell59]

I've never been a Grizzly fan, but this one looks really good on.

 

[Blackadder]

Nice fit. A friend of mine also bought a Grizzly recently. He saw the Toys McCoy Grizzly first and almost pulled the trigger there and then but I told him to check out some other brands first. Took him to Attractions and he ended up getting the Attractions one.

 

[IXL]

I ........
if you have a scooter that goes over 100mph you need a priest. Not a leather jacket.

Not at all. I think you are not familiar with some of the modern scooters available. These are not the teeny-wheeled numbers to be seen in the film Roman Holiday. The BMW even has an electrically operated windshield, heated grips and seat. Hell, it even has a headed passenger seat. That scooter weighs 500 lbs. and allows one to stretch out one's feet "cruiser style," if desired. They are fun.

 

[IXL]

Anything over 30mph and you are hamburger in my estimation.

Back when I was a punk teenager I rear-ended a vehicle while I was doing just north or 50mph (this, after getting out of an afternoon showing of the 1st run movie, Smokey and the Bandit. Clearly, it had affected me. Hey, we were punk teenagers....) As the Ford sedan was completely stopped for a red light, the officers estimated I was still traveling at that speed when I went sliding down the road. It hurt. My 30 lb. Bell helmet broke when my head smacked into a curb, and my really thin, cheaply made jacket shredded pretty good but somehow managed to mostly protect my personal hide.
Mother was not amused.

 

[IXL]

Have to say IXL. I'd have bet my bottom dollar you rode a sporty. With that handle, you HAVE to ride a sporty. But I admit...I might be bringing some baggage to the table.

Lol. You would be correct: I have a super-rare XR1200X Sportster (serious fun, that one), along with several other Harleys, to include a Road King for longer distance riding. I never really made the connection between my handle and sporties before your post, but my wife does have a XL1200C Sportster. I call it her "Easy Rider" bike.

 

[IXL]

Yep...to me Grizzly jackets always looked bulky and puffy more like a wooly vest being worn over a leather jacket whereas the Himel appears more tailored with that style 'incorporated' into the jacket. Not so radical.

I agree. I just didn't realize what it is that I don't usually like about the Grizzly jackets, until your observation. The Himel looks pretty good.

 

[ton312]

Lol. You would be correct: I have a super-rare XR1200X Sportster (serious fun, that one), along with several other Harleys, to include a Road King for longer distance riding. I never really made the connection between my handle and sporties before your post, but my wife does have a XL1200C Sportster. I call it her "Easy Rider" bike.

I knew it! My chopper is powered by a '58 ironhead Frankenstien. I can feel the presence of a sporty owner like yoda can sense the dark side.

 

[tropicalbob]

Back when I was a punk teenager I rear-ended a vehicle while I was doing just north or 50mph (this, after getting out of an afternoon showing of the 1st run movie, Smokey and the Bandit. Clearly, it had affected me. Hey, we were punk teenagers....) As the Ford sedan was completely stopped for a red light, the officers estimated I was still traveling at that speed when I went sliding down the road. It hurt. My 30 lb. Bell helmet broke when my head smacked into a curb, and my really thin, cheaply made jacket shredded pretty good but somehow managed to mostly protect my personal hide.
Mother was not amused.

Just be glad it wasn't The Dukes of Hazard.

 

[BobJ]

Since when is scooter a motorcycle?

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I appreciate the kind words, guys. I like the jacket discussion that is developing, but can we quit the bike/scooter discussion? It's distracting and I'd prefer it not be here.
Thanks

 

[bretron]

The Dude is excited because he got a boss a** jacket. It's natural to gloat. Perhaps a bit obnoxious to point out different makers by name, but a bit of tussling around here will straighten that out

 

[bretron]

And just to be clear, it is a BOSS A$$ JACKET in every way!

 

[Peter Bowden]

It's a great act of nerve to spend close to $3000 on your jacket...Congratulations

 

[dudewuttheheck]

The Dude is excited because he got a boss a** jacket. It's natural to gloat. Perhaps a bit obnoxious to point out different makers by name, but a bit of tussling around here will straighten that out

Haha, thanks a lot!

Hey, I've really enjoyed the discussion here. We don't have to agree in order to have a civil discussion. I don't expect everyone to agree with my opinion and that's totally cool

I guess I could have clarified that what I said was just an opinion in the video, but honestly that should be a given. I won't apologize for believing that Himel, RMC, TFH, and Goodwear are better jackets than Aero, but I totally understand if people disagree with me. I could be more diplomatic and not assert that, but then I would not be being truthful and at the end of the day, it's just an opinion and I'm not trying to bulldoze everyone who disagrees with me Plus, I don't think the difference in quality is that big, it's pretty minor I think most people here get their jimmies rustled because I didn't clarify as much as I should have for this audience, but this video was not made for you guys.


As long as the scooter talk stops I'm happy

 

[Sloan1874]

I've noticed some variability in the rigidity of Aero's leather, pre-the New Regime. I tried on a Route 66 that had come back to the factory - it was a size 36 but with colossally broad shoulders, so I'm guessing the customer got something very wrong with his measurements - and while the jacket was not that heavy, it had an almost rigid construction. Personally, I just wouldn't know where to start with breaking it in. In contrast, my LHB took very little breaking in but was relatively speaking quite a bit heavier.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I've noticed some variability in the rigidity of Aero's leather, pre-the New Regime. I tried on a Route 66 that had come back to the factory - it was a size 36 but with colossally broad shoulders, so I'm guessing the customer got something very wrong with his measurements - and while the jacket was not that heavy, it had an almost rigid construction. Personally, I just wouldn't know where to start with breaking it in. In contrast, my LHB took very little breaking in but was relatively speaking quite a bit heavier.

I have heard wildly different claims about Aero's leather. Some say it is rigid as chobham armor and others say it is quite supple and easy to break in. I don't know who to believe haha

 

[ton312]

I have heard wildly different claims about Aero's leather. Some say it is rigid as chobham armor and others say it is quite supple and easy to break in. I don't know who to believe haha

Of the two Aero CXL jackets I purchased this year both were quite rigid out of the box. The Steer was slightly heavier than the horse but neither one weighed much over 7lbs. I've probably owned about a dozen since 2005 and I'd say they all hit at about the 7lb mark. Maybe closer to 8lb with the j-106. They also lost a good degree of that rigid character quite quickly in the sleeves, slowly in the body.
Now my Vanson, when fully rigged with belt and collar is just north of 10lbs, initially the most uncomfortable, ugly looking, suit of plastic you've ever seen. Like the stay puff marshmallow man spray painted black. Now, it's softer than lambskin but still incredibly heavy and squeaky. I think the feeling of a jacket being too heavy may come from having it sized wrong. Particularly too small. These leathers are designed not to give a single inch so when you squeeze into one, it's your body that compresses as opposed to the leather stretching, and that's very uncomfortable.