Himel Bros. Grizzly Jacket Review

[dudewuttheheck]

I think everybody is biased to their personal favorite...it only gets spicy when the pressumption becomes this or that is superior because of x,y & z. My LW Buco was the most precise, almost maniacally made piece of gear I've ever seen. But to me...it wasn't better than the half the price Vanson. In fact, it was worse...despite all the things that many people would claim make it so superior...And of course you are entitled to your opinion and this is a place where you should be able to express it!

Well items can be superior to others in certain ways, but the important thing to do is find what aspects you care about most and find the item that is the best in those ways.

Also, keep in mind I do have experience with an aero jacket, and alexander/Simmons bilt, the flat head, rmc japan, goodwear, buzz rickson, as well as himel so my opinions are actually based on analysis of jackets which is why I see himel and other certain brands as superior in construction to others. This is not conjecture.

 

[ton312]

Well items can be superior to others in certain ways, but the important thing to do is find what aspects you care about most and find the item that is the best in those ways.

Agreed, there is inescapable subjectivity in every value placed on an object by an individual. At the end of the day...we all have some really nice jackets.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Agreed, there is inescapable subjectivity in every value placed on an object by an individual. At the end of the day...we all have some really nice jackets.

Very well said!

 

[ton312]

Well items can be superior to others in certain ways, but the important thing to do is find what aspects you care about most and find the item that is the best in those ways.

Also, keep in mind I do have experience with an aero jacket, and alexander/Simmons bilt, the flat head, rmc japan, goodwear, buzz rickson, as well as himel so my opinions are actually based on analysis of jackets which is why I see himel and other certain brands as superior in construction to others. This is not conjecture.

I'd consider a majority of those makers, except Aero and SB to be fashion/style based. I'm not saying that's a bad thing at all but I couldn't compare, in an apples to apples comparison ,most of those jackets to the ones I own, which in some respects are tools and equipment. So where as you find the stitch count and construction a mark of superiority, I find the hide selection inferior. That's the kind of subjectivity I'm talking about. Despite the styling details of the Japanese makers and Himmel, which is quite beautiful, they are not true M/C jackets and as such I find them to be of lesser quality (for me). I say that, in spite of the price tag differential that may lead some to think otherwise.

 

[Smithy]

Great review and thanks for posting. TBH like PN the Grizzly is not my thing but it's nice to see a video review of one.

I'm a bit like some of the other members here, when you start getting into which maker is the best and who does the best and with the best, and what the best leather is, then you're in very subjective territory.

Everyone has their favourites. Me, I think CXL FQHH sneezes on everything in terms of looks and how it wears but others will no doubt disagree. In terms of makers, all the top end makers that we regularly discuss here do great work, and make jackets that will last for years.

In the end you buy what you like, what fits your budget and hopefully you just enjoy it. After all, at the end of the day they're just pieces of clothing

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I'd consider a majority of those makers, except Aero and SB to be fashion/style based. I'm not saying that's a bad thing at all but I couldn't compare, in an apples to apples comparison ,most of those jackets to the ones I own, which in some respects are tools and equipment. So where as you find the stitch count and construction a mark of superiority, I find the hide selection inferior. That's the kind of subjectivity I'm talking about. Despite the styling details of the Japanese makers and Himmel, which is quite beautiful, they are not true M/C jackets and as such I find them to be of lesser quality (for me). I say that, in spite of the price tag differential that may lead some to think otherwise.

I really honestly do not see how a himel, goodwear, or rmc jacket is less functional than an aero or Simmons bilt. Sure, fqhh is heavy, but unless you're on a bike, I don't see my shinki jackets being any less durable or functional. In fsct, there are guys that ride bikes in himel jackets and have had spills wearing shinki leather and have come out the other side well protected. It's been documented. Now obviously a padded vansonoffers more protection for motorcycle riding. There is no question about that. However, it does prove the durability of shinki leather. My point is that it is incorrect to label so many of these jackets as less functional than aeros. There is zero proof of that.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I really honestly do not see how a himel, goodwear, or rmc jacket is less functional than an aero or Simmons bilt. Sure, fqhh is heavy, but unless you're on a bike

Not to put words in Tons mouth so to speak but he has made it pretty clear he specifically looks for a thick hide jacket for motorcycle use.

I'd have to agree with him in this case. You say that people have gone down wearing a shinki jacket and come out well...thats great but personally, I would never trust or wear my Shinki Buco or my ELMC Roadstar on my bike. While the leather is gorgeous...its just too thin for me to trust hitting the pavement and sliding at 100km/h.

I'm not saying one maker is better than another but I would say some are better for specific uses than others and in this case I'd agree, a Himel or Good Wear or RMC is less functional on a bike than an Aero or SB if we are talking about Shinki or another thin hide vs CXL.

 

[ton312]

Having handled the like weight Vicenza offered by Aero, I repectfully disagree. The lighter hide, I feel I could rip apart with my bare hands. I personally wouldn't trust it on a motorcycle, particularly mine, which is a full time death machine. A scooter? Maybe.
Now I will agree that for everyday casual use the sustainability of Shinki is probably just as good as heavy CXL or Vansons comp weight.
The real point, I suppose, and it's actually a tip of the hat to Aero, is that to qualify how nice the Himmel is, you claimed its that much nicer than Aero. I find that irksome and I'm not seeing that to be true in the Himmel examples that I've seen. Conversely I wouldn't claim my Aero or Vanson to be nicer than a Himmel. I'm sure Himmel owners wouldn't part with a button cuff for my fleet of Vansons.

 

[ton312]

Not to put words in Tons mouth so to speak but he has made it pretty clear he specifically looks for a thick hide jacket for motorcycle use.

I'd have to agree with him in this case. You say that people have gone down wearing a shinki jacket and come out well...thats great but personally, I would never trust or wear my Shinki Buco or my ELMC Roadstar on my bike. While the leather is gorgeous...its just too thin for me to trust hitting the pavement and sliding at 100km/h.

I'm not saying one maker is better than another but I would say some are better for specific uses than others and in this case I'd agree, a Himel or Good Wear or RMC is less functional on a bike than an Aero or SB if we are talking about Shinki or another thin hide vs CXL.

Precisely, and while my preference leans toward those hides it makes them better than all others to no one but me.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I already agreed that shinki is not the best for motorcycles. I have no idea what you guys are still arguing with me over. You're saying I'm wrong, but you just agreed with me on both points- that shinki isn't best for motorcycles, but it really doesn't make a difference in normal wear.

Also, having experienced both, shinki is more substantial than vicenza

 

[ButteMT61]

Agreed, there is inescapable subjectivity in every value placed on an object by an individual. At the end of the day...we all have some really nice jackets.

Yeah, 'cause everyone else here is objective! That's funny. Like not sending emails funny...

 

[ButteMT61]

I've only seen one actual live Himel, and it was at the Hollywood Self Edge. Was so unimpressed with it that it bummed me out. That said, I've seen some sh*t Aeros and others too, so I didn't put too much into it.
I currently have only about six jackets, and only three of those are new (as in not vintage). One Aero, one GW, and one LW. All of them superior in every way, but not "better" than the other one it hangs next to.
OTOH, the vintage pieces are nice, beat up, and were likely never near as nice as those others.

Damned if I care fellas. if I enjoy it - if I think it's the best jacket I've owned/seen then it is - for me. Let's not piss on this guy's excellent thread further. A guy that can wear a damn Griz is already on my buy a beer list, let alone one that posts up an excellent review. Chillax bruhs and quit acting like Ben Afflecks here.

 

[ton312]

I've only seen one actual live Himel, and it was at the Hollywood Self Edge. Was so unimpressed with it that it bummed me out. That said, I've seen some sh*t Aeros and others too, so I didn't put too much into it.
I currently have only about six jackets, and only three of those are new (as in not vintage). One Aero, one GW, and one LW. All of them superior in every way, but not "better" than the other one it hangs next to.
OTOH, the vintage pieces are nice, beat up, and were likely never near as nice as those others.

Damned if I care fellas. if I enjoy it - if I think it's the best jacket I've owned/seen then it is - for me. Let's not piss on this guy's excellent thread further. A guy that can wear a damn Griz is already on my buy a beer list, let alone one that posts up an excellent review. Chillax bruhs and quit acting like Ben Afflecks here.

Agreed. And dude, I did compliment your jacket. It's fantastic, it suits you and all that. No argument and no hard feelings. It takes balls of steel to wear a griz and I appreciate that. And I love the funky stuff. I just bristle, a little bit, at the best of the best thing. Peace brother. Enjoy that jacket.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Agreed. And dude, I did compliment your jacket. It's fantastic, it suits you and all that. No argument and no hard feelings. It takes balls of steel to wear a griz and I appreciate that. And I love the funky stuff. I just bristle, a little bit, at the best of the best thing. Peace brother. Enjoy that jacket.

Good pooint. I say that because I love it so much. I did clarify that there are other jackets just as good. I don't blame you for being slightly upset by that statement when you disagree to one degree or another. Well never agree either because we don't even have the same criteria for what is best and that's perfectly OK and in fact, a good thing

 

[jacketjunkie]

I agree with everyone and everything above except for one thing. Aero and SB are not functional but the very essence of fashion clothing. They are not functional. Neither as biking wear nor as work wear. They are fashion. Fashion for people who are into vintage styles, fashion for people who are into leather, fashion for people who are into WWII repros, but still fashion. Fashion is not a bad thing. Fashion was a thing in the good old days too and nothing bad or new. Stop using fashion as a synonym for thin leather jackets. They are not the same.

 

[ton312]

I agree with everyone and everything above except for one thing. Aero and SB are not functional but the very essence of fashion clothing. They are not functional. Neither as biking wear nor as work wear. They are fashion. Fashion for people who are into vintage styles, fashion for people who are into leather, fashion for people who are into WWII repros, but still fashion. Fashion is not a bad thing. Fashion was a thing in the good old days too and nothing bad or new. Stop using fashion as a synonym for thin leather jackets. They are not the same.

Maybe in some styles. But any Aero m/c jacket, sized properly, with a full action back in any CXL hide is 100% fully functioning riding gear, depending on your level of comfort sans armor.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Agreed. And dude, I did compliment your jacket. It's fantastic, it suits you and all that. No argument and no hard feelings. It takes balls of steel to wear a griz and I appreciate that. And I love the funky stuff. I just bristle, a little bit, at the best of the best thing. Peace brother. Enjoy that jacket.

Good pooint. I say that because I love it so much. I did clarify that there are other jackets just as good. I don't blame you for being slightly upset by that statement when you disagree to one degree or another. Well never agree either because we don't even have the same criteria for what is best and that's perfectly OK and in fact, a good thing

I've only seen one actual live Himel, and it was at the Hollywood Self Edge. Was so unimpressed with it that it bummed me out. That said, I've seen some sh*t Aeros and others too, so I didn't put too much into it.
I currently have only about six jackets, and only three of those are new (as in not vintage). One Aero, one GW, and one LW. All of them superior in every way, but not "better" than the other one it hangs next to.
OTOH, the vintage pieces are nice, beat up, and were likely never near as nice as those others.

Damned if I care fellas. if I enjoy it - if I think it's the best jacket I've owned/seen then it is - for me. Let's not piss on this guy's excellent thread further. A guy that can wear a damn Griz is already on my buy a beer list, let alone one that posts up an excellent review. Chillax bruhs and quit acting like Ben Afflecks here.

Very well said. It's tough to explain everything properly here when you guys already have your favorite jacket brands, but me saying my himel is the best is still just my opinion. I say it because I personally believe it as a testament to how much I love my jacket, not to say my jacket is great and everything else is bad.

 

[ton312]

Good pooint. I say that because I love it so much. I did clarify that there are other jackets just as good. I don't blame you for being slightly upset by that statement when you disagree to one degree or another. Well never agree either because we don't even have the same criteria for what is best and that's perfectly OK and in fact, a good thing

Very well said. It's tough to explain everything properly here when you guys already have your favorite jacket brands, but me saying my himel is the best is still just my opinion. I say it because I personally believe it as a testament to how much I love my jacket, not to say my jacket is great and everything else is bad.

It is awesome man. Now, if I were you, I'd slick my hair back really tight, put a king size cuff in my jeans, throw on the griz, walk into a Cali bar full of Cali bred lingerie super models and scream "Who wants to get laid!"

You've got to own it man.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

It is awesome man. Now, if I were you, I'd slick my hair back really tight, put a king size cuff in my jeans, throw on the griz, walk into a Cali bar full of Cali bred lingerie super models and scream "Who wants to get laid!"

You've got to own it man.

That would be a great idea if I weren't happily engaged, but I appreciate the sentiment I think I would need a cigarette too, though.

 

[ton312]

Just tell her, it's the griz man, just like Stephen King's Christine. Only so much you can do.