Langlitz goatskin or medium weight cowhide

[nashopolis]

Howdy all
I've been lurking around the site for awhile but I think this is my first post.

Thanks for all the interesting discussions and info. It's been a real help as I study about the different options that exhist out in world of custome leather jackets.

If you'll indulge me, I'd like to get some opinions...

So after a few years of desiring a langlitz jacket I'm in the process of ordering one.
I've always wanted a custom bike jacket that fits me well. None off the rack ever have worked out for me and I finally saved up my nickels!

I'm going to ride in this jacket but also wear it casually. I like a snug fit. Style wise I'm going with a Columbia jacket but with a Cossack collar and no belt. Trying the ride the line between bike and clean without also being too simple.

I've studied the Japanese site in detail and everything I could find on this site. Talked some to the langlitz crew.

Originally I was sold on the idea of goat for the leather - I like the idea of it being tough and light weight. But as I look at the jackets I really like online I am realizing I dig the glossy look of the steer jackets and the appearance that they have a bit of structure. My worry is that the goat jacket might be a little floppy. I guess you could say I'm trying to figure out the difference in how the two different skins will drape.

I have a buddies cascade in goat on loan - it is a larger size than I need and it's hard to tell if it's softish structure comes from the hide or the fact that is really baggy on me.

At the same time - If I go with the steer - I don't want my jacket to stand up in the corner by itself forever. Nor do I want a jacket so heavy I'll not want to wear it of the bike. Descisons desicions.

Anybody have some first hand experience with both? I realize it's all a little relative to personal taste but as I can't get to the store - I'd love to hear those who have these jacket's thoughts.

Either way I promise to post up my experience and let you know how it turns out

Thanks!

 

[Monitor]

Congratulations on making the right call! Langlitz for life!
I only have experience with their medium (heavy) and light weight cow. The mid weight cowhide, which is actually their heavyweight cowhide nowadays ('cause they've given up on the actual heavyweight stuff) is about the same as Vanson comp. weight cowhide but it breaks in quicker. Lightweight cow is kinda like the stuff Schott is using for their Steerhide jackets which is to say it's not lightweight at all. They're both very, very nice. I've had a few goathide jackets and I much prefer cowhide. As you said, goat is just super soft, regardless of the weight (which can be pretty substantial) and the jacket will not have the structure the cowhide has and will look crappy if you didn't absolutely nail the size. So I would definitely and always go with the cow.

But why don't you ask Langlitz to send you some samples? Just make sure to ask for both mid and lightweight cowhide!

 

[53Effie]

I am in favor of the goat and I have both mid weight cow and goat. I find the goat to be substantial yet easy to wear right out of the package. My son has a goatskin Columbia that he really likes as well. Very comfortable but offers good protection on the bike. That's how I feel but as you mentioned it is a matter of opinion. Good luck with your order. They are great jackets either way you choose to go.

 

[nashopolis]

Thanks for the opinions both of you!

I actually do have a sample of goat and mid weight steer. I like the steer as a swatch but i'm trying to conceptualize what a whole jacket made of it would feel like.

Monitor how heavy are the steer jackets? Thanks for the comparison to other jackets - that helps. Sounds like they do break in and mold to the wearer.

53Effie are you in favor of the goat for the quick break in factor? Or just over all comfort from being a softer hide?

thanks again

 

[53Effie]

I guess ease of break in and overall comfort kind of go together in my mind. There is really very little break in with the goatskin and the comfort is there right away. The fact that they fit very well helps too I think.

 

[Monitor]

Thanks for the opinions both of you!

I actually do have a sample of goat and mid weight steer. I like the steer as a swatch but i'm trying to conceptualize what a whole jacket made of it would feel like.

Monitor how heavy are the steer jackets? Thanks for the comparison to other jackets - that helps. Sounds like they do break in and mold to the wearer.

53Effie are you in favor of the goat for the quick break in factor? Or just over all comfort from being a softer hide?

thanks again

Well, my Langlitz is a bit older so it might not be the best example for what a brand new jacket would weight straight outta shop as I imagine they've changed tanneries in the past few decades but considering they've always been renowned for heavyweight jackets, I don't think this has changed considerably. It's a lighter cow, definitely not as thick as the mid-weight sample Scott sent me but it's still around 8lbs. Heaviest jacket that I got. It's soft and super comfortable.
Interestingly enough, I have worked that sample they've sent me with my fingers for a few days and it turned out even softer than my Columbia. It became cloudy soft but there's definitely less finish to it than on the older jackets, which helps. It's halfway Schott Naked Cowhide - and definitely easier to break in than current Vanson Comp. weight hide. I have no doubt it would break in and mold to you in a reasonable amount of time.

But like I said, I don't have any experience with Langlitz goat. Maybe it's something else completely but what I don't like about it is that it isn't prone to developing creases. Which is a deal breaker for me.

 

[53Effie]

@Monitor. That's what I thought about creasing too, but the sleeves on my goatskin have developed good creasing. A nice surprise.

 

[Guppy]

Howdy all
I've been lurking around the site for awhile but I think this is my first post.

Thanks for all the interesting discussions and info. It's been a real help as I study about the different options that exhist out in world of custome leather jackets.

If you'll indulge me, I'd like to get some opinions...

So after a few years of desiring a langlitz jacket I'm in the process of ordering one.
I've always wanted a custom bike jacket that fits me well. None off the rack ever have worked out for me and I finally saved up my nickels!

I'm going to ride in this jacket but also wear it casually. I like a snug fit. Style wise I'm going with a Columbia jacket but with a Cossack collar and no belt. Trying the ride the line between bike and clean without also being too simple.

I've studied the Japanese site in detail and everything I could find on this site. Talked some to the langlitz crew.

Originally I was sold on the idea of goat for the leather - I like the idea of it being tough and light weight. But as I look at the jackets I really like online I am realizing I dig the glossy look of the steer jackets and the appearance that they have a bit of structure. My worry is that the goat jacket might be a little floppy. I guess you could say I'm trying to figure out the difference in how the two different skins will drape.

I have a buddies cascade in goat on loan - it is a larger size than I need and it's hard to tell if it's softish structure comes from the hide or the fact that is really baggy on me.

At the same time - If I go with the steer - I don't want my jacket to stand up in the corner by itself forever. Nor do I want a jacket so heavy I'll not want to wear it of the bike. Descisons desicions.

Anybody have some first hand experience with both? I realize it's all a little relative to personal taste but as I can't get to the store - I'd love to hear those who have these jacket's thoughts.

Either way I promise to post up my experience and let you know how it turns out

Thanks!

Go with steer, and wear it often. My Langlitz jackets do not stand up by themselves, and are not stiff. They do have weight and thickness, but it drapes very well. I do have one in goatskin, and while I don't doubt it's strength, for riding I just feel more protected in a thicker leather.

 

[bluesforchallah]

I've had the Columbia jacket in steer-hide and a pair of Langlitz western pants in goat and I much preferred the grain of the steer-hide to the goat. Though I never warmed up to the grain of the goat hide I think it was the better option for the pants as it was more pliable and allowed my legs to move easier than I think the steer-hide would have allowed, right out of the package anyway.

I think it was a great combo for riding, but for a jacket, I much prefer steer-hide.

My apologies if this photo offends anyone; It's an old photo and not directed towards anyone within this forum.

 

[Cold Cuts]

in terms of mm or ounces, anyone know just how thick their goat is? From the above it sounds like their cow must be at least 3oz

 

[OceanBreeze]

Howdy all
I've been lurking around the site for awhile but I think this is my first post.

Thanks for all the interesting discussions and info. It's been a real help as I study about the different options that exhist out in world of custome leather jackets.

If you'll indulge me, I'd like to get some opinions...

So after a few years of desiring a langlitz jacket I'm in the process of ordering one.
I've always wanted a custom bike jacket that fits me well. None off the rack ever have worked out for me and I finally saved up my nickels!

I'm going to ride in this jacket but also wear it casually. I like a snug fit. Style wise I'm going with a Columbia jacket but with a Cossack collar and no belt. Trying the ride the line between bike and clean without also being too simple.

I've studied the Japanese site in detail and everything I could find on this site. Talked some to the langlitz crew.

Originally I was sold on the idea of goat for the leather - I like the idea of it being tough and light weight. But as I look at the jackets I really like online I am realizing I dig the glossy look of the steer jackets and the appearance that they have a bit of structure. My worry is that the goat jacket might be a little floppy. I guess you could say I'm trying to figure out the difference in how the two different skins will drape.

I have a buddies cascade in goat on loan - it is a larger size than I need and it's hard to tell if it's softish structure comes from the hide or the fact that is really baggy on me.

At the same time - If I go with the steer - I don't want my jacket to stand up in the corner by itself forever. Nor do I want a jacket so heavy I'll not want to wear it of the bike. Descisons desicions.

Anybody have some first hand experience with both? I realize it's all a little relative to personal taste but as I can't get to the store - I'd love to hear those who have these jacket's thoughts.

Either way I promise to post up my experience and let you know how it turns out

Thanks!

I don't know anything about their cowhide. I have their goathide and it is fabulous. It is soft and comfortable from the beginning but also very tough and seemingly durable. It has a beautiful texture.