Leather 101 Questions

[OneEyeMan]

Hi all, first post here.
I stumbled across this forum searching for, you guessed it, leather jackets.
I'm driving up to Vanson this weekend to look at some of their offerings. I presently have one of their MC jackets so I know their quality is outstanding.
Specifically, I'd like to look at both the Mercury and Enfield. Any comments about either of these jackets would be welcome.
So, now on to my main question.
I've also stumbled upon Aero jackets (my wallet is groaning) and have become enamored with the Highwayman.
I could really use some help deciding which leather is right for me, Horse Hide or Steer Hide.
I know there are tons of other threads discussing this topic, but I really just don't have the time to sort through it all.
So, in a nutshell, what do I need to know:
- what are the differences when new?
- what are the differences when broken in?
- do they both hold their color equally?
- which is more comfortable?
- are there any differences in their "sheen" or "glossiness"
- do they feel different to the hand when new, or when broken in?

Next, what can you tell me about the linings?
- is the Alpaca warm and durable?
- which lining is the most durable?

And a little niggling question; I've never owned a jacket with external waist buckles. Do they snag on things? Do they make getting in and out of the car troublesome?

Finally, what is the buying experience like?
Do they guide you through all the required measurements?
I'd hate to spend upwards of $500 and end up with an ill fitting jacket.
I'm in the US. Do I have to do all correspondence via email due to the time difference?

Any other info you'd care to volunteer about either Vanson or Aero would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry if this is an overwhelming first post, but I didn't know where else to turn. I can also ask these questions of Aero directly (I just might do that) but I really wanted the answers from the customer's point of view.
Thank you so much.
Hope to contribute much more to the forums in the future.
Lenny

 

[James Miller]

Welcome aboard !

If your looking for a good leather Jacket I have a few of Aero's Horsehide's and you can't really go wrong. with Aero. You can contact Mark at AreoleatherUSA. and he can send you some samples of the leather. Mark can and will help you, he is a pretty good guy.

Contacting Mark at Areo leather would be wise for the first time buyer. Ordering direct from Scottland might be a little tricky for the first time buyer because of customs.

Again welcome to the Lounge you will find a lot of good people and helpfull in your quest for finding what you need.

 

[Peacoat]

So many questions, so little time. The Alpaca is fairly warm, but I need a sweater with it when it gets in the low 40s. From my perspective I don't look at it as a cold weather jacket. I'm sure some will disagree, but I don't have much extra natural insulation on my body.

The cotton drill lining is probably the most durable. It doesn't provide much, if any, insulation. But again, I don't see the Highwayman as a cold weather jacket.

The external buckles on my Highwayman have never caught on anything, that I can remember. Not a problem.

Maybe other posters can answer some more of your questions.

 

[univibe88]

Contacting Mark at Areo leather would be wise for the first time buyer. Ordering direct from Scottland might be a little tricky for the first time buyer because of customs.

.

What might an experienced buyer gain from dealing directly with Scotland? Why not just always work with mark?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I agree with peacoat...as usual.
IMO...both Aero and Vanson are premium jacket makers..especially concerning Horsehide....with Aero having the heaviest HH. I've had both...and the Vanson HH Enfield is very nice! Often lighterweight HH and steer look very similar. However..Aero's hvy HH "breaks in" in it's own unique way...and I don't think would be mistaken for steer. Right now..Aero in Scotland's prices are probably unbeatable. Here's an example....
HD

 

[bobbyball]

I have never seen a better quality FQ HH than Aero (except original 30s and 40s jackets). Yes, customs might be a problem but if you don’t mind the wait, Will at Aero is an absolute pleasure to work with. I bought a non-aero product (a McCoys) from Mark Moye a few years back and he is also is great to deal with.

There was a shop in London a while back that sold Vanson and Langlitz but the prices in the UK were way too expensive.

 

[OneEyeMan]

The Aero Highwayman USA version that is sold thru Mark's Aero Leather USA EBay store looks better all the time.
The best thing is that I'll still be able to customize it.
As for Vanson, they don't have my size or color in stock so delivery time will be almost identical to the Aero. Plus the price will be very similar (that is unless I want to customize the Aero)
The big negatives against Vanson at this time are that they only offer a black Rayon lining, and they do not offer Horse Hide any more (guess Aero buys it all up for their jackets)
I really like the wool Red Stewart lining on the Aero for the look and extra warmth. However, I'm not too fond of the scalloped shape cape on the Highwayman. I prefer a cleaner one piece back.
Is the cape piece a true cape that is over a one piece back, or just the design of the back. (hopefully you know what I'm asking)
Wonder if I can do that with the USA version that Mark sells.
Anybody here have one without the scalloped cape back?
I'd love to see pix.
Any idea how much that would cost, if anything?
Finally, one thing has been bugging me about Horse Hide.
Many of the pix I've seen here and on Mark's Ebay store show very hard creases (on the verge of cracking) in the HH jackets. Am I crazy, or do these pix truly represent how HH creases?
Again, if you have close up pix of your jacket's creases, I'd love to see em.
Keep the info coming folks, and thank you again for bearing with all my silly questions.
Lenny

 

[HoosierDaddy]

No cracking of creases at all...just a marbling of Aero's heavy horsehide that keeps me buying more. A new Bootlegger in this hide is on order right now! It is not a "cape" back on the Hwymn(or a cape of leather sewn over another piece). Check prices on Aero website. Lower at this time due to decrease in British $$..if you are located in USA.
HD

 

[OneEyeMan]

Thanks HD.
I've been talking to Mark at Aero USA.
Probably put the order in some time this summer for a Christmas present.
Lenny