Looking to purchase one of the 3 following jackets. Schott 141, Langlitz crescent (cow or goat) or Aero Sonoma cafe racer (horsehide). I'm looking for something I can use on and off the bike. I would appreciate any personal experiences with any of these jackets. I don't know much about leather. What I do know between these 3 jackets is the price for the aero and langlitz are about the same whereas the Schott is a few hundred less. Thx in advance!
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Leather motorcyle jacket
- Thread starter Damo
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Any size..? :eusa_doh:
mendelboaz
One Too Many
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I highly recommend Langlitz. They make your jacket completely to your measurements (as far as wrist & neck circumference, 100% custom). They can even add padding (extra thick layer of leather, serves as armor) to the shoulder and elbow areas. I say go with the goat, it's soft but extremely sturdy; Ross Langlitz believed it provides better abrasion and water resistance than cowhide. It's a bit lighter and therefore more suitable for off-bike use than the cowhide. Langlitz jackets are as heavy as they come, though, even in goatskin. My Padded Pocket Columbia in goatskin weighs 8.8lbs, that is with a custom padded back which makes for even more weight. And that jacket is approximately size 38!!! Imagine how heavy it would be in their heavyweight cowhide (4+oz) in size 52.
If you've got the bucks for it, go Langlitz. Their product is the best I've ever seen and the same goes for their customer service. Friendliest, most personal and useful I've ever had.
If you go with Schott, be wary of sizing: their jackets are highly oversized. If you have a 42" chest, you do not want to go with a 42 Schott, this especially goes for the 141 and 118. These styles run one size bigger than the 641 and 618. I have a 42" chest and I wear a 38 in the 618 Perfecto, and I can just squeeze myself into a 36 641HH (641 made out of horsehide). This all depends on the fit you're after, though. If you prefer a tight fit, I say go two sizes down from your chest size in the 6xx and three sizes in the 1xx. Keep in mind that, for a motorcycle jacket, the jacket needs to be a tight fit in order to provide good protection!
Also: I wouldn't recommend the 141 for a riding jacket. It is made out of naked cowhide, and thus they have no finish applied to the leather meaning they are hardly waterresistant. It's a tough hide, sure, and certainly no lambskin, but I'd still prefer regular cowhide/steerhide, horsehide or heavyweight goatskin that Langlitz uses. Naked cowhide is buttery soft, but deteriorates much faster from rain as there is no finish protecting the leather from the rain. It won't dry up after a couple of heavy rainstorms, but I'd still go with regular cow/steer/horsehide. The CXL leather Aero uses is about the most waterresistant I have ever seen.
As to deciding between the three: I own two Schotts, 1 Aero (more on the way...leather jackets are addicitve as f**k) and one Langlitz. They are all very highquality jackets, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Schott (it may sound like I am downtalking Schott). I love Schott. But they don't do custom work, by standard. Stock sizes only. They do custom work upon request but they don't specialize in this so don't expect any mindblowing results. Langlitz builds the jacket entirely to all of your upperbody measurements, and Aero can taper the jacket and add/remove sleeve & body length. Aero jackets are extremely tough and beautiful, and their Horween CXL they use on most of their jackets is the most wonderful leather you will ever encounter.
It's your pick. Again: I highly recommend Langlitz. They specialize in motorcycle gear and that is exactly what you'll get: a motorcycle jacket. They even measure you instore while you are positioned on a bike. Highestquality garment you will ever buy, I guarantee.
If you've got the bucks for it, go Langlitz. Their product is the best I've ever seen and the same goes for their customer service. Friendliest, most personal and useful I've ever had.
If you go with Schott, be wary of sizing: their jackets are highly oversized. If you have a 42" chest, you do not want to go with a 42 Schott, this especially goes for the 141 and 118. These styles run one size bigger than the 641 and 618. I have a 42" chest and I wear a 38 in the 618 Perfecto, and I can just squeeze myself into a 36 641HH (641 made out of horsehide). This all depends on the fit you're after, though. If you prefer a tight fit, I say go two sizes down from your chest size in the 6xx and three sizes in the 1xx. Keep in mind that, for a motorcycle jacket, the jacket needs to be a tight fit in order to provide good protection!
Also: I wouldn't recommend the 141 for a riding jacket. It is made out of naked cowhide, and thus they have no finish applied to the leather meaning they are hardly waterresistant. It's a tough hide, sure, and certainly no lambskin, but I'd still prefer regular cowhide/steerhide, horsehide or heavyweight goatskin that Langlitz uses. Naked cowhide is buttery soft, but deteriorates much faster from rain as there is no finish protecting the leather from the rain. It won't dry up after a couple of heavy rainstorms, but I'd still go with regular cow/steer/horsehide. The CXL leather Aero uses is about the most waterresistant I have ever seen.
As to deciding between the three: I own two Schotts, 1 Aero (more on the way...leather jackets are addicitve as f**k) and one Langlitz. They are all very highquality jackets, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Schott (it may sound like I am downtalking Schott). I love Schott. But they don't do custom work, by standard. Stock sizes only. They do custom work upon request but they don't specialize in this so don't expect any mindblowing results. Langlitz builds the jacket entirely to all of your upperbody measurements, and Aero can taper the jacket and add/remove sleeve & body length. Aero jackets are extremely tough and beautiful, and their Horween CXL they use on most of their jackets is the most wonderful leather you will ever encounter.
It's your pick. Again: I highly recommend Langlitz. They specialize in motorcycle gear and that is exactly what you'll get: a motorcycle jacket. They even measure you instore while you are positioned on a bike. Highestquality garment you will ever buy, I guarantee.
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Thx so much for all the info, it is much appreciated. As of now I'm leaning towards Langlitz because its custom so it will be the fit that I want, and i have the option for padding and finally their return policy is great. The biggest draw back is the $.
My gut is telling me this;
If I go Langlitz, I should get a total bad a** proper motorcycle jacket from langlitz like the padded cascade or padded pocket columbia….
Schott 141 seems like it would be much more casual clean lines jacket that I could ride with but won't be as protective when compared to the langlitz…..
Or I buy them both and my wife kills me…..
My gut is telling me this;
If I go Langlitz, I should get a total bad a** proper motorcycle jacket from langlitz like the padded cascade or padded pocket columbia….
Schott 141 seems like it would be much more casual clean lines jacket that I could ride with but won't be as protective when compared to the langlitz…..
Or I buy them both and my wife kills me…..
mendelboaz
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I always like the last option 
Again, you're very welcome, glad to help. 1.5 years ago I was just learning about good quality leather jackets and my first quality jacket purchase was a Schott 618 Perfecto. Still wearing it hard to this day, it's broken in beautifully.
Again, the 141 is a tough jacket and the thing that matters is that it'll protect your skin in case of a crash. Any tough, heavy duty leather jacket will do just that. And indeed, the 141 and other Schott jackets have become more casual street jackets (not to say their leather jackets aren't heavy duty), Schott NYC is leaning more towards fashion nowadays. They're still an iconic piece of Americana, nontheless.
Is this your first high end leather jacket purchase? And might I ask, what is your budget?
FYI: I'm afraid I can't really share any info on how well any leather jacket is suited for riding as I don't have any riding experience; I have yet to purchase my first bike or get a bike driver's license.
Again, you're very welcome, glad to help. 1.5 years ago I was just learning about good quality leather jackets and my first quality jacket purchase was a Schott 618 Perfecto. Still wearing it hard to this day, it's broken in beautifully.
Again, the 141 is a tough jacket and the thing that matters is that it'll protect your skin in case of a crash. Any tough, heavy duty leather jacket will do just that. And indeed, the 141 and other Schott jackets have become more casual street jackets (not to say their leather jackets aren't heavy duty), Schott NYC is leaning more towards fashion nowadays. They're still an iconic piece of Americana, nontheless.
Is this your first high end leather jacket purchase? And might I ask, what is your budget?
FYI: I'm afraid I can't really share any info on how well any leather jacket is suited for riding as I don't have any riding experience; I have yet to purchase my first bike or get a bike driver's license.
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- 16,842
+1 on everything that mendelboaz said.
Aero - Semi-custom tailored with many possible alterations. By this I mean, you get to choose sleeve and body length, and you can add an inch here and there but they do not deviate from their cut patterns. It is important to note this because Aero's patterns are based on vintage pieces so some of their jackets may not fit you the way you imagined. You may find some models boxy, for example, or some too short, and so on and so forth.
Your choice of leather, hardware, stitching, lining, etc. and there's a whole ton of that to choose from.
Top quality, tough, heavy, indestructible stuff that will last you a lifetime.
Incredibly beautiful.
Not very bike friendly, at least, least of all the other manufacturers...
Pricey, relatively long waiting time.
Langlitz - What mendelboaz said, 100% custom made, which means that every part of the jacket is made to your specs and desires. Each basic model of their jackets is completely customizable, lots of details to choose from.
Pure motorcycle gear, built first and foremost with riding in mind.
Top quality.
Superb customer service, I must note!
Pricey, long waiting time.
Schott - Off the rack, stock sizes only that can be a mess. Insanely oversized in chest and stomach areas. I'm a pure size 42 and I wear 38 in Schott for a relatively tight fit, with layers underneath. Go figure.
141 does come in both steer and HH, both versions equally good. You can go custom with Schott but that near doubles the price so... No.
Other than that, top quality, built to last.
Dedicated riding gear.
Cheaper, no waiting time.
From my experience, all three manufacturers make jackets that are equally good. You may discover that there is a slight bias toward Aero and Langlitz as opposed to Schott here, on the TFL, but please do note that rarely anyone bothered to provide a reason why exactly Schott is inferior to any other manufacturer. That is because it's not. Schott 141 is as good a riding jacket as any and it's one helluva jacket for knocking about, too - provided you get the size right, that is.
But please don't expect any more - or less - protection from either of these three manufacturers. Schott will do just as good (or bad) of a job protecting you if you take a spill as will Aero or Langlitz. Without armour, half an ounce here or there won't make much of a difference.
May I recommend you look into Vanson, either Model A or B, as well? Possibly heaviest and toughest jackets of all the above listed manufacturers! Stuff that's literally indestructible. Serious, purely motorcycle dedicated gear you'll be passing down generations - most of their models come with CE approved integrated armour, enough said - simply perfect for riding. Best part, compared to the other manufacturers, very affordable!
Aero - Semi-custom tailored with many possible alterations. By this I mean, you get to choose sleeve and body length, and you can add an inch here and there but they do not deviate from their cut patterns. It is important to note this because Aero's patterns are based on vintage pieces so some of their jackets may not fit you the way you imagined. You may find some models boxy, for example, or some too short, and so on and so forth.
Your choice of leather, hardware, stitching, lining, etc. and there's a whole ton of that to choose from.
Top quality, tough, heavy, indestructible stuff that will last you a lifetime.
Incredibly beautiful.
Not very bike friendly, at least, least of all the other manufacturers...
Pricey, relatively long waiting time.
Langlitz - What mendelboaz said, 100% custom made, which means that every part of the jacket is made to your specs and desires. Each basic model of their jackets is completely customizable, lots of details to choose from.
Pure motorcycle gear, built first and foremost with riding in mind.
Top quality.
Superb customer service, I must note!
Pricey, long waiting time.
Schott - Off the rack, stock sizes only that can be a mess. Insanely oversized in chest and stomach areas. I'm a pure size 42 and I wear 38 in Schott for a relatively tight fit, with layers underneath. Go figure.
141 does come in both steer and HH, both versions equally good. You can go custom with Schott but that near doubles the price so... No.
Other than that, top quality, built to last.
Dedicated riding gear.
Cheaper, no waiting time.
From my experience, all three manufacturers make jackets that are equally good. You may discover that there is a slight bias toward Aero and Langlitz as opposed to Schott here, on the TFL, but please do note that rarely anyone bothered to provide a reason why exactly Schott is inferior to any other manufacturer. That is because it's not. Schott 141 is as good a riding jacket as any and it's one helluva jacket for knocking about, too - provided you get the size right, that is.
But please don't expect any more - or less - protection from either of these three manufacturers. Schott will do just as good (or bad) of a job protecting you if you take a spill as will Aero or Langlitz. Without armour, half an ounce here or there won't make much of a difference.
May I recommend you look into Vanson, either Model A or B, as well? Possibly heaviest and toughest jackets of all the above listed manufacturers! Stuff that's literally indestructible. Serious, purely motorcycle dedicated gear you'll be passing down generations - most of their models come with CE approved integrated armour, enough said - simply perfect for riding. Best part, compared to the other manufacturers, very affordable!
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mendelboaz
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+2 on everything stated above.
Vanson jackets are killer, I only have a Model B but now that it's breaking in I can tell how tough and indestructible this jacket is. Their competition weight cowhide is thick and luscious, and it makes me wanna get more Vanson jackets in this incredible leather. I highly recommend Vanson as well. Then again, I think you should at least own one jacket of all manufacturers mentioned. I do, and I'm only seventeen! Don't let your wife get near you if you follow my advice, though.
Sadly, I don't have a wife to kill me for all the $$$ I spend on leather... Makes me wonder if maybe I should spend my money and time differently. Like, go out and find a girlfriend. Just maybe... ?
Vanson jackets are killer, I only have a Model B but now that it's breaking in I can tell how tough and indestructible this jacket is. Their competition weight cowhide is thick and luscious, and it makes me wanna get more Vanson jackets in this incredible leather. I highly recommend Vanson as well. Then again, I think you should at least own one jacket of all manufacturers mentioned. I do, and I'm only seventeen! Don't let your wife get near you if you follow my advice, though.
Sadly, I don't have a wife to kill me for all the $$$ I spend on leather... Makes me wonder if maybe I should spend my money and time differently. Like, go out and find a girlfriend. Just maybe... ?
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I have an Alexander Leather Dirt Rider in jerky horse & a Vanson Enfield in Octagon comp cowhide.
I also have a steerhide Aero Highwayman & FQHH Aero 50s Halfbelt.
Only ridden in the AL but breaking in the Vanson for next season.
If I had to buy 1 of the 3 you listed, I'm going with the Langlitz in goat.
I have a couple of other jackets in goat, Magnoli Open Road & US Wings Indy, & think it is excellent motorcycle jacket leather.
I also have a steerhide Aero Highwayman & FQHH Aero 50s Halfbelt.
Only ridden in the AL but breaking in the Vanson for next season.
If I had to buy 1 of the 3 you listed, I'm going with the Langlitz in goat.
I have a couple of other jackets in goat, Magnoli Open Road & US Wings Indy, & think it is excellent motorcycle jacket leather.
@ mendelboaz..
Wow you have compiled quite a collection in a 1.5 years. Well done!! Yes, this is my first high end leather jacket purchase. I really didn't want to spend over a $1,000 so that really takes me out of the running for a langlitz or aero..
I have heard that the Schott sizing is different. A problem of mine is that I haven't been able to find anyone close to me who sells schott so I can't try them on. I have sent Jerri my measurements and I'm waiting to hear back from her regarding her thoughts…
Hopefully this will all work..
Wow you have compiled quite a collection in a 1.5 years. Well done!! Yes, this is my first high end leather jacket purchase. I really didn't want to spend over a $1,000 so that really takes me out of the running for a langlitz or aero..
I have heard that the Schott sizing is different. A problem of mine is that I haven't been able to find anyone close to me who sells schott so I can't try them on. I have sent Jerri my measurements and I'm waiting to hear back from her regarding her thoughts…
Hopefully this will all work..
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Yep, I forgot to mention how incredibly gorgeous Vanson comp. weight is. And man, how well it ages! Plenty of examples of this on eBay, even now.
Probably my all time favorite leather, right up there with Horween's CXL horse - in all honesty, if I had to choose between the two, I couldn't. Also, hands down best damn riding jacket I've ever worn! And only one I've never even considered selling or exchanging (as this is the only way for me to try out different manufacturers and jackets, because I'm **** poor ).mendelboaz, but the jackets will make you want to go out in the first place so I think you're doing it right.
Seriously though, I can't even imagine functioning normally anymore without a proper leather jacket so it's kind of essential for me if I want to have an existing social life. XD Saddest part is, no lady I've ever met noticed the difference between a, say, FQHH Aero and $40 mall lambskin leather jacket. Chicks dig the Perfecto, though...
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Haha, sorry but... Seriously, Vanson just might be your best bet - especially if you don't want to go over a grand. There's just no cons to it, going with Vanson will get you simply the best riding jacket money can buy.
morrison2951
Practically Family
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Another vote for Vanson- IMO the Enfield is the best looking leather jacket bar none! And if you can find one from years back in their rare and gorgeous HH all the better!
Worf
I'll Lock Up
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I own Aero, a LHB, custom job and a Thunderbay. Vanson - two Ikes one black, the other in "Octagon" leather. One Langlitz bomber. Two GoodWear jackets, military and one Schott. All save the Schott and my U.S. Authentic are top flight products and built to last three lifetimes.
Worf
Worf
mendelboaz
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Thank you, Damo! I have to say it is quite an achievement. Basically as soon as I can afford another jacket, I buy one... Great thing about my age is that I can spend all the money I earn any way I want to, no rent or children that need to be paid for!
I'd say go with Vanson. Off the rack is probably fine, though the sleeves and body on my Model B are a tad long. This'll keep your wife happy as well!
@Monitor yep.. Perfecto is a chick magnet. I'm hoping that the Aero J106 I'll be getting next year will be even more so.
I'd say go with Vanson. Off the rack is probably fine, though the sleeves and body on my Model B are a tad long. This'll keep your wife happy as well!
@Monitor yep.. Perfecto is a chick magnet. I'm hoping that the Aero J106 I'll be getting next year will be even more so.
Edward
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With Schott, do watch sizing. I'm a 44 for a neat but not stupidly tight fit in most manufacturers with that sort of thing, but with Scjott I really do need to go up to a 46. Any of the three (or four if you include Vanson) do so ething that would be fine on a bike, unless you want armour built in to the jacket, in which case I'd be looking at those who make exclusively motorcycle gear.
@anyone who owns a schott 141. I'm wonder what is your weight/height/chest measurements and which jacket size??
@ vanson owners. Is the model b their version of a cafe racer? Does anyone own a vanson with armour built in? Is it really noticeable? Does it change the fit of the jacket?? Thx in advance
@ vanson owners. Is the model b their version of a cafe racer? Does anyone own a vanson with armour built in? Is it really noticeable? Does it change the fit of the jacket?? Thx in advance
Langlitz all the way. Schott are great for what they are, Langlitz is heirloom quality, great re sale, lots of fun designing your own bits, and the service is second to none.
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