New Aero Bootlegger v. 2.0 CXL Brown

[Dbrn]

That applies equally to me as well, and probably to most of the regulars around here
Some guys do breeze through here on their way to creating the perfect Aero, Thedi, Langlitz, at Cetera, and once they get that jacket we never see them again. Those are the guys who may actually have found their grail jacket, or at least a jacket that comes close enough and then they move onto other things.
For the rest of us, it is absolutely an endless quest and once the jacket that we have put so much time and energy into arrives we are already itching to start in on the next one.

I'm definitely one of the former - been here to educate myself on my first good jacket, and don't have any plans for more after that. I'm enjoying the learning/customization process quite a lot, but also want it to end soon so I can have my jacket! I think @El Marro is completely right, and that his categories apply to pretty much every discussion board that exists and is devoted to things and/or hobbies. Doesn't seem to matter what the 'content' is - watches, shoes, tablets, superhero statues, cars - discussion boards always seem to unite those who are lifelong perfectionists/completists/whatever you call it. Discussion board communities probably reinforce and encourage the habit, what with all the positive reinforcement people give and get on them (this board, for example, is amazingly complimentary about other people's jackets). It's one of the (few) positive results of the internet - the ability to find communities of like-minded 'lunatics', regardless of geography .

Still, I think ton is crazy to have sold that jacket !

 

[ton312]

I think ton is crazy to have sold that jacket

Could you please be more specific? I've sold a lot of that jacket(s)

 

[dudewuttheheck]

The hunt is definitely fun and in some cases it does outweigh the pleasure of actually owning an item. However, I have for the most part kept all of the high quality jackets that I have been satisfied with. I sold my DD because it was not all that well made, I sold my used RMC A2 because it didn't fit well, I returned another jacket quickly, and returned my Good Wear due to fit. I am only selling one of my Himel jackets due to fit and the ones I have owned the longest now (RMC A2) and Himel Grizzly likely aren't going anywhere for a while if ever.

Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not constantly looking for new jackets. However, I do actually feel just as satisfied wearing the jackets as I do looking for them, if not moreso. For example, my Sunset and Mulholland are far more enjoyable than I even thought they would be and that came from actually wearing them. I still wish I could wear my Sunset every single day. If I'm selling a jacket, I have to have a good reason for it. I hope @ton312 has a good replacement in mind, though I'm not sure what can be improved upon.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I think until/if we find a style or brand of leather jacket that has an exceptional fit and finish that differs from the usual offerings it will probably be mainly the fun of the run that excites us. I went through many different jackets until I found my grail of an easy wearing completely satisfying leather jacket. When I surprisingly ran across that unique hide and comfort, I sold most of my other jackets and now own only just a few of my top favorites to rotate.

 

[AlexB]

Man, that's sad to hear, but I understand the point of the creative part. I also started to think of my next jacket. However, in contrast to many others here, I really love to wear my jacket and see how it develops. After every wear I am seeing new scratches, dents and color variations. I am really excited to pass these thing down to my future children at some point

 

[Superfluous]

For me, personally, the joy of wearing my jackets far exceeds the process of acquiring the jackets. I am not denying that the process of designing a jacket, then eagerly awaiting its arrival, engenders a certain amount of exhilaration and delight. However, that is a short term thrill and merely the means to an end. The euphoria and merriment associated with wearing a jacket is enduring and, for me, far more satisfying. I haven't purchased a leather jacket in quite a while precisely because I am so content with my current collection. That is not to say that I will not buy another if/when the right jacket comes over the horizon. However, I will not force myself to buy another simply for the short-term thrill of the acquisition. Thats just not my thing.

 

[navetsea]

I know the name has different connotation, but how about just taking it literally and pair it with boots, maybe that was the source of Ton's problem

 

[dudewuttheheck]

For me, personally, the joy of wearing my jackets far exceeds the process of acquiring the jackets. I am not denying that the process of designing a jacket, then eagerly awaiting its arrival, does not engender a certain amount of exhilaration and delight. However, that is a short term thrill and merely the means to an end. The euphoria and merriment associated with wearing a jacket is enduring and, for me, far more satisfying. I haven't purchased a leather jacket in quite a while precisely because I am so content with my current collection. That is not to say that I will not buy another if/when the right jacket comes over the horizon. However, I will not force myself to buy another simply for the short-term thrill of the acquisition. Thats just not my thing.

Overall, I agree.

Something I forgot to mention in my previous response is that leather jackets just so cool that wearing them is unquestionably the best part about them.

I'm not actually cool, but man do I feel about 1,000 times cooler than I am when I wear my leather jackets to the point that I genuinely feel like I don't look as good when I don't have one on. In fact, I'm actually less confident without one on. Summer is a drag not because I despise heat, but also because I can't wear my leather jackets. People say material possessions don't bring happiness and in general that is good advice, but that absolutely does not ring true with leather jackets for me. They along with some of my boots do bring me genuine happiness- not as much as love, true personal achievement, etc, but it's still real.

 

[Seb Lucas]

It's clear that jackets represent something much more profound to some of us than clothing. I made a list from memory of the leather jackets I have owned since 1983 - my first. It's over 40. More than one a year. Not all that many compared to some here but 40 more than every other guy I know. This collecting mania takes several forms - some chase-based, some about amassing numbers and varieties, some about experimentation and some about churning through.

Like others I enjoy looking and buying more than wearing and the only jacket I have gotten a real kick out of wearing is my Brooks cafe racer. I think because it fits well and is light and looks authentic and cool. The repro jackets are so over engineered and so carefully copied and improved upon that they are somewhat boring and sedate to me and remind me of driving a new Bentley when you could have more fun in '69 Camaro.

I have an Aero half-belt coming very soon. I want another good cafe racer. Then I'm going to sell them and just wear tweed.

 

[Rich22]

@ton312 So.... is v4.0 already under construction or are you holding fire for a few months?

 

[ton312]

@ton312 So.... is v4.0 already under construction or are you holding fire for a few months?

LOL. No BL 4.0 plans. Not yet anyway.

 

[red devil]

LOL. No BL 4.0 plans. Not yet anyway.

I would rather see the "Ton v1.0", working title for s full on custom specced by @ton312

 

[Rich22]

LOL. No BL 4.0 plans. Not yet anyway.

It’ll happen

I’m curious what your favourite jacket is? If this one wasn’t worth 2 months worth of ownership then the keeper must be darn special!

And any other customised designs on order currently, if not another BL?

 

[ton312]

It’ll happen

I’m curious what your favourite jacket is? If this one wasn’t worth 2 months worth of ownership then the keeper must be darn special!

And any other customised designs on order currently, if not another BL?

I have pursued two leather jackets that I have sold and was fortunate to retrieve them.
This Bates circa 1969:

And this Aero 50’s HB:

I suppose the desire to get these back automatically qualifies them as my favorites and I would agree. Both are irreplaceable in their own way.

 

[handymike]

What @ton312 needs is an East/ West Jacket:

 

[ton312]

What @ton312 needs is an East/ West Jacket:
View attachment 169820

Don’t think for one second I haven’t looked. If I ever encounter one I can wear I’ll throw all the rubbles in my satchel at it.

 

[red devil]

What @ton312 needs is an East/ West Jacket:
View attachment 169820

I have seen one in size 44 in Japan, it was pricy though... and unlined.
Original East West jackets were unlined apparently

 

[ProteinNerd]

@ton312 I’m curious how you get these jackets back. Do you email the guy that bought it and just throw offers at them till they can pay off their mortgage?

 

[JMax]

@ton312 I’m curious how you get these jackets back. Do you email the guy that bought it and just throw offers at them till they can pay off their mortgage?

That or he places a horse head in their beds.

 

[jacketjunkie]

I think most of the buyers can't handle the weight of his creations. They adore them, buy them when he puts them up for sale, put them on, break their necks and then gladly sell back to him to pay the bills for physical therapy.