Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Riri vs Crown zipper

NamoAmituofo

One of the Regulars
Messages
249
Could someone help me understand what are the key functional differences between Riri and Crown zippers?

My understanding is both are very robust - but Crown is significantly more expensive.
 

Canuck Panda

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,989
Crown zippers are overpriced, especially the earlier chevron teeth ones, M41. The later ones (including the C&C ones) are less expensive but still overpriced. You can find Riri zippers for much less. Modern zippers (both Riri and YKK) are better than vintage zipper designs imo, for functional everyday wear. But vintage zipper has that look. On a daily wear jacket it's better to go with the modern zippers.
 

NamoAmituofo

One of the Regulars
Messages
249
Crown zippers are overpriced, especially the earlier chevron teeth ones, M41. The later ones (including the C&C ones) are less expensive but still overpriced. You can find Riri zippers for much less. Modern zippers (both Riri and YKK) are better than vintage zipper designs imo, for functional everyday wear. But vintage zipper has that look. On a daily wear jacket it's better to go with the modern zippers.
Thanks a lot - you are incredibly knowledgeable at these things :)
 

bigmanbigtruck

A-List Customer
Messages
495
As mentioned, there's nothing quite like the #10 Spring-loaded Crown and it's pinlocking mechanism. In terms of the vintage zips out there, it's the Crown jewel.
1739563844101.png


That being said, the pricing difference can be attributed more to rarity than functionality.
 
Last edited:

photo2u

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,470
Location
claremont california
I have seen very few NOS sping loaded #10 crowns. Most others in reproduction jackets are reproduction crowns. Talon and Riri are much stronger than the #10 crowns. I have used the "big teeth" talon and is far better than the same size crowns. The riri #10 is much better than any similar size zipper in the market. I consider it the bulletproof zipper. I used it on my anti-g flight suits, but they were also used in flight jackets.
Furthermore, I consider Conmar stronger and much smoother than #10 crowns. Conmar was used in the James Dean jacket. Talon was used in the Brando's Wild one jacket. I must write, there are other American made companies that still make excellent #10 zips for a down to earth prices. Thirty years ago, YKK made an all Nickel plated #5 zip that was the pinnacle of #5 production in my book.
 

Jon Crow

Practically Family
Messages
541
Location
Alcalá De Henares Madrid
I have seen very few NOS sping loaded #10 crowns. Most others in reproduction jackets are reproduction crowns. Talon and Riri are much stronger than the #10 crowns. I have used the "big teeth" talon and is far better than the same size crowns. The riri #10 is much better than any similar size zipper in the market. I consider it the bulletproof zipper. I used it on my anti-g flight suits, but they were also used in flight jackets.
Furthermore, I consider Conmar stronger and much smoother than #10 crowns. Conmar was used in the James Dean jacket. Talon was used in the Brando's Wild one jacket. I must write, there are other American made companies that still make excellent #10 zips for a down to earth prices. Thirty years ago, YKK made an all Nickel plated #5 zip that was the pinnacle of #5 production in my book.
Years ago I bought my wife a old vintage sheepskin jacket with a RiRi zipper, indestructible
 

TartuWolf

One Too Many
Messages
1,489
Location
Tartu, Estonia
The topic of this thread is close enough so I'll post my question here:
When we talk about leather jackets we usually discuss how a #10 zipper is ideal for the main zipper (at least in terms of max durability, but maybe overkill in terms of aesthetics). Or at least a #8 is highly recommended as the perfect compromise, especially if the leather is not absurdly thick and stiff.
For other zippers #5 seems to be the default? I'm talking about sleeve zippers, chest pocket zippers, handwarmer pocket zippers, d-pocket zippers, etc..
I'd like to use RiRi zippers for an upcoming jacket.
They don't have #5 it seems, only #4, #6 and #8.
#8 will be the main zipper, but what about the others?
Would you go #4 or #6 for the other zippers?
 

Forum statistics

Threads
110,579
Messages
3,103,074
Members
55,055
Latest member
allshookup
Top