Scarecrow Yah Ta Hey leathers

[Edward]

Different makers are more or less flexible I guess. You can litterally ask anything from Johnson leather for example but Aero will refuse to put a #10 zipper.

All comes down to the business model, really. Aero pride themselves that nothing goes out of the factory that couldn't have been made before the 1959 cutoff. The zips being period-accurate are pat of that. I know al ot of folks do like the 70s style, comically over-sized zips. In this case, it's obviously a chociue Aero have made not to facilitate that as it might dilute their brand. Simila to how Eastman sold itself on thebasis of accuracy of its military jackets, so they won't do non-standad customisations as that's not what they're about. Johnson have gone another direction.

I think you would like bison leather, you can get it very heavy and it is soft

The Horween bison is a really nice hide - thicker but much softer than the Chromexcel FQHH from the off. Breaks in very nicely. Just be aware if you use this hide that it is kinda teacorey, so if you want your jacket to stay blacker than black, it's not the best choice. The Chromexcel steer is nice; much heavier than the horse version and not a good choice for a pleated back, say, though I haveheard it can break in a bit softer than the FQHH. Though tbh I never found FQHH needed anything more than a month's daily wearing to feel like an old friend. And that was no chore...

 

[red devil]

All comes down to the business model, really. Aero pride themselves that nothing goes out of the factory that couldn't have been made before the 1959 cutoff. The zips being period-accurate are pat of that. I know al ot of folks do like the 70s style, comically over-sized zips. In this case, it's obviously a chociue Aero have made not to facilitate that as it might dilute their brand. Simila to how Eastman sold itself on thebasis of accuracy of its military jackets, so they won't do non-standad customisations as that's not what they're about. Johnson have gone another direction.

Yeah, that is one of the reasons I have no Aero, I don't want to gamble with zipper failure, considering I would most likely take a heavy hide from them. Most of my jackets have a size 10 main zipper with a few exceptions such as the Tenjin which is a medium weight and reasonably pliable.
I must admit I also like a certain flexibility when dealing with makers which is one of the reasons I don't have an ELC either now that I think about it.

Though tbh I never found FQHH needed anything more than a month's daily wearing to feel like an old friend. And that was no chore...

I have a CXL jacket about 3.5oz, haven't worn it much yet but can tell it breaks quicker to what I am used to.

 

[Edward]

Yeah, that is one of the reasons I have no Aero, I don't want to gamble with zipper failure, considering I would most likely take a heavy hide from them. Most of my jackets have a size 10 main zipper with a few exceptions such as the Tenjin which is a medium weight and reasonably pliable.
I must admit I also like a certain flexibility when dealing with makers which is one of the reasons I don't have an ELC either now that I think about it.

Yeah, it's a different stroeks for different folks thing in the end. I think it's notable that the big names in our niche are not generally competing head on - yes, there's some overlap, but for their main lines, Aero, ELC (rarely heard of round here now, though), Thedi, Johnson - all very different beasts, which will appeal to different ideas. I remember when Aero in the Lauder years did have an anything goes policy; it brought out some interesting ideas, and a few monstrosities (the infamous mandarin-collared Windward springs to mind!). I can see why they went for the wider range of stock options, avoiding all-out customs, given whatever they put out there with their name on the brand represents them. Elsewise, it's all subjective, of course. I've never had an Aero zip fail on me yet, though I also have a distinct preference for the more historically corect sizes as a cosmetic feature.

 

[red devil]

Yeah, it's a different stroeks for different folks thing in the end. I think it's notable that the big names in our niche are not generally competing head on - yes, there's some overlap, but for their main lines, Aero, ELC (rarely heard of round here now, though), Thedi, Johnson - all very different beasts, which will appeal to different ideas. I remember when Aero in the Lauder years did have an anything goes policy; it brought out some interesting ideas, and a few monstrosities (the infamous mandarin-collared Windward springs to mind!). I can see why they went for the wider range of stock options, avoiding all-out customs, given whatever they put out there with their name on the brand represents them. Elsewise, it's all subjective, of course. I've never had an Aero zip fail on me yet, though I also have a distinct preference for the more historically corect sizes as a cosmetic feature.

In terms of overlap I see these groups more or less:

- Aero and SB, they are pretty much in the same area, the product being similar. Although SB seems to be looking to go into a different niche, they have evolved quite a bit since their early days. They are also more open to customisations

- ELC and BK seem to be offering a very similar product overall. I don't know how flexible BK are though.

- Langlitz and Vanson are similar in their experience with racing - I am in the process of ordering my first Vanson, so I would be able to make a better comparison later

Others might be a bit trickier to group

 

[Arrandale]

All comes down to the business model, really. Aero pride themselves that nothing goes out of the factory that couldn't have been made before the 1959 cutoff. The zips being period-accurate are pat of that. I know al ot of folks do like the 70s style, comically over-sized zips. In this case, it's obviously a chociue Aero have made not to facilitate that as it might dilute their brand. Simila to how Eastman sold itself on thebasis of accuracy of its military jackets, so they won't do non-standad customisations as that's not what they're about. Johnson have gone another direction.



The Horween bison is a really nice hide - thicker but much softer than the Chromexcel FQHH from the off. Breaks in very nicely. Just be aware if you use this hide that it is kinda teacorey, so if you want your jacket to stay blacker than black, it's not the best choice. The Chromexcel steer is nice; much heavier than the horse version and not a good choice for a pleated back, say, though I haveheard it can break in a bit softer than the FQHH. Though tbh I never found FQHH needed anything more than a month's daily wearing to feel like an old friend. And that was no chore...

All comes down to the business model, really. Aero pride themselves that nothing goes out of the factory that couldn't have been made before the 1959 cutoff. The zips being period-accurate are pat of that. I know al ot of folks do like the 70s style, comically over-sized zips. In this case, it's obviously a chociue Aero have made not to facilitate that as it might dilute their brand. Simila to how Eastman sold itself on thebasis of accuracy of its military jackets, so they won't do non-standad customisations as that's not what they're about. Johnson have gone another direction.



The Horween bison is a really nice hide - thicker but much softer than the Chromexcel FQHH from the off. Breaks in very nicely. Just be aware if you use this hide that it is kinda teacorey, so if you want your jacket to stay blacker than black, it's not the best choice. The Chromexcel steer is nice; much heavier than the horse version and not a good choice for a pleated back, say, though I haveheard it can break in a bit softer than the FQHH. Though tbh I never found FQHH needed anything more than a month's daily wearing to feel like an old friend. And that was no chore...

Yeah, it's a different stroeks for different folks thing in the end. I think it's notable that the big names in our niche are not generally competing head on - yes, there's some overlap, but for their main lines, Aero, ELC (rarely heard of round here now, though), Thedi, Johnson - all very different beasts, which will appeal to different ideas. I remember when Aero in the Lauder years did have an anything goes policy; it brought out some interesting ideas, and a few monstrosities (the infamous mandarin-collared Windward springs to mind!). I can see why they went for the wider range of stock options, avoiding all-out customs, given whatever they put out there with their name on the brand represents them. Elsewise, it's all subjective, of course. I've never had an Aero zip fail on me yet, though I also have a distinct preference for the more historically corect sizes as a cosmetic feature.

 

[El Marro]

Aero pride themselves that nothing goes out of the factory that couldn't have been made before the 1959 cutoff. The zips being period-accurate are pat of that.

If that were truly the case though they would not be making jackets out of heavy Horween CXL leather as that was certainly not done back in 1959. The use of heavy leather with undersized zippers has led to many failures over the years, I have experienced this personally and read about it many times right here on the lounge. I do not propose using #10 zippers on everything because I agree that would look strange on some of their jackets. I will say that a #8 riri strikes a nice balance between form and function and would work just fine with any of the Aero models I have owned. I had one installed on my FQHH Bootlegger after the original zipper failed and it has performed flawlessly ever since.

 

[Arrandale]

Is Aero Leather a well known company in the United States and England? It was suddenly introduced in Japan when Takuya Kimura, a Japanese actor appeared in a TV drama wearing the Highwayman jacket and Red Wing engineer boots. It was sold out within a few days in Tokyo. This happened in 1989 as far as I remember. These kind of things happens every 20 years.

 

[red devil]

Is Aero Leather a well known company in the United States and England? It was suddenly introduced in Japan when Takuya Kimura, a Japanese actor appeared in a TV drama wearing the Highwayman jacket and Red Wing engineer boots. It was sold out within a few days in Tokyo. This happened in 1989 as far as I remember. These kind of things happens every 20 years.

It is known among people who like leather jackets, not the general public

 

[Edward]

If that were truly the case though they would not be making jackets out of heavy Horween CXL leather as that was certainly not done back in 1959. The use of heavy leather with undersized zippers has led to many failures over the years, I have experienced this personally and read about it many times right here on the lounge. I do not propose using #10 zippers on everything because I agree that would look strange on some of their jackets. I will say that a #8 riri strikes a nice balance between form and function and would work just fine with any of the Aero models I have owned. I had one installed on my FQHH Bootlegger after the original zipper failed and it has performed flawlessly ever since.

The heaviest hides are not as period acurate, no - partly why Aero have upped the range of lighter hides as well, though clearly they're not turning their back on the heavier hide market. (Interesting how these trends change; when I first got into this stuff around 2007, the only thing anyone seemed to want was a one-piece back and a hefty hide.... it's a big change now).

I've been fortunate with zips in that I've onlyt ever had the standard and never had one fail on me. The only one in adozen or so jackets that had a small issue was cause it was bought used and the pattern was just too narrow on my waist, so I can'tg airly blame the zip. Don't know what size mine are - fives, maybe? Is that the norm? Used to like big zips when I was younger, but they'e too modern a look for me now, too 70s. All subjective, though.

Is Aero Leather a well known company in the United States and England? It was suddenly introduced in Japan when Takuya Kimura, a Japanese actor appeared in a TV drama wearing the Highwayman jacket and Red Wing engineer boots. It was sold out within a few days in Tokyo. This happened in 1989 as far as I remember. These kind of things happens every 20 years.

It wouldn't be known to the general public in the same was as a mainstream, fashion-oriented brand like Schott might. They're very well known among people who are particularly into that style of leather jacket. Aero don't much advertise, so it'#s mostly a wodc of mouth thing. There are a few celebrities have worn Aero over the years - Dave Grohl, Daniel Craig, Johnny Depp (his star is sadly somewhat tarnished these days), DAve Vanian (of the Damned) among others. Vanian they had on their instagram feed when he last visited, but otherwise they choose to not directly exploit that in marketing. Obviously, though, when people into jacket who like the look of one of a fmaous person find it, it must help drive sales their way.

 

[Edward]

In terms of overlap I see these groups more or less:

- Aero and SB, they are pretty much in the same area, the product being similar. Although SB seems to be looking to go into a different niche, they have evolved quite a bit since their early days. They are also more open to customisations

- ELC and BK seem to be offering a very similar product overall. I don't know how flexible BK are though.

- Langlitz and Vanson are similar in their experience with racing - I am in the process of ordering my first Vanson, so I would be able to make a better comparison later

Others might be a bit trickier to group

Vanson have some very nice styles. Last tiem I looked, their prices were similar to ,and often a bit cheaper than, Schott in the UK, trohugh for my money the Vansons were much nicer. Never had a Langlitz.

 

[red devil]

Vanson sent me sample leathers, but it is taking time with the current slower post services. Will follow up when I get them

I have one Langlitz, the Death head cascade and I am very happy with it, it really shines on the bike

 

[Arrandale]

Vanson sent me sample leathers, but it is taking time with the current slower post services. Will follow up when I get them

I have one Langlitz, the Death head cascade and I am very happy with it, it really shines on the bike

Vanson sent me sample leathers, but it is taking time with the current slower post services. Will follow up when I get them

I have one Langlitz, the Death head cascade and I am very happy with it, it really shines on the bike

 

[Arrandale]

Vanson competition weight leather is quite thick and heavy. I believe it’s about 3.5 ounce because Langlitz uses 3.5 ounce leather and Vanson jackets seems to be equal. I own a Vanson Marauder, Vanson Ike, and Langlitz Red Dog coat, Langlitz bomber jacket. The Yah Ta Hey jackets which were imported from the U.S. and sold by Scare Crow Company, a shop which went bankrupt, was much thicker and heavier. I own a coat which is actually a copy of the Langlitz Red Dog. Johnson’s Leather made them as seen in this forum.There are leather jacket makers in Japan other than Big Twin, but the leather they use is much lighter. Yesterday I paid a visit to Shibuya, Tokyo in the midst of this corona virus panic, to take a look at the copy of B2 jacket which was bothering me all the time. It is a horse hide anti-cold flight jacket with a huge mouton fur collar. It was not worth buying as the leather was too thin. Langlitz and Vanson Jackets are not available directly from the factory in Japan. It is a shame. Langlitz Columbia is somewhat around $800 in the U.S. but it is like $3500 here in Tokyo.

 

[red devil]

Yes, it makes it worth it to travel - when there is no pandemic - and shop to your heart's content. I will be back in Tokyo when things are back to normal, let's meet up if you are free

 

[Arrandale]

All comes down to the business model, really. Aero pride themselves that nothing goes out of the factory that couldn't have been made before the 1959 cutoff. The zips being period-accurate are pat of that. I know al ot of folks do like the 70s style, comically over-sized zips. In this case, it's obviously a chociue Aero have made not to facilitate that as it might dilute their brand. Simila to how Eastman sold itself on thebasis of accuracy of its military jackets, so they won't do non-standad customisations as that's not what they're about. Johnson have gone another direction.



The Horween bison is a really nice hide - thicker but much softer than the Chromexcel FQHH from the off. Breaks in very nicely. Just be aware if you use this hide that it is kinda teacorey, so if you want your jacket to stay blacker than black, it's not the best choice. The Chromexcel steer is nice; much heavier than the horse version and not a good choice for a pleated back, say, though I haveheard it can break in a bit softer than the FQHH. Though tbh I never found FQHH needed anything more than a month's daily wearing to feel like an old friend. And that was no chore...

 

[Arrandale]

Yes, it makes it worth it to travel - when there is no pandemic - and shop to your heart's content. I will be back in Tokyo when things are back to normal, let's meet up if you are free

 

[Arrandale]

Dear Mr. Red Devil, This is Arrandale or Koichi Doi in Japan. I’m afraid this might be a wrong place to post, but please note my email address for your convenience. versitec91@yahoo.co.jp This is my main email address. muhammadali5892@icloud.com This is my second email address.

 

[PeterRocco]

Came across this heretofore unknown to me maker of what appears to be seriously thick leather motorcycle jackets in the vein of Langlitz and Cal Leather: Scarecrow Yah Ta Hey. Seems they are as popular in Japan, if not more so, than they are in the USA, although they are USA made, in Yah Ta Hey, New Mexico (maybe?), possibly by Native Americans.

Anyone heard of them before? Are they still in business? I can't find a website for them.

Here's some photos of various designs made by them that I was able to find through google image search.

Here's a Japanese blog article on them: https://suposuta-2.blog.so-net.ne.jp/_pages/user/iphone/article?name=2013-09-28

Hi
Thanks For Posting. They Look Very Nice to Me. Good Find. Do you have a link where to buy one of their jackets?
Thank You
Peter

 

[Guppy]

Hi
Thanks For Posting. They Look Very Nice to Me. Good Find. Do you have a link where to buy one of their jackets?
Thank You
Peter

They're no longer made but you can find one for sale occasionally on Yahoo Japan auctions. Usually in size 38. If you read this full thread you will see that Johnson Leathers of SF, California takes credit for making at least some of the jackets that carried the Scarecrow Yah-ta-hey label. Possibly Langlitz did some as well.

 

[PeterRocco]

They're no longer made but you can find one for sale occasionally on Yahoo Japan auctions. Usually in size 38. If you read this full thread you will see that Johnson Leathers of SF, California takes credit for making at least some of the jackets that carried the Scarecrow Yah-ta-hey label. Possibly Langlitz did some as well.

Hi
Thank You. I'll look into that.