Schott 618hh. The good, the bad, and the ugly.

[Monitor]

I agree with the Vanson Thunderbird (or any other model from Vanson Rockers like) comparison but in my experience, when it comes to motorcycling, there's literally no contest between an Aero MC jacket and any Schott Perfecto model - Aero MC jacket a gorgeous piece but it's a really, really bad motorcycle jacket. Tight where it's supposed to give in and bulges where it's supposed to be tight. I don't like going there as I love Aero and their product but it was literally the first jacket I couldn't ride in. First thought that ran thru my had when I sat on a bike wearing it was holy crap, this jacket is gonna get me killed. It was so bad that eventually, I had to send it back for that very reason. Didn't even want to admit this to myself for a long time... But it's a beautiful jacket, otherwise!

618, on the other hand is a great riding jacket & in my opinion, it works much better on a bike than as a street-wear piece. Whatever bothers you when you're on foot disappears once you sit on a motorcycle. Which is a lost cause 'cause I doubt there's anyone still buying these for actual riding...
And sure, it doesn't have armour but that doesn't change the fact that it fits how motorcycle jacket should fit.

Their HH is another story. Some were incredibly heavy, some really lightweight. I know I'm repeating myself but only one Aero I've had so far surpassed the weight of my Schott cafe racer. But yeah, Schott hasn't been very consistent in that regard so... No guarantees there.

In any case, having had a number of currently available Perfectos, I'd place 618 at the second spot, below Vanson Model E and for the looks, 618 is by far the nicest of the bunch. Except for the 613.

If you can get that one in HH, you're set. It's so much cooler looking & fitting than the 618 it's not even funny and light-years ahead of anything else on the market. It's more of a casual jacket but a damn cool one.

As for the HH... Don't worry about it not becoming absolutely stunning.

 

[ton312]

I agree with the Vanson Thunderbird (or any other model from Vanson Rockers like) comparison but in my experience, when it comes to motorcycling, there's literally no contest between an Aero MC jacket and any Schott Perfecto model - Aero MC jacket a gorgeous piece but it's a really, really bad motorcycle jacket. Tight where it's supposed to give in and bulges where it's supposed to be tight. I don't like going there as I love Aero and their product but it was literally the first jacket I couldn't ride in. First thought that ran thru my had when I sat on a bike wearing it was holy crap, this jacket is gonna get me killed. It was so bad that eventually, I had to send it back for that very reason. Didn't even want to admit this to myself for a long time... But it's a beautiful jacket, otherwise!

618, on the other hand is a great riding jacket & in my opinion, it works much better on a bike than as a street-wear piece. Whatever bothers you when you're on foot disappears once you sit on a motorcycle. Which is a lost cause 'cause I doubt there's anyone still buying these for actual riding...
And sure, it doesn't have armour but that doesn't change the fact that it fits how motorcycle jacket should fit.

Their HH is another story. Some were incredibly heavy, some really lightweight. I know I'm repeating myself but only one Aero I've had so far surpassed the weight of my Schott cafe racer. But yeah, Schott hasn't been very consistent in that regard so... No guarantees there.

In any case, having had a number of currently available Perfectos, I'd place 618 at the second spot, below Vanson Model E and for the looks, 618 is by far the nicest of the bunch. Except for the 613.

If you can get that one in HH, you're set. It's so much cooler looking & fitting than the 618 it's not even funny and light-years ahead of anything else on the market. It's more of a casual jacket but a damn cool one.

As for the HH... Don't worry about it not becoming absolutely stunning.

No fair with that pic! Hard to argue against that...

 

[TheGuitarFairy]

super informative, monitor ^^

 

[nick123]

I agree with the Vanson Thunderbird (or any other model from Vanson Rockers like) comparison but in my experience, when it comes to motorcycling, there's literally no contest between an Aero MC jacket and any Schott Perfecto model - Aero MC jacket a gorgeous piece but it's a really, really bad motorcycle jacket. Tight where it's supposed to give in and bulges where it's supposed to be tight. I don't like going there as I love Aero and their product but it was literally the first jacket I couldn't ride in. First thought that ran thru my had when I sat on a bike wearing it was holy crap, this jacket is gonna get me killed. It was so bad that eventually, I had to send it back for that very reason. Didn't even want to admit this to myself for a long time... But it's a beautiful jacket, otherwise!

618, on the other hand is a great riding jacket & in my opinion, it works much better on a bike than as a street-wear piece. Whatever bothers you when you're on foot disappears once you sit on a motorcycle. Which is a lost cause 'cause I doubt there's anyone still buying these for actual riding...
And sure, it doesn't have armour but that doesn't change the fact that it fits how motorcycle jacket should fit.

Their HH is another story. Some were incredibly heavy, some really lightweight. I know I'm repeating myself but only one Aero I've had so far surpassed the weight of my Schott cafe racer. But yeah, Schott hasn't been very consistent in that regard so... No guarantees there.

In any case, having had a number of currently available Perfectos, I'd place 618 at the second spot, below Vanson Model E and for the looks, 618 is by far the nicest of the bunch. Except for the 613.

If you can get that one in HH, you're set. It's so much cooler looking & fitting than the 618 it's not even funny and light-years ahead of anything else on the market. It's more of a casual jacket but a damn cool one.

As for the HH... Don't worry about it not becoming absolutely stunning.

Hate to be that guy, but I've never cared for that type of aging. The leather still looks new; only creased!

 

[Monitor]

Hate to be that guy, but I've never cared for that type of aging. The leather still looks new; only creased!

Well yeah, that's a brand new jacket on the photo but the reason I posted it was to show how Schott HH doesn't retain the vinyl plastic bag all the time and instead starts looking like a leather jacket very quickly. For me, that's how leather should crease and age.

 

[roadking04]

Continued thanks for all the replies guys. I guess I should give a little background info on my quest for the perfect m/c jacket.

Bought my first Brando jacket at 21. It was from the Harley shop, I believe it was a shovelhead model. It was a Brando knockoff. Not a bad jacket, but not a great jacket at all for the price. Traded a 71 chevelle ss for my first bike at the age of 22. The bike was an 80 shovelhead. Been riding Harleys ever since. I was really into working out back then and got into powerlifting in my late 20's early 30's. eventually outgrowing my leather jacket. Started my search for a new leather about 12 years ago. Was about to pull the trigger on a black stallion from legendary and came across Vanson.

The Vanson hardcore highway man was a well constructed jacket. I went with a custom order because of my body type. They quoted me 3 months but the jacket took over a year to receive. The customer service was horrible and the jacket never really fit well. I take blame for the fit, I think I overthought some of the measurement. You only get one chance with a custom Vanson so I had to keep the jacket. Not bad for a street jacket, but a terrible fit when on the bike. I would buy another Vanson, but their styles are a bit off to me.

After a year or 2, I decided to try a Langlitz. Ordered a custom Columbian. Jacket finally arrived and it was great, but it didn't fit well on the bike. Called them up and they said ride with it until it breaks in and then give them a call. I did so and they made me another jacket. The second jacket didn't fit well either. The problem was: when zipped up to the chest snaps, the jacket would balloon up on me and make it very difficult to ride in, almost like a big sail. The second problem: when fully zipped up, it never fit well around my neck, allowing cold air down the front. We couldn't quite figure out the problem. I think I was a hard fit because of my body type. Customer service was GREAT! They said they would fully refund my money. I really wanted the jacket to fit right instead of the money. It was hard to send back, but the fit always bothered me. Their jackets are great. Their styles are great, but they are a little toned down to me. I think it is because of the brass hardware.

Next up, a custom Aero m/c jacket. This was during the Mark Moye/storse era. Took over a year to finally receive my jacket. I really didn't think I was ever gonna see a jacket or my money. I think I was one of the last guys to receive a Mark Moye jacket. Once again, The jacket didn't fit and didn't have some of the features I ordered. I probably would have kept the jacket but the sleeves were way to short for riding. It turns out, I ordered a horsehide one and received a very heavy steerhide one. I sent an email to Aero and they were great. Ken was back in charge and he actually called me on the phone. He said he would refund my money and that he couldn't make a jacket with all the features and changes that I wanted. I was really surprised because the amount of time that went by and the time I ordered the jacket. Great customer service and would like to have one of their horween horsehide jackets some day.

I believe most of the problems was my powerlifting body type and over thinking and over designing jackets. I haven't lifted weights in about 5 years due to injuries. Now I eat pizza and drink beer. lol. I have to be careful my belly size doesn't catch up to my chest size. lol. I really don't think I need a custom made jacket. I think I have an average American body type and can hopefully fit into an off the rack size. I am 5'10" and about 225. I just need the jacket to have the correct back and sleeve length and fit around the neck.

I really have my heart set on a horsehide jacket. I was really torn between the Aero and the 618hh. I give the edge to the Schott for the full action back and the style points. Monitor, Thanks for the pics and comparison. I really liked your thought on both jackets. I was super bummed when I go to your old threads and cant see your pics. That pic is super awesome. That jacket just says badass all over it. I am really worried about the fit and function on the bike, that is my main concern with the Schott.

I really hope my next jacket is the last m/c jacket I need and I can start working on patina.

 

[Edward]

Course, another aspect to throw in is that with a smaller company like Aero or maybe LW (not sure if Stuart does custome owrk?) or Johnson, you can deviate from the standard design and add in gussets and such.

Brando is a great look; way backin the day, I wanted a Schott because of Brando, though of course in recent years have discovered their claim to have made the original Stabler jacket is bunk.

 

[The dogs bollocks]

Continued thanks for all the replies guys. I guess I should give a little background info on my quest for the perfect m/c jacket.

Bought my first Brando jacket at 21. It was from the Harley shop, I believe it was a shovelhead model. It was a Brando knockoff. Not a bad jacket, but not a great jacket at all for the price. Traded a 71 chevelle ss for my first bike at the age of 22. The bike was an 80 shovelhead. Been riding Harleys ever since. I was really into working out back then and got into powerlifting in my late 20's early 30's. eventually outgrowing my leather jacket. Started my search for a new leather about 12 years ago. Was about to pull the trigger on a black stallion from legendary and came across Vanson.

The Vanson hardcore highway man was a well constructed jacket. I went with a custom order because of my body type. They quoted me 3 months but the jacket took over a year to receive. The customer service was horrible and the jacket never really fit well. I take blame for the fit, I think I overthought some of the measurement. You only get one chance with a custom Vanson so I had to keep the jacket. Not bad for a street jacket, but a terrible fit when on the bike. I would buy another Vanson, but their styles are a bit off to me.

After a year or 2, I decided to try a Langlitz. Ordered a custom Columbian. Jacket finally arrived and it was great, but it didn't fit well on the bike. Called them up and they said ride with it until it breaks in and then give them a call. I did so and they made me another jacket. The second jacket didn't fit well either. The problem was: when zipped up to the chest snaps, the jacket would balloon up on me and make it very difficult to ride in, almost like a big sail. The second problem: when fully zipped up, it never fit well around my neck, allowing cold air down the front. We couldn't quite figure out the problem. I think I was a hard fit because of my body type. Customer service was GREAT! They said they would fully refund my money. I really wanted the jacket to fit right instead of the money. It was hard to send back, but the fit always bothered me. Their jackets are great. Their styles are great, but they are a little toned down to me. I think it is because of the brass hardware.

Next up, a custom Aero m/c jacket. This was during the Mark Moye/storse era. Took over a year to finally receive my jacket. I really didn't think I was ever gonna see a jacket or my money. I think I was one of the last guys to receive a Mark Moye jacket. Once again, The jacket didn't fit and didn't have some of the features I ordered. I probably would have kept the jacket but the sleeves were way to short for riding. It turns out, I ordered a horsehide one and received a very heavy steerhide one. I sent an email to Aero and they were great. Ken was back in charge and he actually called me on the phone. He said he would refund my money and that he couldn't make a jacket with all the features and changes that I wanted. I was really surprised because the amount of time that went by and the time I ordered the jacket. Great customer service and would like to have one of their horween horsehide jackets some day.

I believe most of the problems was my powerlifting body type and over thinking and over designing jackets. I haven't lifted weights in about 5 years due to injuries. Now I eat pizza and drink beer. lol. I have to be careful my belly size doesn't catch up to my chest size. lol. I really don't think I need a custom made jacket. I think I have an average American body type and can hopefully fit into an off the rack size. I am 5'10" and about 225. I just need the jacket to have the correct back and sleeve length and fit around the neck.

I really have my heart set on a horsehide jacket. I was really torn between the Aero and the 618hh. I give the edge to the Schott for the full action back and the style points. Monitor, Thanks for the pics and comparison. I really liked your thought on both jackets. I was super bummed when I go to your old threads and cant see your pics. That pic is super awesome. That jacket just says badass all over it. I am really worried about the fit and function on the bike, that is my main concern with the Schott.

I really hope my next jacket is the last m/c jacket I need and I can start working on patina.

For many years I worked in the Bespoke tailoring business. You are right , probably the most difficult body to fit is the one you've worked so hard to get!
A weight lifters body is extremely hard to tailor for. Typically for example compared to us non body builders , very muscular folks comparatively have no neck!
I'm sorry you've struggled but I do appreciate how difficult it is to tailor for a very muscular body. Look at Arnie is a suit...looks so bulky!
Good luck...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[roadking04]

Edward, did they ever say for sure who made the jacket for the movie. Just curious.

The dogs bollocks, I lifted weights for almost 20 years and never even got close to that. lol. after that, injuries caught up with me and I had to put the weights down and pick up the 12ouncers on the weekends. I think I have an average American body type now. I am hoping I can wear an off the rack size nowadays. I just have to watch the waistline now. I am thinking/hoping a 46/48 would fit. I am a little worried about the length in the sleeves and back on the Schott.

 

[SkyTurtle]

I have several Schott 618s (none in HH) and I do love them. They are the quintessential "American" motorcycle jackets and they fit me very well off the rack. I even use them for commuting and short trips around town. My oldest 618 has numerous "rocker" patches I've collected and I wear it to special events, etc. (see below):

New.schott.618.fb

• SkyTurtle
• Feb 11, 2017

But for longer hauls where I want added safety and peace of mind in addition to the classic "Brando" feel, I go to my Vanson Thunderbird. Primarily because I don't think anyone makes a better* motorcycling jacket than Vanson. I've seen guys take nasty spills at the track in Vansons with both rider and leathers fairing pretty well. I even have the slip on elbow guards that essentially make the Thunderbird an armored jacket. As with all Vanson competition leathers, there's a break-in period that lasts a couple of seasons. This one is in year two and breaking in nicely:

Standing.tbird

• SkyTurtle
• Feb 11, 2017

Of course, this is all personal opinion. Everyone has their favorites. I have a friend who swears by Aero, which I tried and just don't like. He doesn't like Vanson. We're both happy with our gear though. But since you asked for opinions...

 

[Edward]

Edward, did they ever say for sure who made the jacket for the movie. Just curious.

It's generally believed to have been a Durable - a brand which was later purchased by SChott, which as I understand it is at the root of their claim to have made the Brando jacket in the film.

 

[Monitor]

I have several Schott 618s (none in HH) and I do love them. They are the quintessential "American" motorcycle jackets and they fit me very well off the rack. I even use them for commuting and short trips around town. My oldest 618 has numerous "rocker" patches I've collected and I wear it to special events, etc. (see below):

New.schott.618.fb

• SkyTurtle
• Feb 11, 2017

But for longer hauls where I want added safety and peace of mind in addition to the classic "Brando" feel, I go to my Vanson Thunderbird. Primarily because I don't think anyone makes a better* motorcycling jacket than Vanson. I've seen guys take nasty spills at the track in Vansons with both rider and leathers fairing pretty well. I even have the slip on elbow guards that essentially make the Thunderbird an armored jacket. As with all Vanson competition leathers, there's a break-in period that lasts a couple of seasons. This one is in year two and breaking in nicely:

Standing.tbird

• SkyTurtle
• Feb 11, 2017

Of course, this is all personal opinion. Everyone has their favorites. I have a friend who swears by Aero, which I tried and just don't like. He doesn't like Vanson. We're both happy with our gear though. But since you asked for opinions...

I agree on all counts.

 

[SkyTurtle]

I should probably clarify my statement on Aero above; I'm not an Aero hater by far. I only meant that the jackets I've tried on (a Highwayman and a Board Racer) did not do it for me. I have been greatly envying a King of the Road for quite some time. With the D-pocket it is one of the nicest looking moto jackets I have ever seen and if I lived in the UK I would certainly make the pilgrimage to Galashiels for a try in person.

 

[01flhr]

I actually recently took a spill in my new langlitz. Did about a 40 ft slide. Its suprisingly not that bad. Im definately glad i had it on. I was really torn on getting a bates or a langlitz. Im really thinking my next jacket will be a bates cafe style. They do make a perfecto style jacket, and they make alot of big name racing leathers. That cal cafe style jacket is super sweet too but i dont k ow how much they know about safety on a bike.

 

[01flhr]

I think my previous post came off really muddled so ill try again since im in less of a hurry. Langlitz and bates both make made to order custom mc jackets. I have personal experience with a recent getoff in my langlitz that i faired pretty well in considering i did about a 40ft slide across the asphalt. If youve had bad experience with langlitz, try talking to bates, theyre a well known maker for the drag racing circuit and id expect them to know a thing or two about safety. I actually spent 20 minutes on the phone yesterday with the owner about an order for a cafe style im seriously consodering having them make for me. Bates makes a great cafe style, as does cal leather but, i dont know how safe a cal jacket would be.

 

[roadking04]

SkyTurtle, thanks for the opinion and pics. Your 618 looks cool with all the patches. If I end up with a Schott, I would opt for the stars. I am a little confused as to the thickness of the leather. I have a Vanson and it is 3.5oz cow. Schott lists their horsehide as 3-3.5oz. Wouldn't they both offer about the same protection, maybe even a slight edge to the horsehide for its tighter fibers/slide resistance?

I like the horween cxl that Aero uses. Just going by the pics alone, It looks like it really gains some character. I briefly had their heavy steer, but not their horse. I give the slight edge to Schott because of the full action back. I think that is a must for a true motorcycle jacket. I'm still not ruling out Vanson. They make a true m/c jacket. I'm just thinking Schott should be on the same level of thickness and protection??

I love the d pocket designs, but walking around, off the bike, I would be going crazy with no left handwarmer.lol.

 

[roadking04]

Edward, Thanks for the trivia answer. Cant get much cooler than Brando.

 

[Guppy]

I think my previous post came off really muddled so ill try again since im in less of a hurry. Langlitz and bates both make made to order custom mc jackets. I have personal experience with a recent getoff in my langlitz that i faired pretty well in considering i did about a 40ft slide across the asphalt. If youve had bad experience with langlitz, try talking to bates, theyre a well known maker for the drag racing circuit and id expect them to know a thing or two about safety. I actually spent 20 minutes on the phone yesterday with the owner about an order for a cafe style im seriously consodering having them make for me. Bates makes a great cafe style, as does cal leather but, i dont know how safe a cal jacket would be.

I would not want to get into a wreck in any jacket if I could at all avoid it, but the Cal Leather jackets that I have are among the best, right up there with Langlitz and Vanson in terms of safety and durability. I don't know about Cal, but Langlitz do not do armor (they opt for the quilted padding instead, which I don't know how well it compares to modern armor, but I suspect modern armor is better.)

PS sorry to hear about your accident! I hope you're doing well. How did the Langlitz fare after that slide? How about some pics?

 

[roadking04]

01flhr. Thanks for the input and glad you are ok after the slide. I wouldn't say I had a bad experience with Langlitz at all. I just wish the jacket fit me better. I had a hard body type to fit at the time. I am really thinking/hoping I could wear an off the rack size. I really don't think I would need a full custom job. If I went Bates or Laglitz, I would try a 46 or 48 maybe.

I went down at about 35mph in my Harley shovelheaed jacket. I would guess it to be about 2.5oz leather. The jacket and I were very lucky to walk away with minimal damage. Granted, it wasn't vary fast, but the jacket just had some scrapes to the arm and shoulder area. No holes, rips, or tears. Any faster, and I would definatly want a thicker leather though.

 

[ton312]

I'm just thinking Schott should be on the same level of thickness and protection

They do make that claim but I'm saying that's a foul ball. I had a newer (2014) 118 and a Newer (2012) Vanson model E. If the Vanson didn't outweigh the Schott by a good 3-4lbs...I'll eat the synthetic fur collar. The Schott was nice to be sure. Not knocking it at all. Just not quite in the same league as the Vanson. Just a different class altogether.