Soft steer or goatskin?

[Sockeye]

Thinking about a new Aero or AL half belt in black in a lighter leather. The Vincenzo's samples I have soaked up water like a sponge, because of that I'm leaning toward black goat or soft steer.

Opinions, experience, photos?

 

[gtdean48]

Goat for lighter leather

 

[Fanch]

Goat for lighter leather

+1

 

[Fanch]

Or FQHH for max water resistance not as heavy as CXL steer.

 

[handymike]

I recently purchased a used Steer Hide Aero, and once broken in the stuff is awesome!
Here is a thread with people's pictures:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...s-of-an-older-Aero-steer-hide-jacket-in-black

 

[Plumbline]

If you want a soft light but incredibly resilient leather then Goat is yer man ..... there is a reason why there are so many great condition USN G-1's around and that is that Goat is as tough as ... old goat

I have two USN goat jackets ( BK M422a and an Aero AN6552 ) the Aero is 6 years old and awesome just starting to be broken in ... the BK is 2 1/2 and still has some way to go .. and one ( NEW) jacket an AL Dakota in Black Goat which is one of their jackets for Stuarts of London which I picked up on their outlet page ..... it's amazing leather.

Doesn't age as quickly as steer but MUCH more wearable and practical ... pics already posted on the "Horse vs Goat" thread

 

[RJR]

I have both,I'd go with goat.

 

[Sloan1874]

The goat Aero are using just now looks fantastic, so I'd say goat.

 

[Peacoat]

I like goat because it is so tough, but that is also the thing I don't like about it. Takes a long time to develop character. I have several goat jackets. The only one that shows any graining is my 1962 G-1.

The Aero in goat should be a good choice. It probably won't soak up any water and will be water resistant for many years.

 

[Edward]

I've got both goat and lighter steer from Aero. (The steer is the stuff that's about the thickness of FQHH, but feels like MWHH from the off). Both are great, and I've worn both in weather when a heavier jacket wouldn't be bearable (though I maintain lining has as much to do with that as anything). Personally, I think the goat has an edge. I've not got a jacket in the latest goat Aero is using, but I handled a few up in the factory in July past, and it's lovely stuff. I'm very happy with the lighter steer for my Highayman, but for a halfbelt, I'd go with the goat. It'll be especially nice for something with a multi-panel back like the Dustbowl, though I remember Rudi (I think it was) being an 'early adopter' back in the days when it were ahrll FQHH rahnd he-ah, and the long-standing 30s halfbelt and such look great in the goat too. When I ordered my Dustbowl last Summer, it wa a close run thing with the black goat; in the end I was seduced by the Bison Aero had at the time (I think it's now on their website - they held off promoting it until they were certain there was a regular, reliable supply), but the black goat is on my list for a future jacket. Especially a good option if you're looking at a button-fastening option (I'm planning a Rockefeller).

 

[Seb Lucas]

I have chosen goat over horse or steer for many years. But Aero goat is not that light or especially flexible. It's closer to a mid-weight horse hide, maybe even a little thicker. In general goat is thought to be more water and abrasion resistant than most other leathers.