This or That: Eastman or Rainbow Country

[Superfluous]

I am trying to decide between the following two jackets:

Eastman (ELMC) Californian
Color: American Walnut
Leather: Italian, veg-tanned, aniline Horsehide

Rainbow Country 30s Single Rider
Color: Russet
Leather: Shinki, veg-tanned, aniline Horsehide

Both jackets are similarly priced. Which jacket do you prefer, and why? Thanks in advance.

Eastman Photos:

 

[Superfluous]

Rainbow Country Photos:

 

[Bunyip]

Both jackets are lovely. That rainbow country is very very sharp. I've never seen one before, and that would be my choice...the detail on it great, and the hide has a lovely depth of colour.you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Bunyip]

Where do you get rainbow country from? I've seen a Facebook page, but nothing else online..

 

[thor]

I like the Eastman; I like that the side tabs align with the half-belt (looks neater IMHO), the bi-swing back (comfortable and provides better freedom of movement) and simpler, more utilitarian back panel seam arrangement looks good, and the leather has a lot of natural grain and character, even when brand new (will just get better with age). Just my 2cents.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

That's a tough one. I like aspects of both jackets..however I too prefer the side straps even or along side the halfbelt rather than located at the bottom of jacket. I think that feature balances out the jacket much better. But spending that kind of money I'd have to study both jackets closely. The Rainbow Country seems to have more intricate construction and stitching going on.
HD

 

[Superfluous]

Where do you get rainbow country from? I've seen a Facebook page, but nothing else online..

Japan: Mirror Ball, Mushmans, Rakuten, etc.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Rainbow Country is in Japan.

 

[Bunyip]

Rainbow Country is in Japan.

Looks great, japan probably means no proper adult sizes(48)

 

[pipvh]

I like the Eastman, because I'm from Devon... But I do think it looks more interesting. Despite the Rainbow Country having a more complicated pattern I think the Eastman has a shade more 'it.'

 

[Interbak]

Eastman all the way. The Rainbow looks like a Highwayman and a half-belt got together and the DNA didn't mix well. I agree with others that the side belts should basically line of with the half-belt. If the half-belt was lower and the straps were higher to match up, it would flow better.

B

 

[RailRoad]

The Eastman looks sturdier to me and I like the way the cuffs lay.

 

[Blackadder]

Rainbow Country is a very nice jacket. I have had the chance to try one on awhile ago.

 

[Edward]

The only correct answer is, of course..... one of each, please. Assuming that's not an option, I'd be tempted by the Rainbow myself. Just a bit different than what else is around these days, and not quie as easy to get holdof over here as the ELMC. Bit of variation, you know?

 

[handymike]

Rainbow all the way!
Look back at Ishmael's

 

[bn1966]

Eastman for me But then living nearby I can get to go & try before I buy. Also I would have sizing problems too I expect with Rainbow being in Japan. Would have a large Buzz collection if any of them fitted me (46" chest).

 

[Cole]

I would like the Eastman, made out of the leather that Rainbow Country uses and without the center seam on the back (never liked those).

 

[Superfluous]

Rainbow all the way!
Look back at Ishmael's

It was Ishmael's post that introduced me to Rainbow Country.

 

[ProteinNerd]

If you are a slim guy, the cinches at the bottom like the Rainbow Country don't do you any real favours except make the jacket bulge a little around the stomach area. Plus
I really don't like the yoke on the Rainbow Country at all, especially the curve to the points, something looks wrong there plus the whole yoke is too deep imo.

As vocal as I was in a previous thread on not liking the two panel back of the ELMC, its still a great looking jacket. Without knowing the differences in the quality of the leather, the Eastman is a MUCH better looking jacket.

 

[Superfluous]

I would like the Eastman, made out of the leather that Rainbow Country uses and without the center seam on the back (never liked those).

If only I could merge the two jackets! I like different elements from both. I agree that Shinki HH would be ideal. That said, Eastman appears to use a very good Italian HH. I am not sure what the differences are. Anyone? JC just revealed an intention to add an Italian HH to his arsenal.

The middle seam is part of the Sears Hercules design that is the inspiration for the Rainbow Country jacket.