Thoughts on Schott quality?

[OceanBreeze]

Let's face it, Schott is clearly one of the most recognizable brands in the leather jacket game. I remember being in high-school and all the motorheads had the brown fur collar jobs A-2? G-1? and others the Perfecto style, etc. I gotta admit they looked pretty cool but as an underclassman I resisted the urge to get one cause I didn't want to get beat up...Well that's a long story haha. Anyway, what do you think of this brand? How bout fit as well? Any/all comments welcome!

Schott is top quality but not quite up there with the very best. Still very much worth owning. I started out with a Schott Leather jacket a few years back but lost weight and the jacket does not have tightening straps so I sold it on ebay.

I bought another Schott, a beautiful suede jacket that I still own and enjoy.

 

[Seb Lucas]

But in any case, a good Schott really is as good as anything out there, I can tell you that much.

This sums it up for me too.

I think there's also a prejudice against mainstream or more readily sourced items in our culture these days. You know the kind of thing - 'They can't possibly be as good as hand-crafted, authentic, sustainably sourced, artisan made goods.' Schott has some awkward marketing, a few dodgy products in their range and are ubiquitous - this doesn't help win them friends in the niche communities.

 

[Kuro]

I have purchased two Schott leather jackets, a P613S and a 518316. Both of them have been over a $1000, both of them come from their Perfecto line that is limited in production. Both of them are awesome, and I don't think I could GET the same designs and materials from anyone else. I believe there is some exclusivity with some of the Schott jackets. I would love to get my hands on a P613SH Irving jacket, but I hope it would not be as stiff as my P613S I recently sold, too stiff to be comfortable in all day. I am keeping my Schott 3sixteen 518316 forever... WOW.

Out of the two Schotts, one of them had flaws, the other one is pretty much flaw free and I have loved them both. But so far, every leather jacket I have owned had some kind of flaw. I have yet to own any of the Japanese manufactured brands, due to cost, as much as I would like one, I can't seem to break out of the $1200 price barrier for a jacket, so my experience is limited by that price point across Schott and Aero.

Both brands offer me something the other does not. I would also say that jackets that come from their Perfecto line, jackets that start with a P in their number code, are limited in production and use nice materials not commonly available. This also applies to lines that Schott does as collaborations with other brands of quality. It is these Schott jackets I find myself interested in, compared to say their regular lines.

If you compare thread counts, Schott has a low thread count compared to peers. But I expect that it still works, so I don't sweat it.

Not sure if I answered any of the questions of the OP. I like my Schott jackets I have purchased, I would buy from Schott again, I believe they have good customer service, and I understand that they do not have the thread count of your Japanese brands, which do cost more. But the materials I have experienced and the designs have been excellent. Fit is subjective and not going to work for everyone, but I understand that Schott will make you a custom jacket, it just won't be made quickly.

 

[steve u]

This was my Favorite (non leather) jacket to date. Tough as nails. Bought in late 1970's or 80's (not my pic)

steve

 

[Edward]

How's the quality of their nylon military reproductions? For instance, their MA-1s etc?

The ones I have seen are very nice quality wise, though not ideal if you want milspec or close to it. Definitely a civilianised version.

This sums it up for me too.

I think there's also a prejudice against mainstream or more readily sourced items in our culture these days. You know the kind of thing - 'They can't possibly be as good as hand-crafted, authentic, sustainably sourced, artisan made goods.' Schott has some awkward marketing, a few dodgy products in their range and are ubiquitous - this doesn't help win them friends in the niche communities.

Also fair to say most of us only experience their general line. I know they do some higher end stuff we never see in the UK.

 

[kronos77]

I am a fan. Sort of.

The Schott heavy naked cowhide is absolutely the greatest leather used in a jacket ever according to objective standards of truth and beauty. It is heavier than Aero's CXL and the most beautiful looking leather. No shiny coating and a slightly oily but matte look. There is nothing like it except maybe the old Aero oil pull which they don't use anymore. I'd take this leather over the famed CXL brown steer anytime. If it were just the leather, that is.

The stitching is always a bit off. You can always count on 1-4 loose threads somewhere. You either deal with it well or you don't.

The fit is terrible for me and many others. If your waist is equal to or greater than you chest measurement and you stand about 5'10 to 5' 11", then you might do well with it. Otherwise they can do a custom jacket for you that will cost you several vital organs. No thanks.

also, the faux fur lining is a bit puffy.

My dream jacket would be the Aero 30s halfbelt made with Schott naked cowhide.

But let me say, I don't get some of the criticism that Schott gets here. They are a quality jacket especially when it comes to the leather itself and that is the main issue.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

I own three Schotts, one 644 from 2013, one 602 from the 70s and one Legendary USA trojan made by Schott in 2006.
The 644 was my first leather jacket.

IMO they are a middle of the road leather jacket. The stitching is usually pretty sloppy compared to other brands.
A bit worst than what you would expect from mid range brands like Aero or Vanson. Far behind high end brands like Real McCoy, Freewheelers or Lewis Leathers.
All three of my Schott jackets have between 3 and 5 obvious stitching mistakes/imperfections, of all the brands i own they are the one with the most mistakes per jacket.

The leather is ok, once again not as nice as what other brands have to offer, like CXL or Comp Weight Vanson leather, or Shinki, but not bad either, just nothing special.
I have Deluxe Steer, Vintage Steer and Horse and i have to say my favourite is the horsehide. Saying that, i have read that the current horse is pretty much vinyl and very underwhelming.

The fit is troublesome if you have an athletic body type, most Schott jackets have a wide bottom hem, they are not designed to fit V shaped people.

I think they made sens when they were sold for under $500 (i got my 644 for $450 in 2013!), you got a strong jacket that was hard wearing for a good deal.
Now that they raised their prices to around $800 i don't think they make sens anymore, you can find a better jacket for your money.

All that to say they aren't bad jackets, but they aren't great either.
If you find a good deal on one that fits you, great, but don't expect something incredible.

I was going to respond to the question of Schott's quality, but this covers everything.

I personally have tried several on and have never been impressed by the leather or the construction quality.

 

[Bfd70]

I have a Schott store very near where I live. I’ve stopped in and tried on several jackets.I think they are a solid mid tier jacket that has entered upper mid tier pricing. I totally understand the logic in buying a $500 Schott as opposed to say an $1100 Aero. An $850 Schott vs an $1100 Aero (or if lucky a lightly used $850 Aero from. TFL) not so much. That is why I have consistently chosen Vanson over Schott.

 

[Monitor]

An $850 Schott vs an $1100 Aero (or if lucky a lightly used $850 Aero from. TFL) not so much. That is why I have consistently chosen Vanson over Schott.

It depends.

Schott 618 / 118 / 613 is an objectively much better designed and much more functional jacket than, say, Aero's Motorcycle jacket. Even some of Vanson's cross zip models are having a hard time competing with Schott. Rock and Roll for example isn't all that comfortable at all. This isn't to say Aero's MC jacket is bad in any way, their jacket is repro of an older style and it is what it is but Schott has perfected the design. I've had a whole bunch of them, each one was absolutely perfect on a bike.

So if you ride, the higher price tag in this case might actually get you less worth for your money.

 

[Bfd70]

Agree. Was only thinking in terms of off the bike. On the bike if price were equal (schott vs vanson) maybe a coin toss. Given that Schott in these parts is 25% plus more expensive I’d go Vanson every time.

 

[Monitor]

Agree. Was only thinking in terms of off the bike. On the bike if price were equal (schott vs vanson) maybe a coin toss. Given that Schott in these parts is 25% plus more expensive I’d go Vanson every time.

Yep, absolutely. I'd always go with Vanson vs. Schott, for the models that I know are good. Model E or C2 or Derby... Man, Derby is a beautiful jacket. But R'n'R, even in a jacket that was 3 sizes too big for me I couldn't extend my arms. Ditto for Aero's MC jacket. Couldn't reach the handlebars. The 106 was great, though.

 

[Maitiu]

It depends.

Schott 618 / 118 / 613 is an objectively much better designed and much more functional jacket than, say, Aero's Motorcycle jacket. Even some of Vanson's cross zip models are having a hard time competing with Schott. Rock and Roll for example isn't all that comfortable at all. This isn't to say Aero's MC jacket is bad in any way, their jacket is repro of an older style and it is what it is but Schott has perfected the design. I've had a whole bunch of them, each one was absolutely perfect on a bike.

So if you ride, the higher price tag in this case might actually get you less worth for your money.

Thank you for this. I ride. It's all I do if I'm not working. I have a Schott 629 and find the fit while riding almost perfect. Not riding, it fits fine, but as someone else pointed out, not the most flattering of fits.

I am looking for my next, and probably final Leather jacket purchase, and have been contemplating an Aero 1930's half belt with a custom back. Am I going to be disappointed when I hop on my motorcycle?

Anyway, back on quality. If you are a details nazi I suppose you can find flaws with Schott quality? But for some of us who ride and just care about a quality leather, and a quality fit while riding, having a Schott leather jacket is pretty much the pinnacle of leather jackets. None of the guys I ride with have ever heard of a Aero, or Freewheelers or whatever. To them, they think I've got a ton of money to waste because I purchased a Schott. I can't wait for them to judge me when I hopefully find the right Aero jacket to ride with.

Point being, to the OP, no, I do not think you will be disappointed with a Schott leather jacket. But it depends on what you want it for? Do you want a leather jacket so you can strut your stuff down Rodeo drive and post on instagram? Or do you want a leather jacket to ride? Or both? I'm finding out it's a tough balance to find that right fit for both for an off the shelf leather jacket. What I am finding out is if you want that perfect fit, your best bet is to go custom to get that exact look you want.

 

[miglan30]

I had a Schott or years but grew out of it when I went up a size in the chest, arms were a bit too short for riding too. I agree some of their fits are boxy, but not all. The 641xx is not that boxy, and if they had made that P665 with nickel or brass hardware, I probably would've bought it. Don't get their obsession for black hardware on all these Perfecto jackets lately.

C'mon Schott, just give us this jacket in your standard steer instead of CXL with nickel or brass hardware for the price of the usual 641/141, etc. To me this is a much more attractive cut than their standard offerings.

 

[Monitor]

Thank you for this. I ride. It's all I do if I'm not working. I have a Schott 629 and find the fit while riding almost perfect. Not riding, it fits fine, but as someone else pointed out, not the most flattering of fits.

I am looking for my next, and probably final Leather jacket purchase, and have been contemplating an Aero 1930's half belt with a custom back. Am I going to be disappointed when I hop on my motorcycle?

I've had a Half Belt, thought not the 1930's version, and... Personally, I wouldn't have made it my first choice for a riding jacket, as beautiful as the jacket is. Then again, it's not what HB is supposed to be so I guess that's fair. @ton312 had a number of Half-Belts, some with shoulder gussets so he can provide more details about the fit but I honestly believe you're better off with the 629.

Then again, it depends on a bike, too. Maybe it'd work on a chopper but I rode a Ducati and sport bikes just aren't too friendly with most of these repro jackets. But each of the Schott Perfectos I've had made a really, really great riding jacket! It wasn't any less comfortable and functional than any modern Dainese or whatever I've tried on. The CR, not so much but the Perfecto... Simply as good as it gets.

I would recommend Aero's J106 and Daytona. The 106 is a good riding jacket. Not Schott or Vanson good but it does the job.

 

[Blake54]

Before I came to FL and learned about jackets such as Aero, Lost Worlds, Thedi, Langlitz etc. , I bought a Schott 530 jacket. I think it is very nice quality, nice soft thick waxy cowhide, and it fits great off the shelf. However, if I were buying today, I would spend a bit more and get the Aero board racer. I still like the Schott though. I’m not the OCD type, but I can’t find any glaring flaws in the jacket. Seems pretty quality to me.

 

[Hh121]

I don't see today's Vanson has advantage over Schott.

 

[JMax]

I don't see today's Vanson has advantage over Schott.

I understand why you would say that...except for when on a bike. Like some others here, I spend much time riding and Vanson typically is much better for that. It’s their purpose. The cut and fit of the sleeves alone is enough to set Vanson apart. My Langlitz is very good and Cals are phenomenal but my schott’s wider fit and sleeves can’t compare to Vanson’s purpose driven engineering. Not to say one can’t find a schott that works, but in my experience almost all my Vanson disappear when riding. My LWs are not nearly as good fit wise for riding. (Though stu’s leather promotes a feeling of security due to its thickness and resiliency).

 

[kronos77]

View attachment 159632 Before I came to FL and learned about jackets such as Aero, Lost Worlds, Thedi, Langlitz etc. , I bought a Schott 530 jacket. I think it is very nice quality, nice soft thick waxy cowhide, and it fits great off the shelf. However, if I were buying today, I would spend a bit more and get the Aero board racer. I still like the Schott though. I’m not the OCD type, but I can’t find any glaring flaws in the jacket. Seems pretty quality to me.

I should point out that yes, Schott makes many jackets with different leathers. i don't think all of them are so high quality. The heavy naked cow, found on the 141 and the Perfecto is the one I think is better than all the rest.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

My first leather jacket purchase was a Schott A-2, back in the late 70's. It was extremely well made, and the leather was heavy and thick. It would have made a great biker jacket, as that thick leather would provide great protection.

The USWings G-1 that I own was made by Schott. It is one of the nicest, best made jackets in my small collection.

Not a fan of their styling in today's market, however.

 

[Edward]

It depends.

Schott 618 / 118 / 613 is an objectively much better designed and much more functional jacket than, say, Aero's Motorcycle jacket. Even some of Vanson's cross zip models are having a hard time competing with Schott. Rock and Roll for example isn't all that comfortable at all. This isn't to say Aero's MC jacket is bad in any way, their jacket is repro of an older style and it is what it is but Schott has perfected the design. I've had a whole bunch of them, each one was absolutely perfect on a bike.

So if you ride, the higher price tag in this case might actually get you less worth for your money.

I'd dispute the notion that there's any objectivity in this. My own experience certainly was that the Aero MC is the better made jacket than my 618. The hand-warmer pockets are accessible on the Aero when it's being worn - not the case for me on the 618 (a minor issue as I don't use them anyhow, but the placement on the 618 has them too far back for me to get at). The 618 fits me better simply because of the boxy cut - I need to shift a lot of weight(!).

In an off, neither would stop much of an impact injury, given they are unarmoured, but both wouldl ikely do okay in a slide. The hide is nicer on my Aero of the two, but that's wholly subjective and, in any case, both are very nice. Cetinly not saying the Schott is bad, but subjectively it's just not the nicer of the to for me. I don't believe, when it comes down to 'better', there's any objectives in this. Be nice to compare some of the higher end Schott stuff to Aero et al.