dudewuttheheck
I'll Lock Up
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What is the new leather that Vanson is using and why is it so obviously terrible? I would really like to know as I'm completely uninformed on this subject.
Just got a second email from Vanson, impressed by their speed in answering...
According to them, the Insurrection version uses a different leather, lining, hardware and even different sizing.
@Carrie @ Thurston Bros. would you have more info? Curious as to what the exact differences are. Thanks.
What is the new leather that Vanson is using and why is it so obviously terrible? I would really like to know as I'm completely uninformed on this subject.
That does explain the situation for me at least. I appreciate that very much. I am curious to hear what the other members specifically dislike about the leather from the new tannery, though.When the Chopper first came out (about 6-7 years ago?), we ordered them as standard (X150 cowhide, brass hardware, red quilted lining). However, we quickly found that the red quilted lining was too heavy for most customers, so we switched to the black rayon (you can get it with red rayon on custom orders if you want to keep the look). Also, we preferred the Black Comp Weight over the X150...we favored the standard CW finish over the X150's waxy, shiny finish. As to the sizing, the Chopper has always been missing sizes 38 and 42 in the S/M/L range. To remedy this, we had Vanson add these sizes to our own off-the-rack size range.
The "new" Vanson Comp Weight people are talking about isn't all that new in the context of Vanson's leather history. Vanson's old tannery closed and they found a new tannery that could make their Comp Weight recipe (tanning, finishing, thickness, etc.). Some customers may not like the current version of this leather, but this is something we've experienced multiple times in the 13 years we've been selling Vanson jackets. Even with the same tannery, we saw variety in the grain, texture and finish of Comp Weight. The leather would change a little almost every year...some years we liked better than others, but the actual quality of the leather was always consistent with Vanson's specs. The "new" leather is different from the last batch that came out of the old tannery, but it is quite similar to some Comp Weight batches from from the old tannery about 7-8 years ago. In short, if you've had a number of Vanson jackets made in the last 30-40 years, the Comp Weight leather on each one will feel and look a little different!
*I realize this doesn't exactly answer your question, but is more a response to the larger discussion that's been going on
That does explain the situation for me at least. I appreciate that very much. I am curious to hear what the other members specifically dislike about the leather from the new tannery, though.
Thanks for the information!
What is the new leather that Vanson is using and why is it so obviously terrible? I would really like to know as I'm completely uninformed on this subject.
When the Chopper first came out (about 6-7 years ago?), we ordered them as standard (X150 cowhide, brass hardware, red quilted lining). However, we quickly found that the red quilted lining was too heavy for most customers, so we switched to the black rayon (you can get it with red rayon on custom orders if you want to keep the look). Also, we preferred the Black Comp Weight over the X150...we favored the standard CW finish over the X150's waxy, shiny finish. As to the sizing, the Chopper has always been missing sizes 38 and 42 in the S/M/L range. To remedy this, we had Vanson add these sizes to our own off-the-rack size range.
The "new" Vanson Comp Weight people are talking about isn't all that new in the context of Vanson's leather history. Vanson's old tannery closed and they found a new tannery that could make their Comp Weight recipe (tanning, finishing, thickness, etc.). Some customers may not like the current version of this leather, but this is something we've experienced multiple times in the 13 years we've been selling Vanson jackets. Even with the same tannery, we saw variety in the grain, texture and finish of Comp Weight. The leather would change a little almost every year...some years we liked better than others, but the actual quality of the leather was always consistent with Vanson's specs. The "new" leather is different from the last batch that came out of the old tannery, but it is quite similar to some Comp Weight batches from from the old tannery about 7-8 years ago. In short, if you've had a number of Vanson jackets made in the last 30-40 years, the Comp Weight leather on each one will feel and look a little different!
*I realize this doesn't exactly answer your question, but is more a response to the larger discussion that's been going on
I have a 12 Year old Hardcore highwayman. It is in the comp. leather. It was my first "real" riding jacket. When I first took it out of the box, I could not believe it! It was extremely HEAVY, STIFF, AND SUPER SHINY!!! I could barley zip it up. It was almost impossible to zip the sleeve zippers. It was so ridiculous, I didn't know what to do! There was no way I could be seen in public. My girlfriend was trying not to laugh! She even asked me "are you sure that's even leather?" I sat in the chair with it on and felt like I just took an uppercut from Mike Tyson.
I thought I just wasted my money. I couldn't even move in this thing, let alone try and ride my motorcycle! It was so smooth and shiny, I thought, I cant believe I waited so long for this thing. No way could I wear this out in public, I would be a laughing stock.
After initial disappointment, I got mad. I started beating it up, throwing it around, sitting on it, and kicking it. I read water would help break in leather. I turned the shower on it and water would just bead off of it. I knew the water trick probably wasn't gonna work. I continued to beat on it for months. I would watch the NCAA tournament and knead it with my hands until I couldn't move my fingers. It took months of abuse before I could even sit in a chair with the thing on.
That is the competition weight leather I know and respect! I am also confused. Is the new stuff matte? not shiny? Is it softer? not as stiff? doesn't stand on its own? Is it still as heavy? still 3.5 oz?
I hope Vanson "didn't compromise"
Thanks Jmax. I am really considering a model E this fall. Probably an off the rack size. Hope I don't have to wait for one. Vanson can be difficult sometimes.
Handymike, actually I was planning a thread for this weekend (or sometime soon). I ordered a "fish" scale from amazon. I got it to weigh my jackets. lol.
Handymike, actually I was planning a thread for this weekend (or sometime soon). I ordered a "fish" scale from amazon. I got it to weigh my jackets. lol.
Great minds think alike! I have a fish scal on its way too.
Pretty sure the Vanson is going to be the heaviest!