imported_Hungry_J0e
New in Town
- Messages
- 12
- Location
- Jacksonville, FL
Hello -
New forum member, although I've been a lurker for quite awhile.
I've owned a Vanson perforated leather jacket for about 8 years now in a modern sportrider cut (it is their Properf Stallion). It's a superb jacket, fits me like a second skin, and works well for motorcycling the Florida heat where I live. I have the Vanson zip out liner (streamliner) which converts it well to the winter and holds up reasonably well in rain.
I get many compliments on the Stallion. But I've been looking for a jacket for quite awhile with a more traditional cut that won't make me look like the road warrior everywhere I go. I also hate mixing my leather, so wanted something in brown leather for when I wear a brown belt and footwear. I was also attracted to horsehide due to its reputation for long term durability and unique finish. I e-mailed Brian who handles special orders for Vanson about having a Comet made for me in brown horsehide. He said they don't do much in horsehide anymore, as it takes years for them to get leather that meets their quality, but they did have a few remaining Enfields in horsehide both in tan and black. Turns out their "tan" is really a reddish brown... but luckily they had one in my size 42. They are also having a sale of $100 off their jackets through the end of the year.
I thought about it for a few days and decided the Enfield cut actually looks pretty good. I called on the phone, Brian was out, and got Michael Vanson on the phone. He talked to me for a good bit about jackets and horsehide. He said a decade ago the horsehide they got was about 1.8mm thick, but nowadays it is about 1.3mm and even that is hard to come by. He wasn't sure why it was so difficult to get decent horsehide. He also said 5'10" (my height) was the reference height they used when making jackets. I should also note on Vanson's website they state they do not consider horsehide superior to cowhide for motorcycle jackets.
I put in the order and the jacket arrived today. Overall it appears to be fully up to Vanson quality. It weighs 4.5 lbs, and is what I would consider lightweight leather although it is thicker than most fashion weight leathers. Measuring with a caliper, the leather is about 1.1mm - 1.2mm thick. For comparison my Stallion Properf is 2.2mm thick. I have seen some previous comments on horsehide jackets commenting on the stiffness. This jacket doesn't strike me as unreasonably stiff, and in fact has multiple crossing creases giving it almost a marbled look. It does stand up on its own though, so maybe I'm just more accepting of stiff leather. Sleeve length is ideal for motorcycle riding, which is to say a bit long if you are looking for a pure fashion jacket. The non zip inside pocket also works as a pistol pocket for concealed carry (although not ideal), which probably isn't a consideration for most people but does play a role for me.
I'm also glad I stayed in a size 42 instead of going up a size. I like my clothes to fit close. Not tight or constricting but definitely not baggy. The Enfield is a near custom fit. A bit more generous than my Stallion so I can layer up underneath it.
Still weighing my options on whether to keep it or not. Overall I like the jacket alot, but the leather is a bit thinner than I would like, and not sure whether the marbling of the leather is a plus or a negative. I also really like mandarin collars, although I could see myself growing to like this jacket. If I send it back, I'll have a Comet custom made in brown with a two way zipper and a few other features...
Will post pictures as soon as I can get them!
Cheers,
- HJ
New forum member, although I've been a lurker for quite awhile.
I've owned a Vanson perforated leather jacket for about 8 years now in a modern sportrider cut (it is their Properf Stallion). It's a superb jacket, fits me like a second skin, and works well for motorcycling the Florida heat where I live. I have the Vanson zip out liner (streamliner) which converts it well to the winter and holds up reasonably well in rain.
I get many compliments on the Stallion. But I've been looking for a jacket for quite awhile with a more traditional cut that won't make me look like the road warrior everywhere I go. I also hate mixing my leather, so wanted something in brown leather for when I wear a brown belt and footwear. I was also attracted to horsehide due to its reputation for long term durability and unique finish. I e-mailed Brian who handles special orders for Vanson about having a Comet made for me in brown horsehide. He said they don't do much in horsehide anymore, as it takes years for them to get leather that meets their quality, but they did have a few remaining Enfields in horsehide both in tan and black. Turns out their "tan" is really a reddish brown... but luckily they had one in my size 42. They are also having a sale of $100 off their jackets through the end of the year.
I thought about it for a few days and decided the Enfield cut actually looks pretty good. I called on the phone, Brian was out, and got Michael Vanson on the phone. He talked to me for a good bit about jackets and horsehide. He said a decade ago the horsehide they got was about 1.8mm thick, but nowadays it is about 1.3mm and even that is hard to come by. He wasn't sure why it was so difficult to get decent horsehide. He also said 5'10" (my height) was the reference height they used when making jackets. I should also note on Vanson's website they state they do not consider horsehide superior to cowhide for motorcycle jackets.
I put in the order and the jacket arrived today. Overall it appears to be fully up to Vanson quality. It weighs 4.5 lbs, and is what I would consider lightweight leather although it is thicker than most fashion weight leathers. Measuring with a caliper, the leather is about 1.1mm - 1.2mm thick. For comparison my Stallion Properf is 2.2mm thick. I have seen some previous comments on horsehide jackets commenting on the stiffness. This jacket doesn't strike me as unreasonably stiff, and in fact has multiple crossing creases giving it almost a marbled look. It does stand up on its own though, so maybe I'm just more accepting of stiff leather. Sleeve length is ideal for motorcycle riding, which is to say a bit long if you are looking for a pure fashion jacket. The non zip inside pocket also works as a pistol pocket for concealed carry (although not ideal), which probably isn't a consideration for most people but does play a role for me.
I'm also glad I stayed in a size 42 instead of going up a size. I like my clothes to fit close. Not tight or constricting but definitely not baggy. The Enfield is a near custom fit. A bit more generous than my Stallion so I can layer up underneath it.
Still weighing my options on whether to keep it or not. Overall I like the jacket alot, but the leather is a bit thinner than I would like, and not sure whether the marbling of the leather is a plus or a negative. I also really like mandarin collars, although I could see myself growing to like this jacket. If I send it back, I'll have a Comet custom made in brown with a two way zipper and a few other features...
Will post pictures as soon as I can get them!
Cheers,
- HJ
