Vanson jacket appreciation

[JonS1967]

First of all big thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and opinion!
Initially the C2 was strongly favored, but then the model E fans came in force haha.

Here are my own thoughts.

Ways in which the C2 is superior to the E in order of importance:
- Quilting is the obvious one. Adds a lot of character and uniqueness to the jacket. It's definitely a one of a kind specimen, I have not managed to dig out a single example on the internet. Definitely a collectors piece as much as it is a very functional indestructible wearing piece. Am I a collector? VERY far from it.
- The leather is deeper and shinier black, which I really love. It also has more character and grain, especially in the upper sleeves. Although the E does have some very nice back panels, which look better than the C2.
- Back length specifically. Believe it or not they are both the same length in the front(where it matters)! C2 has a slight front drop, E has a stronger back drop. The shorter back also kind of increases the bottom hem width which feels nice.
- The wider sleeves do feel a bit more comfortable with thick layering, especially in the elbow area.
- Brass/metal zipper insert pin. Damn Vanson for using plastic ones on most of their jackets including the E!
- Sleeker belt loops.

Ways in which the E is superior to the C2 in order of importance:
- Fit in terms of feel. First of all the E feels MUCH better in the chest, much more open. The C2 kind of crunches me forward a lot more, which is fantastic for riding, but not for my (filthy) casual use. Secondly the snug mid back / waist fit is simply ecstatic for me, feels fantastic - I don't get that with the C2 at all. Thirdly the slimmer and slightly shorter (due to the wear, creasing and no quilts) sleeves feel better. Also because the sleeves on the E are rotated very different than they are on the C2. I don't think I will ever find a jacket that fits my body as well as this model E in terms of feel. Slightly shorter body (especially back) and sleeves would improve it even further though.
- Fit in terms of looks. This is where you folks a lot of disagreement and for good reason - it's so subjective! Apart from the unfortunately longer back the model E wins hands down for me. Slimmer and more form fitting all throughout without sacrificing ANYTHING in terms of mobility and comfort? Sign me up! Sure the hourglass shape of the mid-lower back looking from the side is not ideal, sure the laces might have a bit of corset vibe, sure the tail is not ideal looking from the back and from the side. But overall the E looks much better to me in terms of fit.
- Mouton collar! I removed it to make the comparison more fair and clear, but I'm a real sucker for the mouton on the E. I'm even having a gold-ish mouton made as a replacement/variation for the black one. I'm sure it will look stunning, matching the brass hardware.
- This goes under the first two points but still worth mentioning separately - the side lacing is UNPARALLELED in terms of dialing in the fit, especially for folks like me who have a very slim waist compared to the chest and hips. For example the CHP style lacing would be useless for me.

So it's basically:
quilting + shorter back
VS
better fit in terms of both feel and look excluding longer back (subjective) + mouton + god level mid/lower body adjustment via laces.

I definitely can keep both, the finances do allow me, but I can hardly imagine myself reaching for the C2.

Conclusion : I will be putting up the C2 for sale. Gorgeous and unique piece, but the minimalist in me insists and strictly forbids collecting.

I'll also try to do a post comparing them side by side as I have a unique opportunity as they are both in the same leather and same size.

Cheers!

Personally, I prefer the subtlety different details of the C2. And although they both look great on you, I think the E fits you to perfection.

 

[floater]

Custom Vanson Ike just back from having the lining swapped out. The stock plaid liner (perfect for CW) was binding on my clothes causing the supple Horween Pinnacle horsehide to bunch up. The new satin lining should take care of this. I think it’s a nice shade of red.
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Nice job, was the inside pocket already there or added?

I’m looking at doing the same thing to another jacket.

Where did you get the lining swapped and how much time and cost was it?

 

[TartuWolf]

FYI: I've put the padded C2 up for sale. Really hope some lounger gets it!

 

[JonS1967]

Nice job, was the inside pocket already there or added?

I’m looking at doing the same thing to another jacket.

Where did you get the lining swapped and how much time and cost was it?

The Standard Ike comes with two inside pockets. Vanson kindly replaced the lining as a warranty repair since the stock cotton lining was hanging up on my shirts causing the Pinnacle horsehide to bunch up with it, which wouldn’t happen with their standard (stiffer) leather options. They recommend a satin lining with some added length to remedy the situation. They would have done it for free if I had chosen one of their in stock linings but I wanted red and they only have a quilted lining in red and I was afraid that a quilted lining would be difficult to live with in Southern California. So they recommended a lining manufacturer who they’ve used on another collab and I paid for the material.