Vanson Mercury or Aero Highwayman

[williamrice]

Hello everyone,

I have a dilemma...

I am looking to buy a simple/plain classic cut leather jacket. I have settled on either the Vanson Mercury or the Aero Highwayman (sans the breast pocket). While there are lots of pics on here of people in the Highwayman, there are none with people modelling the Mercury.

I think I like the Vanson because it seems a less baggy fit and has zip up cuffs. However I fear it may be a bit too "fitted" and not rock and roll enough; a bit too refined perhaps.

I like the Highwayman because it has a sense of history, which appeals and would look the part on my Royal Enfield Trials. It is an undeniable classic, which the Mercury is not.

All images (Vanson Mercury) on the internet are of just the jacket. Does anyone out there own the Mercury, and if so how does if fit? Loose, tight, arms too long etc. If anyone has both, even better. Indeed, any further info/comparison/pics would be great.

Thanks

Will

 

[JanSolo]

If you have problems with the boxy cut of the Highwayman it can be be made using a different stock pattern. Aero can make a Highwayman that's based on the slimmer fitting Halfbelt pattern if you prefer it that way or the even trimmer 1930s Halfbelt.

Sorry, no info on the Mercury.

 

[williamrice]

I should mention I have the option of buying either one in the next few days because I have found used, but unused examples of each as highlighted above. So I have to accept I can only have a stock version of the Highwayman and no alterations. Otherwise I would get Aero to customise one for me, as you suggest.

 

[OneEyeMan]

I also considered the Mercury before I bought my Highwayman.
I think Vanson has some beautiful jackets with thick and supple cowhide.
That's why I bought a Mark 2 CSRX for motorcycling.
But for this style jacket, I wouldn't buy it without trying it on.
I'd assume that it'd be a much closer fitting style than the Highwayman.
You could call them up and have them take a few pix of someone close to your size wearing one!
Or, if you're on the East Coast of the US, you can just drive up to MA and try one on.
The best thing about any Aero is that you can have them customize a jacket to your exact specs as Jan said.
Don't like the sleeves, ask them to put zipped sleeves on.
Different lining, no problem.
Also, Vanson doesn't use Horsehide any more from what they told me.
That's a big plus for Aero even though Vanson's cowhide is really nice!
Let us know what you do.
I agree with you, however, that there's way too few pix of people actually wearing Vanson jackets.
Lenny

 

[Creeping Past]

Get both.

 

[jacketquest]

...
Also, Vanson doesn't use Horsehide any more from what they told me.
...

That would be a shame. However, their website still lists a few HH jackets (Comet, Enfield): http://www.vansonleathers.com/main_page/chapters/mens/Horse%20Hide.htm

 

[jchosko]

mercury

while i can't speak regarding the highwayman, as i've never worn one, i can speak for the mid-weight firenze leather vanson mercury. i had one briefly, but sold it because it was too small. it was a 42, but definitely fit like a tight 40, if not smaller. just be sure to get actual measurements if you are going to buy one. that said, i got a great price on mine, but if i'd paid full price i would have been a little disappointed. the leather didn't feel that nice (but it wasn't the competition weight vanson leather, which is very nice from what i hear), and the sleeve and main zipper (had a vanson zipper-pull, so i'm not sure if it's made by ykk or what...) felt a little light and flimsy. sorry though, i never took any pics with it on...

good luck!

 

[johnnyjohnny]

vanson merc vs. aero hwyman

cut to the chase...winner is aero hwyman

now the reasons. and this is solely on fit and cut, which was you were mainly concerned about...the quality i found similar...meaning xlnt.

my problem, and possibly yours, with the merc was that in pix, it loox highly slim and fitted. i got a size 50 on ebay, normally wearing a 42L suit jacket. so i was willing to go big to get this jacket nearly new at such a wonderful price.

the good news was that, while a bit big, it had a very nice and cool looking fit. until you got to the waist. it hung like a bell...just too wide. also, the rest of the jacket was a bit big, but didn't look bad. i figured if i got the next size down, a 48, it would be perfect.

my bad. i sold the 50 merc (no, not talking cars) and was lucky enough to eventually find a virtually new 48 merc. this is where i found out about vanson merc sizing. the jacket now was perfectly fitted, but a bit tighter than i like to wear. the waist was, however, about right, maybe a tad bigger than should be.

now, if you were concerned about the aero hwyman being boxy (i had one, it wasn't), the merc was totally boxy. the only mitigating factor could be my size. i am a 45.5" chest, and a 34" waist...so an 11" drop. for me, the merc was very very boxy. if you want to spend the extra bux and time to get one fitted, i'd do it...they do run about a size small...but to be sure, you'd better tool on over there and try one on.

as for the aero hwyman...don't have to go to scotland...aero got my measurements online, and turned out a great fitting jacket. i ended up selling that one as well, needing the money...but certainly not for fit.

after having both, i'd say for fit, the aero is the way to go...quality is high in both...if you go with the vanson, unless your build fits the standard sizes (which are fit for a 6 or 7" drop from chest to waist) you will find it boxy

that's from having both...i hope a good answer for you

 

[williamrice]

I don't suppose you took a picture of yourself in the Mercury did you?
I am unable (read: can't be bothered) to try either jacket on before buying. I am based in the middle of England, to try them on I would have to travel to London for the Vanson (which is OK) then 400 miles to Scotland for the Highwayman (which is not OK).
I am starting to move towards the Highwayman, no one has a bad word to say about it, but there does seem to be a few negatives cropping up for the Mercury.

 

[andy richards]

Go for the highwayman! Two days ago I got mine and it is really excellent make and fit. I ordered mine june 11th 2009, so you have to be patient, but it's worth it! My highwayman is brown fq horsehide and I asked if they could add an inner pocket on the left panel, a name-tag with blood-type (also on the inner pannel, brown heavy cotton lining (that's their most durable lining Amanda told me), and a 3" leather panel on the lower backpanel. Normally I wear a size 44 chest, but I ordered an 42" as I like a more snug fit. The highwayman jackets are generously sized. Mine is still roomy enough for wearing a wooly sweater under it. If you order, talk to Amanda. She is very helpful. I think I mailed her at least a dozen times about finding the correct sizing and all the add-ons of the jacket and everytime she was kind and helpful. About all the adds...Aeroleather did not charge me for the extra options! Excellent service!

 

[Peacoat]

My experience with the Highwayman is there is nothing boxy about it. I wear a 42, and got a 42 Highwayman. The waist was fine (I am a 32/33) but the chest (I am a 42) was too tight. The arms and the length were a bit short for my taste also. There is no room in my Highwayman for a sweater. I didn't go through Amanda, but will the next time.

I am going to send mine back and trade it in on a Highwayman that is a little larger. I need a working jacket and not a 1930s fashion statement. Just my preference. And, BTW, I ride a motorcycle, which is the primary reason for the Highwayman.