Vanson! Vanson! Vanson!

[Tom71]

My first Vanson

CHP made in the 80-90's and absolutely stunning in my opinion.
The leather is super smooth and pliable while still weighing a ton, just quality stuff!

The fit is short which is exactly what I was after while looking for a black, short, CHP-style jacket


Some pictures
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Winner!

My first Vanson was a somewhat underwhelming experience. A Chopper, bought new from TB ca. 2017 or thenabout. The famed Competition weight, but in the later, vinyl-like variant. Still a great jacket, but I have since learned about the older leathers and now know what the fuzz is all about.

 

[Herrvallmo]

Winner!

My first Vanson was a somewhat underwhelming experience. A Chopper, bought new from TB ca. 2017 or thenabout. The famed Competition weight, but in the later, vinyl-like variant. Still a great jacket, but I have since learned about the older leathers and now know what the fuzz is all about.

Yeah I've read a lot about Vanson old vs new leather but as a novice to their jackets I have no idea how to tell them apart really the only thing I know is I do really like the leather on the one I got, a bit dull but that may be because of the age, but it's buttery smooth to wear and feels super robust

Cheers mate and have a great weekend!

 

[TartuWolf]

@Herrvallmo Congratulations on your first Vanson! Looks fantastic on you

 

[Herrvallmo]

@Herrvallmo Congratulations on your first Vanson! Looks fantastic on you

Thanks Tartu! I have a feeling it wont be my last haha

 

[dannyk]

Thats the mythical good leather. I believe modern Comp. Weight is heavier, and very nice....but does not age like this stuff.

 

[Tom71]

Thats the mythical good leather. I believe modern Comp. Weight is heavier, and very nice....but does not age like this stuff.

It´s not notably heavier, but it’s much stiffer and retains that quality to a large extent.
The old(er) CW appears thicker and is more pliable.

You won’t see pronounced graining in the new(er) hides, and the only sign of aging is when the topcoat eventually starts chipping off.

I‘ve somewhat gotten used to the modern CW. For some models it’s quite fitting. My latest Vanson in CW seems to be made from slightly lighter leather. That’s something I am not really sold on. Let‘s hope, Vanson continues to offer hefty hides for no-nonsense jackets, or I might as well get an RMC…

 

[Herrvallmo]

Thats the mythical good leather. I believe modern Comp. Weight is heavier, and very nice....but does not age like this stuff.

It´s not notably heavier, but it’s much stiffer and retains that quality to a large extent.
The old(er) CW appears thicker and is more pliable.

You won’t see pronounced graining in the new(er) hides, and the only sign of aging is when the topcoat eventually starts chipping off.

I‘ve somewhat gotten used to the modern CW. For some models it’s quite fitting. My latest Vanson in CW seems to be made from slightly lighter leather. That’s something I am not really sold on. Let‘s hope, Vanson continues to offer hefty hides for no-nonsense jackets, or I might as well get an RMC…

Thanks for the info gents!

Cheers!

 

[dannyk]

It´s not notably heavier, but it’s much stiffer and retains that quality to a large extent.
The old(er) CW appears thicker and is more pliable.

You won’t see pronounced graining in the new(er) hides, and the only sign of aging is when the topcoat eventually starts chipping off.

I‘ve somewhat gotten used to the modern CW. For some models it’s quite fitting. My latest Vanson in CW seems to be made from slightly lighter leather. That’s something I am not really sold on. Let‘s hope, Vanson continues to offer hefty hides for no-nonsense jackets, or I might as well get an RMC…

I suppose it depends On each batch and which tannery as they did have several. Becuse I had an early 90s C2 that was slightly lighter. Heavy but lighter. Super pliable, heavy graining. Just perfect looking broken in jacket. I only sold it because it was a size up from what I actually wear.

Then I had a chopper circa 2016 and it was so heavy and thick. To the point of almost being uncomfortable. It wasn’t like I couldn’t move it was just if I wore, after an hour or two I really knew I was wearing it. It truly felt like battle armor.

So I can’t say anything definitively and we all have different versions of heavy and pliable. What I think is heavy you may not. Just my experience. I know the newest stuff I have no experience with. So when I say new I’m referring to that. I know there’s another tannery now and another new version of Cw. Which is probably the one you’re referring to.

 

[TZRZ421]

I had an older Manx that was confidence inspiring in the event of an off. It had very little grain except for the left shoulder where it was doubled up underneath. It was kinda plane but there was no question of its quality. I sold it because I was a fool and listened to a woman about how it looked. I wish I asked for second opinions. It was quite short for casual wearing but I was using it predominantly on the bike. I bought it used and have no idea how old it was but it was broken in but still tough as nails. It’s meant to protect guys coming off their bikes at 200 mph

 

[Peter Mackin]

It´s not notably heavier, but it’s much stiffer and retains that quality to a large extent.
The old(er) CW appears thicker and is more pliable.

You won’t see pronounced graining in the new(er) hides, and the only sign of aging is when the topcoat eventually starts chipping off.

I‘ve somewhat gotten used to the modern CW. For some models it’s quite fitting. My latest Vanson in CW seems to be made from slightly lighter leather. That’s something I am not really sold on. Let‘s hope, Vanson continues to offer hefty hides for no-nonsense jackets, or I might as well get an RMC…

Sell me it back

 

[Tom71]

Sell me it back

Haha, not that one. This is an absolute beast!

No, the “lighter” one is a 2024 Star jacket. It’s a bit deceivine as there are so many batches that distort the impression of thickness and weight.

 

[Tom71]

I suppose it depends On each batch and which tannery as they did have several. Becuse I had an early 90s C2 that was slightly lighter. Heavy but lighter. Super pliable, heavy graining. Just perfect looking broken in jacket. I only sold it because it was a size up from what I actually wear.

Then I had a chopper circa 2016 and it was so heavy and thick. To the point of almost being uncomfortable. It wasn’t like I couldn’t move it was just if I wore, after an hour or two I really knew I was wearing it. It truly felt like battle armor.

So I can’t say anything definitively and we all have different versions of heavy and pliable. What I think is heavy you may not. Just my experience. I know the newest stuff I have no experience with. So when I say new I’m referring to that. I know there’s another tannery now and another new version of Cw. Which is probably the one you’re referring to.

Oh yes, you’re absolutely right. There even was some info ca 5 years back about Vanson having to switch tanneries because of how some leathers (including CW) weren’t up to their standards any more.

Same with LL in a way: their older (standard) horsehide was really, really nice, IMO. Thick, silky, with a fine yet pronounced grain (think spiderweb), while all the time maintaining that shiny “LL-signature-look”.
For some years now, the standard horse is far too smooth to my eyes and more important, it doesnt really patina any more.
Guys at the store talk about “different batches”, but I am sure it’s more than that (including the possibility that for brown/black the expensive veg-tan options are far more appealing now).