Why Should I Buy A Vanson?

[Hh121]

Yep, the cool kids. Those with real style and class. You were lacking and left to slum it with 5*. To return, you have to find me a gray Vanson.

Slum it? Are you sure? You must like their new competition weight leather

 

[Guppy]

Well, here's one you don't see every day... is that roughout?

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/q256133645

 

[navetsea]

One of the only jackets I’ve sold that brought in nearly three times it’s purchase price was the gray model E. An unrelenting ebayer messaged me at least a dozen times and he paid the price. So did I.

your beard graying 3x faster after that move

 

[navetsea]

One of the only jackets I’ve sold that brought in nearly three times it’s purchase price was the gray model E. An unrelenting ebayer messaged me at least a dozen times and he paid the price. So did I.

your beard graying 3x faster after that move

 

[Carlos840]

Well, here's one you don't see every day... is that roughout?

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/q256133645

Looks like their regular suede to me.
I see at lot more suede Vansons in Japan than anywhere else.
Never handled one, no idea what the suede is like in real life.

 

[Peter Mackin]

This is why you should buy a vanson.

 

[ton312]

All I know about Vanson is what I have seen on their website. The big takeaway for me from this thread has been the positive comments about fit. Also, I had read some positive comments about Vanson in prior threads, but did not fully realize how well-respected they were. It has convinced me that I should seriously consider a special piece, if it comes along.

I see. They do offer quite a few styles that are not traditional biker wear, model J, mercury, Dakota, maverick to name a few. They will also build you whatever you want (for a price). Last I checked, changing the leather on a pattern was something like $75-$125 depending on the hide.

 

[dannyk]

Slum it? Are you sure? You must like their new competition weight leather
View attachment 329138 View attachment 329139 View attachment 329140 View attachment 329147

But who said any purchase has to be in CW? the one they are using on the HD Collab which I always forget is it the x or z I think it’s the x-150 looks really good, the octagon looks good, they do collabs in cxl, you can find HH Vanson’s. While I agree the most recent CWs have been less than what they used to be...it’s one of several choices. But I will say as I said in my original response they never were known for having the coolest or latest leathers. The one draw back that could be considered an actual drawback is their leather choices. Total agreement. With all their tannery issues over the last few years I can understand it to some degree. I don’t forgive them or absolve them completely; but I also don’t think it’s all their own fault. Hopefully sometime in the very near future this all gets sorted and they will have at bare minimum have their usual standard if not increased options. So yeah the last few years have not been kind to CW, let’s not pretend it’s their only leather either.

 

[JMax]

But who said any purchase has to be in CW? the one they are using on the HD Collab which I always forget is it the x or z I think it’s the x-150 looks really good, the octagon looks good, they do collabs in cxl, you can find HH Vanson’s. While I agree the most recent CWs have been less than what they used to be...it’s one of several choices. But I will say as I said in my original response they never were known for having the coolest or latest leathers. The one draw back that could be considered an actual drawback is their leather choices. Total agreement. With all their tannery issues over the last few years I can understand it to some degree. I don’t forgive them or absolve them completely; but I also don’t think it’s all their own fault. Hopefully sometime in the very near future this all gets sorted and they will have at bare minimum have their usual standard if not increased options. So yeah the last few years have not been kind to CW, let’s not pretend it’s their only leather either.

Bainbridge too. I’m sure they are not happy with the current CW and are working to improve it.

 

[JMax]

Slum it? Are you sure? You must like their new competition weight leather
View attachment 329138 View attachment 329139 View attachment 329140 View attachment 329147

You are definitely not slumming it with that awesome jacket they made you bud.

 

[J Leather Investigater]

I have never bought a Vanson. I think they are a competitive option for someone who rides, ie for someone who wants an American-made jacket at a reasonable price. I have heard positives about their competition weight, but am not sure it is any better than some Branded Garments jackets, though, and the latter can sometimes be had for a great deal on the internet. I have a Branded that is an absolute beast and couldn't imagine anything heavier/more protective than that.

For the collector, I am not sure what Vanson offers that is truly unique. Their octagon leather is quite attractive, but am not sure it is any more attractive than certain Aero or Thedi leathers. And in terms of style, I have seen some older Vansons that were quite nice, but am not sure I would describe them as particularly unique. I would say the same for their current styles.

Outside of being able to say "I have a Vanson in my closet," please help me understand the attraction to this brand. I've never seen one that made me want to throw an Aero out of my closet. I realize I may be missing something here, so please help educate me as to your perspective.

Everyone has responded giving enough experience with pros- cons. I will share my awareness.
1. Vansons pattern, fit, construction is excellent. I slept on vanson for to long. When I tried on the jacket the way it fit blew me away. No restriction, ease of movement without being loose, big, or baggy.
2. The whole hide being inconsistent thing is a bummer. Not being thrilled with the choices.= dilemma.
3. My move after gaining knowledge of the two former.
* i wanted a vanson because they have cool styles an the patterns are superior.
I took a play from Carlos book of jacket and contact vanson about a cxl vanson. After a week I was hooked up with left fields owner to pay for the jacket because it is his cxl. So im still waiting an I placed the order in January but that's ok, im playing the long game.
The point is- don't sleep on vanson
* try one. Afterwards create another thread that tells everyone why they should get a vanson

 

[ton312]

I’ve emailed Nick this morning to check the status of my Oxford. It will be in comp weight. I figure if it’s no good I will return it and opt for Z-150. It’s a stock jacket. I do wish they would find the recipe for the old comp weight, frankly I prefer it to cxl. As much as I love CXL I think old recipe comp weight blows it away.

 

[JMax]

Yeah, the guy mixing the recipe at the tannery must be Can’t get Right. Apparently a high number of attempts just to get what they have.

 

[Hh121]

But who said any purchase has to be in CW? the one they are using on the HD Collab which I always forget is it the x or z I think it’s the x-150 looks really good, the octagon looks good, they do collabs in cxl, you can find HH Vanson’s. While I agree the most recent CWs have been less than what they used to be...it’s one of several choices. But I will say as I said in my original response they never were known for having the coolest or latest leathers. The one draw back that could be considered an actual drawback is their leather choices. Total agreement. With all their tannery issues over the last few years I can understand it to some degree. I don’t forgive them or absolve them completely; but I also don’t think it’s all their own fault. Hopefully sometime in the very near future this all gets sorted and they will have at bare minimum have their usual standard if not increased options. So yeah the last few years have not been kind to CW, let’s not pretend it’s their only leather either.

I do, CWCH is their trademark, you don't go to a steakhouse and order just a salad.

 

[JMax]

I sometimes do. Salads can be nice and tasty.

 

[dannyk]

I do, CWCH is their trademark, you don't go to a steakhouse and order just a salad.

I get that. And I mostly agree. I just think after seeing the x around like on Carlos’s HD jacket, and seeing Thurston with all their Bainbridge photos....I wouldn’t sleep on those. They look pretty damn good. I would pay for Vanson fit and construction in those choices with 0 regrets. But yeah CW is their trademark and like I said I 100% agree it’s been boring to bad the last few years. They really need to figure out that recipe.

 

[Coriu]

What are the precise traits of the competition weight leather(the older, more desirable stuff) that make it stand out so much relative to other, comparable leathers out there? ...or is it more of a "best bang for the buck" kind of deal?

As I've mentioned previously, I like wearing my jackets and for everyday wear (not riding), I prefer a lighter-weight jacket. Admittedly, I've been a bit perplexed about the fascination with "heavy" jackets. I totally get it for riding/protection...the more the better. But outside of that...I find it difficult for an older, large(240 pounds) individual to pull off a beast of a jacket in public without sticking out like a sore thumb. If you would like to comment about this as well as answer the question, I'd love to learn about your perspective.

 

[Coriu]

I see. They do offer quite a few styles that are not traditional biker wear, model J, mercury, Dakota, maverick to name a few. They will also build you whatever you want (for a price). Last I checked, changing the leather on a pattern was something like $75-$125 depending on the hide.

I was wrong. I went back and looked at their website. They do offer a reasonable selection. And at one point I recognized this, because I had made some notes about it, but my failing memory....

Is it me, or does Vanson's website do a poor job of showcasing their stuff? They have their "casual" jackets mixed in with some racing stuff. A quick perusal of the site leaves me with the perception that these guys are all about bikers jackets. In a way they are, but they certainly have more to offer...but one has to spend a fair amount of time looking through their stuff to figure this out. I found myself having to click on individual styles and look closely.

 

[ton312]

I was wrong. I went back and looked at their website. They do offer a reasonable selection. And at one point I recognized this, because I had made some notes about it, but my failing memory....

Is it me, or does Vanson's website do a poor job of showcasing their stuff? They have their "casual" jackets mixed in with some racing stuff. A quick perusal of the site leaves me with the perception that these guys are all about bikers jackets. In a way they are, but they certainly have more to offer...but one has to spend a fair amount of time looking through their stuff to figure this out. I found myself having to click on individual styles and look closely.

Lol. You should’ve seen the previous site. Even worse. But I agree, it could be made easier to navigate.

 

[El Marro]

Is it me, or does Vanson's website do a poor job of showcasing their stuff?

There can be no argument on this point. Most of the photos are dated and do a rather poor job of showing off the jackets. The old website used to have a much better measurements for individual jackets and styles in every size but the new website eliminated that chart unfortunately.