Wow, Schott new website

[GregO]

+1 - although it did take some getting used to, but now I love riding in a jacket that's cut tight to the body, gives that "suit of armor" feel. After a few rides the jacket starts forming to your body and becomes very comfortable.

Exactly. Although with the slimmer fit on a bike, the body length becomes really important. Too long, and the jacket (especially if not fully broken in) rams up into your chin and bubbles out in the front. That's the one thing to look out for with the slimmer cuts. The bottom zipper gap (like on a J-100 or an Aero Board Racer) solves that issue even if the jacket is a touch on the longer side.

 

[IXL]

Exactly. Although with the slimmer fit on a bike, the body length becomes really important. Too long, and the jacket (especially if not fully broken in) rams up into your chin and bubbles out in the front. That's the one thing to look out for with the slimmer cuts. The bottom zipper gap (like on a J-100 or an Aero Board Racer) solves that issue even if the jacket is a touch on the longer side.

Yep. I'm 5'11" and around 158-162lbs. I'm loving my 2-3 week old Vanson/Insurrection PLU-3 slim-fit cafe racer, in a size 40, with a double zipper. This feature is pretty important to me right now because the new, stiff leather would otherwise garrote me. It is starting to soften up some though: I can now bend my arms at the elbows.......

 

[GregO]

Glad you mentioned Vanson in a Schott thread, actually. For the prices Schott is charging these days for their leather MC jackets, I can't imagine why someone would buy one. I've owned Schott, Vanson and Aero leather MC jackets, and among those three, Schott is certainly at the bottom of the list when it comes to quality. In my opinion, Vanson is basically on par with Aero for a quality MC jacket, you just have far fewer options with Vanson. Maybe a little less stylish, too. But they're built like tanks, by true American craftspeople -- people who obviously take pride in their work just like the folks across the pond at Aero.

When you can get a Vanson for $100 less than a similarly styled Schott, I can't imagine buying the Schott.

 

[xOUTLAWx]

Yeah, that was a few months ago, in repsonse to questions on here re why no fit picks. Aeros' experience was whatever demographic you have model it, you put off the others. Tricky one for any company with a varied market base...



Yeah, Thurston are after a very specific fit... their house style seems to be long and tight - more so on either count that would be comfrotable to me. I do like my jackets neat, but not skintight... There's a happy medium, I think, even for biking - it doesn't have to be either a skinsuit or a leather tent.



Ironically in my estimation the Schotts are probably the better jackets, but yes the photos don't do them justice at all. Surprised me, actually - it's the polar opposite of the Ramone Fit which was so much a part of their heritage....

(FWIW, I rather like the design of the Belstaffr being worn by the bearded hipster on the bottom right; looks for all the world like a Lewis Lightning made from sheepskin...)



It's a tricky one. There is always the angfer of pricing yourself out of an established market. On the other hand, perceived value counts for a lot. Back in 1986 when Henry Juszkiewicz and his team bought over gibson Guitars, the company was three months away from closure. Les Pauls were deeply, deeply unfashionable; they could barely sell them. Henry's response was to double the price and push the "heritage brand" angle. Made a mint. Sometimes a sizeable market really can be convinced that because something costs a certain amount, it must be worth a certain amount. I've seen this tactic work in a lot of different businesses including even software). It creates a perceived exclusivity - "this is an expensive product that not everyone can have...", and people really do buy into that. Literally. Gucci did the opposite at a time - put the brand on too many things, diluted its perceived value, and down went demand....

It'll be a pity, imo, if Schott shoots way up in price, as it was always a nice product, a sort of "entry level" to a serious leather jacket imo. It'll be interesting to see what happens to used prices; I've seem both Aero and Eastman second hand prices go up markedly as the price of the new jackets has risen.

Good point Edward, I remember that tactic being used for a few products/brands. With that said I just placed an order on a 141 since it had a 100$ rebate on the previous mrsp. Rather get one before they get too rich for my blood.

 

[Plumbline]

Have to agree that the Vanson offering is significantly better value ( from a MC jacket perspective) than the Schott offering ( both quality and construction) .... although I don't really see Vanson as a fashion brand whereas I DO see Schott as one ( and have done for many years)

 

[Seb Lucas]

I like Schott products but that's a bloody awful website and the fit on those jackets is often bizarre.

 

[LouisBailie]

Schott has evolved into a very high markup retailing semi mass produced jackets, that fit like crap. Their "list prices" are a flat joke.

Just last year we bought new 118s for 575 each list price 900. This year we bought 689HHs for 500 each, list price 900.

Anyone wanting a new Schott jacket I can give you the names of 2 of their retailers that discount very heavily. They order direct then drop ship direct. You better find one of the models you want to buy and try it on because the sizing is all over the place. Even between the same models from different lots. If you need something modified forget it with Schott. You are better off selling and starting with a different jacket.

Vanson on the other hand is great . Anything they offer, you want to change something you send it into repairs and describe what you want done and they do it. Their prices are up there about the same as Aero but getting repairs or alterations done are much faster and cheaper.

I just had a Vanson Hardcore model remade with larger lower front arms and dual buckles on the rear instead of the lace up crap, cost was 125.00 took 4 weeks. I have a Manx going in for alteration to the waist bands, adding 2 adjustable buckles on each side cost 65-70 bucks...

On Vanson one should add 1 size to all competition type jackets if you do not lay down on a bike to ride it, and size up if you wear more than a tee or single layer under it. Their lines that are for "non riders" are fuller cut and are very heavy 6-7 lbs a jacket. Bullet proof compared to Schott.

I wear a early 90 Schott 118 in size 54 with the belt tightened up and wear a Vanson in either 50 with out a streamliner or 52 with a Streamliner. The Schott weight about 4.5 lbs the Vansons are all over 6.5 lbs with much thicker heavier duty leather.

Aeros weigh 7 lbs with their shearling linings and 6 with just insulated, Then Langlitz weight 7 plus also.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I particularly like the lighter Schott hides. I have a 660 cafe racer in light cow (2.5oz) and it's more than heavy enough - heavier than a classic Brimaco or Brooks cafe racer jackets, in fact. I don't ride, so heavy hides are no use to me.

 

[davyjones007]

Wow! Schott prices just seem to go up and up and up over the last couple of years. I wanted to purchase a HH Cafe racer in a tall size a few years ago from them. I thought it was pricey at $450. It looks like most of their prices have almost doubled since then. Looks like I will stick with my Aero FQHH HB. I have to agree that Vanson makes a much better, functional bike jacket. I say that since you can get armor installed on said jackets and tailored fit.