Vanson Chopper Sizing

[rambler44]

Hi all: Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I’m looking to get a Vanson Chopper. I’m typically a 38 or 40. I’m wondering if anyone has a sense whether they run small or bigger. I’m looking at one of the numbered sizes originally from Thurston Bros I think.

 

[Tom71]

Thurston Brothers posts measurements on their stock models. You get a good feel about how they fare.

I bought a Chopper in 2017 via TB. I have a 42-43” chest (depending on diet) and wear a size 42 Chopper.
Based on my experience it runs smaller than the model B but bigger than the E. I’d call it pretty much true to size.

 

[rambler44]

Thurston Brothers posts measurements on their stock models. You get a good feel about how they fare.

I bought a Chopper in 2017 via TB. I have a 42-43” chest (depending on diet) and wear a size 42 Chopper.
Based on my experience it runs smaller than the model B but bigger than the E. I’d call it pretty much true to size.

Thanks—I appreciate the personal insight. I’ve had a few Vansons over the years both for on and off the bike. I’ve found some of the sizes to be really different between models. I’ll give that chart on Thurston Bros a more closer scrutiny.

 

[TartuWolf]

I had a size "S" chopper, I suppose that means a 36.
It was definitely way too big for me in terms of shoulder width and back length. Pretty true to size in the chest / pits. Rather typical (in my case too large, like 95% of stock jackets) waist width.
So yeah, main take away from this model (compared to quite a few other Vanson jackets that I've owned) - unusually wide shoulders and very long back, at least for size S/36.

Vanson Chopper (X150) - Size S / 36 in EU

Decided to sell my Vanson Chopper that I wrote about in this post : https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/vanson-vanson-vanson.105617/post-3012293 You can find some fit photos there. Will add some jacket photos tomorrow or in the next few days. This is the Union Garage version of the Vanson...

www.thefedoralounge.com

 

[rambler44]

I had a size "S" chopper, I suppose that means a 36.
It was definitely way too big for me in terms of shoulder width and back length. Pretty true to size in the chest / pits. Rather typical (in my case too large, like 95% of stock jackets) waist width.
So yeah, main take away from this model (compared to quite a few other Vanson jackets that I've owned) - unusually wide shoulders and very long back, at least for size S/36.

http://[URL]https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/vanson-chopper-x150-size-s-36-in-eu.112232/

[/URL]

The shoulder width does seem pretty large in the measurements I've seen. I'm kind of attracted to it for that reason (hoping it creates space for some extra air movement when I'm on the motorcycle). It's definitely making the sizing tricky to figure out for sure. It looked great on you in the pics you shared in that old post you linked to, though.

 

[El Marro]

I have owned 6 or 7 Vansons, most of them in size 46. I too have noticed some variation between models but I always felt like 46 was the right size for me. My first Chopper is an XL (which would be a 48 according to Kim at Vanson). It is a little bigger than it should be but I know an L would have been too tight. I also own a custom Chopper which I did order in 46 and I would say it’s a bit trimmer and an inch shorter than I would like.

 

[TartuWolf]

The shoulder width does seem pretty large in the measurements I've seen. I'm kind of attracted to it for that reason (hoping it creates space for some extra air movement when I'm on the motorcycle). It's definitely making the sizing tricky to figure out for sure. It looked great on you in the pics you shared in that old post you linked to, though.

Yeah the shoulders make the top block very very comfortable, nice and roomy. The shoulder gussets are absolutely nuts on this model - I always look back to them when I want to show someone PERFECT shoulder gusset design/execution.
Be very careful with the body length in terms of actual riding. The one I had would make it impossible to use on bike (for me) based on the length.

 

[Khilij]

I have a 40 inch chest and I have a Size 40 chopper which I feel fits me well. That being said, I have to cinch the waist belts to their tightest setting to feel comfortable in it. I could probably fit a 38 but I wanted the extra room up top.

 

[Carlos840]

I have two choppers and they fit differently.

The first one is the Thurston Bro's model, in comp weight with the regular black lining, this one fits slightly larger than average for Vanson, it's large in the shoulders and the waist.

The second one is made from CXL HH and it fits a good size smaller, sleaves are noticeably tighter and so are the shoulders and waiste.

Both are labeled size 42 yet they feel like they are a different size...

 

[Tom71]

Generally, I dont think it´s a good idea to try to size down in the Chopper. Due to both the thick quilting on the neck/shoulder area and the super-stiff kidney panel, there is less give in the fabric than in other jackets.

This is - sadly - also a reason not too size up too much, as otherwise you have that "turtle in a shell" optics. I ordered mine online but after a VERY thorough pondering of the actual measurements invoilved.

 

[TartuWolf]

And I would never consider a Chopper for casual use (off-bike) due to the bonkers kidney panel and double side straps. It's purely an on bike model in my opinion.

 

[Tom71]

I actually quite like mine for casual use. Totally weather-, stab- and ******proof…

 

[polarWhite]

For your reference, I wear:

Schott 613SH in size 38
Schott 603USA in size 38
Schott Per28 in size S
Schott 619 in size S
Vanson x HD Cycle King in size S

For the Vanson Chopper, I wear size S