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Vanson C2 vs Schott 618hh

01flhr

A-List Customer
Messages
369
Yeah I think most racing teams are wearing vanson but not a double rider. It’s kind of outdated for that anyways. I would think the C2 and the 618 are similar in that regard other than cut being more generous in the vanson
All vansons jackets are built the same though, theyre still built with the same safety in mind. Protective gear doesnt do any good if it shreds in a getoff. Im not saying a schott will, but a vanson wont.
 

Tom71

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,941
Location
Europe
How do you size the jacket? My chest is between 41-42” and I was thinking of getting the 618 in a 42. It measures 23” pit to pit according to Schott. I figure a 4ish inch ease should be pretty trim but I can still wear a sweatshirt under it

I have posted measurements for a new size 44 on the 613SH/618HH thread. I am aware that Schott fiinds 0,5" more in the chest, but I don´t know how.

I have a 42" chest and feel, I couldn´t size down with my sizing preferences. Depending on how you are build and how tight-fitting you like your jackets, you might get away with a 42, but it will be tight and short.

I do find the Schott size calculator a good departure point.
 

Highwayman64

Familiar Face
Messages
56
I have posted measurements for a new size 44 on the 613SH/618HH thread. I am aware that Schott fiinds 0,5" more in the chest, but I don´t know how.

I have a 42" chest and feel, I couldn´t size down with my sizing preferences. Depending on how you are build and how tight-fitting you like your jackets, you might get away with a 42, but it will be tight and short.

I do find the Schott size calculator a good departure point.
Interesting, so Schott says that a 44 is 48” pit to pit but you found it to be 47”. They also said the 42 is 46” pit to pit so I wonder if it’s really 45”
 

Tom71

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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3,941
Location
Europe
I guess P2P is the one measurement that´s hard to pin down, as one needes to make sure to pull put all material directly under the armpits. It´s a bit fiddly at times.
On the other hand, once I am sure the jacket is absolutely flat (no excess material folded under), I don´t exercise additional pull on the leather.

I would assume that Schott takes their measurements directly from the patterns (paper or cut up leather), which would give a dead-on number but one which is very hard (impossible) to replicate in a completed jacket.
 

Highwayman64

Familiar Face
Messages
56
I guess P2P is the one measurement that´s hard to pin down, as one needes to make sure to pull put all material directly under the armpits. It´s a bit fiddly at times.
On the other hand, once I am sure the jacket is absolutely flat (no excess material folded under), I don´t exercise additional pull on the leather.

I would assume that Schott takes their measurements directly from the patterns (paper or cut up leather), which would give a dead-on number but one which is very hard (impossible) to replicate in a completed jacket.
That would make sense. They can just measure the panels. If I do end up ordering a Schott, at least they have a free exchange in case I get the wrong size
 

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
If you haven’t ordered a jacket yet, may I suggest contacting Vanson directly for a custom order? You could start by having them send you the sizes that are closest to your perfect fit to see which one fits you better. From there, you can give them your measurements and you can have them dial in the fit for you better. Additionally, you can have them do a one panel back if you don’t like the two panels. From what I understand, the two panels have more to do with fit than anything else, and it is not considered a downgrade. However, I like a one piece back better myself and would order one that way. Its a 15% of charge to make the jacket, especially for you. That still might be cheaper than the shot. Just my two cents. Good luck with whatever you pick. You can’t go wrong either way.

I almost forgot to mention that you can send them the leather of your choice and they will make a jacket out of that for you.
 
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JackBroChill

A-List Customer
Messages
360
For both the Schott and Vanson options, I’d look at the used market. Especially for Vanson. The new CW is corrected and sanded, the older CW is the nicest leather I’ve ever seen.
And since both models are quite common, you can easily find them used for a lot less than they cost new (especially big difference for Schott).
Anyone have any suggestions on where to find used Vanson?

I've posted about this elsewhere before but as someone very casually looking for an older C2, it's pretty shocking how little supply there seems to be on the market outside of Japan where it's tiny sizes listed at double what a new one would cost.

Even here or on eBay, it's very rare to find a C2 in a 44 or 42, which is pretty surprising to me. Whereas you can throw a rock and hit a dozen Schott' 618/613s secondhand for a bargain (618hh is not as common but certainly not rare either).

Of course, Schott probably produces far more jackets and so there's the supply reality but I also can't help but think that Vanson's tend to be beloved by their owners and they don't feel like giving them up!
 

Mrfrown

One Too Many
Messages
1,783
Your C2 looks great. I did see his but he didn’t have my size. I would prefer a struck through black and not a tea core leather. Maybe I’ll just get a vintage 618 and use the savings on a pair of Nicks engineers
I’ll be doing a run in a non-teacore black this coming year. I got some samples of Horween telluride which are absolutely stunning, so will probably go with that.

@01flhr unfortunately I have zero control over the algo but if you find me annoying, I take full responsibility lol

To the topic at hand:
I do find the C2 to be roomier than the equivalent size 618- the arms are bigger, the action back is more effective etc. I made a video comparing them by wearing both and moving around if you have interest in a demonstration it’s under the name American Legends Face Off Schott 618 vs Vanson C2.

The lapels and other items have mostly been discussed. I find I mostly wear the C2 without the belt, but it’s never been a bother to have the belt on the 618.

Thanks for the tag @Tom71 I haven’t been as active here lately but I should do something about that!
 

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
I’ll be doing a run in a non-teacore black this coming year. I got some samples of Horween telluride which are absolutely stunning, so will probably go with that.

@01flhr unfortunately I have zero control over the algo but if you find me annoying, I take full responsibility lol

To the topic at hand:
I do find the C2 to be roomier than the equivalent size 618- the arms are bigger, the action back is more effective etc. I made a video comparing them by wearing both and moving around if you have interest in a demonstration it’s under the name American Legends Face Off Schott 618 vs Vanson C2.

The lapels and other items have mostly been discussed. I find I mostly wear the C2 without the belt, but it’s never been a bother to have the belt on the 618.

Thanks for the tag @Tom71 I haven’t been as active here lately but I should do something about that!
I would like to say that I really enjoy and appreciate your videos. You’re one of the good guys. Thanks for all you do, Del!
 

Highwayman64

Familiar Face
Messages
56
I’ll be doing a run in a non-teacore black this coming year. I got some samples of Horween telluride which are absolutely stunning, so will probably go with that.

@01flhr unfortunately I have zero control over the algo but if you find me annoying, I take full responsibility lol

To the topic at hand:
I do find the C2 to be roomier than the equivalent size 618- the arms are bigger, the action back is more effective etc. I made a video comparing them by wearing both and moving around if you have interest in a demonstration it’s under the name American Legends Face Off Schott 618 vs Vanson C2.

The lapels and other items have mostly been discussed. I find I mostly wear the C2 without the belt, but it’s never been a bother to have the belt on the 618.

Thanks for the tag @Tom71 I haven’t been as active here lately but I should do something about that!
Your videos have been helpful although I ordered a new 618hh in a size 42 and I could barely fit my arms in it lol. I have the size exchange coming tomorrow. Still not sure if I’ll keep it or not. May just send it back and find a used one instead. This way I can upgrade my winter coat for my chicago winters
 

Mrfrown

One Too Many
Messages
1,783
Your videos have been helpful although I ordered a new 618hh in a size 42 and I could barely fit my arms in it lol. I have the size exchange coming tomorrow. Still not sure if I’ll keep it or not. May just send it back and find a used one instead. This way I can upgrade my winter coat for my chicago winters
Yeah arm size is tricky. I couldn’t really wear the ELMC Californian I got because they were way too slim for me but obviously lots of folks have no problem

Good luck getting a good fit!
 

Mrfrown

One Too Many
Messages
1,783
Luckily youtube has a block feature. It was well beyond the algorithm, almost like youre promoting your videos or something.
Hate to break it to you man, but I did no such thing. Youtube must just really think you'd like my stuff!
In any case, you've landed on a great solution, and I have no desire to further derail the thread.
Have a good one
 

Highwayman64

Familiar Face
Messages
56
The 618hh came in the mail today. I originally had a 42 but couldn’t fit my arms in it and had to have help getting it off. Now I have the 44 and the waist seems really wide. Does it sit better with wear or is this a bad cut
 

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01flhr

A-List Customer
Messages
369
I cant tell in the picture, the belts cinched all the way in? Ive never had leather get tighter with age. I think you just need something more tapered down.
 

jchance

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,204
Location
LA
While I’d consider 1950s-or-earlier Schott, I generally consider modern Schott a mass-market brand. In contrast, I have Vanson C2 as my saved search on eBay. ‘nuff said.
 
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Highwayman64

Familiar Face
Messages
56
Here’s some better pics. I did cinch the waist down too far I think
 

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Highwayman64

Familiar Face
Messages
56
While I’d consider 1950s-or-earlier Schott, I generally consider modern Schott a mass-market brand. In contrast, I have Vanson C2 as my saved search on eBay. ‘nuff said.
The only issue I have with the c2 is the two piece back. I also don’t like the wider lapels. It was between this one and the c2 but I ultimately wanted horsehide too
 

JonS1967

Practically Family
Messages
720
Location
San Diego
The only issue I have with the c2 is the two piece back. I also don’t like the wider lapels. It was between this one and the c2 but I ultimately wanted horsehide too
You can order directly through Vanson with a one piece back panel. You can even provide horse hide (from Horween) and they’ll make the jacket for you. I personally prefer the C2 cut, but by that’s just me.
 

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