Aero Leather Barnstormer in brown FQHH

[Smithy]

Hi all,

Rather chuffed to say the least as I got an Aero Leather Barnstormer in brown FQHH today. It's a size 40 and has the cotton drill lining (which is exactly what I wanted) rather than the alpaca one. It's had two owners prior to myself but was hardly used by both. It is absolutely beautiful and I was fortunate to pick this up for under a quarter of the price of a brand new one! It is also the perfect fit.

Sorry the photos aren't the greatest - took these quickly and it's also a new camera (I'll try and post some better ones later).

This is my first Aero jacket and I am enormously impressed, the leather and workmanship are incredible. This is also my first FQHH jacket and I am surprised by how this is softer than I expected, it's stiffish and fairly heavy but not the suit of armour type that I've heard from others - perhaps mine is a thinner batch or even the shaved FQHH?

Anyway I love it!

 

[frussell]

That is an absolutely kickass jacket, no doubt about it. Congratulations. The Barnstormer is the model that first got me interested in Aero, and it's still my favorite of all their models, new ones included. Wear it in good health, you scored. Frank

 

[Smithy]

Thanks for the kind words Frank, needless to say I have a big grin on my face today.

Wore it out earlier to take my daughter for a walk in some drizzly weather and a chill wind and it was just the ticket

 

[Cooperson]

Great find! The Barnstormer is one serious chunk of horsehide that not many could wear. For a first Aero you've jumped right into the deep end Its a real beauty though, nice even colour and hardly looks worn at all.

Would like to see it being worn, if you get the chance. Enjoy!

 

[eggleman]

Welcome to the Aero owners club !
warning though ... it can become very addictive ..
I've recently bought my 4th Barnstormer (counting the one with a shawl collar)
It'll fit even better as it molds to you over time.
As you've no doubt read elsewhere , don't be gentle with it ..Enjoy!

 

[Smithy]

Thanks Cooperson and Eggleman!

I can see now why people have been going a bit doolally over Aero's FQHH, it really is a magnificent hide. Mine really seems to have been hardly worn so I think I'm pretty lucky to find this, and the fit really is bang on.

I'll take some more snaps in the next day or so (and being worn ) and I promise I won't baby her!

Cheers chaps,

Tim

 

[Sir Jacket]

Lovely jacket. Would be great to see it worn in decent light, outside.

It's definitely one of Aero's more beautiful jackets. I would fear back strain but I know the weight of the longer jackets doesn't faze some people.

SJ

 

[Smithy]

Lovely jacket. Would be great to see it worn in decent light, outside.

It's definitely one of Aero's more beautiful jackets. I would fear back strain but I know the weight of the longer jackets doesn't faze some people.

SJ

Thanks SJ. I find mine a doddle to wear, not sure whether that's because it doesn't have the alpaca lining or whether the FQHH is from a lighter batch or if it's that shaved FQHH that Aero offered. What's the usual weight for a Barnstormer? Mine is around 2.7kg.

In the space of 10 seconds of putting it on this has become my favourite jacket by a long chalk. I can see myself splashing out on Aeros again that's for sure!

By the way, does anyone know what sort of date this would have been made? The label appears different from the current Aero labels.

 

[Sloan1874]

I always think the thing with the Barnstormer is that, with the belt tied, it loads some of the weight on to your hips.

 

[wdw]

Good buy. Looking forward to the fit pics.

I feel that the weight thing is often overplayed. This 2.7kg is almost identical to my 38" Stockman, which doesn't bother me at all. The really heavy weights we often hear about (3.5kg upwards) seem to be usually steer (knowingly or not), which I gather is a different beast entirely.

I see FQHH as a lighter alternative for a hard-wearing jacket. I'd be interested to know how mid-weight horse and goat compare to FQHH weight-wise.

 

[Smithy]

I always think the thing with the Barnstormer is that, with the belt tied, it loads some of the weight on to your hips.

Can't say that mine does that. Though that might be because of the lack of the heavy lining. The cotton drill is really lovely, sturdy but not cumbersome.

 

[Smithy]

Good buy. Looking forward to the fit pics.

I feel that the weight thing is often overplayed. This 2.7kg is almost identical to my 38" Stockman, which doesn't bother me at all. The really heavy weights we often hear about (3.5kg upwards) seem to be usually steer (knowingly or not), which I gather is a different beast entirely.

I see FQHH as a lighter alternative for a hard-wearing jacket. I'd be interested to know how mid-weight horse and goat compare to FQHH weight-wise.

Thanks wdw for confirming that my Barnstormer (for its lining) is normal weight. I actually already find it comfy to wear, I don't notice the weight in the slightest.

 

[Fanch]

Congratulations on a great FQHH jacket, infrequently found as a bargain such as what you discovered.

 

[Dude59]

Congratulations on an awesome jacket, I love the style although I'm not particularly comfortable in long jackets. Also kudos on the great name.

Tim

 

[repo]

Thanks SJ. I find mine a doddle to wear, not sure whether that's because it doesn't have the alpaca lining or whether the FQHH is from a lighter batch or if it's that shaved FQHH that Aero offered. What's the usual weight for a Barnstormer? Mine is around 2.7kg.

In the space of 10 seconds of putting it on this has become my favourite jacket by a long chalk. I can see myself splashing out on Aeros again that's for sure!

By the way, does anyone know what sort of date this would have been made? The label appears different from the current Aero labels.

Mine is a few years old with alpaca which I don't think is a heavy lining at all - quite the reverse. I read somewhere that the brown alpaca has recently been upgraded and is now a heavier weight. I have the same label which I requested. Well done for finding such a nice jacket for a great price!

 

[Smithy]

Thanks Fanch, Dude59 and repo.

And repo thanks for the info on the label.

One question for those in the know, I've heard it said that Aero's FQHH doesn't need any sort of leather food or conditioner, and that you should just let it be. Is this correct? It certainly doesn't need it at the mo but in the long term is it true that you just let this hide do its own thing?

Cheers,

Tim

 

[Worf]

Aye that's a beauty! More pics please with you in it!!!! The only thing I'd change is the collar. For some reason nothing says "Barnstormer" to me like a mouton or fur collar! If you know me at all you know I'm a big fan of getting quality used coats. I'd rather see em on somebody's back than the back of somebody's closet. Good score!

Worf!

 

[Smithy]

Aye that's a beauty! More pics please with you in it!!!! The only thing I'd change is the collar. For some reason nothing says "Barnstormer" to me like a mouton or fur collar! If you know me at all you know I'm a big fan of getting quality used coats. I'd rather see em on somebody's back than the back of somebody's closet. Good score!

Worf!

Thanks Worf, maybe a fur collar on the next one

 

[Davy Crockett]

Great score Smithy! I agree with wdw that Aero Horse is extremely wearable and the suit of armour thing is way over hyped, enjoy your jacket it will certainly lead to more!

D

 

[ButteMT61]

Getting a barely worn FQHH jacket with a little wear is a huge score. Congrats. Getting someone(s) else to start the hard part may be smart. Maybe even a business. lol
Look forward to pics of you wearing.