Double Helix Works?

[BloodEagle]

I’ve been contemplating a cross zip and have wanted a D-Pocket for ages. I was planning to have one made for me (semi custom) by Johnson Leathers in their Phantom horsehide but the Double Helix Innovator kept calling to me so I thought I should check one out before making a final decision.

I drove to a shop in Los Angeles yesterday to see Double Helix in person. I tried on this Deviant model (same pattern as the Innovator) and I can’t believe how well it fits right off the rack. The leather is gorgeous too.

I’ve only seen JL here on the forum, never in person. For those of you who have experience with both JL and DH, how would you compare the two in terms of quality? The price from JL is almost identical to what I would pay for the DH. Thanks!
Jon
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Looks great - you should get it

 

[JonS1967]

Looks great - you should get it

Thank you!

I started communicating with Johnson Leathers and then I remembered how much I liked the Double Helix Innovator so I’ve been wondering if there is a big advantage to one over the other.

From my experience trying on the DH jacket the other day, seems like I can’t go wrong with DH, but I’m expecting a leather sample from JL to arrive any day and I’ve been wanting one of their jackets for some time so I’m thinking I should at least check out the sample before making a decision.

So it’s sort of going to be a decision between JL‘s Phantom Italian horsehide and DH’s proprietary Nita horsehide. At the moment, DH has the advantage because I’ve seen their leather on an entire jacket, rather than a small sample like I’ll get from JL, and the jacket fit me exactly how I would want it to. The construction is incredible as well. I’ve never seen a JL on the flesh, although I assume the construction quality is comparable.

I’ve been emailing DH in Japan directly and their customer service has been fantastic,. They answer my questions promptly and have been very helpful. I found out that I can add a removable mouton collar and make basic modifications (like omitting belt loops, or the pockets on the back of the jacket ) without much fuss. And it turns out it’s somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 less to buy directly from Japan.

On the other hand, the guys at JL are amazing as well. They aren’t quite as responsive, but they are a small operation and it’s harder for them to field phone calls and emails while making jackets. Their price is almost identical to DH and I know they will build a beautiful jacket for me to the same specifications. Plus, I can easily add a detail like a western yoke on the back if I want whereas this would not be possible with DH without considerable expense.

At the end of the day, it’s good to have options.

 

[Zoro]

I’ve been contemplating a cross zip and have wanted a D-Pocket for ages. I was planning to have one made for me (semi custom) by Johnson Leathers in their Phantom horsehide but the Double Helix Innovator kept calling to me so I thought I should check one out before making a final decision.

I drove to a shop in Los Angeles yesterday to see Double Helix in person. I tried on this Deviant model (same pattern as the Innovator) and I can’t believe how well it fits right off the rack. The leather is gorgeous too.

I’ve only seen JL here on the forum, never in person. For those of you who have experience with both JL and DH, how would you compare the two in terms of quality? The price from JL is almost identical to what I would pay for the DH. Thanks!
Jon
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If I try on a jacket and looks so good on me, I would struggle not to leave the store with it and consider JL for something different that might not be as good fitting off the rack.

 

[JonS1967]

If I try on a jacket and looks so good on me, I would struggle not to leave the store with it and consider JL for something different that might not be as good fitting off the rack.

That’s a great point, the only thing is with JL they will make me a muslin fit jacket first to ensure a perfect fit so that’s been tugging at me. But you’re right, it fits me perfectly and it’s the leather/zippers I want so I think I’m going to order it. I’ll buy directly from DH because I want the D-pocket version and the shop doesn’t carry it. Plus, Matsuda said he can make me a detachable mouton collar for it as well.

 

[JonS1967]

I’m in the process of ordering the jacket now. Matsuda at DH has been a pleasure to work with. The website states it ships in about 45 days. I’m beyond excited about this jacket. I’ve been wanting a D-Pocket for over 20 years.

 

[panhead_dave]

Just received my first direct DH order last week and I’m super happy with it. Placed my order 4/14 and received 5/19, Tokyo to Eastern U.S. This is my second DH jacket, but first direct order. Ordering direct is the way to go, in my opinion, as long as you’re sure about the fit.

 

[JonS1967]

Just received my first direct DH order last week and I’m super happy with it. Placed my order 4/14 and received 5/19, Tokyo to Eastern U.S. This is my second DH jacket, but first direct order. Ordering direct is the way to go, in my opinion, as long as you’re sure about the fit.

Wow, that’s really fast turnaround! Please post some photos when you have a moment. I would love to see what you got.

 

[bootsonatrain]

@panhead_dave did you get hit with tarifs? what was the total paid for your jacket?

 

[JonS1967]

@panhead_dave did you get hit with tarifs? what was the total paid for your jacket?

I don’t believe there was a tariff applied to my order.

 

[Jiaward]

I don’t believe there was a tariff applied to my order.

That’ll hit on the way over.

 

[bootsonatrain]

That’ll hit on the way over.

does the tariff bill come a few days after delivery?

 

[Jiantle]

does the tariff bill come a few days after delivery?

That will depend on the company that is handling shipping. I know couriers like DHL will start the customs declaration process on your behalf while the package is in transit and bill you for duties before sending the package to you.

Edit: typo

 

[Welts and Wefts]

I’m in the process of ordering the jacket now. Matsuda at DH has been a pleasure to work with. The website states it ships in about 45 days. I’m beyond excited about this jacket. I’ve been wanting a D-Pocket for over 20 years.

FWIW my DH was bang on that timeframe. If it looks good and you know it fits I say go for it

 

[JonS1967]

FWIW my DH was bang on that timeframe. If it looks good and you know it fits I say go for it

That’s good to know, thanks for sharing your experience. I added a removable brown mouton collar so I’m assuming mine will take the full 45 days. I’m super excited!

Which model did you get? What are your impressions? Pictures?

 

[Jiaward]

does the tariff bill come a few days after delivery?

I've always had the exact same experience as @Jiantle aboves answer.

 

[Welts and Wefts]

That’s good to know, thanks for sharing your experience. I added a removable brown mouton collar so I’m assuming mine will take the full 45 days. I’m super excited!

Which model did you get? What are your impressions? Pictures?

I got a black horsehide type 1 about 3 years ago, then I recently got a Cossack jacket in brown suede

 

[JonS1967]

I got a black horsehide type 1 about 3 years ago, then I recently got a Cossack jacket in brown suede View attachment 707532

Wow! Two beautiful jackets! Of course it’s 80° out here today so jacket wearing season is probably done until fall, but I still cannot wait to get my jacket!

I’m assuming you’re happy with your jackets? Aside from acknowledging the receipt of my order, nothing much has happened over the last few days, but I’m assuming that’s normal.

 

[Welts and Wefts]

Wow! Two beautiful jackets! Of course it’s 80° out here today so jacket wearing season is probably done until fall, but I still cannot wait to get my jacket!

I’m assuming you’re happy with your jackets? Aside from acknowledging the receipt of my order, nothing much has happened over the last few days, but I’m assuming that’s normal.

Yeah, they’re great. Well built, nicely patterned. The horsehide is very stiff, fair warning.
Don’t worry about no contact , you’ll probably hear nothing until you get a shipping notification in 5 weeks.
Luckily for me I’m in the southern hemisphere so jacket season is just kicking off

 

[JonS1967]

Yeah, they’re great. Well built, nicely patterned. The horsehide is very stiff, fair warning.
Don’t worry about no contact , you’ll probably hear nothing until you get a shipping notification in 5 weeks.
Luckily for me I’m in the southern hemisphere so jacket season is just kicking off

Thanks for the feedback! I’m super excited. The jacket I tried on the leather didn’t seem terribly stiff for that type of horse side, in fact, it seemed really comfortable.. you’re lucky to be starting jacket season. Lol I’m not really fond of hot weather so the next few months will be trying for me. First world problems. i’ll keep this thread updated as things progress.

 

[Jaymig926]

Anyone have the western cowboy two in black
Thinking of picking it up but haven’t seen anyone post picks wearing it
Had the western pioneer which was amazing but something about it didn’t hit me 100%