Freewheelers vs. The Real McCoys vs. Vanson Cross Zip Jackets

[dudewuttheheck]

There is also a brown one. I much prefered the look of that one over the natural.

That's true, although I don't know if that one is in stock at all.

It comes with a good story, having been found from sea wreck and all... That being said the original Russian calf was not embossed if memory serves.


You could get another maker to do it for you in the leather of your choosing.

I actually tried that once and it didn't work out... but that is true.

I have a weird relationship with anything with a shawl collar. I sold two full counts because of it. I just couldn’t get comfortable with it. I love the way it looks but can’t find much peace wearing one. I have been tempted a million times to try one I’m leather but am sincerely glad I have not. Just can’t do it. FWIW, I think yours looked brilliant. Outstanding fit.

Thanks. I know it fit well, I just didn't love it as a black jacket. I like the Vanson more. It's got more "attitude" or something like that. I did love my Himel grizzly... that had a shawl collar andci only sold that one because it no longer fit me.

 

[red devil]

I actually tried that once and it didn't work out... but that is true.

If it is something you would like to attempt again, I am sure we can find a better maker for the job who will get you a much better result.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

If it is something you would like to attempt again, I am sure we can find a better maker for the job who will get you a much better result.

It wasn't on the maker... it was on me haha. I did a terrible job giving proper measurements. The maker hit the measurements I gave perfectly, but they were WAY too big.

 

[red devil]

It wasn't on the maker... it was on me haha. I did a terrible job giving proper measurements. The maker hit the measurements I gave perfectly, but they were WAY too big.

Happened to me as well, I ended up with a jacket a size too big. Luckily it went to someone who wore it very well.

Best would be to go for measurements and fittings with a mock up.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Happened to me as well, I ended up with a jacket a size too big. Luckily it went to someone who wore it very well.

Best would be to go for measurements and fittings with a mock up.

Worst part is I did go for a mock up, but the mock up felt good... but was too big. I messed up so much on that jacket.

 

[El Marro]

Worst part is I did go for a mock up, but the mock up felt good... but was too big. I messed up so much on that jacket.

That’s rough!
I can see it happening too because I know right away when something is too small for me but sometimes it takes a little while for it to sink in that something is just too big.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

That’s rough!
I can see it happening too because I know right away when something is too small for me but sometimes it takes a little while for it to sink in that something is just too big.

Exactly. When it's too big it feels comfortable. It's like the shoulders on this La Brea. I didn't really notice at first because it felt fine... it feels like one of my most comfortable jackets, but it just doesn't look right.

 

[morrison2951]

Tight is right.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Tight is right.

That's what I've learned. If it feels a little too tight, then that's the right size... at least for me.

 

[HarryLime]

I still think that La Brea looks good on you, lol. If mine ends up fitting like yours, I'll be happy.

 

[red devil]

That's what I've learned. If it feels a little too tight, then that's the right size... at least for me.

Not sure about that one tbh, this one doesn't feel tight

 

[Aloysius]

It might hold if the reference is to the jacket feels slightly too snug in a completely unworn state (so not at all broken in) especially with a stiff leather. In other words, where you find yourself fighting the leather, but not the pattern.

 

[red devil]

It might hold if the reference is to the jacket feels slightly too snug in a completely unworn state (so not at all broken in) especially with a stiff leather. In other words, where you find yourself fighting the leather, but not the pattern.

Not as much snug as uncomprimising I would say. Doesn't only apply to jackets lol

 

[marker2037]

@dudewuttheheck there has been some good discussion over the past weekend here. You certainly have a lot to take in, however I often find that you are just running around in circles trying to find the perfect fit, the perfect leather, the perfect stitching, the perfect color, etc. that you lose yourself in this whirlwind you've created and all of a sudden jump ship too soon on something only to create a new cycle.

In my opinion, not everything has to be perfect, fit perfect, look perfect. You can have a jacket that fits looser or longer for occasions where you might need extra layering or lower, mid-rise pants. You can have a jacket that has stitching that is less than perfect and a leather and liner which is not as high-end if you want a jacket to just beat up and throw around.

My point is that you're never ending search of perfection is a fool's errand and in the end you'll most often just be disappointed because you're setting unreachable expectations. I've seen many jackets you've owned that have looked great on you, only for you to put them up for sale as some little something was bugging you.

 

[El Marro]

@dudewuttheheck there has been some good discussion over the past weekend here. You certainly have a lot to take in, however I often find that you are just running around in circles trying to find the perfect fit, the perfect leather, the perfect stitching, the perfect color, etc. that you lose yourself in this whirlwind you've created and all of a sudden jump ship too soon on something only to create a new cycle.

In my opinion, not everything has to be perfect, fit perfect, look perfect. You can have a jacket that fits looser or longer for occasions where you might need extra layering or lower, mid-rise pants. You can have a jacket that has stitching that is less than perfect and a leather and liner which is not as high-end if you want a jacket to just beat up and throw around.

My point is that you're never ending search of perfection is a fool's errand and in the end you'll most often just be disappointed because you're setting unreachable expectations. I've seen many jackets you've owned that have looked great on you, only for you to put them up for sale as some little something was bugging you.

I would say that this applies to almost everyone here to some extent. I am certainly guilty of going 100% in on a jacket only to be distracted by another one shortly afterwards.
I agree with the idea that it may be foolish to cast great jackets aside in pursuit of the greatest jacket, because there is no such thing. I’m not sure that it’s fair to single @dudewuttheheck out though because he is on the same road as we are and that road goes on forever…

 

[sweetfights]

Take a jacket you originally loved or really liked: most of us cast it aside after a few months or years because of that "lack of perfection". Place that same jacket/same fit on a celebrity in a cool movie role, and viola, you have an outstanding jacket that is adored by the masses. We are cut from the same cloth, more or less, around here. Sprinkle in some OCD and you have an enjoyable/frustrating hobby. But we all look pretty damn good to 99% of the world.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

I would say that this applies to almost everyone here to some extent. I am certainly guilty of going 100% in on a jacket only to be distracted by another one shortly afterwards.
I agree with the idea that it may be foolish to cast great jackets aside in pursuit of the greatest jacket, because there is no such thing. I’m not sure that it’s fair to single @dudewuttheheck out though because he is on the same road as we are and that road goes on forever…

I was going down this road too. Caught myself literally looking in the mirror over some stupid thing one day. Realized I was so focused on buying the next instead of enjoying what was already in the closet and was already gluttonous on all levels. Once I just started wearing what I had, a lot of them started to evolve and stuff I didn't like as much, now I liked more. I still step on a landmine and get sucked in by a good price or good looking jacket that I don't need, but I think im headed in the right direction. Baby steps. But on the other hand, there's a lot worse things to waste time and money on, so ultimately do what makes you happy. For the record though, I'm using these la brea pics to spec out my Field Leather. Was really surprised to see you sell and say it didn't fit right.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

@dudewuttheheck there has been some good discussion over the past weekend here. You certainly have a lot to take in, however I often find that you are just running around in circles trying to find the perfect fit, the perfect leather, the perfect stitching, the perfect color, etc. that you lose yourself in this whirlwind you've created and all of a sudden jump ship too soon on something only to create a new cycle.

In my opinion, not everything has to be perfect, fit perfect, look perfect. You can have a jacket that fits looser or longer for occasions where you might need extra layering or lower, mid-rise pants. You can have a jacket that has stitching that is less than perfect and a leather and liner which is not as high-end if you want a jacket to just beat up and throw around.

My point is that you're never ending search of perfection is a fool's errand and in the end you'll most often just be disappointed because you're setting unreachable expectations. I've seen many jackets you've owned that have looked great on you, only for you to put them up for sale as some little something was bugging you.

You're not wrong. It is a fool's errand, but I kind of enjoy being that fool on that errand. That search is fun for me. I learn a lot by trying these jackets and by getting feedback from everyone as well.

I know I'm making mistakes, but I enjoy doing it this way.

 

[El Marro]

I was going down this road too. Caught myself literally looking in the mirror over some stupid thing one day. Realized I was so focused on buying the next instead of enjoying what was already in the closet and was already gluttonous on all levels. Once I just started wearing what I had, a lot of them started to evolve and stuff I didn't like as much, now I liked more. I still step on a landmine and get sucked in by a good price or good looking jacket that I don't need, but I think im headed in the right direction. Baby steps. But on the other hand, there's a lot worse things to waste time and money on, so ultimately do what makes you happy. For the record though, I'm using these la brea pics to spec out my Field Leather. Was really surprised to see you sell and say it didn't fit right.

For me this comes and goes in phases. At the moment I am pretty happy with what I have in the collection and I have actually been wearing the Storm Riders a lot more than the leathers for the last month or so. I never know when this will change though, and all of a sudden I find myself with two jackets on order and a third one calling my name.

 

[navetsea]

I used to think your jackets were a bit too long for the type and the way you cuffed your jeans is a bit too high, short jackets look much better on you.

on separate topic I also think Red Devil's jeans there is at perfect length.