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Recently I lucked out and acquired a Lewis Leathers Super Phantom. Inquiring with LL revealed that this is the original 70's Phantom. I bought it through a local classified without even knowing for sure it's the real deal, until I opened the box.
Super Phantom would've been my second choice, the first being a Dominator, of course (or Corsair). Monza on the third place.
The jacket arrived in a horrendous state - not that it was damaged or anything, but it must've been hanging in a closet for at least a decade, as it was completely covered in dust and had spider cobwebs in the creases of the sleeves. I kid you not, I have photos of it!
The leather was also very stiff though not because it was dry but rather due to age.
Anyhow, after thoroughly cleaning the jacket and kicking the spiders out, I've applied two coats of Pecards (also per LL's recommendation - good to know) with a few days of wait in between. These are the results. You can see what the jacket originally looked, out of the box.
It not shiny because of the leather conditioner, BTW - that's just from getting the dust off! Also, the flash makes it shinier than it really is.
While the construction (stitching, etc.) is all around perfect, it is the leather that I am most amazed with. Thick, Vanson-grade heavy, bulletproof cowhide that gives the impression of being resistant to any sort of damage or wear. Obviously, in the 40 years it has existed, this jacket has seen a lot of use - however - I couldn't find a single scratch anywhere on it that I could point out. Crazy tough leather. On the other hand, it aged beautifully! This Phantom instantly became my favourite and I haven't left the house without it since it arrived.
Occasionally, a comment about LL becoming a 'fashion brand' would pop up here and there, comparing the quality of the old days to their recent stuff.
Now, while I cannot say for certain that the new(er) LL jackets retained that same quality, as I haven't handled their recent gear, I do however trust the reviews online, especially the two threads Carlos made, all of which tells me that they're still as great as they've always been - and I think that my 40 years old jacket speaks more than enough about the quality of Lewis Leathers.
I know this isn't exactly a super vintage find by TFL standards but it's just that I am really amazed with how nice this jacket is and also, the main point of this thread is to give LL more attention on TFL as they're one of very few manufacturers of the old days still in business, making classic designs, that didn't turn to crap - and because having witnessed the quality of LL firsthand, I can safely say that I have yet to see a finer motorcycle jacket, and one that's at the same time designed to fit as well as it does.
I know it's the US brands (and designs) that get most of the attention but for anyone considering an alternative, I can assure you that if you want a proper motorcycle jacket that looks the part, give Lewis Leathers a try. You won't regret it!
The only thing I am entirely unhappy about is the fact that this jacket convinced me that now I absolutely must have The Dominator.
Anyhow, few photos of the jacket as it is now - much more in my Photobucket gallery, check it out by clicking on the photo:
Super Phantom would've been my second choice, the first being a Dominator, of course (or Corsair). Monza on the third place.
The jacket arrived in a horrendous state - not that it was damaged or anything, but it must've been hanging in a closet for at least a decade, as it was completely covered in dust and had spider cobwebs in the creases of the sleeves. I kid you not, I have photos of it!
The leather was also very stiff though not because it was dry but rather due to age.
Anyhow, after thoroughly cleaning the jacket and kicking the spiders out, I've applied two coats of Pecards (also per LL's recommendation - good to know) with a few days of wait in between. These are the results. You can see what the jacket originally looked, out of the box.
It not shiny because of the leather conditioner, BTW - that's just from getting the dust off! Also, the flash makes it shinier than it really is.
While the construction (stitching, etc.) is all around perfect, it is the leather that I am most amazed with. Thick, Vanson-grade heavy, bulletproof cowhide that gives the impression of being resistant to any sort of damage or wear. Obviously, in the 40 years it has existed, this jacket has seen a lot of use - however - I couldn't find a single scratch anywhere on it that I could point out. Crazy tough leather. On the other hand, it aged beautifully! This Phantom instantly became my favourite and I haven't left the house without it since it arrived.
Occasionally, a comment about LL becoming a 'fashion brand' would pop up here and there, comparing the quality of the old days to their recent stuff.
Now, while I cannot say for certain that the new(er) LL jackets retained that same quality, as I haven't handled their recent gear, I do however trust the reviews online, especially the two threads Carlos made, all of which tells me that they're still as great as they've always been - and I think that my 40 years old jacket speaks more than enough about the quality of Lewis Leathers.
I know this isn't exactly a super vintage find by TFL standards but it's just that I am really amazed with how nice this jacket is and also, the main point of this thread is to give LL more attention on TFL as they're one of very few manufacturers of the old days still in business, making classic designs, that didn't turn to crap - and because having witnessed the quality of LL firsthand, I can safely say that I have yet to see a finer motorcycle jacket, and one that's at the same time designed to fit as well as it does.
I know it's the US brands (and designs) that get most of the attention but for anyone considering an alternative, I can assure you that if you want a proper motorcycle jacket that looks the part, give Lewis Leathers a try. You won't regret it!
The only thing I am entirely unhappy about is the fact that this jacket convinced me that now I absolutely must have The Dominator.
Anyhow, few photos of the jacket as it is now - much more in my Photobucket gallery, check it out by clicking on the photo:
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