My new Headwind A1 Racer jacket

[lucky23]

I just got my new A1 Racer jacket from Jay at Headwind MFG. Its made from seal semi-aniline dyed steerhide. Firstly, the construction is absolutely first-rate. He apparently uses 8-9 stitches per inch, and it looks and feels sturdy and substantial. The leather is pretty soft and pliable, which is kinda strange for me considering all the leather jackets Ive owned previously have been on the thick, stiff side. I like it. VERY comfortable right off the bat, with no uncomfortable break-in time. Its a size 44 and the fit is on the slim side. The armholes are up high, which make this cut of jacket slimming looking (which is good for me!). Length is perfect in my opinion. I could definitely lose a few pounds, but even so Im built a bit on the stocky side so it fits, albeit a bit snug. Opinions on this? My only concern with that is layering up to ride my Triumph might be a bit uncomfortable? Im still undecided.In the pix I'm wearing a V-neck sweater with a t-shirt underneath. Overall, I love it. Great style, color is gorgeous and the attention to detail is impressive. Top notch all-around. I apologize for the terrible pics.

 

[jacketjunkie]

I like the way it fits. Slength is spot on. It's snug, sure, but not in a fashion that makes it look too small. Some like their flying jackets snug, some like them baggy, historically there is no right or wrong, people back when wore whatever was available. In my very personal opinion, these jackets when worn anything but snug, they will gather at the waist and accentuate your stomach area in very undesirable fashion. I prefer my jackets to accentuate male features such as wide shoulders slim waist like this jacket does for you (see backshot).

In the end, you have to make up ur mind whether you are a "i like my flight jackets snug" or a "i like my flight jacket baggier" kind of guy and then decide. I would keep it. My Goodwear A2 fits very similar.

 

[lucky23]

I like the way it fits. Slength is spot on. It's snug, sure, but not in a fashion that makes it look too small. Some like their flying jackets snug, some like them baggy, historically there is no right or wrong, people back when wore whatever was available. In my very personal opinion, these jackets when worn anything but snug, they will gather at the waist and accentuate your stomach area in very undesirable fashion. I prefer my jackets to accentuate male features such as wide shoulders slim waist like this jacket does for you (see backshot).

In the end, you have to make up ur mind whether you are a "i like my flight jackets snug" or a "i like my flight jacket baggier" kind of guy and then decide. I would keep it. My Goodwear A2 fits very similar.

I completely agree with you. Im not fond of the baggy flight jacket personally.
I totally plan on keeping it. Its incredibly comfortable and once its on I forget Im wearing it, unlike other leather jackets Ive owned where Im always conscious how bulky and heavy they are. The Steerhide is 1.5 mm thick, so its plenty robust enough.

 

[ShanghaiJack]

Gorgeous jacket, I have an Amelia on order with Jay,
and I can't wait for its arrival.

 

[lucky23]

Gorgeous jacket, I have an Amelia on order with Jay,
and I can't wait for its arrival.

The Amelia is my next jacket.

 

[Skyhawk]

Looks great Lucky! I think the fit is really nice. I am glad it will be getting some riding time on your bike. That hide will do very well on the road!

We just got our new zipper shipment in yesterday. We will be busy catching up with our zippered jacket orders. Shanghai, your jackets are among the group we will be working on. Also we have the final Goldsmith A-2 prototype being made right now. We have all the zippers we need to move into production once I am satisfied with the test jacket.

Check out our updated zipper for the Aviatrix / Aviator (Amelia Jacket). I am excited. We nailed down the exact slider seen in the original photos. It's a vintage Talon Hookless fantail:

Best Regards,
Jay

 

[lucky23]

Hers some better pics of this beautiful jacket:

 

[handymike]

Looks great!
good looking glasses too, what are they...if you don't mind.

 

[lucky23]

Looks great!
good looking glasses too, what are they...if you don't mind.

Thanks. I love 'em and they weren't terribly expensive, very well made by a company called Moscot. I think I paid $300 for the frames.

 

[ShanghaiJack]

Jay the zipper looks great! Thank you for the update...!!!

Tails Up!

 

[Skyhawk]

Hey Lucky, I thought you would enjoy some detailed photos of your jacket I took while I had it.

All the best,
Jay

 

[lucky23]

Hey Lucky, I thought you would enjoy some detailed photos of your jacket I took while I had it.

All the best,
Jay

Ive been wearing it every chance I get. Its so comfortable and stylish I can wear it with anything, sneakers, boots, watch cap, baseball cap, Stetson. Definitely my favorite leather jacket.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Love the jacket,,but for riding ?? I stick with proper mc/gear on my crazy commute.

 

[lucky23]

Love the jacket,,but for riding ?? I stick with proper mc/gear on my crazy commute.

Ive been riding it on my Triumph for my commute and its surprisingly comfortable. The button front makes for a good wind blocker and the leather is thick enough so that Im confident it would hold up in an unfortunate unplanned ejection Truly wonderful jacket, Ive gotten loads of compliments on it.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Hopefully you never get to test it ,,ride safe & enjoy.