BobJ
Practically Family
- Messages
- 609
- Location
- Coos Bay, OR
Wow! I'm surprised! How many leather jackets do you currently own?
If you couldn't buy any more leather jackets... what would your next hobby be?
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Schott Asset
- Thread starter Monitor
- Start date
Wow! I'm surprised! How many leather jackets do you currently own?
If you couldn't buy any more leather jackets... what would your next hobby be?
Featured products
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John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. -
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. -
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style.
- Messages
- 16,855
I dunno, 12 or so but all are super cheapos except for LL, Schott, Bates and Aero Lee. Aero was the last jacket I spent more than $30 on.
lol jackets are not a hobby. Jackets are life. XD I draw, that's my hobby. It's all I do really. So I dunno, I don't really need a hobby.
BobJ
Practically Family
- Messages
- 609
- Location
- Coos Bay, OR
Jackets ARE life!
I remember when I was in sixth grade, walking to school one frosty morning, freezing and shivering, and only wearing a thin sweater, because I didn't even own a jacket. I told my Mom and Dad about it at dinner that night. After dinner, my Dad took me to a men's clothing store and helped me pick out a warm wool jacket with knit collar and cuffs. I absolutely loved that jacket, but what I never forget, for the rest of my life, was the one-on-one time with my Dad... in a men's shop. It was a bit of a rite of passage for me, a little male bonding. And it was special because my Dad worked long hours, and I had precious little one-on-one time with him. I have had an emotional and irrational love of jackets ever since that night.
Did you move the Aero cordovan cafe on?
- Messages
- 16,855
Sounds like a very nice memory. Especially to have. I'd wear mostly my dad's old clothes before I began taking any notice what I was wearing. Which started like five years ago... It's sad but once you have every girl in the world tell you how ugly you are, clothes sort of don't matter anymore. I think I was much smarter back then. Memories matter and the good stuff we do in life. But jackets are nice.
I moved it. It was too snug, it got too cold and it was not black. I learned I want my jackets jet black. Especially CR's. Besides, everyone was telling me how good I looked and that's what I'm least comfortable with. Absolutely despise hearing that, to be honest. I probably have more issues than tmitchell has jackets. It's just things. Except for that Wintex trucker. Friend gave me that jacket. He passed away not long after... It was an old jacket when he gave it to me, a size too large. I passed it on to another friend later on but when he died, I got it back. That one will stay forever even if all else goes.
Edward
Bartender
- Messages
- 25,084
- Location
- London, UK
I've often wondered whether geography comes into it, or, more to the point, popular bike styles and riding positions: as standard, I don't hear many Triumph riders having the same sleeve issues as Harley guys, especially those who prefer really high bars.
Schott make a nice jacket - I've handled many and own a 618 I bought used at a fraction of the new price - though I am inclined to agree that the Vansons are overall nicer. Schott of course have a strong brand, and if they're still making them in the US, that's going to significantly up the price too, as compared to "imports". For my tastes, they fall into a difficult hinterland: a bit too pricey to be a "budget" jacket, but when very little more will buy a Vanson or an Aero, too close to high end pricing as well. When I buy higher end stuff price-wise, a lot of the appeal for me is in the 'boutique' nature, small company, knowing who made it, choosing my options.... which just isn't what Schott is about. I think for some of us, at least, SChott suffers a little from being perceived as high end prices, but mass-produced product. I'm not suggesting that is in any way a logical thing, but naturally when it comes to this sort of luxury purchase, these sorts of perception begin to loom large very quickly. In terms of actual motorcycle use, I think it's fair to say that there are plenty of (arguably) better options in very similar styles these days: Schott clearly made a decision a few decades ago that they were going to carry on producing jackets the way they always had done (ditto, say, Lewis Leathers and many others), so they've not 'kept up' with some of the technical changes a lot of bikers want these days. I don't thin k it unfair - or necessarily derogative - to suggest they're more of a fashion oriented brand by now, so chasing a different market than that with which they started.
As to this specific jacket.... it would be interesting to see one in person. The hide will certainly be very nice, and I'm sure it will be well constructed. Overall, it rather looks to me like a 'blacked-out' version of the Aero Boardracer. In all honesty, if it was me buying, I'd just go for the Aero for less, but this might be a nice bargain if one cropped up on sale at a marked discount.
- Messages
- 16,855
Why is it that whenever Schott gets mentioned, a price tag has to be brought up? RMC, Freewheelers, etc. all sell strictly off-the-rack jackets of the same or lesser quality for three grands or more, and people are buying them. I believe that Schott, a company with a little more history (about one hundred years more of history) than whatever Japanese brand, could be asking a lot more money for their jackets, especially this one. Jackets the above mentioned brands made a living knocking off.
Not to mention Schott at least updates their line every year and tries out new and different stuff, rather than just pumping out the same old repro year after year.
I mean, Jesus Christ, Iron Heart sells that OTR cafe racer of theirs for $1400! If... Iron Hearts thinks their jacket is worth $1400, I strongly believe that Schott has every right to ask $1100 for an objectively nicer product.
Not to mention Schott at least updates their line every year and tries out new and different stuff, rather than just pumping out the same old repro year after year.
I mean, Jesus Christ, Iron Heart sells that OTR cafe racer of theirs for $1400! If... Iron Hearts thinks their jacket is worth $1400, I strongly believe that Schott has every right to ask $1100 for an objectively nicer product.
Schott prices have been slowly creeping upward, as have Vanson's. Since Schott has started using Horween Leathers those jackets are priced right in line with Aero, a new Schott of this type would actually cost me less (cheaper postage, no customs hassle).
I think they are completely justified price wise but I do balk at not being able to customize the fit. Body and sleeve length are set. If they work for you then there's nothing to worry about. Having a custom made Schott is possible but seems very difficult to actually have done. I inquired about a custom navy blue perfecto years ago (offered in Japan regularly) and was told it wasn't possible. Why?!? It's made here and shipped there! Shut up and take my $$! I also couldn't spec a 118 with the long sleeve length and regular body length. Turned me off.
Seems they are starting to make the sleeves at least 26" over the older models with 24". That's a good start.
As far as pricing these Horween hide jackets inline with Aero goes I think it's fair but they'll have a hard time swaying folks who are used to being able to totally customize the fit. Since Schott has and offers many retail outlets,trying one on in the flesh is easy and can save a buyer financial hardship and frustration. Additionally, Schott offers a totally hassle free return policy.
I think they are completely justified price wise but I do balk at not being able to customize the fit. Body and sleeve length are set. If they work for you then there's nothing to worry about. Having a custom made Schott is possible but seems very difficult to actually have done. I inquired about a custom navy blue perfecto years ago (offered in Japan regularly) and was told it wasn't possible. Why?!? It's made here and shipped there! Shut up and take my $$! I also couldn't spec a 118 with the long sleeve length and regular body length. Turned me off.
Seems they are starting to make the sleeves at least 26" over the older models with 24". That's a good start.
As far as pricing these Horween hide jackets inline with Aero goes I think it's fair but they'll have a hard time swaying folks who are used to being able to totally customize the fit. Since Schott has and offers many retail outlets,trying one on in the flesh is easy and can save a buyer financial hardship and frustration. Additionally, Schott offers a totally hassle free return policy.
Hh121
Banned
- Messages
- 3,004
I wouldn't hesitate to spend money on this jacket
- Messages
- 16,855
^ Jesus God...
- Messages
- 16,855
Well... You buy this and at least you know the game is officially over, no add-ons, no DLC's.
To whom do I give the money and how much?
To whom do I give the money and how much?
technovox
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,242
- Location
- San Francisco
That's a beauty! I've always liked this Vanson style of cafe. And in horsehide! But I've found (after costly trial and error) that the problem with this particular Comet model is that it's so dang short! And the sleeves are typically extra wide- for gorilla arms. Not a good match for a V-shape slender body type.
technovox
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,242
- Location
- San Francisco
Aero Lee? Was this the black one off their sales page/Type 3?
technovox
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,242
- Location
- San Francisco
Over the years I’ve bought some truly unremarkable vintage Schott jackets that quickly ended up on the resell pile. The leather felt cheap and plasticky, the arms were too short, the materials used were just barely average.
And I’ve had a couple of successes. My “Restoration Hardware” Schott café was a total score! Supple, thick amazing leather, longer arms, a Buco style back- definitely a step up. And I love my vintage suede Schott trucker. Super thick and durable.
But the problem I have with today’s Schott is that, in my humble opinion, they seem to be a faceless jacket factory churning out massive amounts of product, their brand somewhat tainted by some truly embarrassing mall styles, and a line of useless fashion “motorcycle jackets,”( ie. burgundy suede Perfecto anyone?) With the backbone of their catalog being the pricey mediocre legacy jackets. Kind of a shotgun approach to merchandising. Just my observation.
Yes, lately they have some more upscale offerings in the Schott catalog, and if these off-the-rack jackets fit then perhaps they are a good value. But for me Schott jackets have always been hit or miss. And the higher price point seems hard to justify when I can safely order, at nearly the same cost, a jacket that is custom made by a vendor focused on a higher grade of craftsmanship, materials, and fit of each individual jacket… like Aero or Langlitz.
And I’ve had a couple of successes. My “Restoration Hardware” Schott café was a total score! Supple, thick amazing leather, longer arms, a Buco style back- definitely a step up. And I love my vintage suede Schott trucker. Super thick and durable.
But the problem I have with today’s Schott is that, in my humble opinion, they seem to be a faceless jacket factory churning out massive amounts of product, their brand somewhat tainted by some truly embarrassing mall styles, and a line of useless fashion “motorcycle jackets,”( ie. burgundy suede Perfecto anyone?) With the backbone of their catalog being the pricey mediocre legacy jackets. Kind of a shotgun approach to merchandising. Just my observation.
Yes, lately they have some more upscale offerings in the Schott catalog, and if these off-the-rack jackets fit then perhaps they are a good value. But for me Schott jackets have always been hit or miss. And the higher price point seems hard to justify when I can safely order, at nearly the same cost, a jacket that is custom made by a vendor focused on a higher grade of craftsmanship, materials, and fit of each individual jacket… like Aero or Langlitz.
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- Messages
- 15,563
- Location
- East Central Indiana
Exactly...
- Messages
- 16,855
This one. It was off the sale page.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/aero-101j-leather-jacket.91978/
technovox
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,242
- Location
- San Francisco
Jeezus! That Lee is just perfection! I remember when I first saw it for sale I was thinking it was too short, even shorter than the Type 3s...but in retrospect that probably works just fine for this style of jacket. And I like the way it's got burnished shades of brown around the edges. That never came through in the sales pics. A lovely hide! Good score!
G'c
Familiar Face
- Messages
- 85
- Location
- London/Hong Kong
I agree that the japanese brands are charging way too much for their leather jackets. I think there are a few reasons for this:
a) most of these brands (RMC, Freewheelers etc.) are not really "leather brands" but rather a "fashion brand" (of course a more niche fashion market and not the typical gucci/armani/dunhill sense). One of the upcharge is for their so called branding.
b) made in japan factor - I believe some actually thinks that since it's made in japan the attention to detail must be great and spot on. This is another reason for charging the price they ask.
c) their main market is the japanese and asian markets - for these markets there aren't that many quality leather brands (aside from existing local brands) that produce the style with the fit that they think fits them better (for e.g. slimmer sleeves, shorter body lengths etc.). Of course one knows that after some research, many vendors not from japan can also make a great jacket that fits any body type. But for the more casual person in Japan or other Asian markets who wants a good quality leather jacket that fits them well, to them the options might not be as many, not to mention many local shops might not carry other jackets from other vendors, which limit the options from trying them out. For example, in Hong Kong, if you want to get an Aero leather jacket, you can only get one online I believe, or unless you fly to taiwan or japan to try out some in person (if they have them in stock). I don't think you can even try a schott leather jacket out in Hong Kong.
The Iron Heart cafe racer is crazy. I don't understand their mind set as to how they think they can compete with the other manufacturers, even in Japan (for e.g. I beleive RMC sells their Buco J 100 around the same price), not to mention Aero, Eastman, Thedi all can make great cafe racers with great details. But I do see a few ppl owning them, though, so I guess the price they charge works.
