Vanson Model A or Aero Cafe Racer

[Spiney]

Both the same price ( at least, I can currently get both at same price, I’m in England). One is the comp weight leather , the other CXL HH. Not for riding, just casual, everyday wear. Which would you buy and why ?

 

[Monitor]

Model A and that's no contest as far as I am concerned. It is a perfect leather jacket and will always be one of my favorites.

As to why... There is so much to say. Primarily, Model A the first leather jacket Vanson has ever produced so the jacket has been revised and refined to perfection in 40-something years they've been around and that is something that absolutely shows.
The jacket fits beautifully, it is extremely comfortable - You can't believe how much more comfortable The A is compared to the Aero CR is if you haven't tried them on - It's got all the useful features and on top of all that, it's built like a tank.
Seriously, I've owned both several times over and A is a much better jacket. Aero CR looks good but Model A is another level altogether.

If you can get the A with a removable lining, you're set for life.

 

[morrison2951]

Model A and that's no contest as far as I am concerned. It is a perfect leather jacket and will always be one of my favorites.

As to why... There is so much to say. Primarily, Model A the first leather jacket Vanson has ever produced so the jacket has been revised and refined to perfection in 40-something years they've been around and that is something that absolutely shows.
The jacket fits beautifully, it is extremely comfortable - You can't believe how much more comfortable The A is compared to the Aero CR is if you haven't tried them on - It's got all the useful features and on top of all that, it's built like a tank.
Seriously, I've owned both several times over and A is a much better jacket. Aero CR looks good but Model A is another level altogether.

If you can get the A with a removable lining, you're set for life.

Yep.

Got my early 2nd gen label Model A with a removable lining.

Have to agree that it is one of the finest jackets ever made. A keeper!

 

[ton312]

Both are so good. It’s a tough choice! For looks, the Aero wins imho. Although that’s not always the case. For me, the older A, which is a little bit longer in the body is actually the absolute winner. Look at the front zipper. The modern ones have very little splay. The older ones (better pattern) have 1.5”. Like this:

If I’m picking between the older A and the Aero, I’m picking the older A.
Newer A vs Aero, I’m taking the Aero.

 

[Guppy]

I don't have a Vanson A, but I do have a couple of Aero Cafe Racers and a couple of Vanson Model B's, and a Vanson x Union Garage V7, which bears some resemblance to the Model A.

Looks: Aero
Leather: Aero, but pre-2016 Vanson comp weight is at least a tie, or at least a matter of preference.
Zipper: Vanson
Fit/comfort: Vanson
Protection/riding/performance: Vanson
Price: Vanson

So although I am reluctant to say anything about Aero that would be construed negatively, I think Vanson is clearly a better pick overall.

However given you are looking at same price for either, and aren't intending to ride in it, it comes down to whether you value looks more than comfort.

 

[Carlos840]

I don't like the looks of the A but i don't like the comfort/fit of the Aero.
My choice woult still be the Vanson as i think it will be a more comfortable jacket to live with and i value that more than looking good.

 

[Monitor]

How my list would go...

Style & looks: Tie
Aero CR is obviously a good looking jacket, one that fits great and it is a retro styled cafe racer, which is what it's all about.
Contemporary looking in comparison, Vanson Model A is a very handsome jackets as well that fits just as good any CR on the market. Case in point...

Leather appearance: Aero (though tie if earlier/special Vanson leathers are included)
Overall, Aero has got nicer looking leather with a wide variety of choices but older Comp. Weight by Vanson can easily compete. Getting an A in a good Comp. Weight or Vanson Horsehide gives Vanson an edge.

Leather quality & durability: Vanson
Vanson has a slight edge here, using tougher, weather-proof leather though Aero's hide is sturdy enough too. But if you want to be absolutely sure your jacket is going to last, then Vanson for sure.

Comfort & performance: Vanson
Vanson, by infinity. Almost anatomically formed, you can live in a Model A without ever being hindered by it. Perfect pocket setup and removable fuzzy lining among other features, make it wearable every day in just about every occasion.

Price: Vanson
Price in this case isn't relevant as I personally believe that a Model A is clearly a better jacket in every aspect than most jackets out there, regardless of the price. If it was $1200 for it, I would understand why but luckily, it's not.
The up-charge you are going to pay for the Aero CR is only going to get you that classic CR look but that's a novelty that won't last long. But on the other hand, it's all about the look so...

 

[JMax]

Both, because I would eventually do it anyways. Everyone nailed the pros and cons imo. Both have their place and are different enough if CRs are your thing.

 

[AeroFan_07]

So there are a lot of differances between the Vanson Model A verses the Vanson Model B. Probably should verify on the website for actual dimensions, etc. The Vanson A is a pretty purpose-built jacket for the bike. It is a couple inches longer in the back than the front, so it's a little awkward to wear around if you are not on the bike. I owned one for a year or so back around 2014 and sold it as it just didn't work for me.

I've owned a couple of the Aero 4-pocket CR's and found them to be comfortable it fitted correctly. Vanson also offers other CR's that may be a little more to your liking. The model B being one of those.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Both, because I would eventually do it anyways. Everyone nailed the pros and cons imo. Both have their place and are different enough if CRs are your thing.

Or just to this! FL effect...

 

[Spiney]

A few people on here mentioned a difference between older and newer models of this Vanson. Just for reference, the jacket I have access to here in England has been in stock for an unbelievable 5 years !

 

[AeroFan_07]

A few people on here mentioned a difference between older and newer models of this Vanson. Just for reference, the jacket I have access to here in England has been in stock for an unbelievable 5 years !

I have run into similar situations here in the US. People either "know" the company and it's products, or they don't.

Is it indeed longer in the back than the front? That may be part of the reason it's still hanging in the shop. Maybe they will give you a deal on it since they have had it so long.

I bought a Vanson Star jacket "impulsively" back in 2001 as I walked into a old motorcycle shop in the Chicago suburbs that I had never visited before. The "star" was on the wall and had been along time. It fit, so I asked what they would sell it for - $200. I left with it on my back...and wish that I had never sold it as I did a year or two later on!

 

[Spiney]

No deal unfortunately. No idea on back length. Only one pic on their website.

 

[Guppy]

A few people on here mentioned a difference between older and newer models of this Vanson. Just for reference, the jacket I have access to here in England has been in stock for an unbelievable 5 years !

5 years ago was right around the time Vanson lost the old supplier of comp weight leather, so it's a good bet that it's some of the last of the original stuff. Snap it up.

 

[trainspotter]

I have only one vanson, their limited edition ‘Commando’ cross zip in Z150 leather

Got several Aeros in their signature CXL HH. The fit of Aero Cafe Racer is not great, atleast for my physique(Board Racer, which looks very similar to a Cafe Racer, fits great)

But leather wise, there is no comparison. CXL HH is on another level compared to the Z150

 

[Al 916]

Strange things happen...

Both in the same buy

A in Comp weight
Aero in FQHH

 

[MrProper]

Strange things happen...

Both in the same buy

A in Comp weight
Aero in FQHH

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I find the brown super. I would take them immediately.

 

[Al 916]

I find the brown super. I would take them immediately.

Thank you.
I expected it to be like the Highwayman (heavy and waxy) however it is more like a heavy suede and very comfortable.