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Vanson model E

Hh121

Banned
Messages
3,004
Ok guys, I received my Vanson model "E". I was anxious and nervous to open the box. I was set up to be a little disappointed because of the recent reviews. Have no fear! VANSON DID NOT COMPROMISE!! This jacket is a beast! The competition leather is just how I remember from 12 years ago. Stiff, heavy, shiny, and squeaky. Has some grain starting to show. Definitely a piece of equipment!

I am a little concerned about the main zipper. It appears to be "rusty". It is black, no signs of shiny brass at all! It was very hard to operate even after some candle wax! The #5 sleeve zips are shiny and function like butter. Most of the snaps are tarnished, but that will happen over time anyways. My main concern is the function of the beefy main zip.

I am also wondering if I should size down to a 46. It is hard to determine because the leather is so stiff and unyielding. I am afraid if I size down I wont be able to ware a sweatshirt underneath. Not sure what to do there.

Now for some pics:

View attachment 132505 View attachment 132506 View attachment 132507 View attachment 132508 View attachment 132512 View attachment 132513 View attachment 132514 View attachment 132515 View attachment 132516 View attachment 132509

I was actually thinking about your jacket this afternoon, congrats!!
 

Hh121

Banned
Messages
3,004
Consider the size of the jacket , it is not as heavy as the jacket they made before, I had a model e with pit to pit 22 weights about the same.
 
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10,614
My lord, beautiful jacket. Leather looks like that of my Hardcore. Heavy, grain popping and majestic. Man do I love Vanson jackets.

As to size, it does look like you have some space. I have always felt Vanson’s relax a bit with wear so a size down should fit. The belt hole you are using in this pic is the last one so you have some room there. it looks good for those cold Cleveland rides where you will layer though. Tough call. Glad I could help lol.
 

IXL

One Too Many
Messages
1,284
Location
Oklahoma
In my experience, people who have jackets that are a bit on the large side will complain about having a bit of bagginess. People who own jackets that are a bit too small end up not wearing them.....at all.

While I don't think you appear to have any "too small issues" by a mile, I think it looks fine. When it gets cold and you pop a hoodie under that thing, you will be thankful for a bit of "ease." I think you should go for a ride and start the break-in process.

Great jacket!
 
Messages
17,490
Location
Chicago
Nice!! I don't think I'd change the fit. A size down might make it too small,but you probably could pull it off. Hide looks amazing and it stands on its own. Man, some fears have left with this post. Congrats man. I would stick here!
 
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roadking04

Practically Family
Messages
938
Location
The Rock 'n Roll Capital
Thanks Hh. This is my heaviest jacket I own now. Not really sure I would wanna go much heavier. I am sure it would hold up in a slide, hope I never find out.

Thanks JMax! I am really pleased with the quality and weight of the leather. Its gonna take awhile to break in. I am a little torn on the size. I guess I have to keep it now, I just ripped down I-90 at 80mph. Got some bug juice on it now. It felt pretty good. I had it in "summer mode" (collar and lapel snapped back). It didn't balloon too much. The back collar rode at the base of my skull. I put it in "winter mode (zipped up to my neck). It handled much better. I also only had a tee shirt on, no hoodie, no windshield.

Thanks IXL, We think alike. It is really hard to tell with a heavy, stiff jacket. I will wear this 48 for a year. After it relaxes a bit, I will re-evaluate. If it is too big, I'll pick up a 46. I will definitely stay with this "make and model".
 

roadking04

Practically Family
Messages
938
Location
The Rock 'n Roll Capital
Nice!! I don't think I'd change the fit. A size down might make it too small,but you probably could pull it offf. Hide looks amazing and it stands on its own. Man, some fears have left with this post. Congrats man. I would stick here!

Thanks Ton. I was really worried about the quality of the leather. Really digging the hide. Gonna take some time to break in. Really felt good on the bike, even in its unbroken state. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Vanson.
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,699
Location
Iowa
^^ HH no way - I wore my old mall-sourced Perfecto style jackets on campus all the time, people loved it. Even a few of them wound up wearing ones too.

Roadking - keep it, I agree the just a bit of room under it, breathing room it appears, is great for helping the break-in. If you get it much tighter, it may be a chore to even wear it. Does your have the quilted lining? That may be a deal breaker for me, seems Vanson is moving back in that direction with many of their styles. I can't go there, just too warm for me overall.
 

roadking04

Practically Family
Messages
938
Location
The Rock 'n Roll Capital
Maybe it’s time to get a E for myself, but is it too hardcore to wear it on campus?

It is definitely a hardcore m/c jacket. I am sure you could pull it off. I have always liked the cross zip style m/c jacket. I like the way they look and function. I think the "perfecto" style has always brought a little "bad boy" attitude with it throughout history.
 

roadking04

Practically Family
Messages
938
Location
The Rock 'n Roll Capital
Thanks Aerofan and Jejupe. Yes, mine has the quilted lining. Vanson also makes a rayon lining for it. I have no experience with the rayon. The model "E" also comes with snaps inside that will accept Vanson's vest liner.
 
Messages
10,614
Thanks Aerofan and Jejupe. Yes, mine has the quilted lining. Vanson also makes a rayon lining for it. I have no experience with the rayon. The model "E" also comes with snaps inside that will accept Vanson's vest liner.

And they can line it with pretty much whatever pattern you want
 

roadking04

Practically Family
Messages
938
Location
The Rock 'n Roll Capital
@Hh. I know my model "E" has the snaps for the streamliner vest. I am not sure what size fits wear. I would think if you had a size 42 jacket, you would need a size 42 streamliner. I am not sure though.

I ordered a mouton collar with my jacket and they only had a size46 in stock, they would have to make a 48 for me. So that tells me if a similar size collar wont fit, neither will the vest. I am sure Vanson would know.
 
Messages
10,614
That makes absolute sense, sizes need to match: I just never need a streamliner in effin south Florida lol.
 

Hh121

Banned
Messages
3,004
@Hh. I know my model "E" has the snaps for the streamliner vest. I am not sure what size fits wear. I would think if you had a size 42 jacket, you would need a size 42 streamliner. I am not sure though.

I ordered a mouton collar with my jacket and they only had a size46 in stock, they would have to make a 48 for me. So that tells me if a similar size collar wont fit, neither will the vest. I am sure Vanson would know.

Have you ask Vanson to look up the serial number and locate the date of the jacket? Would be interesting to see when is jacket made
 

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