Vanson! Vanson! Vanson!

[polarWhite]

The two pics I posted accurately reflect what I was seeing in person

Thank you! That's very helpful. The one with you in full shot with the showroom in the background is a great depiction because I can reference the color of your surroundings to perceive the color accordingly.

 

[polarWhite]

The two pics I posted accurately reflect what I was seeing in person

How's Roma Brandy compared to their competition weight in terms of thickness and stiffness and weight if I may ask?

 

[JasonY]

I ended up buying a Comet in Medium Weight/Firenze, which I recall being more substantial than the Roma. Very different, however, in terms of overall feel. The Roma upon initial wear felt stiff, but I got the impression it would break in very well. The Medium Weight was tumbled and so more pliable from the outset. It's taken a good 18 months to start getting some descent arm creases in the tumbled leather.

 

[JonS1967]

I was able to handle one about a year and a half ago and I remember it being relatively soft and supple although relatively heavy. These are some photos I took back then. This size fit the guy at the shop better than me so he’s wearing it in the last photo, not me.

 

[polarWhite]

Anyone has any jacket with their "Navy" hide?

 

[JasonY]

I was able to handle one about a year and a half ago and I remember it being relatively soft and supple although relatively heavy. These are some photos I took back then. This size fit the guy at the shop better than me so he’s wearing it in the last photo, not me.
View attachment 759325 View attachment 759326 View attachment 759327 View attachment 759328 View attachment 759329

View attachment 759333

Crazy how different each hide and resulting leather is so different. If I didn't see the tag I'd swear someone had been wearing that jacket for years looking at the back. I guess it is one of the many reasons a natural material like leather is so much more interesting to look at and wear than say Gore Tex.

 

[Peter Mackin]

It took buying and selling two fantastic model E highwayman for me to come to my senses.its been a great couple of months and ive managed to pickup an 11yr old size 44 practically unworn, and today took delivery of a size 42 ,(31yr old)with the added bonus of having the mouton collar. 44 is for layering and the 42 tee-shirt only.both competition weight but quite different. The 42 has much slimmer arms.
Side by side pic.

 

[LordOfLeather]

Chopper in Redwood Bainbridge just arrived, to much excitement. Unfortunately, despite being the same size as my comp weight (both 38 from thurston bros), it’s one inch shorter in the front and a half inch shorter in the sleeves. Same back length though.
The black one fits me perfectly, so shorter front is enough to make me a somewhat uncomfortable.
Now I’m a bit torn. Do I settle or go custom?
A little difference can make a big difference.

 

[Mandarin]

I wouldn't worry about the front, since the chopper is essentially a riding jacket, but the sleeves do seem short. Too bad, 'cause the Bainbridge looks fantastic.

 

[TartuWolf]

I agree with @Mandarin - the front length looks great, but the sleeves would be too short for my taste. Lovely looking jacket!

 

[LordOfLeather]

I wouldn't worry about the front, since the chopper is essentially a riding jacket, but the sleeves do seem short. Too bad, 'cause the Bainbridge looks fantastic.

I'm really thrilled with the leather, despite some negative opinions around here. I wanted to judge for myself. Though not as heavy as comp weight, it's substantial enough for me, and the color is a sight to behold. Overall a beautiful jacket, but experience has taught me to trust my first impression when it comes to fit.

 

[TartuWolf]

After seeing the @JonS1967 photos I'm seriously considering finally ordering a custom jacket directly from Vanson this year. That Roma looks SWEET..

 

[ZeroDelta]

After seeing the @JonS1967 photos I'm seriously considering finally ordering a custom jacket directly from Vanson this year. That Roma looks SWEET..

I've had my eye on the roma for a long time. Maybe one day.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Chopper in Redwood Bainbridge just arrived, to much excitement. Unfortunately, despite being the same size as my comp weight (both 38 from thurston bros), it’s one inch shorter in the front and a half inch shorter in the sleeves. Same back length though.
The black one fits me perfectly, so shorter front is enough to make me a somewhat uncomfortable.
Now I’m a bit torn. Do I settle or go custom?
A little difference can make a big difference.
View attachment 760802 View attachment 760803

It's beautiful and looks awesome. However, I agree the fit is off.

Carrie would likely work with you here on this. I would try again with 1.5" longer sleeves and a little more in the front.

 

[LordOfLeather]

It's beautiful and looks awesome. However, I agree the fit is off.

Carrie would likely work with you here on this. I would try again with 1.5" longer sleeves and a little more in the front.

I think that’s likely the plan. While I’m at it I’ll get samples of all my options. I think maple bainbridge would be my first choice, but need to see them.

 

[Peter Mackin]

My remaining vansons,love em. I
Notice the collar is a bit bigger on the 1994 model E, it also has different attachments, regular snap on the older jacket. The 2014 jacket has a different popper type..im curious when the changes to collar shape and snaps changed. I knew the competition weight changed but not the design of collar and hardware.Does anyone have any info,I've emailed Kim at vanson before I try purchase a collar. Last pic is 1994 attachment.

 

[VansonRider]

Chopper in Redwood Bainbridge just arrived, to much excitement. Unfortunately, despite being the same size as my comp weight (both 38 from thurston bros), it’s one inch shorter in the front and a half inch shorter in the sleeves. Same back length though.
The black one fits me perfectly, so shorter front is enough to make me a somewhat uncomfortable.
Now I’m a bit torn. Do I settle or go custom?
A little difference can make a big difference.
View attachment 760802 View attachment 760803

I’m with the forum on the fit, the torso looks good to me, a little belt exposure fits with the riding style, and also the sleeves do look short to my eye.
Vanson can lengthen the sleeve really easily, it’s why they don’t stitch down the wrist hem, but if you’re iffy on the length of the torso, too, then definitely reach out.

 

[VansonRider]

My remaining vansons,love em. I
Notice the collar is a bit bigger on the 1994 model E, it also has different attachments, regular snap on the older jacket. The 2014 jacket has a different popper type..im curious when the changes to collar shape and snaps changed. I knew the competition weight changed but not the design of collar and hardware.Does anyone have any info,I've emailed Kim at vanson before I try purchase a collar. Last pic is 1994 attachment.

I have an older model E with the older snaps (poppers) and I bought a mouton collar second hand off the ‘Bay and it has the newer poppers, so not compatible.

I reached out to Vanson to swap the snaps out for me, but they wanted me to send in both the jacket and the collar, so I’ve put it off.

No idea why they changed but it could be cost or availability or venders, any number of things.

I have some sport rider jackets and pants that were made in different times and they don’t zip together like they’re supposed to. The zippers are just a little different design and they can’t mate up.

I have a pile of small things that I’d love to address but I live in New York with family in MA, so really I should pack a suitcase of leather and walk it into their shop in Fall River.

 

[Peter Mackin]

I have an older model E with the older snaps (poppers) and I bought a mouton collar second hand off the ‘Bay and it has the newer poppers, so not compatible.

I reached out to Vanson to swap the snaps out for me, but they wanted me to send in both the jacket and the collar, so I’ve put it off.

No idea why they changed but it could be cost or availability or venders, any number of things.

I have some sport rider jackets and pants that were made in different times and they don’t zip together like they’re supposed to. The zippers are just a little different design and they can’t mate up.

I have a pile of small things that I’d love to address but I live in New York with family in MA, so really I should pack a suitcase of leather and walk it into their shop in Fall River.

Yes I've emailed vanson regarding the newer fittings, will see what they say,im in new York for one day late October so I was hoping there was a vanson stockist in Manhattan where I could pick up a size 44 collar.

 

[LordOfLeather]

I’m with the forum on the fit, the torso looks good to me, a little belt exposure fits with the riding style, and also the sleeves do look short to my eye.
Vanson can lengthen the sleeve really easily, it’s why they don’t stitch down the wrist hem, but if you’re iffy on the length of the torso, too, then definitely reach out.

Good call on the easily adjustable sleeves. That gives me something to consider…