Vanson! Vanson! Vanson!

[polarWhite]

Joining the Chopper club. What a beauty and a beast at the same time!

Chopper (comp weight)/Schott 613SH (their stiffest horsehide)/Schott 619 (hand oiled naked cowhide)

 

[JonS1967]

I've searched this thread and others without much specific sizing advice on the Comet (non-PLU version).

I am usually a 44 in most jackets, sometimes a 42 but those tend to be too small in leather styles. I wear a 44 in a Schott (though could possible get away with a 42 depending on the jacket) and a 44 in Real McCoy's, and according to Vanson's size chart I ought to be a 44.

My only question is the actual measurements for the 44 comet I see online seem a touch larger than what I would wear but I also see that everyone says Vanson runs a bit snug. Maybe it's due to the patterns meant for riding or the thickness of the leather and they fit more tightly than pure measurements would indicate.

Anyways, would happily take any sizing advice anyone has for the Comet!

Do you live near a Vanson authorized dealer? I would suggest stopping in if you are. If not, I would call them and ask for their advice.

I had a Comet about 20 years ago, and I’m fairly certain (but not 100% positive) it was a 44. I also owned two versions of their Cobra riding jackets that were definitely size 44. But my newest jacket from them is custom-made from the Ike pattern and it’s a size 42. So different jackets styles can be cut differently enough to result in sizing variances. I was lucky enough to have them send a few different jackets to my authorized dealer where I was able to try them on. That’s your best bet. Although, I think they will even send you whichever size you think you need, and if it doesn’t fit properly you can exchange it for the correct size. You might ask him about this policy to confirm that I’m correct. Good luck?

 

[Peter Mackin]

There's a nearly new comet on ebay now.been there for ages..I was chatting with the owner before the holidays and made an offer.Its a 44 ,was put off when the seller said it was 22in back length. No way I could do 22.

 

[JonS1967]

There's a nearly new comet on ebay now.been there for ages..I was chatting with the owner before the holidays and made an offer.Its a 44 ,was put off when the seller said it was 22in back length. No way I could do 22.

That was back before the days when I measured anything, but I sold mine because it was too short.

 

[AeroFan_07]

I've searched this thread and others without much specific sizing advice on the Comet (non-PLU version).

I am usually a 44 in most jackets, sometimes a 42 but those tend to be too small in leather styles. I wear a 44 in a Schott (though could possible get away with a 42 depending on the jacket) and a 44 in Real McCoy's, and according to Vanson's size chart I ought to be a 44.

My only question is the actual measurements for the 44 comet I see online seem a touch larger than what I would wear but I also see that everyone says Vanson runs a bit snug. Maybe it's due to the patterns meant for riding or the thickness of the leather and they fit more tightly than pure measurements would indicate.

Anyways, would happily take any sizing advice anyone has for the Comet!

I briefly had a Year 2000 produced Comet that I traded with another Lounger for something different. It was a Size 46 and these were the dimensions:

Dimensions - Tag size 46, a shorter jacket, but not unreasonable
Pit to pit - 23.75"
Back length - 23"
Down zipper - 19.5"
Torso - 23.25"
Shoulder - 19"
Sleeve - 25.25"
Waist - 23"

 

[JackBroChill]

Do you live near a Vanson authorized dealer? I would suggest stopping in if you are. If not, I would call them and ask for their advice.

I had a Comet about 20 years ago, and I’m fairly certain (but not 100% positive) it was a 44. I also owned two versions of their Cobra riding jackets that were definitely size 44. But my newest jacket from them is custom-made from the Ike pattern and it’s a size 42. So different jackets styles can be cut differently enough to result in sizing variances. I was lucky enough to have them send a few different jackets to my authorized dealer where I was able to try them on. That’s your best bet. Although, I think they will even send you whichever size you think you need, and if it doesn’t fit properly you can exchange it for the correct size. You might ask him about this policy to confirm that I’m correct. Good luck?

Good to know thank you! And yes, I'm in NYC and I went by a store today actually but they only had flat track style racing jackets and more bomber coats which seems to be the only options any stores locally have so not totally clear if they would fit the same as their more traditional jackets and the store only had a 44 for try on purposes but it certainly seemed to be the right size (but would love to try a 42 for comparison).

Looking at a couple online to see if I can get my hands on some 'old' comp weight to see what everyone raves about!

 

[JackBroChill]

There's a nearly new comet on ebay now.been there for ages..I was chatting with the owner before the holidays and made an offer.Its a 44 ,was put off when the seller said it was 22in back length. No way I could do 22.

Interesting...not seeing it but 22 would indeed be too short! The one I'm seeing says it's 24 in length which is probably ideal for me but I like jackets a bit shorter. That 618 I have is 23.5 and at the very limit of cropped for what I would wear. Would be much easier if I tucked my shirts in so maybe I ought to change my style up.

I briefly had a Year 2000 produced Comet that I traded with another Lounger for something different. It was a Size 46 and these were the dimensions:

Dimensions - Tag size 46, a shorter jacket, but not unreasonable
Pit to pit - 23.75"
Back length - 23"
Down zipper - 19.5"
Torso - 23.25"
Shoulder - 19"
Sleeve - 25.25"
Waist - 23"

Interesting, 23 for a 46 seems mighty short indeed but maybe they've toyed with the length over the years.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Interesting...not seeing it but 22 would indeed be too short! The one I'm seeing says it's 24 in length which is probably ideal for me but I like jackets a bit shorter. That 618 I have is 23.5 and at the very limit of cropped for what I would wear. Would be much easier if I tucked my shirts in so maybe I ought to change my style up.


Interesting, 23 for a 46 seems mighty short indeed but maybe they've toyed with the length over the years.

Ditto for my recently bought 613 size 46..its 23.5 back..thankfully it works due to me be a midget .

 

[JonS1967]

Good to know thank you! And yes, I'm in NYC and I went by a store today actually but they only had flat track style racing jackets and more bomber coats which seems to be the only options any stores locally have so not totally clear if they would fit the same as their more traditional jackets and the store only had a 44 for try on purposes but it certainly seemed to be the right size (but would love to try a 42 for comparison).

Looking at a couple online to see if I can get my hands on some 'old' comp weight to see what everyone raves about!

Maybe just try calling Vanson directly. I have found them to be very helpful.

 

[JackBroChill]

Not a Comet but unexpectedly picked up my first ever Vanson today thanks to @Not a bot! sharing a great local listing in the Finds/Deals thread.

Looks to be an older C2 just with the belt loops removed, owner says it was purchased at a well known thrift/consignment shop in NYC back in the 80s so this is probably from then (has the older Vanson tag as well). Would love to know any advice on identifying when exactly it's from as this looks to be from before they put any serial numbers on the jackets unless I'm just missing something....

It's a 42 and definitely short in the sleeves (which look like they've been shortened given the length of the sleeve zips), probably a smidge too tight in the body when zipped up but more than wearable with just a t-shirt. I've been trying to dial in how I like a cross zip to fit so I am happy to give this one a spin with the more classic shrunken rock n' roll fit and get a feel for Vanson leather for the first time.

Given how old it is I don't know if the cut has changed in modern times so it might not be that helpful in determining if a Comet would fit me as I like it in a 44 but regardless, happy to take the baton for a 40+ year old beauty like this one! Will post in classifieds if I decide to release this one.

 

[NAB]

Not a Comet but unexpectedly picked up my first ever Vanson today thanks to @Not a bot! sharing a great local listing in the Finds/Deals thread.

Looks to be an older C2 just with the belt loops removed, owner says it was purchased at a well known thrift/consignment shop in NYC back in the 80s so this is probably from then (has the older Vanson tag as well). Would love to know any advice on identifying when exactly it's from as this looks to be from before they put any serial numbers on the jackets unless I'm just missing something....

It's a 42 and definitely short in the sleeves (which look like they've been shortened given the length of the sleeve zips), probably a smidge too tight in the body when zipped up but more than wearable with just a t-shirt. I've been trying to dial in how I like a cross zip to fit so I am happy to give this one a spin with the more classic shrunken rock n' roll fit and get a feel for Vanson leather for the first time.

Given how old it is I don't know if the cut has changed in modern times so it might not be that helpful in determining if a Comet would fit me as I like it in a 44 but regardless, happy to take the baton for a 40+ year old beauty like this one! Will post in classifieds if I decide to release this one.

Glad this worked out! I don't know too much about Vansons but looks like a solid jacket.

 

[JackBroChill]

Glad this worked out! I don't know too much about Vansons but looks like a solid jacket.

Thanks!

Unfortunately one of the sleeves is a bit shorter than the other, so it may not be long before I have to catch and release. If they were both the length of the longer sleeve, it would be a lot more in the range of short but acceptable but the right sleeve is just ever so slightly beyond that realm. Oh well. Will give it some wear and love in the meantime though!

 

[AeroFan_07]

That appears to be a C2, take a look closely inside the "inside" pockets. On the leather edge in this area of one of the inside pockets you should see a stamped in serial #. Call Vanson directly and provide them the serial # and they should be able to help you find out the age/vintage of the jacket.

You could also see about getting the jacket re-worked to fit you better (from Vanson), but it may be more cost effective to order a new one or wait for a better-fitting C2 or E, as they come up fairly often.

 

[AeroFan_07]

So a bit of a different entry into this thread this evening. As a good fortunate set of occurrences, well, occurred, I have three Vanson's presently representing Competition Weight leather from the year 2000, 2002 and 2025. I am going to try and describe the feel, "hand", texture, pliability and traits of these leathers, since the two older jackets were right in the "sweet spot" for "old" Competition Weight leather, and the new one is from a totally different leather supplier. I hope what emerges from this is a helpful, not critical, review. Also, it's difficult to try and describe "feel and hand" by typing about them, it's very obvious in hand what I am trying to describe here.

Quickly here are the three -
2025 Vanson Star - Size 46 - 5.5 lbs
2002 Vanson Mark II Cobra - 46 - 7.5 lbs (Well broken in and quite a unique one)
2000 Vanson Comet - 50 - 5.5 lbs New condition, not broken in

First to some photos for comparison, all three jackets hung together. One can observe differences if you zoom in on this photo some:

Showing some detail, see the 2025 Star hanging shoulder to shoulder with the 2002 Mark II Cobra:

These two images show quite clearly the very large difference in "feel" and "grain" between these leathers. The new Star on the Left will require very little break in - just grab it and go. No stiffness to it at all. It's still fairly thick (I'll get my micrometer out soon and measure) however the older two jackets certainly feel quite a bit heavier. Old school Comp Weight felt protective, like armor, when you wear it. On this specific jacket there are quite a few panels of double leather, hence some of the weight difference.

As can be seen here, Ron's jacket (the Mark II Cobra) was worn by him quite a lot. It's very well broken in and the leather shows such. I have yet to know, but may soon find out, if the new Star will break in in any similar manner.

Comparing this jacket to the 2000 Comet - which is still not broken in, we see the following photos:

Note how the year 2000 Competition Weight Comet has a considerably more structure to its sleeves. This is one very thick jacket. The 2025 Star Competition Weight has more of a printed grain to it. Note that the leather "drapes" quite a bit more than the Comet.

All these jackets are quite comfortable to wear, at least from trying on around the house.

I'll do individual reviews of each of these jackets soon.

 

[Bluechel]

Bring it!!!!!!!

 

[Peter Mackin]

My two cobras, both old school competition weight, one properf,, Amazing jackets.Non of that namby pamby teacore rubbish
Not allowed to say shoite it seems.

 

[JackBroChill]

That appears to be a C2, take a look closely inside the "inside" pockets. On the leather edge in this area of one of the inside pockets you should see a stamped in serial #. Call Vanson directly and provide them the serial # and they should be able to help you find out the age/vintage of the jacket.

You could also see about getting the jacket re-worked to fit you better (from Vanson), but it may be more cost effective to order a new one or wait for a better-fitting C2 or E, as they come up fairly often.

Thanks, unfortunately this one seems to be too old to have a serial number. I've contacted Vanson to see if they can provide any more insight!

 

[JackBroChill]

So a bit of a different entry into this thread this evening. As a good fortunate set of occurrences, well, occurred, I have three Vanson's presently representing Competition Weight leather from the year 2000, 2002 and 2025. I am going to try and describe the feel, "hand", texture, pliability and traits of these leathers, since the two older jackets were right in the "sweet spot" for "old" Competition Weight leather, and the new one is from a totally different leather supplier. I hope what emerges from this is a helpful, not critical, review. Also, it's difficult to try and describe "feel and hand" by typing about them, it's very obvious in hand what I am trying to describe here.

Quickly here are the three -
2025 Vanson Star - Size 46 - 5.5 lbs
2002 Vanson Mark II Cobra - 46 - 7.5 lbs (Well broken in and quite a unique one)
2000 Vanson Comet - 50 - 5.5 lbs New condition, not broken in

First to some photos for comparison, all three jackets hung together. One can observe differences if you zoom in on this photo some:

View attachment 742456

Showing some detail, see the 2025 Star hanging shoulder to shoulder with the 2002 Mark II Cobra:

View attachment 742457 View attachment 742460
These two images show quite clearly the very large difference in "feel" and "grain" between these leathers. The new Star on the Left will require very little break in - just grab it and go. No stiffness to it at all. It's still fairly thick (I'll get my micrometer out soon and measure) however the older two jackets certainly feel quite a bit heavier. Old school Comp Weight felt protective, like armor, when you wear it. On this specific jacket there are quite a few panels of double leather, hence some of the weight difference.

As can be seen here, Ron's jacket (the Mark II Cobra) was worn by him quite a lot. It's very well broken in and the leather shows such. I have yet to know, but may soon find out, if the new Star will break in in any similar manner.

Comparing this jacket to the 2000 Comet - which is still not broken in, we see the following photos:

View attachment 742462

View attachment 742463
View attachment 742465

Note how the year 2000 Competition Weight Comet has a considerably more structure to its sleeves. This is one very thick jacket. The 2025 Star Competition Weight has more of a printed grain to it. Note that the leather "drapes" quite a bit more than the Comet.

All these jackets are quite comfortable to wear, at least from trying on around the house.

I'll do individual reviews of each of these jackets soon.

Great stuff.

Would also be curious how these compare to that beautiful old Bates you were able to snag!

 

[unhatted]

I have three Vanson's presently representing Competition Weight leather from the year 2000, 2002 and 2025. I am going to try and describe the feel, "hand", texture, pliability and traits of these leathers, since the two older jackets were right in the "sweet spot" for "old" Competition Weight leather

Interesting you identify early 00s as the sweet spot as people on here tend to wax lyrical about 90s comp weight. But my recent comparison of 4 examples and 3 eras of comp weight earlier on the thread led me to the same conclusion—it’s the 2003 comp weight E (which yes, why not, is for sale) which has all those mythical comp weight properties. I find the 90s stuff lighter and spongier in comparison…

 

[Bluechel]

Interesting you identify early 00s as the sweet spot as people on here tend to wax lyrical about 90s comp weight. But my recent comparison of 4 examples and 3 eras of comp weight earlier on the thread led me to the same conclusion—it’s the 2003 comp weight E (which yes, why not, is for sale) which has all those mythical comp weight properties. I find the 90s stuff lighter and spongier in comparison…

From my collection of Vanson Comp stuff, I have concluded that they really mean "late late" 90's/early 2000's possibly. I've spent a silly amount of time buying/selling to find those grail type Comps, and they are quite stunningly different. To be fair though, that's definitely not the only years, there seems to be one off exceptions, like any "rule"....