Makarwise
New in Town
- Messages
- 4
First post here - a great deal of my research was carried out on this site for my first leather jacket purchase, so I thought I should feed back. I am Scottish and live in the Highlands. On a recent trip south I decided to take time out to visit both Aero in Galashiels and Simmons Bilt in Moffat. After so much reading up and consideration I had an idea of what I was after, with the distinct possibility that nothing would suit once I was able to try on.
Bookings made with really helpful folks at both companies, I visited Aero first. My idea was probably a half belt, slimmer fit, maybe a plainsman. I tried on most styles and loved the look and feel of a few, some not so much- just as expected. There was a nearly new Plainsman that was almost right but just a little big and the leather was nice but didn't grab me. They were incredibly helpful and spent time with me without any problem. As I left I was a little sad - my 16 yr old daughter was with me and I told her that I thought the dream of the jacket was over and apologised for the next hour out and back to Moffat that would probably be fruitless.
Moffat reached, enjoyed lunch then into Simmons Bilt to meet Debs and see what was available. I did not know the styles there so well, other than I had tried on a couple of Iron Heart leathers down in England that were too stiff and glossy for me, although well put together. SB are very busy making jackets and shirts etc. for Iron Heart right now. I tried on a couple which felt good but the leather and colour (natural tan) were not ideal. Then I tried on the Tail ***ner in size 40, black prairie horsehide and immediately I realised that I was going to buy it. My daughter totally backed that notion up and ten minutes later I walked out the door with it. The fit seems just right for me, others can disagree or agree, the leather is thick and supple. It drapes just right in my eyes and for my bones. The zips and brass furniture are sturdy and functional - I like the opening on the side that I'm used to.
So, a successful trip and having bought my first jacket I think I got it right - which is of course what really matters. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend both companines and although I had the luxury of in-person purchase, I can see that both are set up to get it right at a distance. I'm now thinking about a brown prairie Tail ***ner... slippery slope reached!
Sizes - Chest 22.5", Sleeve 25.5", Shoulders 18.5", Length 25.5"
Bookings made with really helpful folks at both companies, I visited Aero first. My idea was probably a half belt, slimmer fit, maybe a plainsman. I tried on most styles and loved the look and feel of a few, some not so much- just as expected. There was a nearly new Plainsman that was almost right but just a little big and the leather was nice but didn't grab me. They were incredibly helpful and spent time with me without any problem. As I left I was a little sad - my 16 yr old daughter was with me and I told her that I thought the dream of the jacket was over and apologised for the next hour out and back to Moffat that would probably be fruitless.
Moffat reached, enjoyed lunch then into Simmons Bilt to meet Debs and see what was available. I did not know the styles there so well, other than I had tried on a couple of Iron Heart leathers down in England that were too stiff and glossy for me, although well put together. SB are very busy making jackets and shirts etc. for Iron Heart right now. I tried on a couple which felt good but the leather and colour (natural tan) were not ideal. Then I tried on the Tail ***ner in size 40, black prairie horsehide and immediately I realised that I was going to buy it. My daughter totally backed that notion up and ten minutes later I walked out the door with it. The fit seems just right for me, others can disagree or agree, the leather is thick and supple. It drapes just right in my eyes and for my bones. The zips and brass furniture are sturdy and functional - I like the opening on the side that I'm used to.
So, a successful trip and having bought my first jacket I think I got it right - which is of course what really matters. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend both companines and although I had the luxury of in-person purchase, I can see that both are set up to get it right at a distance. I'm now thinking about a brown prairie Tail ***ner... slippery slope reached!
Sizes - Chest 22.5", Sleeve 25.5", Shoulders 18.5", Length 25.5"
