My first Aero -- is it a keeper?

Gamma68 · May 12, 2018

I've fallen head first down the rabbit hole.

Purchased a used Aero "motorcycle jacket" online. Tagged size 38. Don't know when it was made. I believe it is CXL? I'm not an expert on FQHH, but my first impression is the hand is somewhat similar to the Schott naked cowhide I flipped a while back.

More photos:

I notice at areas where there has been wear to the leather (for example at the cuff zips, collar fold) a dark brown is showing through the black (similar to the raw underside of the epaulettes).

kronos77 · May 12, 2018

The current Horween CXL that Aero uses is nothing like the Schott naked cowhide. If you are correct about the similarity then it must be an older model. Perhaps it could be the old oil pull that Aero discontinued.

El Marro · May 12, 2018

Looks like a very nice jacket Gamma, worn but not worn out. How's the fit? If it fits you well then I'd say this one is a keeper for sure!

Gamma68 · May 12, 2018

Now for the negatives. There are some small areas of wear at the inside lining at the back hem. Not sure how much of a concern this should be.

The biggest issue is the main Talon zipper is missing some teeth at the beginning. My understanding is this is a common problem for these heavy Aero FQHH jackets. The jacket can't be zipped.

Here are fit pics, with jacket unzipped and then held as close as I can manage to how it might look fully zipped. My concern is mostly with the waist, which seems like it would be TIGHT when zipped. The shoulders also seem squared off and the jacket seems short, but I believe this is attributable to the Aero design.

Hh121 · May 12, 2018

Nice jacket, just too big on you.

Gamma68 · May 12, 2018

More photos:

Gamma68 · May 12, 2018

So, is it a keeper or a return?

@Hh121, if it were any smaller, I don't think there's any way I could zip it at the waist.

Sloan1874 · May 12, 2018

Unusual dimensions. I've tried on jackets like this before - fine around the front but the back looks too big. Given that and the zipper problem, I would be tempted to send it back.

Gamma68 · May 12, 2018

These are the jacket measurements for reference. It is tagged size 38.

Shoulders: 18”
Chest: 22.5”
Waist: 18.5" just below the belt
Sleeve: 24” (24.5” following curve)
Length from BOC: 24”

My measurements above differ slightly from the seller's. It's about .5" larger at the shoulders and chest than listed.

AbbaDatDeHat · May 12, 2018

Gamma68 said:
These are the jacket measurements for reference. It is tagged size 38.

Shoulders: 18”
Chest: 22.5”
Waist: 18.5" just below the belt
Sleeve: 24” (24.5” following curve)
Length from BOC: 24”

My measurements above differ slightly from the seller's. It's a about .5" larger at the shoulders and chest than listed.

Hey Gamma:
Cool jacket. What’s your height and weight just for perspective?
B

Gamma68 · May 12, 2018

AbbaDatDeHat said:
Hey Gamma:
Cool jacket. What’s your height and weight just for perspective?
B

5-9, 155 lbs

nick123 · May 12, 2018

That jacket looks absolutely fabulous. Keep it

TREEMAN · May 12, 2018

Nice jacket Gamma...It's not a good fit on you..Too much material in the back, along with the broken zip...it probably should be returned....

seres · May 12, 2018

That broken zip and torn lining are going to be big repairs, so I would send it back for those alone. And it is slightly too big in the chest area.

Hh121 · May 12, 2018

It costs around $100 to change the zipper, plus the huge back, I would send it back.

BlueWallpaper · May 13, 2018

Take my opinion with a healthy dose of salt, because I don't like this style of jacket, but I'd say return or pass it on. I wouldn't care about the zipper because really you don't zip jackets up that much (unless you're caught out in bitter enough conditions that you wish you were wearing a different jacket!). The issue is that it doesn't fit you. I feel half the fun or reason of owning a leather jacket is to get it to that perfect worn in look. You're close here but it's not good enough, dive deeper into the rabbit hole!!!

Guppy · May 13, 2018

Gamma68 said:
Now for the negatives. There are some small areas of wear at the inside lining at the back hem. Not sure how much of a concern this should be.

View attachment 118583 View attachment 118584

The biggest issue is the main Talon zipper is missing some teeth at the beginning. My understanding is this is a common problem for these heavy Aero FQHH jackets. The jacket can't be zipped.

View attachment 118585

Here are fit pics, with jacket unzipped and then held as close as I can manage to how it might look fully zipped. My concern is mostly with the waist, which seems like it would be TIGHT when zipped. The shoulders also seem squared off and the jacket seems short, but I believe this is attributable to the Aero design.

View attachment 118586 View attachment 118587 View attachment 118588 View attachment 118589

The wear to the lining isn't a big deal, to me. That's just what happens after a while.

The main zipper needing to be replaced is a big deal. Unless you bought it for <$400, I think you could have done better. Replacing the zipper will cost around $100 or so to do it right. You could substitute a heavy duty YKK zipper, and save a few dollars, but most of the cost will be in the labor, and you'll want someone who is experienced working with heavy leather. If there's no one local, factor in shipping onto the cost.

It's supposed to fit tight at the waist, being a motorcycle jacket. I would assess whether you'd be able to zip it up before getting the zipper repaired, and if it's not something you can wear zipped, move it on. If it does fit (and it looks like it does from your pictures to me) then it'd be a good jacket to keep once the zipper is repaired. Whether you got a good deal or not, that's up to you to decide.

Seb Lucas · May 13, 2018

What do you think about it? That's really what matters. I'm not drawn generally drawn to this style of leather jacket and I always feel they only suit about 50% of the guys who post pictures in them. The photos probably don't assist me too much as they are a little stiff or awkward. The photo from the front of it unzipped looks ok. But overall to my eye the jacket looks looks a little oversized.

tweedydon · May 13, 2018

I love these jackets! The zipper is a major repair, as others have noted; I would budget around $145 for repair. (My estimate is based on replacement zippers I've had repaired by Dena at Great Leathercraft; this includes shipping back and forth.) The lining I would have patched; this is fairly inexpensive. If these weren't disclosed by the seller I would either send the jacket back or else ask for a partial refund.

On the fit, I'd agree with others that it does look a bit roomy. However, this is a utility jacket for biking in... So if it's comfortable and you like it, that's all that matters! I don't worry much about proper fit with my biking jackets--just so long as they're the right length in the body and sleeves, can be zipped, and are reasonably right, I'm happy!

ProteinNerd · May 13, 2018

As others have said, nice jacket but you could find one with a better fit imo plus add the required repairs, I’d send it back.

My first Aero -- is it a keeper?

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