Vanson and Horween

JMax · Dec 4, 2018

Guppy said:
That's not very "limited edition" then, is it? Not that I care about production run sizes. It adds no value to me that they make such a small quantity. If it were a regular special order only jacket, I could get it made to my specific measurements, and it might cost around $1000-1200. I think it's a nice design but that price puts me off.

Yes, collaborations have larger run sizes than one would think. Over time, the 20 per size per year adds up too. Not really a factor for me either. The call to Vanson rather than the collaborative partner would allow some tweaking to the design and fit but not to the level of JL, Himel, etc.

I agree $1,600 is too much. My thought is that 1,000-1,300, like @dannyk mentioned is the sweet spot. My Commando was $950 or so if I recall correctly. But that was a couple/few years ago.

@Superfluous I misread your statement. No need to apologize, in fact, my apologies. I should have known you would not go that route.

jacketjunkie · Dec 4, 2018

Vanson using Horween is what I have dreamed of in a while, but 1600 USD? That's more than 2200 USD by the time it's arrived in Germany and it through customs.. I can get 2 Aeros for that and will still have some change left.. will have unfortunately have to pass on this. Maybe Vanson will offer Horween CLX as custom order for more reasonable prices in the future..

ton312 · Dec 4, 2018

I do think this is priced too high. Yet it is still under the price tag of the Junya Wantanabe x Vanson collabs of a few years back. If Vanson were to offer this or their own models in Horween without the collaboration piece I'm sure it would not be priced this high. Too many cooks in the kitchen and they all have to get paid. LF for design and Vanson for production. Now if you can point me to a Derby in CXL or a model E in Cordo....I'm listening.

Justhandguns · Dec 4, 2018

The reason that I go for Vanson is their Comp. weight leathers, not Horween, I am sorry, but I do buy into the hype of Horween, nor Sinki.

JMax · Dec 4, 2018

Vanson's website has a jacket custom sizing section that is under construction. And a very detailed measuring and order form. I wonder if this is only for track-type jackets or if they will custom fit traditional jackets a little more readily. As I understand, they will go custom on pretty much anything but they really do not want to and push you towards OTR. It would be cool if they were more willing to go that route for non-track customers. And for less than what I assume is a sizable upcharge, one probably meant to push you to OTR lol).

Monitor · Dec 4, 2018

Guys...

On the one hand, you've got newbies like GW, Himel, Diamond Dave, Gustin, etc. and a whole truck load of Japanese brand selling their stuff for anything north of $2K. Which is okay. Nice jackets. People willing to pay as much. Cool.

But...

On the other hand, you have a company with 50 years of experience in not just leather jackets but in making professional motorcycle racing apparel which literally makes an entire world of difference as it translates into anything they do.
Company that has experience in hundreds of different jacket styles, some of which they've even come up with.
Company that collaborated with some well known designers and fashion brands, regardless of how we may feel about that.

Think about it - if such a company belonged to you, wouldn't you think that if makers whose history goes back as far as their Instagram & Facebook timelines can charge over two thousand dollars for their jackets, you should have every right to ask a bit more than the usual for the jacket that in quality, durability, cut and now leather either matches or exceed anything else out there?

And that's without even taking into consideration that Horween is a huge brand name in their own right.

Seriously, what are we even discussing here?

dannyk · Dec 4, 2018

Monitor said:
Guys...

On the one hand, you've got newbies like GW, Himel, Diamond Dave, Gustin, etc. and a whole truck load of Japanese brand selling their stuff for anything north of $2K. Which is okay. Nice jackets. People willing to pay as much. Cool.

But...

On the other hand, you have a company with 50 years of experience in not just leather jackets but in making professional motorcycle racing apparel which literally makes an entire world of difference as it translates into anything they do.
Company that has experience in hundreds of different jacket styles, some of which they've even come up with.
Company that collaborated with some well known designers and fashion brands, regardless of how we may feel about that.

Think about it - if such a company belonged to you, wouldn't you think that if makers whose history goes back as far as their Instagram & Facebook timelines can charge over two thousand dollars for their jackets, you should have every right to ask a bit more than the usual for the jacket that in quality, durability, cut and now leather either matches or exceed anything else out there?

And that's without even taking into consideration that Horween is a huge brand name in their own right.

Seriously, what are we even discussing here?

1. Just like the Thursday Jacket I just brought this up as a discussion starter. And it has worked haha. But for real I enjoy our TFL debates and discussions.
2 To your point though, as I said a couple of times...I think it’s ever so slightly over priced. I’ll leave the market in general and the exorbitant costs associated with a lot of current makers out of it for now. The reason I feel personally it’s just a bit too high is based on the fact that the majority of Vansons jackets fall in the 700-900 dollar range. Switching to Horween HH in my mind doesn’t equal double the cost. I can see 1,200-1,400 being in the proper range. I don’t think it’s absurd at 1,600 though. As I’ve been saying based on the market that exists right now, this could even be considered a steal haha. But yeah Does Horween HH justify doubling a Vanson? My thought is no.

El Marro · Dec 4, 2018

I really like the look of the Commando. I’m still kicking myself for not grabbing one that popped up on eBay in my size last year. The one issue I have with the jacket though, is that it seems to me that it is at least 2 inches too long for a classic cross zip fit. The back length on a size L is 28.25”. I am 6’1” and that would almost cover the back pockets on my jeans. I think the length on this one was designed for folks who wear low rise jeans, too bad really, because aside from that I think it is one of the nicest Vanson cross zips I have seen.

dannyk · Dec 4, 2018

El Marro said:
I really like the look of the Commando. I’m still kicking myself for not grabbing one that popped up on eBay in my size last year. The one issue I have with the jacket though, is that it seems to me that it is at least 2 inches too long for a classic cross zip fit. The back length on a size L is 28.25”. I am 6’1” and that would almost cover the back pockets on my jeans. I think the length on this one was designed for folks who wear low rise jeans, too bad really, because aside from that I think it is one of the nicest Vanson cross zips I have seen.

Talk to @JMax he has a commando. J did you get it from Left Field or did you have Vanson make you one? In any case Jmax is definitely the one to speak to about the Commando. He might be able to shed light on how it actually fits on the body, not just measurements.

ton312 · Dec 4, 2018

The commando nd Derby are both longer in the body...the sz LG Derby I had was around 27.5" in back. Two way front zip and fixed belt.

JMax · Dec 4, 2018

I think @El Marro is spot on in his assessment. I got it direct from Left Field. Their version of the Commando is a bit longer in the body than my other MC jackets and very form fitting (The Butterscotch version of the Commando is less form fitting and provides more space in the midsection). When I wear low rise jeans it just hits the top of the pockets. It does come with two-way main zip which i religiously use when on the bike. The zip is necessary because like EM, I prefer a shorter jacket, especially when riding. This may be close to Hoosier Daddy-approved length. In any case, I love this jacket even though it is a bit longer than I usually prefer. The leather just feels great on and looks great, the shape of the D pocket is perfect, the hidden change pocket is cool, the pockets are lined with the same material as the jacket lining, the less is more take on design, etc... all make it worth it to me.

ton312 · Dec 4, 2018

JMax said:
I think @El Marro is spot on in his assessment. I got it direct from Left Field. Their version of the Commando is a bit longer in the body than my other MC jackets and very form fitting (The Butterscotch version of the Commando is less form fitting and provides more space in the midsection). When I wear low rise jeans it just hits the top of the pockets. It does come with two-way main zip which i religiously use when on the bike. The zip is necessary because like EM, I prefer a shorter jacket, especially when riding. This may be close to Hoosier Daddy-approved length. In any case, I love this jacket even though it is a bit longer than I usually prefer. The leather just feels great on and looks great, the shape of the D pocket is perfect, the hidden change pocket is cool, the pockets are lined with the same material as the jacket lining, the less is more take on design, etc... all make it worth it to me.

I remember feeling a little sad when I saw the commando almost immediately after paying for my Derby.

JMax · Dec 4, 2018

ton312 said:
I remember feeling a little sad when I saw the commando almost immediately after paying for my Derby.

That Derby is nice though. Sidenote, there is an Apparel Annex Straight-Zip Police jacket on Etsy that looks killer. A bit too pricey for me but if I had not just purchased the LW CHP I probably would have hit BIN.

ton312 · Dec 4, 2018

JMax said:
That Derby is nice though. Sidenote, there is an Apparel Annex Straight-Zip Police jacket on Etsy that looks killer. A bit too pricey for me but if I had not just purchased the LW CHP I probably would have hit BIN.

I bought a beautiful Cal from that seller. Very nice lady. Good stuff too. The shipping from Spain is the bummer. Her stuff ain't cheap but it is quality.

Jejupe · Dec 4, 2018

I have a butterscotch Commando... I would say that it's workmanship and attention to detail is about 25% up from most run of the mill Vansons I've handled. But 1600 bucks is just too much. I ordered a 3,75 oz CXL crosszip from JL - custom made with mock up fit jacket - and it set me back only about 1300.

ksozay · Dec 4, 2018

I've been looking into ordering a leather jacket from Fine Creek. 2k is becoming the new 1k for leather jacket pricing...

I will admit then when you start crossing over the 1500 mark, my expectation for quality in all aspects of the jacket increases with the price.

Hh121 · Dec 4, 2018

Monitor said:
Guys...

On the one hand, you've got newbies like GW, Himel, Diamond Dave, Gustin, etc. and a whole truck load of Japanese brand selling their stuff for anything north of $2K. Which is okay. Nice jackets. People willing to pay as much. Cool.

But...

On the other hand, you have a company with 50 years of experience in not just leather jackets but in making professional motorcycle racing apparel which literally makes an entire world of difference as it translates into anything they do.
Company that has experience in hundreds of different jacket styles, some of which they've even come up with.
Company that collaborated with some well known designers and fashion brands, regardless of how we may feel about that.

Think about it - if such a company belonged to you, wouldn't you think that if makers whose history goes back as far as their Instagram & Facebook timelines can charge over two thousand dollars for their jackets, you should have every right to ask a bit more than the usual for the jacket that in quality, durability, cut and now leather either matches or exceed anything else out there?

And that's without even taking into consideration that Horween is a huge brand name in their own right.

Seriously, what are we even discussing here?

El Marro · Dec 5, 2018

JMax said:
I think @El Marro is spot on in his assessment. I got it direct from Left Field. Their version of the Commando is a bit longer in the body than my other MC jackets and very form fitting (The Butterscotch version of the Commando is less form fitting and provides more space in the midsection). When I wear low rise jeans it just hits the top of the pockets. It does come with two-way main zip which i religiously use when on the bike. The zip is necessary because like EM, I prefer a shorter jacket, especially when riding. This may be close to Hoosier Daddy-approved length. In any case, I love this jacket even though it is a bit longer than I usually prefer. The leather just feels great on and looks great, the shape of the D pocket is perfect, the hidden change pocket is cool, the pockets are lined with the same material as the jacket lining, the less is more take on design, etc... all make it worth it to me.

JMax,
That is good to know, thank you very much for the fit info. If another one pops up in my size I will grab it.

itsallgood · Dec 6, 2018

I think $1600 is easily 2X overpriced. Nice leather, nice jacket, but same can be had elsewhere for less than half the price. Horween supplies a lot of builders.

ton312 · Dec 7, 2018

itsallgood said:
I think $1600 is easily 2X overpriced. Nice leather, nice jacket, but same can be had elsewhere for less than half the price. Horween supplies a lot of builders.

Yes. And no. While you can get a CXL jacket from the likes of gustin and Thursday you are not getting the same product. You can CXL from JL and you will pay significantly more. From Aero, about the same. Schott, same. You will not find an equivalent for less than $1k. If you can...link please!

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