Aero Bi-swing back vs. Shoulder Gussets

Simple for me - action back. I've had both, gussets on Aero MC jacket, HWM & the Cafe Racer and full action back on the D-pocket. My observation is that Aero's gussets aren't all too functional, at least nowhere near as much as a full action back.

 

Not Aero, but i have jackets with these two designs:

This one, similar to the August, doesn't seem to be doing very much at all, maybe it's because it doesn't go all they way to the top of the shoulder.
But i don't feel that it helps very much and this jacket, although perfectly sized, does limit my range of motion



This design (regular action back Cafe Racer), although more intrusive is far superior. Great range of motion, nothing bad to say about it.




I can't really prove it scientifically, but i feel like the fact that the gusset goes all the way to the top of the shoulder seam really does a lot to improve range of motion.
I would guess that from the two designs you mentioned, the one on the black jacket would be better because of that.
Now, if you are talking about the very small shoulder gussets, as seen on the Aero J 106, i haven't tried these.

 

I can say from experience that the full action back greatly enhances range of motion. The shoulder gusset does not. Both look great but true range of motion gain, in my experience, is only achieved with a full action back. Speaking specifically to Aero jackets I've owned.

 

I have the two configurations on a 1930 half-belt and my Sheene I don't find these two features make a big difference in term of movement.

My TNO Indy jacket has a bi-swing back more functional than my 1930 HB.

But I like the clean look of the shoulder gussets

 

Personally, I'm not a fan of the August back. I think the yoke is too shallow and the action back too narrow. They do a different but similar version that I think looks much better as seen on Dan_t.


Yoke is slightly deeper with a nice curve and the action back is slightly wider. I think it just looks a lot more balanced.

 

See, I always believed that the most important part of the bi-swing back is little below the level of the armpits, as that's where the most pulling occurs once one outstretches their arms, like you would on a bike.

 

Which Aero model are you planning to order and for what purpose (eg. for riding)? lf for general use, a third option might be no action back or shoulder gussets but simply a plain back with back yoke.

 

Exactly. If it doesn't extend below your lats it has no function besides looking good.

 

I think that if you were to rate backs from "least useful" to "most useful"

It would go:

Shoulder gussets



Then side action back:



Lastly, full action back:




Keep in mind more things come into play, my J-100 for instance has a plain back and probably gives me the best range of motion, the pattern is just really well done, sleeve diameter, back and chest width, it all comes into play.



Regarding aesthetics, it's a personal call. A nice simple plain back is probably the least obtrusive and the cleanest.
The shoulder gussets and full action back definitely have a motorcycle jacket connotation.
The side action back is old school and probably the more classic way.

 

^^Agree 100%

 

I don't believe half-belts historically had gussets, as I have yet to see a vintage half-belt with them.
The gussets were for more freedom of movement when wearing tighter fitting Motorcycle jackets while riding.
I'd stick to the Aero design with the August.

 

Fascinating, as I've not thought about it that much. I have a Lost Worlds Easy Ryder, which I am guessing has gussets, and it is supremely comfortable to move around in, both on and off of a bike.

However, I love the design of the Aero Teamster and am inching closer to ordering one and one of the reasons is the look of the back. I obviously have no idea how it enhances or impacts shoulder movement......

 

My Teamster has outstanding range of motion and is my go to cooler weather jacket.

 

Of all the jackets that I've had, the undisputed champion of having by far the best action back ever is Vanson Model A.

 

So i have a 4-pocket cafe racer with Aero's "shoulder gussets" only and since it's a snug fit (Size 42) it's helpful, however as others have very well indicated it's not going to exend the range of motion by a signifigant amount, if that is what you are after. I also have a '30's half belt that is a 44 and plain back with yoke, and this has good range of motion. I sized it to be able to wear a sweater and heavy shirts under it, whereas the Cafe Racer is for ligher shirts under it. Good luck choosing!

 

Since when have you become a fan of Vanson jackets?

 

I know my next Video production: Baby got Back; Vintage backs

 

Well, I am fortunate enough to have both.
If you are after movement, the full back is better. If it is for aesthetics, then you need to make the choice.
Certain styles will lend themselves to each option.
Here's my half-belted Sunburst;


And cafe racer: