HILLSIDE USA HEAVIEST LEATHER

The most direct path to your answer about the hide is here: https://www.hillsideusa.com/crm.asp?action=contactus
I wouldn't rely on what somebody else may have...hide selection is not always a constant with any maker, and the last member who posted a new jacket from them received a pretty horrible looking jacket in "less than desirable" hide. In other words...proceed with caution.

 

If you are open to suggestions, I would try Fox Creek in Virginia. They are comparable in price range and their reputation is excellent. They are in the middle of nowhere in the mountains of SW Virginia. For people to seek them out, you know they have to be good.

 

I do not

 

Yes, to me this just doesn’t look very attractive. The cut of the above jacket also looks off, as do the design elements. These jackets are not cheap and I think for the money a much better value can be had.

 

Hard to tell from that pic of the sleeve .. when enlarged a lot of leathers look like that.

 

I have a Fox Creek riding jacket and a pair of chaps from them. A quality manufacturer.

 

Fox Creek and Hillside seem to have the same junk rubbery leather. I wouldn’t be surprised that they are both the same company...

 

How noble of you that you're trying to unload it on fellow loungers for only $175.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/new-hillside-usa-biker-jacket-just-sold.103379/

I'm not sure you understand the spirit of this forum Peter.

 

Possibly you were just being sarcastic, sir. I can assure you they are not the same company because I have taken the time to learn about Fox Creek's operation. Fox Creek is a family-owned business that was started by a military vet. Everything they sell, with the exception of certain plastic products, is made in the US. They have used the same suppliers for many years. You can go on youtube and see how they make their products.

Considering they are one of the relatively few small businesses left in the US that make custom leather jackets, it doesn't say much for American craftsmanship if FC sells junk. They are one of a very few options for someone wanting a custom, American-made leather jacket in the $500 range. And thank God they do, because most Americans cannot afford a Schott Perfecto or a Langlitz, especially in these times.

 

I've had both Hillside and Fox Creek, in the Perfecto style cross zip, and IMHO Fox Creek fit better, had better feeling leather, wonderful drape and just was better quality. The Hillside, while equally heavy, was more shapeless, poorer pebbled leather and just sort of blah. Fox Creek is where my money would go!

 

Today I received a HillsideUSA jacket I had ordered 18 days previously. I purchased the Distressed Brown D Pocket jacket. My only complaint is the lack of communication with respect to shipping and delivery. They are difficult to communicate with in the sense that the email and phone calls basically go unanswered. That said, I am very impressed with the jacket. This is described as 3 to 3 1/2 ounces of naked cowhide. It’s a heavy jacket , almost as heavy as a Fox Creek jacket I had owned some years ago. They have heavier weight jackets but I really liked the distressed brown. I’d estimate the leather thickness as 1.4mm , close to 1.5mm. I would have bought another FoxCreek jacket had they offered the jacket in brown given my satisfaction with an earlier purchase. That said, I am very pleased with the jacket from HillsideUSA. The leather is top grade and the quality of zippers, pockets, lining, and stitching excellent. For some reason ordering this jacket in size 46 resulting in a substantial savings over a selection in another size choice despite the made to order production . For me , at 5’ 11” 195 , the fit is ample. I likely could have taken a 44 but being able to wear a sweater under the jacket for those really cold rides was I important. Their jackets are American made and made to order. I’ve read less than enthusiastic reviews of their horsehide jackets , but for my money, this one is a bargain.