Oh man, I really love this jacket! It's a testament, imho, to the beauty of CXL, the Jedi level mastery of Aero, specifically Julie Leitch (who has made every Aero cross zip I've ever owned, each one somehow better than the next) and Carrie/ Thurston Bros. world class service. In total I have owned 4 Bootleggers, 2 used and 2 custom. Having learned a bit along the way about what I'd like to change/ improve, I injected those ideas into this jacket. Originally I was going to do this jacket up in Cherry CXL. Despite the beauty of the sample I lost my nerve. The brown is a stunner. Amazing pull-up that will, from what I gather in a very short time, pop highlights like crazy. The front is equipped with 4 exterior zips, all #5 shiny brass Talons. Handwarmers zip closed downward and all pockets are lined in moleskin. The collar has a throat latch ( ala Indian Ranger), which looks so cool and seems to be increasingly popular on this model. The sleeves zip close on top like a board racer, with the same #5 Talon. I really like the edge this gives the jacket. It's a subtle detail that transforms the feel of the jacket. The back is equipped with shoulder gussets and a single point western yoke. I loved this config on my 30's HB. It's quite flattering and functional as well. I felt my v. 1.0 sorely lacked this back design. This jacket and it's gussets function far better than those on my j 106. I haven't figured out why but they undoubtedly do. I can move in this jacket better than any other Aero I've owned and straight out of the box, despite the heavy steer, it's remarkably easy to wear. Inside is heavy brown corduroy in the body with tried and true brown drill in the sleeves. The corduroy is fantastic, toasty warm and looks so nice. No interior pockets. Camp fire label, which I couldn't possibly love more and Thurston Bros new pacific coast sunrise (which I'd love to see someday) label as well. I'm sure I left out some descriptor but before I load the pics I want to sincerely thank Carrie for her Ghandi like patience and gentle treatment. She is always a pleasure to correspond with and even when faced with the biggest pain in the ass on the planet, whiny child (me) she is a consummate professional. Thank you Aero, Carrie, and Horween for sending me off into 2018 in style. My cross zip journey is now complete. Black j106 for feeling like Vader, brown Bootlegger for Obi-Wan. Here is my Boot-racer:
Wow, so cool! You look great in it Tony, Congratulations!!!! Can't wait to see the steer in a couple of years, as I know you'll put it through it's paces.
Thanks guys. I thought the brown might be too safe a choice when I ordered it but man it's really a sight to see. I'm really glad I did!
Wow. Every time I think I am done with buying new.. something like this pops up and makes me spend hours on the Aero website again... Congratulations Tony, that jacket is spectacular in so many ways... I love the back-design, that centered yoke looks amazing! Fit is great as always and that leather makes me really want more CLX stuff.. could rave about the jacket all day long, but I'll leave for the Aero Sale Page instead and hope there's nothing there to feed my huner.. or do I?
I like a lot the zipper configuration on the sleeves with the tape exposed! Great jacket! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I didn't specify the weight. I'd say she clocks in at right around 7-8lbs. Feels light compared to the j106 I've been wearing thus far this winter. LOL.
Thanks man! I literally couldn't be happier with it. I will wear it all day and sit by the fire in it tonight sipping a nice porter. I've dreamed of doing that since Sept.
Looks Perfect in every way, you certainly nailed the fit. I would be interested in knowing what measurements you requested, especially at your size ( 5'11" 215 lbs) its labeled a size 40. You look great.. you've started 2018 off on the right foot for sure.
It's dead on as requested. 24" P2P, 19.5" across shoulders and 27" sleeve and back length. I did request all of these #'s and this one is in fact a touch roomier than my 44" j106. I believe the Bootlegger is sized larger and when I inquired about the 42" I was told they average around 25" p2p, which would be too roomy for me.
Toss the rest of 'em out, @ton312 - this one is amazing. How do you like the cord lining??? I never ever thought of doing it, although when I put my hands into my Aero with the same pocket lining, I love it. How does the better half feel about it?? Congrats.