Riri vs Crown zipper

[NamoAmituofo]

Could someone help me understand what are the key functional differences between Riri and Crown zippers?

My understanding is both are very robust - but Crown is significantly more expensive.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Crown zippers are overpriced, especially the earlier chevron teeth ones, M41. The later ones (including the C&C ones) are less expensive but still overpriced. You can find Riri zippers for much less. Modern zippers (both Riri and YKK) are better than vintage zipper designs imo, for functional everyday wear. But vintage zipper has that look. On a daily wear jacket it's better to go with the modern zippers.

 

[Will Zach]

#10 OG spring-loaded Crown is the most kick-ass zipper you can find, if you can find it.

 

[NamoAmituofo]

Crown zippers are overpriced, especially the earlier chevron teeth ones, M41. The later ones (including the C&C ones) are less expensive but still overpriced. You can find Riri zippers for much less. Modern zippers (both Riri and YKK) are better than vintage zipper designs imo, for functional everyday wear. But vintage zipper has that look. On a daily wear jacket it's better to go with the modern zippers.

Thanks a lot - you are incredibly knowledgeable at these things

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

As mentioned, there's nothing quite like the #10 Spring-loaded Crown and it's pinlocking mechanism. In terms of the vintage zips out there, it's the Crown jewel.

That being said, the pricing difference can be attributed more to rarity than functionality.

 

[photo2u]

I have seen very few NOS sping loaded #10 crowns. Most others in reproduction jackets are reproduction crowns. Talon and Riri are much stronger than the #10 crowns. I have used the "big teeth" talon and is far better than the same size crowns. The riri #10 is much better than any similar size zipper in the market. I consider it the bulletproof zipper. I used it on my anti-g flight suits, but they were also used in flight jackets.
Furthermore, I consider Conmar stronger and much smoother than #10 crowns. Conmar was used in the James Dean jacket. Talon was used in the Brando's Wild one jacket. I must write, there are other American made companies that still make excellent #10 zips for a down to earth prices. Thirty years ago, YKK made an all Nickel plated #5 zip that was the pinnacle of #5 production in my book.

 

[Jon Crow]

I have seen very few NOS sping loaded #10 crowns. Most others in reproduction jackets are reproduction crowns. Talon and Riri are much stronger than the #10 crowns. I have used the "big teeth" talon and is far better than the same size crowns. The riri #10 is much better than any similar size zipper in the market. I consider it the bulletproof zipper. I used it on my anti-g flight suits, but they were also used in flight jackets.
Furthermore, I consider Conmar stronger and much smoother than #10 crowns. Conmar was used in the James Dean jacket. Talon was used in the Brando's Wild one jacket. I must write, there are other American made companies that still make excellent #10 zips for a down to earth prices. Thirty years ago, YKK made an all Nickel plated #5 zip that was the pinnacle of #5 production in my book.

Years ago I bought my wife a old vintage sheepskin jacket with a RiRi zipper, indestructible

 

[TartuWolf]

The topic of this thread is close enough so I'll post my question here:
When we talk about leather jackets we usually discuss how a #10 zipper is ideal for the main zipper (at least in terms of max durability, but maybe overkill in terms of aesthetics). Or at least a #8 is highly recommended as the perfect compromise, especially if the leather is not absurdly thick and stiff.
For other zippers #5 seems to be the default? I'm talking about sleeve zippers, chest pocket zippers, handwarmer pocket zippers, d-pocket zippers, etc..
I'd like to use RiRi zippers for an upcoming jacket.
They don't have #5 it seems, only #4, #6 and #8.
#8 will be the main zipper, but what about the others?
Would you go #4 or #6 for the other zippers?

 

[AerGuitar]

I used some RiRi zips for a ladies jacket that I made a couple months ago. Used #6 for main and sleeve zips, and a #4 for chest pocket. The visual difference between a #5 and RiRi #6 is negligible to my eye, but for some reason, the #4 looks tiny and feels delicate. I’d definitely go #6 for your sleeves and pockets! Smooth as butter

 

[AerGuitar]

 

[TartuWolf]

@AerGuitar
Went with the 8 for main zipper and 6 for other zippers. Let's see how it turns out

 

[AerGuitar]

^^ I’m sure you will be pleased!

 

[cl206]

@AerGuitar
Went with the 8 for main zipper and 6 for other zippers. Let's see how it turns out
View attachment 685037

Hi TartuWolf,

I too am considering maybe these zippers for a leather jacket possibly from Fields.
I am in the US so who knows but
how much did you order and from where?
Thanks!

 

[TartuWolf]

Hi TartuWolf,

I too am considering maybe these zippers for a leather jacket possibly from Fields.
I am in the US so who knows but
how much did you order and from where?
Thanks!

A set of 1 main zip (#8) + 3 secondary (#6) was about 40 gbp in UK. I'm sure you can buy from UK and ship to FL directly or they can buy these for you. Not that rare in UK as far as I can tell.

 

[cl206]

A set of 1 main zip (#8) + 3 secondary (#6) was about 40 gbp in UK. I'm sure you can buy from UK and ship to FL directly or they can buy these for you. Not that rare in UK as far as I can tell.

Wow that was quick! Thanks! Do you have a link?
Also did you end up using them in a jacket and if so, any updates? Would love to see how they look on a jacket.

 

[TartuWolf]

For example: https://www.londontrimmings.co.uk/product-view.php?id=1422
Haven't used yet but maybe in the future

 

[AerGuitar]

Hi TartuWolf,

I too am considering maybe these zippers for a leather jacket possibly from Fields.
I am in the US so who knows but
how much did you order and from where?
Thanks!

You can order RiRi zips from The Buckle Guy in the US. They are on the East coast I believe

 

[cl206]

For example: https://www.londontrimmings.co.uk/product-view.php?id=1422
Haven't used yet but maybe in the future

Awesome! Thanks! Really appreciate it.

 

[NamoAmituofo]

Guys I can ask a follow up question on zippers.

So my aero jacket which I ordered (new) has size 8 Universal main zip and it zips and unzips very smoothly. But the main point is the jacket has ever been folded half in the middle lengthways only (if that makes sense) - when I unboxed it aero folded it like that and I’ve always folded it the same way when storing it in a big backpack for day trips when morning/evening temps vary a lot.

I have two other jackets. A Vanson Enfield in HH with a Riri zipper which I believe is size 10 (it’s massive). Plus a recently acquired LW Speed Demon with a size 8 or 10 spring loaded Crown zipper. BOTH these jackets must had been folded in all sorts of ways by previous owners and in transit - resulted in a ‘wavy’ appearance of the zipper if that makes sense. This makes it not so smooth when zipping up and I need to carefully line up the front flaps on both sides before pulling up the zipper as I’m worried I could break some teeth if forcing too much. Zipping down is more straight forward.

I think this has more to do with the ‘folded leather flaps’ in which the zipper is sewed in developed ‘waves’. I’d since soaked the whole Vanson jacket in cold water, greased the hide when damp and let it dry flat - that seemed to restore the ‘flaps’ to less wavy and as a result the Riri zipper now operates smoother.

What do you reckon? Have you experienced this with pre owned jackets?

 

[NamoAmituofo]