Thoughts on Iron Heart split steer Type III?

[natefreezy]

Saw this jacket the other day and thought it looked really good. I like the Type III cut from Iron Heart in denim and corduroy. Anyone have this and can comment on how they like it, how it wears? Thanks!

 

[Boyo]

You should check the Iron Heart forum for specifics but its made by FourSpeed for Iron Heart, and Im sure a beautiful jacket.
sleeve and jacket length will be on the long side..

https://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/t...ype-iii-jacket-black-or-brown?_=1733342790088

 

[JackBroChill]

Iron Heart forums will indeed be more helpful than here.

I purchased this after looking for a roughout/suede type 3 trucker style jacket and settling on the IH model. Compared to the McCoy's or Y'2 version I loved the lining and the overall finish quality felt a touch better. Also liked the pockets and the buttons not being snap buttons that make some noise when moving around.

However, I will say that it is very beefy. I bought mine like 2 months before they released a sheepskin version in the same cut (black only, in case you're looking at the brown model) and immediately realized the sheepskin model fixed all my concerns of the steer and ended up buying that on sale/selling my steer version and am extremely happy with the choice.

Steer model is incredible, but very heavy and beefy to the point where it's a challenge to even button the buttons at first (like it probably is worth while to use a cork or something to break in the button holes for easier access). It's also heavy to the point where it's pretty warm, but with leather not being that insulating it's not like it's a great jacket strictly for warmth which made it a tad difficult to actually wear temperature wise since it would get pretty hot pretty easily but also not actually keep you warm in cold weather. The cut of the steer seems slightly larger/longer than the sheep as well but that will just depend on your height and how you like it to fit.

Long story short: It's an awesome jacket but I find the lighter sheep version a lot more wearable (if a bit more polished/less rugged looking which may not be what you're going for).

 

[cbez]

I have the horsehide version. Fantastic jacket, really long sleeves. Some people dislike the slant pockets but I like them.

 

[Canuck Panda]

I kick myself in the butt for not picking a 4speed one a couple years back when they began doing the trucker and then for IH only because it wasn’t made by the 4speed owner. Haven‘t come across one on the used market yet…. Fingers crossed.

 

[konadog]

I concur with Jack. I tried the jacket on at Self Edge and loved it, but it is beefy. I also tried on the black sheepskin suede version and that is about as perfect as a trucker as one can get. It's so soft and smooth and the weight is lighter. However, it only comes in black and only goes to size 42 (XL) and I need a 44.

 

[JackBroChill]

I kick myself in the butt for not picking a 4speed one a couple years back when they began doing the trucker and then for IH only because it wasn’t made by the 4speed owner. Haven‘t come across one on the used market yet…. Fingers crossed.

What was the difference with the 4speed one?

 

[natefreezy]

Super helpful insights, thanks, and for putting the sheepskin on my radar. How substantial does the sheepskin feel? What do you think are use cases where split steers would be better (or vice versa)? I usually like some heft and durability but this is really one where it'd be super helpful to try on both together, although probably not possible.

 

[JackBroChill]

Super helpful insights, thanks, and for putting the sheepskin on my radar. How substantial does the sheepskin feel? What do you think are use cases where split steers would be better (or vice versa)? I usually like some heft and durability but this is really one where it'd be super helpful to try on both together, although probably not possible.

The sheep definitely feels substantial, IMO. It's definitely closer to suede but still feels like a trucker jacket made by a motorcycle brand more than some high end lambskin from a designer store. The steer feels indestructible and maybe I think twice about putting my elbow on a wet bar counter with the sheep in a way I wouldn't with the steer but I certainly don't feel like I have to baby it. But I think the trade-offs in how much easier it is to wear is very much worth it.

The steer probably looks ever so slightly more rugged, and would be what you would want to wear on a motorcycle if you're actually biking but I think it's an aesthetic/feel thing more than anything and for my urban purposes the sheep was just more practical.

I think they have them at self edge but in limited stock in case you're near any of their stores. Iron Heart is also pretty great with customer service and is helpful to reach out to and, if you want, you could probably order both and decide which to keep (not sure about customs issues or not though).

 

[natefreezy]

The sheep definitely feels substantial, IMO. It's definitely closer to suede but still feels like a trucker jacket made by a motorcycle brand more than some high end lambskin from a designer store. The steer feels indestructible and maybe I think twice about putting my elbow on a wet bar counter with the sheep in a way I wouldn't with the steer but I certainly don't feel like I have to baby it. But I think the trade-offs in how much easier it is to wear is very much worth it.

The steer probably looks ever so slightly more rugged, and would be what you would want to wear on a motorcycle if you're actually biking but I think it's an aesthetic/feel thing more than anything and for my urban purposes the sheep was just more practical.

I think they have them at self edge but in limited stock in case you're near any of their stores. Iron Heart is also pretty great with customer service and is helpful to reach out to and, if you want, you could probably order both and decide which to keep (not sure about customs issues or not though).

Do you think the split steer would break in and get more supple over time?

I did actually reach out to IH and they said the sheepskin was a one off. eBay might be an option but yeah the split steer will come around again.

My guess is they're both great but yeah different strokes.

 

[JackBroChill]

Do you think the split steer would break in and get more supple over time?

I did actually reach out to IH and they said the sheepskin was a one off. eBay might be an option but yeah the split steer will come around again.

My guess is they're both great but yeah different strokes.

I think it should, probably worth asking on the IH forum for that product (which is a very helpful feature for IH stuff since there's a whole thread for every single item) and looking at more used versions people have to notice any differences over time.

I also think one of the big things for me with the sheepskin was it just fit me better with ever so slightly shorter sleeves and body, and I think I'm probably right in between L and XL and the material made a tighter fitting jacket a bit more comfortable with less beefy leather.

So I think if the steer fits you well (the sleeves, especially) then some of what made it less wearable for me will be irrelevant.

Shame about the one off release, I thought it said continuous production on their product page but I think the access to the leather was limited or inconsistent enough where they can't guarantee it comes back on a regular basis.

 

[Canuck Panda]

What was the difference with the 4speed one?

4speed makes the trucker jackets for IH. There was a Lee's trucker style that was made but I haven't seen it make its way into the IH line up.

 

[JackBroChill]

4speed makes the trucker jackets for IH. There was a Lee's trucker style that was made but I haven't seen it make its way into the IH line up.
View attachment 661760

Ahh that's very nice indeed! I knew 4speed makes leather items for IH but never quite knew that many details of the dynamic/relationship. Also not very familiar with 4speed in general.

 

[cbez]

Do you think the split steer would break in and get more supple over time?

I did actually reach out to IH and they said the sheepskin was a one off. eBay might be an option but yeah the split steer will come around again.

My guess is they're both great but yeah different strokes.

Can't speak for the steer but the horsehide is tanned supple despite being thick.