Brooks is a close second for me. They're essentially the same, just that Cal doesn't have the big action back and has a more shaped silhouette while Brooks is straight but otherwise it's a stellar jacket. That I don't have.
Anyone tried a new brooks jacket or is that a different company now? Price looks good https://www.brooksleather.com/511c-premium-cowhide.html
It's a different company that owns the name and the patterns. Nice people and looks like good value. Jamie the owner posted here a couple of time and I've spoken to him off line. The jackets are slightly different in detail and hardware. And a way heavier 3.5oz hide. There are two version of this one now. Frankly I miss the lighter steer-hide and the teardrop talon chest zips.
I don't know about your other (high end) jackets, the ones I've seen look just as great. But this one does look ridiculously cool. Congrats!
I wasn't sure about the flap pockets either. They do resemble the baracuta g9. But now that I've actually worn it, I think those flap pockets look just fine. I'm on a one in one out regime now so I sold this RRL cossack to make room for this Thedi. Now my girlfriend tells me she liked the RRL better. Of course, in terms of quality the RRL is no match for the Thedi. But I think I do like the length of the rrl better. The rrl was 24'. The Thedi is 25'. Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to it...
Just back from Johnson Leather is my LW CHP. It went in for a zipper replacement but while it was there it also got a makeover with a brand new removable shearling collar. The new YKK zipper works perfectly and I love the look of the natural mouton.
My Cal CR is much lighter than my Cal LAPDs. Not sure if it’s as light as a Brooks, but it may be close enough for you to give one a try.
That shown above RRL had almost ideal proportions for your frame Marc, so that's what your girlfriend's statement might be caused from. It did fit you great. Love its pointy collar and pointy acute-angled pockets, the whole jacket looked very well balanced all-in-all and was really nice designed with perfectly made proportions for that whole pattern all around, the jacket length incl. It had lots of historically correct key features. Looked great on you indeed.
A Saturday AM Harley run into the Swan Valley north east of Perth CBD. Closest "wine region" to the city. Occasion my good riding mate's 90th birthday run , as the day of his birthday the heavens had opened ! His is the red Harley Ultra trike in the parked line-up. 10c start , 23C on the return leg , requiring a jacket at the warmer end of the spectrum. So Schott 641HH café racer today , quilted lining and no vents , perfect for the job today. Photo not taken by me (obviously) we have just parked up.
I have one of these in red that i am ready to bet would be a great fit on you... https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/fs-cal-leather-cafe-racer.96857/
I fully agree with you. It matches my experience: I would add to that Indian and African friends here in the UK. A lot of it is because of the obsession with levelling down and ‘anti-elitism’ - and the way in which politicians of all parties now favour the most poorly educated.
Looks spot-on, Marc! Yes, length is a question of personal preference, but it sure doesn’t look to long, let alone odd.
Grumpy and tired after a not-so-hot week. Scenic view from the gas station with Aero “Premier” Bootlegger.
I wonder if that’s the collar they had originally made for my Cal that I declined b/c it overpowered the jacket?! It doesn’t overpower the LW but the cal I had was not nearly as stout. Looks fantastic! Didn’t look right on this Cal:
The RRL has the shorter vintage fit of say a type 1 denim jacket from the 30s or 40s. It looks great. But the Thedi also fits you very well. And the RRL has the distressed leather, while the Thedi is not, so it's also a question of taste with that. Both excellent leather jackets. By the way, where did you get the shearling pimp coat from? Does it keep you warm in very cold weather? It looks so.