Vanson Jackets

[Flashmonkey]

Does anybody here have any experience with Vanson's leather jackets? I'm looking to get a bitchin' new jacket this year and I like the fact that Vanson's jackets won't make me look like I'm about to climb into a megazord. Specifically, their perf leather/Cobra model jackets.

What's the fit like? Issues with quality, etc? General opinions?

We have a dealer here in Ontario, but he's about 3 hours away from Toronto. If I'm gonna schedule a viewing it better be worth it.

Thanks in advance!

[CC Cowboy]

Vanson makes quality leathers. I had a good friend that used them racing for years. They were custom made, so I can't tell you about off the rake fit, his were crash tested many times and held up very well.

[jstrain]

I've heard from a few folks that their quality has gone downhill over the last few years, but they were specifically talking about racing leathers. Not sure if the street riding jackets are part of that.

That being said, they do have some nice looking jackets!

Edit: Not implying that they're junk. I was told that their newer suits (made overseas?) didn't hold up as well in a crash compared with their older suit that this rider owned.

["A"]

Over the years, I've bought used Vanson gear from eBay. As long as you know your size, good deals can be found. I'm pretty slim, able to fit woment jackets no problem.




My favorite summer "perforated" jacket.




My Vanson Volante perforated suit:

[CC Cowboy]

Vanson used to be made in beautiful Fall River, MA. I didn't know they were being made overseas now.

[tiggen]

I rode in the Stallion pro perf back when I had a street bike. Actually, I still have the jacket. I love it. More than many other things in my life. I didn't have the armor (got off the street before upgrading).

I'm a 45 in a suit, 16 1/2 neck, 34 sleeve. I got the 46 and it fits great. Fair amount of adjustability around the belly. If you live somewhere cold and want to use it on cold days, make sure you try it on either with their steamliner liner or other base layers as the pro perf lets a LOT of air flow. Great for warm days, cold on mild days.

Don't know/haven't heard about them being made anywhere else but MA.

[jstrain]

Haha, I'm definitely not an authoritative source. Just what I've heard. I certainly wouldn't feel uncomfortable riding in one

[gfloyd2002]

Vanson has a great reputation, and I came [/this] close to getting a Vanson jacket, but then moved to a hot weather climate. Wouldn't hesitate buying one for a second.

They do now import some of their products (some of their gloves I know for sure), but their website clearly differentiates when the product is imported and when it is manufactured at their own factory in Fall River. I think that all their jackets are still manufactured in the Vanson Fall River factory, but I'm sure a quick email to them would confirm that. They were very responsive to me when I've emailed them before.

Overall, a good, made in the USA product that is stylish and built to last.

[Flashmonkey]

Ya i read somewhere (probably on the internet) that they've started importing some of their stuff...or that some of their gear was made overseas. Not sure how true any of that is, but I do know about their reputation for quality gear. The jackets that I've seen thus far all use thicker leather than the norm (1.7mm vs 1.2mm or something)...so that definitely caught my attention.

I also heard that Vanson's pretty good with regards to providing tailored services for their gear....at least in the U.S. Not sure how that applies (or if it applies) to Canada, but does anybody have any experience with getting a suit or a jacket of theirs customized?

Thanks for the input so far guys. I appreciate it!