Triumphrat

Jhtjon

I am seriously thinking about buying a Vanson jacket. I am having a hard time with the price tag. I don't mind spending money on good products, however I don't like paying for "Names". Is the quality of their product truely superior to warrant the extra cost?

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BIR #248

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Pauljo

I can't see where you are "just paying for a name". Vanson has been in the business of producing quality leather riding garments for over 30 years. Their product is still "made in the USA", which is going to cost you - but maybe it is worth it. A leather jacket from Vanson is something you can wear with pride, and if properly cared for it should hold its value pretty well.

That said, I just bought a Scout IV leather jacket from First Gear. Not cheap, not as expensive as Vanson, not made in the USA. I do like it. The main downside of being made in China is that I needed a size 3XL (to fit my size XL self). But it has great features, is made from nice heavy, supple, leather, and the quality appears to be fine. Compared to a Vanson, I saved enough to buy at least $200 worth of other gear.

I can justify my choice. But I can also appreciate what a Vanson is, and I'd love to have one. If you can swing the price, you'll get a fine jacket for your money.

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Paul

2007 Triumph Bonneville T100, Tors, xAI, xSnorkel, 120 mains / 1 shim, 40 pilots, 3.0 turns, NH Bellmouth, Works Performance suspension, National Cycle Deflector DX, Scrambler Gel Seat

Jhtjon

I am in Newport RI this weekend (about 15min from the factory) I tried on about fifty jackets and they all fit great. The one I think that I settled on is about $400.00 plus they are giving me a free back protector, and I am probibly going to buy the Heated liner $215.00

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BIR #248

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...pvCAHXY5IE.jpg

Whisperinsmith

Jhtjon,
Too bad you couldn't wait awhile. Vanson's factory is right down the road from me and every year they have a "sale" weekend. Well worth the trip up for you. Everything's on sale. It's in Fall River, MA. On the coast just over the Rhode Island border.
You can try any jacket or suit and they'll custom one for you if you need. Amazing place for a biker to drool in. I already had my Triumph leathers, otherwise I'd be wearing Vanson.
Food for thought.

PS You just beat me to the submit button. I didn't know you'd been to the factory already.

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Life. Fill 'er up. It's all we got.

http://www.armchaircommando.org/benn...Bash/Home.html
Bennington, VT May 31, June 01 2008

Pauljo

$400 isn't out of line for a quality leather jacket. My Scout IV was over $300. But my Scout IV has CE type body armor, ample zip open vents for hot weather, thermal liner for cold weather, cargo style storage pockets - lots of handy features. I could be wrong, but I suspect that a similarly configured Vanson would be over $500.

I have been the the Vanson factory also (I used to live in Connecticut). It was quite a while ago. It is certainly a place worth seeing.

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Paul

2007 Triumph Bonneville T100, Tors, xAI, xSnorkel, 120 mains / 1 shim, 40 pilots, 3.0 turns, NH Bellmouth, Works Performance suspension, National Cycle Deflector DX, Scrambler Gel Seat

Jhtjon

Well, I bought it and I am glad I did. I bought the drifter with stripes. When I checked out I was presented with a $40.00 off coupon for spending $200.00 and I got a free CE back pad ($50.00 value). And I bought my wife a purse, cus i'm a nice guy.

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BIR #248

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Speed3

I have 2 Vanson jackets, one perfed. I paid close to 500 for the CSRX jacket, and got the perfed one used for 300. I have the Traveller pants, which have the expanding waist for when I'm fatter.;-) Vanson gear is well worth the cash, as it will last a long time.

Baltobonneville

My riding buddy, with three motorcycles and decades of experience, swears by his Vanson jacket, not sure which one he has. He's very happy with it.

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes RC, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, 3 seats.

triumphrat

I spent the money for Vanson and don't regret doing so. I have the falcon textile jacket, its venting is superb,construction top notch. I live near the factory so being able to try it all and get properly fitted was a plus

oldmanjob

My wife and I both have Vanson Mesh Jackets with all the armor, and paid 150.00 a piece. In the hot weather it is like riding with a tee shirt only, but fully protected. Found another use for them when my wife wears her Official Harley Racing Team Windbreaker (she rides a trike) it fits un-noticed under the windbreaker, and gives her full protection

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John 14:6 KJV
Black Bonnie - 06
Looking back to the good old days is not the way out. Looking up to the God of All the Days is. (Vance Havner)