Which is the better Vanson Jacket

[ckcarr]

I've been studying discontinued or closeout Vanson jackets to buy.

I was looking at a Cobra or the Challenger.

Or is there a better jacket out there. I'm open to suggestions.

[Moybin]

Bought a Cycloak GT Pro from motorcyclecloseouts.com. I'm 6'2", 220 lbs, 34 inch inseam, 38 waist.

The XL fits perfectly. Could not have chosen better off the rack. Delivery in 2 days UPS ground, from Kansas City if I remember right.

My 2 cents worth.

[sfarson]

I bought my first Vanson leather jacket last summer and it is easily the finest leather garment I've ever owned. It simply stops the wind. I just looked at it to see what the model name is (I think Cobra), but it doesn't say anywhere. Regardless, don't think you could go wrong with either one.

[UberXY]

I had a Vanson jacket made out of horsehide a few years ago. It weighs about 10 pounds but is impervious to wind.

Took 8 weeks to get.

[Dan Greene]

The one that is on sale for half price.

[Firebolter]

You can't go wrong with Vanson. I have a Cobra Mark 2 Perf and it is like wearing a pair of your favorite shoes, you don't know you have it on. Pricey, but will last you a lifetime.

[Dingo Joe]

no better jacket that I've seen. equals?, maybe, but none better.

The Cobra has an adjustable waist, which I find useful on my jacket. In the winter, I can easily add a thin vest underneath by adjusting the waist a bit. In the summer I cinch it up. If I get a little fat, the jacket should still fit...

Be advised that the jackets run small and are designed to fit best while in a riding position. They are also short in the front, don't expect it to fit like a regular coat. If you plan on using Gp armor, you'll need to go up 2 sizes, regular armor, 1 size. My jacket w/GP is a 48R. For a suit, I wear a 44L. I tried the same jacket on in a 46 w/the armor and it was too tight. Best bet is to try on a few if you can...

[Bumper]

I have two vansons, one cobra and one breeze perf., both are excellent jackets. Just be aware that due to their top quality construction and 1.5mm leather, break in will take some time and the jacket will be "stiff" for a while. I crashed in my cobra last year and it really saved my bacon. I sent it back to Vanson and they fixed it for free, just charged for materials, looks like new. I easily could have riden with it post crash but I just did not like the look. Racers have told me that that most other leathers are 1 crash suits while vansons are multiple crash suits, how true.

Vanson is the best jackets availble BY FAR!! I don't work for Vanson or have any other relationship with them other than being an extremely satisfied customer. BTW their customer service is top notch also.

[RonC]

Here's a thought: Vanson makes custom items for not much more than the price of an off the rack equivalent. If you are close to Fall River, MA (see also Elizabeth Borden), it is worth visiting Vanson and talk w/ them.

[Dingo Joe]

I though about going custom, even got measured and all. They said that I could wear something off the rack as I was within the normal range for their sizes. They suggested a 44. Now I understand that the jackets are meant to fit snug, but I couldn't zip a 44 even without pads!!! The only way I'd go custom is if I could be fitted at the plant in MA and I was there for the adjustments. Not gunna happen...

[ckcarr]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I don't want to pay full retail for one of these @ $599 to $699. Thus looking at old styles and closeouts. Like everything these days there are always deal on the internet it seems. I've been seeing quite a few in the mid $300's

[Daniel Restrepo]

LOVE MY VANSON JACKET AND PANTS. fits even better with the level 1 armor. i think i have one of the cobra variations and the regular sport rider pants. i just got done treating both with leather protector. nice and clean and ready for my trip to NYC!!

cobra jackets are nice. i got the most basic one.

[wolff]

I have a cobra with the GP armor and picked it up on EBAY (like new) for around $290. FYI I am 5' 11" and 210 and a 48 fits perfect.

[Rapid Dog]

best Vanson, a Fieldsheer...

[shoemakj]

The Motorcycle Leather Exchange usually has some lightly used Vansons at reasonable prices.

I traded a Belstaff leather jacket + some $$$ for a new CSRV a couple of years ago.

--Jim

[Firebolter]

New Enough is a good place for Vanson stuff too!
I have bought stuff from them and they are first rate!

www.newenough.com

[ckcarr]

After all your input and patience on my part I found an awesome deal on a Vanson Cobra, size 44. Just received it via UPS and it is g-r-e-a-t! Fit & fasion are tops!!

[Kam]

You'll love the jacket. It'll take a while to break in, and feel a little restrictive unless you're sitting on a bike. My SRX jacket/pants saved me in a 40 mph lowside a couple of years ago, and only required a little stitch repair...that they did for FREE! Now its "seasoned"
Great company.

[RoundelRider]

I have a Vanson Breeze and love it! I couldnt be happier, and their customer service is top-notch! Highly recomended! Im gonna be searching for another Vanson this summer for spring/Fall wear, one wiht a liner, and some zipper vents!