Vanson?

[kaltblitz]

Is Vanson worth the price compared to the high end Alpinestars and Dainese stuff? What is quality like?

[V4]

depends on which Vanson since now Vanson has jackets in the same price range as the Alpinestars/Dianese...

The competition grade leather will last you as long as your bike...the less expensive leathers are the same as that of Astar/Dainese but the good thing is if you have problems, you can have Vanson repair it...

the downside of Vanson is that not everyone is a big fan of the cut and fit and IMO, their armor needs to be upgraded for the price you pay...also, it would be nice if some of their jackets had pockets that are big enough to hold a wallet...some models are fine, while others, you barely have room for a key..if that..

the venting system works great for hot weather...

[paladinnorcal]

Newenough has some Vanson closeout stuff.

http://www.newenough.com/browse/brands/closeouts/vanson

[mrspeebles]

Vanson quality is superb. If you've ever tried on their jackets in person, you'll notice that they're definitely cropped higher, so they fall a little above your waist. If you have a short torso, it will fit you well. The leather is also very 'hard' and 'shiny' at first. You have to break it in for it to become softer and more comfortable. Some of the leather that A* and Dainese use is a little more forgiving at first, so it's a bit more comfortable in the beginning.

I have a Vanson textile that I think is better than most textile jackets out there. It's a thicker, higher grade material than what you would find on an A* or Joe Rocket, imo.

Best thing to do is to see it in person and try it on.

[Teddy]

Ditto to what most have said already. I ride in a Vanson jacket that I have had for 7+ years. I never put the armor in it because the bulky (older) armor made the forearms way too tight....I did t-bone a car going about....well, lets just say I was moving along pretty good.....barely scuffed my jacket, no bruises on my arms/upper body....and remember I did not even have the armor in it!! Probably skipped down the street about 100 feet or so...the EMT's cut my pants and messenger bag off of me, but I made them spare the Jacket!!!!!!!! I still use the same jacket everytime I get on a motorcycle (on the street) and it is no worse for wear.

The first thing you have to do when you get a Vanson is lightly dampen it with H2O, and just toss it in the corner for a few hours, don't hang it up, once it is almost completely dried up apply a nice coating of Vanson leather cleaner/moisturizer......it will break in much quicker and get comfy in a hurry. You will want to re-apply the product every couple of months there after to help aid in the softening/break-in. I have not treated my jacket in years and it still is just fine!

[fast4d]

VANSON is awesome. they will fit you well if you're average "american" built (a little belly is OK). tall and skinny will need custom.