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Hello, I was wondering if anyone had purchased a Motorcyle jacket from Chilhowee Motorcycle Leather ? They have a nice one for $225 "Naked Leather Racer Motorcycle Jacket. They say there leather is 4.5 -5 oz. thick. This sounds like a nice one. I tried on a Triumph jacket at the dealer but it just didn't feel right. Any help would be nice. Thanks in advance. Scott

foxcreekleather.com

take a look at these leathers.

Thanks Kennymc, They look nice but the price is a little steep.

Fox Creek Leather

Wish I had waited.

All of the Triumph branded gear I have acquired has been of very high quality. Make sure you are trying on the men's and not the ladies' - they are sized differently.

I would recommend something a little more form fitting, but that may depend on your riding style. I ride fast, and my Triumph Classic Leather jacket catches the wind like a sail.

I think the Stealth might have been a better choice, in my case. Or, one of Fox Creek jackets.

Of course, if you ride a TBA....that Highway jacket might be just for you!

Here is another company that I think makes some good quality leather items, although maybe a bit pricey.

I've had my eye on that Manx shirt since before I ever bought my SM... Walter Leather

Some of these are traditional, many have some exotic accents though. If you follow the order process, they will customize your order just about any way you want (colors, leather type, patches, etc.)

I hope they show at the International Bike Show this month - I'd like to see some of their work. I wonder how long it takes them to process an order, and if their customer service is as good as Fox Creek Leather seems to be.

Well I ordered a Leather Jacket from Chilhowee Motorcycle Leather company. I'll let everyone know how it is when I get it. The Jacket listed for $300 and was on sale for $225. I had recieved an email from them with an additional 10% off. So I hope it's as good as they say. Keep on Riding!

Thanks for that link, Scott. If the quality is as good as they say, (and looking at the features it probably is) it's a hell of a deal!
5oz. leather is about 2mm thick!

Hello again - Well I ordered my jacket (Naked Leather Racer Motorcycle Jacket) on Monday the 1st. Shipping is $4.00 for any jacket. I received it on Wed. the 2nd. When I opened the box I was really surprized! It was all that I had hoped it would be. I tried it on and it fit and felt GREAT! The leather is just fantastic. It also has a removable Thinslate liner. In the liner is a hidden neck insulator. I used it on my way in to work this morning, it too worked really nice. I would highly recommend Chilhowee to anyone. There website is www.Chilhowee.net Keep on Riding!!!!

even though they are pricey, cant really go wrong with a vanson

Frank

Did you just order your regular jacket size? I'm going to order one this week.

Hey BigBill,
The jacket I was wearing was a 40 and it must have SHRUNK. So I thought I would get a 42. But when talking to Bridgette at Chilhowee she said that they run small and I should get a 44. Well it fit perfect. So order a size larger. I very happy with mine. I know you will be also.

Hey BigBill,
Did you order your jacket?

I own a Fox Creek Vented Racing Jacket and I'm very happy with it and their service.
I have since bought a Womens Vented Racing Jacket from Chilhowee and am waiting for it to arrive. I'll be able to compare the two brands in a day or two.

Quote:

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Hey BigBill,
Did you order your jacket?

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Sure did, Scott. Naked leather racer. Had to wait a few days for it to ship, they didn't have any 52s in stock. It should be here the 11th according to the FedEx tracking site. I'll be riding to Death Valley, so won't see it 'til evening.

Did you get the other jacket? Compare? Curious as to what you thought.

Jacket finally got here today. FedEx LIED.
Anyway, it's an impressive jacket. Heavy, supple leather. Glad I ordered a 52 (usual jacket size is 48) as they do run small.

Not looking to hype one manufacturer over another, but for those still interested in getting a jacket, Vanson Leathers is having a sort of online "Open House" sale this weekend. http://www.vansonleathers.com

I rode up to their factory in Massachusetts back in September for their bi-annual open house and the place ROCKS!

It's not an outlet, it's where they actually make them... and sale or no sale, their stuff is bullet-proof. I feel like I could ride through a brick wall with my jacket on - though I hope I don't have to ever experience that!

They also have several huge racks of men's and women's jackets that are "Make Me An Offer" jackets. Returns, mis-sized custom mades, etc. I bought a great ProPerf leather jacket there that had a "Buell" logo on the shoulder - they offered to replace it with any other Vanson logo or patch they had - for free! Which they did in like 30 minutes - good as new. (Wanted a American flag but the square wouldn't have covered the old Buell oval stitching so I went with a matching reflective Vanson logo) Great people who work there.

In the end I wound up buying three amazing jackets (yes, I'm a pig, but one was for the wife) and paid only a little more than the cost of one of their retail priced jackets.

For those interested...

My wife's Vented Racing Jacket from Chilhowee came in. I own the Fox Creek Leather Vented Racing Jacket.
The leather is great in both jackets, very heavy with double wall elbows & shoulders & kidney belt area. Jackets are similar, though not 100% identical from what I can see. The mesh liner in the Fox Creek looks to be better in my opinion.
I've worn mine in 90 degree heat and don't sweat it up. In the cold the liner helps and keeps me worm.
The biggest difference is price. The Chilhowee jacket is a GREAT value. I think the Chilhowee's run a little small in their sizing and the Fox Creek is about spot on if not a little big when I compare it to my suit jacket size.
Hope this helps you all out.

Thanks for the input Steve. I've been looking at both Chilowee and Fox Creek. Chilowee has a light weight Vented Racing Jacket that's really inexpensive. Living in Florida, I'm not sure a realy heavy leather jacket would be best for year round. Even the light weight has the removable liner for cooler weather.

I'm partial to horsehide and like what Schott has to offer especially their cafe with a full one piece back. I have their Black Stallion jacket and love it too.

http://www.legendaryusa.com/product/6141H

http://www.schottnyc.com/motorcycle-leathers/vintage-motorcycle-jacket.htm

Something in brown that's a little different.

SOme of the best leather gear I know is from Wladen Miller. An Australian company. I have a Milano 2 roo skin jacket. I removed the top pockeyt and turned them into vents. It is generally believed that roo skin leather is the lightest and most durable known. The Australian Air force is replacing their Nomex flight jackets with roo skin ones for this reason. Apparently they have better fire retardent.
http://www.waldenmiller.com.au

I ordered a bomber stye jacket from a place called leatherup.com. It was real nice and only cost $59.99 plus $7.95 shipping. It said it was a $179 jacket. I'm a big/tall guy so I ordered a 3x and it still was too short. I was going to send it back but my 15 year old son tried it on and it almost fit. So he is going to keep it. They also have good deals on saddlebags and boots. But if you are going to order a jacket I would go at least 2 sizes larger than normal.

My Fox Creek should be arriving today or tomorrow. I'm anxious to compare it to my old Langlitz I used to have.