Good Leather vs Just too Expensive?

[Wandering Man]

A local shop has some really heavy vented jackets in the $230 - $330 range. Zippers, pockets, and vents galore. I found a couple that I kinda like, and they all feel like they weigh in at around 20#. Not sure of the brand, but I think it says "EXpert Leather" on the label.

I didn't write it down, so I could be wrong

Then I go online and find leather jackets in the $60 to $150 range.

So, I ask myself a lot of questions:

Am I comparing really great jackets to cheap ones?

Do I "need" a really heavy leather jacket?

Or is the local guy just a rip off?

What do you look for in leather jacket? How thin is too thin, and how thick is too thick?

Oh, and anyone hear of a brand called "EXpert" (or something similar)?

Thanks,

WM

[HarveyCreek]

Leather is usually measured in ounces, though I see a lot of the jackets sold measured in millimeters. There is approximately 1.2 millimeters per ounce. Good quality leather jackets are generally 3 to 3.5 ounces. Some lighter jackets have either thin or perforated leather in the main shell, but have extra thickness in the areas that would make contact with the surface in a fall.

[artyboy]

I've heard of Xelement. They're really low priced. I got a pair of their chaps and gloves and both are fine. I also did a quick google search and found XPerT. They seem to be really proud of their stuff.

[Wandering Man]

I've heard of Xelement. They're really low priced. I got a pair of their chaps and gloves and both are fine. I also did a quick google search and found XPerT. They seem to be really proud of their stuff.

Thanks. You got me on track.

This is the one I liked:

http://www.myleatherjackets.com/xpert-mens-brado-jacket-p-766.html

I don't mind a little pride, if value is attached.

I just don't know anything about the company or the quality.

WM

[grappler]

The main thing I looked for when buying mine is the amount of protection. I don't mind the heat so venting isn't a huge problem for me. I have a Shift SR-1 jacket and am so far very happy with it. It's heavy duty and the main body is 1-piece which will hold up better in a crash than a bunch of sewn together bits. Cost me $400 though...

For me I wanted:

1) shoulder/elbow/back protector, or atleast pockets for protectors

2) Flexibility/Pre-curved areas. When you try on the jacket crouch down or sit in a close-to riding position to see if it will be comfortable on your bike.

3) What does it look like? I hate to say it but looks DO matter. If my jacket looks like a turd I'm probably not going to want to wear it.

4) Venting. My jacket has almost 0 venting haha. I don't mind though, heat doesn't bother me as much as cold.

Whether or not you "need" the really heavy jacket is something you have to ask yourself. I think most jackets are 1.2-1.4 millimeter leather though.

[sirgilbert357]

Thanks. You got me on track.

This is the one I liked:

http://www.myleatherjackets.com/xpert-mens-brado-jacket-p-766.html

I don't mind a little pride, if value is attached.

I just don't know anything about the company or the quality.

WM

Price seems a bit high in my opinion. But they put a ton of vents and pockets in it, so I guess thats how they justify it. I dunno...depends on what kind of riding you do. If youre on a sport bike, I would look for something with pre-curved arms and shorter length in front. This facilitates "hugging the tank" on the highway with less fatigue and less bunching of the jacket in the front while being hunched over. If youre riding a cruiser, and you dont mind the feel, like the fit, etc then go for it. I have seen similar styles a bit cheaper than that though, so do some shopping around, but if your stuck on that style and like the way it fits, keep it saved in your favorites cause you might not find anything with quite that many pockets or vents, etc...

[mtk1210]

Perferated leather for the win...worth the money imo.