Belstaff Trialmaster Jacket: Is It Worth It? British Waxed Cotton & Leather Motorcycle Jacket Review

[@KenManTheOneAndOnly]

i always click away from the video i am watching when i see you post one.

[@Konsaliki]

"But then again, I'm someone who has an above average upper arm measurement." **grins**

[@damonego207]

Just a 24 month warranty and not made in England. Poor show for such a pricey jacket. Best Gents' KZbin channel!

[@SuccessShared]

Back in the 70's no-one ever bought one of these unless you were a vintage biker with an even more vintage bike! That image still sticks in my mind and I'd never buy one at any price. Mascot leathers were the jacket of choice for hip young bikers. Any Belstaff at $600 is a whopping big (imported) con! Emphasis on MASSIVE....

[@JeMappelleFrikandel]

Not being produced in it's country of origin is the new normal for a lot of these "fashion" brands.

[@SuccessShared]

@@JeMappelleFrikandel True. Just like Dr Martens, Baracuta, most British shoe manufacturers... the list is endless

[@hammalamiri12]

Here in London you are offered a lifetime repair service and free re-waxing in your jackets when bought at the Belstaff boutique

[@KevinofWessex]

i own a wax trialmaster jacket had it over two years .. i messed up the zip.. they replaced the zip and rewaxed for free...life time warranty

[@jacksonperkins775]

belstaff: let's show our pride in British heritage by manufacturing our nearly $600 jacket in romania!

[@ryankelly1846]

I wish the leather one was 600 hahah I'd be all on it

[@MW-wm2uy]

Jackson Perkins well better made at all then company goes Belly up

[@jacksonperkins775]

@@MW-wm2uy i suppose that's true if you're inclined to buy premium luxury brands as opposed to less expensive and arguably more rugged brands

[@MrAlpinab7]

I live here, Belstaff probably paying around 60$-70 / per item, up to 100. Harley Davidson jackets are/were also made here.

[@PibrochPonder]

Yea it sort of defeats the purpose of it. I have purchased from aero leather in Scotland. It’s nicer to support U.K. industry.

[@felicio1881]

I oh so thoroughly enjoy these videos with the side history lesson

[@Grabehn42]

I got a Belstaff jacket a while ago, and the construction was incredible, I got it at around $5 from an "European clothing store" which are basically thrift stores here, and when I researched the brand and actually found the jacket's original price I was completely baffled, hadn't even heard of the brand before that.

[@AJHowarth]

I got one from a guy that sold me a bike the other day. Had it for sale for $49 until I got dozens of interested buyers. Then I looked into it what it's worth. Almost the same story lol

[@evanjames2821]

Living the dream

[@ElNietoPR]

I try to get their jackets on sale. Usually, they go on sale around summer and black Friday. Thanks for listening to our recommendations! Loved the video and the history lesson!

[@dyland218]

The sleeves are usually longer on motorcycle jackets so they still cover your arms while riding

[@spectrumhorizon1392]

This is the absolute perfect jacket I want to buy. I've searched far and wide for the perfect jacket and I've finally found it.

[@gedcanonizado]

You’re my favourite mainstream gentleman KZbin channel.

[@carltrotter7622]

Amazing videography. Mr. Schneider and company truly are men (and his wife!) of many talents. Filming, photograph, narration, editing, researching, history, eloquence, menswear and even clothing design! Bravo!

[@crawfordkmcdonald7313]

I have a panther in black, I get more consistent complaints from that coat than anything else in my wardrobe. I can not emphasize enough that ladies in particular love this coat. I like it paired with a crisp white shirt, light wool sweater, and dark modern denim.

[@snowballsimpson3887]

Despite being completely unfashionable (cargo shorts and software t-shirts), I love this channel. Better to be unfashionable because I don't CARE than to be unfashionable because I don't KNOW. Right?

[@andrew1212w]

I love these “is it worth it videos” and as per usual very well researched 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸🇩🇪

[@julesvatin3453]

The « is it worth it » are so far my favourites vidéos on your channel. Once again thank you raphael

[@liangchen8177]

I was in luck to get the same leather jacket in sample sale for $300 pre-tax. Absolutely love it -- the fit, the leather quality and design. The waxed cotton jacket also looks nice online, but when I place them side by side, the cotton one cannot compete.

[@robertallen2109]

I know it isn't for everyone, but I happened to find a waxed cotton trialmaster on sale and I must say it might be the perfect jacket for me. I definitely understand the gripes, but for me it's the perfect travel jacket and great for my job (engineer/film producer). If you want something classic and utilitarian it checks all the boxes. I also love the look. Just make sure to get it on sale 😊

[@brunoisotton4657]

You looked soooo cool on the leather Trialmaster. Another great video. Keep it up.

[@DapperProf]

Is it worth it? Yes. Looking at you wearing something entirely inappropriate to your personality is 100% worth it for entertainment value. Lifelong customer, I wish you fortune on all your endeavors :)

[@carlarthur4442]

I remember having a Belstaff jacket in 1966 when I started riding motorcycles and had it for years till I out grew it , I used to ride in all weathered carry spanners in my pockets , not that I'd recommend doing that now days for obvious safety reasons , my jacket at that time cost £ 7 . 10s .0p in old money . Great 👍

[@agylub]

Adelaide to Sydney and back in the rain on my Suzuki GS1000S. Yes they are worth it.

[@dalferr]

Hi, I admire your videos. I wish more men would learn from your teachings. Hugs from São Paulo, Brazil.

[@cesarmarx]

I really like your effort to bring good informative subject about the piece you are reviewing. Great job as always.

[@JimiHendrix998]

McQueen was wearing a green sweater in the scene, having shed a German Jacket. The jump was done by Bud Ekins, one of his team mates in the ISDT, which the US won(I believe) I have 3 Belstaffs, (one leather) and a Barbour, none were made in Romania and I bought them when fashionistas would not be seen dead in one. Wear them every day and the oldest is 45 years old.

[@PaulDerekJohnson]

Excellent presentation as always I must say, However,just two things I'd like to point out. Firstly,Steve McQueen actually wore a Barbour International jacket and trousers. Secondly,the Isle Of Man TT isn't actually England,it's the Isle Of Man. A seperate island with it's own government,though a crown dependency of the UK. Other than that,please do carry on and keep up the good standards.

[@viciousonion]

Mcqueen also famously wore belstaff, it was disputed he preferred his belstaff and wore it in races.

[@blobbynobby4619]

its part of the uk stop it

[@jjnford]

The slim fit is better when riding as it keeps the wind from flapping the material, which is unpleasant and would wear out the jacket quicker. The sleeves are longer because when on a motorcycle your shoulders and arms extend forward and need the extra length for protection. This comes especially handy when creating a seal with gloves in colder climates. The front pocket is not angled for right handlers. It’s angled for the right hand because your left hand is for the motor cycle clutch and your right foot is for the back brake - when riding it is better to have control of the clutch if you need to get something from your pocket. I have this jacket in olive and have used it for off-road trips through the Andes Mountains and the Gobi Desert. It’s very durable, looks goods, and the pockets come in handy. Very recommended for riders.

[@egdowney1]

Just bought a Belstaff Racemaster. Pure class.

[@johnduckworth474]

I'd go for a waxed Barbour jacket. I have an ancient one which has stood up pretty well over the years, with an occasional re-waxing. It still functions well.

[@davesheffield3620]

You can also buy ones that are made in England 👍

[@dominicrusho]

Just bought the Wax one in black at 30% off...much more palatable at those prices (on par with Barbour International)

[@wawalisko]

Made in Albania…

[@Frosty-cg8xf]

@@wawalisko ALBANIA IS WORLDS BEST COUNTRY! SUPER ALBANIAN QUALITY!

[@mikew742]

“On par with Barbour” hardly on par, Belstaff are far better quality, there is no comparison. The Barbour wax is awful, and they stink of wet dog.

[@brianellis5164]

FYI- Don't know if they were around when you made this video but The Jacket Maker makes an almost exact copy of the Trialmaster Panther leather jacket for $250 called the Dolf leather jacket. The only difference is it doesn't have the offset top pocket and they are all straight, since I'm left handed I would prefer that anyway. They also make made to measure and bespoke leather jackets in any style. I think I will get one as I really like that style, it's really unique and sporty looking with the belt. Very German looking, I'm part German as well:)

[@L3THALXFOX]

I've used the leather one in -5 F on my motorcycle even at 130 mph! This thing keeps you warm, even in a blizzard, also nice to have the spine protector, shoulder and elbow armor slots for the hundreds of times I've fallen off unscathed

[@MehdiScent]

Great content... thumbs up 👍

[@tangchiprathomo819]

Nice video... Suggestion for next “is it worth?” series is RM Williams’s classic or comfort Craftsman boot. My guess will be very worthed...

[@abcertweld]

I would have suggested finding someone who has had one for 10-15 years and ask them if you could review it. That would be a clear sign if it was worth it, if it stood the test of time through wear. Just one man's suggestion.

[@L3THALXFOX]

I've had it for 4, years. Fallen off motorcycles on it hundreds of times and not a scratch

[@KnottsAndPipes]

@@L3THALXFOX the cotton trialmaster or the leather one?

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

@@L3THALXFOX I don't ride with one but know several who do. A fashion channel asking if technical gear is worth it is a bit missing the point. Given their audience the answer will always be no.

[@aaronsalinas518]

I've had the leather panther jacket for 7 years, it's awesome

[@abcertweld]

@@L3THALXFOX LOL maybe you shouldn't be riding if you've fallen 100's of times. LOL just saying LOL.

[@thomaspatrickparker6648]

Now you have to do the Schott Perfetto!

[@Merck088]

One suggestion for folks interested in a panther without forking over the full purchase price is EBay. I’ve purchased two fine examples for a fraction of new. You have to be patient for the color, condition, size and price that suits you, but it’s far less painful than full price for me at least

[@billace90]

Great review as always. Surprised looking at an early Ché wearing such expensive and exclusive piece of garment.

[@suspectsez4203]

Well, he was a doctor. Lol

[@alexread5887]

He wore a rolex too

[@Mythicregard]

His fellow bloodthirsty communist buddy Fidel Castro would wear an arm full of Rolex watches. Doesn't seem that strange to me.

[@bluemoon8210]

They weren't expensive back in the day, my father owned many full Belstaff items for riding his bikes in the 50s and 60s, and he was not well off. Belstaff became overpriced when the Italians took it over around 20yrs or so ago, before that they were cheaper than Barbour. The new owners obviously kept the prices the same at that time.

[@masterflicks4950]

Love this channel so much

[@dougr550]

Really appreciate the extra research into the heritage of the company. Great video.

[@amadejpesko]

Really nice video. Keep making great videos.🙂

[@Geomanb]

With this jacket one looks like an NPC from Fallout 4.

[@BobcatSchneidermann]

Oof. You would have had a "like" from me if you had said "New Vegas" X-D

[@edwardcoleman8251]

Thank you so much Sven for this video. I’ve been seriously searching for years a video on Belstaff leather jackets. Love ya 💓

[@ixian98]

Leather jackets looks great on you, Raphael. Well done!

[@JazzOnMars]

The brown leather jacket looks amazing, a shame they are so expensive, have to see if i can find a good look alike good vid

[@jeremyt2212]

While not identical by any means, Legendary Whitetails makes some very nice waxed cotton jackets for a whole lot less.

[@twitchydom8689]

You won't find the same quality from another brand

[@richthick]

@@twitchydom8689 That is absurd. Are you saying that no one else can make a better one than belstaff?

[@Wilt_Chamberlain]

@@richthick Ralph Lauren Purple Label has the same style including top notch quality. BUT far more expensive. Around 5000 euro.

[@timmytwodogs]

@@twitchydom8689 Yes you can...Barbour. Actually made in England.

[@timmytwodogs]

During the Great Escape, Steve McQueen wore an A-2 flight jacket exclusively, over a blue crew neck for the movie and nowhere do you see a Belstaff Trialmaster which was not designed until after WW 2. Also, the jacket he wears in the famous motorcycle photo is clearly a Barbour jacket. You can tell by the flag patch on the left chest. I've been collecting vintage clothing for over 35 years.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks for the input, Tim! We've updated our article. - Preston

[@timmytwodogs]

@@gentlemansgazette You're welcome :)

[@clooperman3745]

You beat me to it regarding Steve McQueen and Barbour lnternational jacket.

[@jeremykeller211]

Another point: the Triumph used in The Great Escape jump was a post WWIi model.

[@stevenwalker3486]

I am English, I have two of these jackets, i wear with my nice Bioni Cords and church brown shoes, very chic and cool

[@johanjohansen7572]

What a great video! I am neither a leather jacket man but was suprisingly interested in the video.

[@latigra4145]

Really good description, nice that you added the history. Thank you

[@hammalamiri12]

I've been waiting for this one, as a big Belstaff fan :)

[@LottiexLou]

Stoke on Trent where I’m from is where Belstaff was founded. My brother loves Belstaff clothing. Owns quite a few pieces.

[@veronicianyveronica5290]

Cool leather jacket 🧥, I have one in brown but it’s thirteen years old now . They do last a lifetime . Mine still looks new after all these years. They are definitely worth it.👍👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️💪💪💪💪

[@carlmeiner]

The leather one is just gorgeous!

[@richmck007]

Only if you are prepared to look after your waxed jacket is it worth purchasing. I have three waxed jackets. An original Belstaff Roadmaster in heavy cotton, A Steve McQueen blouson from the mid eighties. A Tommy Miller original version, not your made in Italy because they bought the company and flogged the market with a trend that people with money in Europe must have, because of heavy publicityand two Barbour original Captain Phillips black wax jackets. These are relics of a gone by age when labels took pride in their stock and stores were far and few in between with select products. Your video serves a great purpose. Thanks for the time doing this. So for me, it is the history as well as the clothing that is well worth the price, if you look after them. Of course, I am coming from 205 years of mens’ retail.

[@Official_MikeyT]

Sven in full out urban ninja tech wear for an "Is It Worth It?" video. Now that would be some wild content.

[@AfricanTvFilmaker]

May I suggest you make a video on 'Wearing Leather' jackets and pants. I find leather jackets a perfect twist on business casual; leather pants perfect for subzero weather; and Engineer boots perfect for cold weather outdoors activities. I would enjoy hearing your take on it...

[@ianmenzies8435]

I have both jackets and think they are great Great second hand buys on eBay

[@ThunderRazorYT]

Wow. So much good information here. Must watch video for anyone interested in this or similar jackets. Thank you!

[@MattySadler]

Being from the West Midlands is great to hear you saying "Staffordshire" Sven

[@viciousonion]

Unfortunately being a longton lad I feel he should of named Caroline Street rather than Staffordshire 😁

[@adrianrodrigosaavedrariver99]

I like very most your videos , interesanting and practicle theches dresing I see you total videos congratulations.

[@vargapa101]

Practical and thorough review as usual

[@Infinahigh]

Hi ich wollte nur mal sagen du bist der beste ich gucke deine Videos seit Jahren keep up the content

[@jjames2162]

Excellent loving your channel

[@warden2541]

Next please do the schott perfecto, i know its not really your style but I'd love to see an in depth analysis of such a classic piece

[@jarrettkong15]

Hi Sven, you mentioned alternatives to this jacket near the end of the video. Matchless is owned by one of the previous owners of Belstaff. Many of the designs are inspired by their time at Belstaff, but have a distinct aesthetic. The streetfarer is their version of this jacket. Price wise it will be similar but it might be worth suggesting it as an alternative.

[@soud986]

Has the same color same jacket made in Italy that I bought over a decade ago . Best jacket I owned . The Belstaff jacket I bought recently looked very subpar and when I looked at the label says made in India . Returned The gold label trial master jacket is the best . Couldn’t count how many times I get completed on it

[@adrianeyre3630]

I’d go for the brown leather . It looks amazing on you

[@Maxobillion]

Did you even watch "The Great Escape"? Steve McQueen does NOT wear that jacket in the film. He wears an A2 early in the film but he only wears a sweater during the famous jump scene.

[@ngtvdlctcs4961]

They say you can clearly see it then shows a picture of him only wearing the sweatshirt lol

[@PibrochPonder]

I do like the videos this team do BUT they do have a lot of factual errors in the videos they do.

[@CoyoteCoop]

Hey it’s that one jacket from Fallout 4!, also great vid GG, always great seeing uploads

[@viclucyzia]

Driving a motorcycle in my opinion is not gentleman like however the Canam Spyder is a great joy to ride. Try it out Mr. Schneider.

[@ThePaPappy]

I low sided my bike while wearing a Hillside USA Jacket made of front quarter horsehide. That's one of the toughest leathers you can get. Still, at low speed I had to send it back for a repair of the left arm where it had worn through during the spill. While I like the jackets neither of these would be of much use in a cycle spill.

[@statuescher]

You can also get a Trialmaster pro with CE armour to solve that issue.

[@samf8074]

I’d definitely buy a bellstaff cotton, intact I have two but I would never pay full price I paid about 300 pounds for mine which I don’t think is too bad. Plus I’ve had it about 4 years now and it still looks brand new!

[@wallyg77]

Sven I agree with your opinion on the waxed jacket, I used to have a roadmaster and I found the sleeves too long and I didn't want to get them shortened...

[@drake2760]

You should review some hat companies like stetson or borsalino

[@iris7911]

Captain Hastings would definitely wear one of those 😊

[@saulurraca9294]

You’re very doing a very good job with your show sometimes the way you dress kind of throws me off and I like red shoelaces on black shoes of brown but in general you have a Lotta information been watching you for years and your partner is a pretty good to keep up with your success

[@brentl.vaneaton6901]

Always learn something from your vids, cheers 🥂

[@lukedrygood5793]

Great review! I tried the leather jackets a few weeks ago and have to say there are much better options on the market in terms of Stiching quality and especially leather quality. Some great Japanese brands offer similar jackets with similar cuts made from much better veg tan leather than this one here. And they cost about the same :)

[@gentlemansgazette]

Would you mind sharing the other brands?

[@lukedrygood5793]

Hey Sven! Of course. There are a lot of Japanese brands with incredible jackets. Like finecreek leather and addict clothes (the ad10 is very similar to the belstaff) both brands use custom Himeji tanned leathers. The horse hide from both brands is incredible. One other brand tho more expensive than the ones mentioned above would be freewheelers. They usually use Shinki hides (also tanned in himeji). One last brand would be himelbros. One man custom leather jacket operation specializing in vintage leather jackets. He can basically do everything you ask him to do. The last two brands are more expensive than the belstaff but in my opinion probably the best money can buy in terms of leather and stitching quality :)

[@dbbogo6069]

For this price tag of the jackets, I am a bit surprised that is done in my country. You can find really great quality products made here with a decent price, but it seems this company wants a bit more profit margin :))

[@CirageNoir]

There are plenty of good workshops in Romania doing textile work at a high standard for brands that want to save on manufacturing while keeping the same quality. Same with Portugal.

[@dragossion]

Si ai cumva idee de firme care comercializeaza geci de piele la calitatea aceea si poate si in stilul acela la un pret decent? Romanesti ma refer ;)

[@felixd7818]

Could you do a video on the proper way to wax a cotton jacket?

[@wisconsinkraut3445]

If you don’t want to pull the trigger on a panther, godtop makes a neatly identical jacket out of full grain cow hide for less than the belstaff cotton

[@furdiebant]

Excellent detail Sven

[@oneshotkill010]

I personally own the belstaff trialmaster evo, it's a great alternative to these options. it mainly focuses on waterproofing, it's great for Canada's temperamental weather.but it's very thin so it's best for spring to fall not for winter.

[@socratesathenai9687]

In the video, the belt on the leather jacket is twisted in the back. Other than that, I'm sold on it!

[@carlossantiagoalmeida806]

All the stuff portrayed in your videos is so classy! I commend your great taste. Have you considered preparing a review of Brunello Cucinelli jackets?

[@carelpastoors]

I bought the leather Panther back in 2012 and it still goes strong. I treat it every year with leather grease and the leather is still in good condition. The only thing was that I had to replace the zipper. It broke after 6 years. The price back in 2012 was 999,- euros, so less than a hundred per year now😊.

[@mikail2011]

Is it small in size?

[@carelpastoors]

@@mikail2011 yes it is a little on the small size. Take one size bigger.

[@Menuki]

YKK is probably the biggest producer of zippers in the world with manufacturing in many countries. That being said, YKK has varying quality of zippers under their brand and not every country has the same level of quality. These companies have a huge quality to choose from that are YKK brand, it falls back to how much they want to spend

[@secondme209]

You should make a history and guide video on sheepskin/aviator jackets !

[@markmartin1835]

I have a belstaff trialmaster xl500 in nylon and I got it for $50 and I wear it all winter

[@ricardnarbona8869]

the jacket mcqueen wore on the great scape was a german m 36 patern tunic

[@nwp_0168]

Never knew that about T.E. Lawrence. What a cool connection! The

[@TheRealMarxz]

Purchased mine new in 1985 for $99 AUD (about $250AUD now) so $50 USD and ~$125 USD... AND that was the full suit - jacket and pants. Pants are still used extensively even now - with good regular care and retreating every a couple of years they are still in very good condition and still waterproof (and fortunately never been down the road) jacket less so ... still in good condition but it seams to have somehow shrunk a bit from when I was 18....

[@craft-o-matic2377]

I'm a 60 year old woman, and I think you look "Hot" in the leather Belstaff jacket Raphael! Yes, I am getting on in years, but I am not blind! I also love the 1960's/1970's vibe of the leather version of the jacket. I am not a fan of the cotton version at all. There you have it dear! Keep the wonderful content coming! I hope you don't mind getting the woman's view on these "Is it worth it?" videos!? Lisa

[@onearmedbox3r]

This man makes me want to bin my Belstaff.

[@BOSICBYI-Everlong]

Thank you for such an informative and detailed video. Like you, I am disappointment that this iconic item (which trades heavily on its British Hertiage) is now manufactured in Romania. Unfortunately more and more expensive brands seem to be doing this, without passing the savings of manufacture onto the consumer. To emblazon the buttons and tags with British emblems feels disingenuous. I'm lucky enough to live on the south-coast of the UK within a 15 minute drive of a Belstaff Outlet (there are only 2 in the country). I am 6-1" with an athletic build. I tried on the Trialmaster and instantly fell in love with it due to its fit. Rather than Small, Medium, Large, these are available in full sizing (38, 40, 42 etc). It's considerably more fitted than my Barbour and the increased length in the body and arm fits me perfectly. The belt allows you to pull in the waist if you wish. I would say that the Belstaff looks and feels higher quality than my Barbour. This should be expected given that the Belstaff is quite a bit more expensive. Despite its quality, I wouldn't be willing to pay RRP for it, but last seasons colours are often available in the Outlet for as little as £250. At that price it's definately on my list! With customers list that includes T.E Lawrence, Amelia Earheart, Steve McQueen & David Beckham, how could you not want one? It's timelessly cool.

[@Vartan297]

Belstaff now will re wax any of their jackets for free including postage for the life of the jacket. However the finish I received was below par. The Barbour service which I paid for was better- in terms of the finish.

[@KenManTheOneAndOnly]

great video as always. i have been wondering about getting a top hat and wondered of you could make a video about style and colour? keep up the great work!

[@TheSaneHatter]

Brought here courtesy of your guidance on the blue jeans video: thanks again. Looing at the site, it seems that they also offer the Trialmaster in DENIM, at considerably less. (And moreover, they're having a sale right now.)

[@studiotonkin8454]

Just FYI, Steve McQueen isn’t wearing this jacket when he jumps barbed wire in The Great Escape, he’s wearing a sweatshirt with cut sleeves.

[@eltoro747]

"You can see the jacket where he jumps over the fense" - but he is obviously not wearing a jacket at all - at 4:11. :)

[@scousegeeks]

The leather version isn’t a panther, I have the same jacket it’s a circuit master, the panther has a metal logo on the arm, where the circuit master has a leather patch, I think there is a metal plate on the inside of the panther as well I thought the difference was the length with the panther being slightly longer than the circuit master but apparently it’s the above great review first time watching the channel, I have a few belstaff coats and another few items you have reviewed looking forward to watching them also 👌