Cheap vs Expensive Leather Biker Jackets

www.schottnyc.com/products/st... if you decide to go for the Schott
amzn.to/3RXRXVW if you feel compelled to try the Milwaukee Leather
Comparing a cheap leather biker jacket to an expensive one. How do you know quality when you see it? Let’s break it down in the video.
In short, the cheap leather jacket comes off as an inauthentic costume. The expensive one gives more serious vibes, feels much better when worn, and will age beautifully with time.
Thanks for watching
Find me on Instagram at dudsbydel or at dudsbydel.com
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[@seths.8135]

Personally, I think the Milwaukee Leather is a good starter jacket. It’s definitely more for function than style. The removable liner is a great feature, specially during the changes of the season. It’s nice and thick, so you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. The $120-$160 price tag on the Milwaukee’s is also a lot easier to stomach than the $400+ tag on a Schott, specifically if it’s your first time buying a jacket like this. I wore my Milwaukee for a few years before I decided to make the switch and had zero complaints with it. That being said, I do love my Schott Per70 and I wear it almost everyday, but if you ain’t willing to drop that kind of coin then I’d recommend picking yourself up a Milwaukee leather and see how you like it.

[@DudsByDel]

When did you buy yours and what did you use it for

[@seths.8135]

I bought it back in 2015 and used it for general wear and tear. Was my winter coat till about 2 years ago when I bought my Schott. Now I’m not saying that the Milwaukee is high grade leather, and they might’ve changed the way they make them since I bought mine. I’m just saying for the price, it’s not bad. Also, if you live in the northern climates, it’ll do a good job at keeping you warm.

[@DudsByDel]

@@seths.8135 I’ll be honest I can’t agree. This ain’t a warm jacket. I wouldn’t recommend it. Going for a used jacket is a better bargain and quality

[@Dreamscreamermusic]

@@DudsByDelNot all of us can afford a thousand dollar jacket. I have that Milwaukee with the removable lining and it is warm and fits well. You’re dismissing a lot of good points because you’re biased. You work for Schott. You put on that Milwaukee jacket and said it wasn’t your size, then you blamed the poor fit on the design. You’re all over the place man.

[@DudsByDel]

@@Dreamscreamermusic the size has nothing to do with the criticisms. But it can help folks who are looking to know that the Milwaukee runs large. The fact that the arms stick out like leather tubes would be true whether I sized down for example. Neither the Schott nor the Milwaukee jacket is particularly warm- leather isn’t warm on its own and neither liner is all that warm. The liner in the Milwaukee feels much cheaper and flimsier than the Schott one, which is matches my overall impression that the Milwaukee is made of significantly cheaper materials, put together much less well than the Schott. Price wise, I always encourage buying used when the new price is too high, and I’ve said many times that I buy used often. The Schott jacket I review in this video was bought used for about $350. I would not personally want to buy a $140 jacket like the Milwaukee when I can save and wait for a used Schott jacket in my size. Do I include an affiliate link to buy from Schott? Yes. I also include one to buy the Milwaukee. I don’t work for Schott but I honestly like their jackets. I wear my perfecto all the time, plus I have a few other Schott jackets that also get a lot of wear time. If you’re upset that I don’t say great things about the Milwaukee jacket, that’s up to you. But I think it’s misplaced.

[@hermegonzalez1335]

Loving these videos Del. Keep 'em coming!

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Herme!

[@ND0NOGMO213]

Thank you so much for this video it helped me when purchasing my first Schott 618 perfecto. Everything you said checked out when I got my mine.

[@DudsByDel]

Congrats man, glad I could help!

[@Yiutiuz]

I’m cracking up when u showed us that little tiny scratch no one will even notice it but nice video great👏🏽😂🔥

[@DudsByDel]

Haha thanks man. Got a better idea to show details and comparison for my next VS video

[@sofakingphat8087]

The first jacket is disposable, it may last a year or two. If you’re lucky! The shot jacket is something you can pass down through generations.

[@DudsByDel]

Great way of putting it

[@gnomersy1087]

If by generations you mean one generation maybe until it doesn't happen to fit anyone and gets thrown out into a thrift store and then flipped online by someone. Nobody is keeping bags full of their dead parents clothes if they don't fit properly and jackets aren't watches where you can get a new band sized to your wrist from pretty much anywhere without causing any damage to the watch itself. For that matter unlike small sentimental items where you can throw them in a jewelry box a Schott jacket is taking up a decent amount of room in your closet and you see it literally every time you go in for a coat so you can think "Man I should just give this away and open up some space in here for something I can actually wear."

[@sofakingphat8087]

@@gnomersy1087 interesting perspective. You must be very young. If you’re older than you haven’t lived a very rewarding life.

[@gnomersy1087]

@@sofakingphat8087 I am neither very young nor particularly old. But suffice it to say I've never lived the kind of life where I had the space to keep a pile of useless junk from people dead and buried. Like I'm all for buying something nice that will last your lifetime(or at least I respect that as a personal choice) but when you die your kids probably don't want your musty mothballed clothes that you hadn't worn for 10 years by that time because you made it up to 90 and were in a wheelchair and wearing diapers. And even if you hand it off earlier you still run into the exact same problem which is clothes don't fit everyone the exact same and most of these things aren't easily tailored so there's a solid chance that your kid can't comfortably wear clothes that are sized and in the cut that make you comfortable.

[@sofakingphat8087]

@@gnomersy1087 well, I guess age doesn’t really reflect on maturity.

[@waynekoren828]

The thing about the Schott steerhide leather, is that it is so thick, tough and stiff. When you get a jacket new, it takes time to break it in and is quite a task. I love it.

[@DudsByDel]

Definitely. A tough blank canvas waiting to be worn in!

[@enzeru97]

While your Schott is killing it, I must say that comparing it to one of the cheapest jackets you can find has pretty much expected results. What about comparing to a 300-400 dollar jacket? Is the difference in price reflected in the difference in quality? Or maybe by buying a Schott, a big portion of the money is spent in the name the brand and its history?

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah that’s a good idea. I figured it would be nice to see the differences in an obvious way.

[@DudsByDel]

Some is in the history and name, yes. But take a company that’s less famous but also makes great jackets like Vanson. their C2 crosszip goes for $750 (but can be had for 10% off at times). $750 vs $915. But it’s not just in the name, Schott jackets have wider appeal because their styles tend to look somewhat more approachable off the bike, whereas Vanson really goes more into jackets that are great on the bike. So with higher demand from the larger audience, Schott can ask a higher price. All that to say, more comparison sounds like a fun and informative idea…any brands on your mind? Thursday is popular and I’ve considered comparing them

[@enzeru97]

@@DudsByDelI live in Europe, so we might not have many brands in common. I just bought an OSX perfecto jacket (my first ever), made from cowhide, originally priced at 275 euros and it seems decent. The only thing I dislike is that it's a couple of inches longer than I'd like to (currently getting it shortened though), and the back is a bit more roomy than I'd like it to be. I believe it's meant to be this way and not a result of factory mistakes or bad design. I guess I just wasn't informed or decided enough when I bought it (hadn't seen your videos haha). So, basically, just take any decent 300 dollar jacket and compare it to the Schott. Would the difference be worth the 600 dollars?

[@DudsByDel]

@@enzeru97 sure I’ll try for it! Look for an Aero Leather when they do sales, great jackets made in Scotland

[@enzeru97]

@@DudsByDel Thank you, I'll check it! Keep up the good work!

[@koskey06]

Comparing a $100 jacket to a $1000 jacket!!?!!? Would have been better to compare it to a 2 or $300 jacket.

[@DudsByDel]

I plan to do so! But a lot of people appreciate the clear differences with such a big gap.

[@trentmacintosh]

Definitely an eye-opening experience that had me getting all my other jackets for comparison. "How does this jacket "jacket"?" is a priceless Del slogan, for sure! I'll think of it everytime I look into buying a new jacket.

[@DudsByDel]

Hahah thanks man! The phrasing came to me when I was making the video but it’s an idea I’ve carried around for a while

[@TitsNTires]

Man this review was awesome 👌 "look at the way this arm hangs" that killed me 😂

[@DudsByDel]

Hah! Thanks man. That arm like a stovepipe

[@Leipuanani]

Great video! You saved me money! Thank you.

[@DudsByDel]

Glad I could help!

[@ErnestoJSilva]

Learnt a lot! thanks!

[@DudsByDel]

Sure thing Ernesto!

[@ErnestoJSilva]

@@DudsByDel you know it is, you buy a leather jacket when young, then you gain weight don't use it anymore so you store it. Then maybe 20 years later you find it at your parents house, it fits now. So it is time to care for it since it seems to be in perfect condition but somewhat dry. You find a YT video and here we are. Learning about leather, craftsmanship and how to care for it. Hehe

[@DudsByDel]

@@ErnestoJSilva A wonderful little chain of events!

[@aspen6679]

Thankful for this idk what I was even thinking buying Milwaukee lol

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah man! You know, for some folks buying used just isn’t something they want to do…so I get that it can be tough when you see a huge price tag. I’ve actually been considering returning to this jacket and really wearing it hard to see how it does…

[@Chris-rr5jq]

Great job thank you 👍

[@DudsByDel]

Appreciate it Chris!

[@ronfriedman8740]

When I first started riding many years ago, there was simply no way I could afford a high-end riding jacket like a Schott, so it was an inexpensive leather that failed to hold up. Then I switched to textile, as it offered more functionality while remaining affordable. I also preferred being seen with hi-viz yellow. Nowadays I'm riding a Goldwing, and I'm a firm believer in buying the best gear you can afford. I'm currently reevaluating my worn out textile jackets for a high quality leather jacket that provides the safety as well as looks great either on or off the bike, but I just wouldn't spend $1,000+ for a jacket that didn't even come with armor. While Schott is a well-known brand that's been around for ages, I think there are moto gear companies that offer remarkable quality at a fraction of the price of a Schott--Goldtop comes to mind.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah I don’t really evaluate these based on safety. Any model with armor will do much better. I’ve heard great things about Goldtop as you mention. Vanson makes jackets with armor as well and for less than Schott. I believe some of their textile models can have armor but am not 100% sure. Thanks for stopping by

[@arslanaliyonis]

This is perfect leather jacket. it reminds of eXcloz brand. very fine and clean products they sell.

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks 🙏

[@PaulAndBiscuit]

I think this is a good jacket for the money, can’t expect perfection at the price point.

[@DudsByDel]

Honestly I want to return to this review and compare more made in Pakistan jackets near this price point

[@davidallen346]

The Vintage Wilson Biker leather jacket have the best build quality and has most bang for the dollar. I bought one when I was 14 just bought another one from eBay recently. Schott Biker leather jacket is very impressive tho and it's original design

[@DudsByDel]

Interesting. I have wondered about their pre-mallification quality levels but haven’t tried one myself yet

[@johnditchen1148]

150 is a huge bang for your buck and they could've done way more in the way of ce armor and riding protection for your 900. Don't you feel robbed

[@DudsByDel]

@@johnditchen1148 well I don’t ride motorcycles and am not looking for protection. That being said, a textile jacket with armor is probably the best bang for your buck buying new…

[@petersilecchio4417]

Very Nice Video. Schott is So Hight Quality.

[@DudsByDel]

Hey thanks Pete!

[@APHEXSHAMAN]

A have a few perfectos and I love them but I wouldn’t trust them to protect me if I came off my bike. Are there similar style/quality jackets that have armor these days?

[@DudsByDel]

Vanson has some models you can get with armor. Johnson Leather does great jackets and you can get armor for them. Not too knowledgeable about this area though

[@danlord7717]

Del, I was wondering if you have any jackets from Straight to Hell? Been thinking about ordering from them.

[@DudsByDel]

Hey Dan. I don’t. But I’m planning to review one of their biker styles. Working on a Thursday jacket review currently. Have heard their fit is alright but arms may be tight if you’re muscular

[@mauzamkhan961]

I don't understand the sleeves part of these jackers that you mentioned,cuz if you are layering a jacket with sweater or something,a too much tight sleeve (airlocked like you mentioned) can make mobility of the arms very difficult. I personally if want an airlock sleeve,i would prefer a bomber sleeve over a zipper one cuz of better fitting

[@DudsByDel]

When I wear enough layers I cannot zip the sleeves. But I don’t think that’s a problem.

[@mauzamkhan961]

@@DudsByDel i had a jacket once that had these airlocked sleeves but i realized it was a problem for me later cuz i like layering sweaters with jackets and that airlocked sleeve did decrease my hands mobility substantially. I used to keep the zippers open all the time when i was layering cuz of the tighter fit

[@deckmastercelticguardian8582]

The cheaper looks great for the price, noone will see the deference

[@DudsByDel]

Cannot agree here. If anything the difference is much more obvious in person

[@waynekoren828]

Schott jackets fit like no other. You feel badass when you wear one.

[@SAT-dc9ki]

Really? You're comparing a $130 jacket with a $900 jacket (used even) and rolling your eyes at the attention to detail on the cheap one. If you want that level of workmanship then of course pay the high price. The lower cost seems absolutely fine and good value for money, many people can afford this and not the high price one, no need to laugh and roll your eyes LOL. Cheers

[@DudsByDel]

I think it can be instructive to compare cheap vs expensive items so that you can make an informed decision. Folks are free to buy what they want. I don’t believe the cheap jacket is worth it, but the calculation may be different for you

[@markbaum3388]

They make a genuine USA 3mm thick one for around 800 but he choose to compare the cheep stuff like a shill.

[@DudsByDel]

@@markbaum3388 what maker are you referring to? I’ll check em out. I reviewed Thursday’s $350 racer jacket and will soon be posting a review of the $450 Master Supply Co jacket. Neither review is supported by affiliate links or anything. Did you actually watch this whole video? Or any of my others? My most common advice for “cheap” jackets has been to buy the used version of what you want. I paid $350 for my Schott 618 for example. I understand some folks don’t want to deal with used which is why I’m working through mid tier and less expensive brands

[@tollboothwillie6192]

Apples to Oranges/ if you are already paying an affordable price--then it's also CHEAP for you. And you're not a celebrity. You would be paying $5000 for overpriced quality. I couldn't see your Pinhole flaws--REALLY!?!

[@gusfring1740]

The second jacket is too short

[@DudsByDel]

It’s short. But too short is a matter of opinion. I actually made a video about this because it comes up so often.

[@TED1082]

Schott and nothing else!

[@DudsByDel]

I really think Schott nails a good spot between price and quality. Love their jackets!

[@javiprofedemates6451]

What is your opinion about the Schott-perfecto by Schott-Europa?

[@DudsByDel]

Not sure. If it’s the made in USA model it’s the same everywhere. If it’s made elsewhere the specifications can vary quite a bit

[@fatsquirrel2554]

We need a review from a real motorcyclist someone who has put serious miles on a schott perfecto. Some of us are looking for motorcycle jacket advice, not fashion advice I’m not saying you don’t give great reviews.

[@steveaga4683]

Would the sleeve on the Schott be able to accommodate a motorcycle glove ?

[@DudsByDel]

Sorry I’m not sure

[@Bulshitero]

Is that a 618 or 118?

[@DudsByDel]

It’s a 618

[@simoscharalambous-yj1gi]

Nice comparison. So you actually going to keep the Milwaukee jacket ? 😅

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks man. The Milwaukee is on its way back

[@user-sg3ew6ir8v]

مشكور👌

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks for checking out the video

[@Mr.Canuck]

Most of these companies simply stitch their labels on. Image search a jacket photo from most leather sites and you'll find the exact same jacket/photo listed everywhere with prices from cheap to ridiculous. Not all leather is equal...if they dont list the species, type or thickness youre 100% buying a cheap sweatshop jacket. If youre buying for riding know exactly what youre getting. Skin grafts, lost limbs and death just aint worth it to save a few bucks.

[@DudsByDel]

Yeah either that or just using each other’s stock photos! Or taking them from higher tier makers 😡

[@BlakesPipes]

i would have given you my HWK jacket, just got it at 35 dollars. i own 30 jackets through out the year as i ride almost every day of the year rain or shine. is it a look i like, yes, will it give me a 20 MPH crash protection, better then t shirt and jeans. i did want to see your break down, as i do not spend money on expensive stuff. just a basic guy i guess.

[@DudsByDel]

Nothing wrong with liking what ya like!

[@user-sb9hz4sr9q]

That hwk jacket you got, I have the older model of it and the quality of the older one is much better than the replacement one I just purchased.

[@BlakesPipes]

​@user-sb9hz4sr9q for 35 dollars , real leather, it's not bad. If you got the Brando one, the leather is even better​@@user-sb9hz4sr9q

[@6844376]

Well let's start with the fact that neither one of these garments is a motorcycle jacket. What they are called is 'Motorcycle style' clothing. If there isn't any armor it will never be a motorcycle jacket!

[@DudsByDel]

Well it’s not modern safety gear. But you have to know crosszip leather jackets have been worn for protection on motorcycles for decades. That being said, I don’t even wear it on a motorcycle.

[@xerxesmv]

The reason why I don't like Schott jacket is because it has not big lapel panel. Cheap jacket has big lapel, when you zip it it gives you double protection.

[@DudsByDel]

Neither of these jackets has particularly large lapels in my opinion

[@xerxesmv]

@@DudsByDel cheap one has bigger, thats why I like it. Also has bigger panel on main zipper, when you zip it, the panel is inside. Schott jacket has the panel cut close the main zipper line. It makes me feel less protected when I am in mosh.

[@AVEXentSUCKS]

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

[@DudsByDel]

100% true

[@user-nk4rl8wl9s]

😂 All this vast knowledge, from an original and extremely biased perspective guy, wearing an awesome pair of Wranglers. 😂

[@DudsByDel]

Cannot parse if comment is intended to be positive or negative. Will take it as a positive. Thanks for stopping by and watching the video. Of course I have my own perspective but I do try to be open minded. I think if the materials from the cheaper jacket, were put together with the same exact design as the more expensive one It would actually be an OK jacket.

[@mikkels5724]

I have a Schott, that I wear a lot. But I also have a cheap no-name jacket I use for work. I don't have to worry about tears or scratches when wearing the cheap jacket - it has been attacked by the cats also...

[@DudsByDel]

Cat attack definitely not on my list of preferred ways to develop wear on a jacket! That being said gotta do what makes sense for your work environment

[@mikkels5724]

@@DudsByDel The cat clearly needed to go somewhere, so it crawled up the jacket to get there... I keep the jackets I care about far away from the cats :)

[@ibbjos08]

My only complaint about the Schott is that it doesn't cover the belt.

[@DudsByDel]

At least it’s an intentional choice for function. I made a video about it being so short. If you’d like a longer model Schott makes many including the 118 and 519

[@ibbjos08]

@@DudsByDel okay, I'll check it out. Your videos are good and this was quite informative. Thanks!

[@coyote4936]

The first jacket is definitely too big, or made weird

[@DudsByDel]

I would say it’s both!

[@coyote4936]

@@DudsByDel haha. I guess so

[@iNFiN3]

People praise schott so much yet when you consider the leather price and labour you pay well over 50-60% for the brand name, which is insane.

[@DudsByDel]

No. A lot goes into pricing. Marketing, overhead for building and support staff, QA, returns, shipping. Consider also that Schott is a manufacturer who sells at wholesale price (generally half of full price) to retailers. Do you pay for the brand? Yes. But it’s not 50-60%. Besides if cost is a concern there’s a thriving used market. I don’t think Schott is the very best, but I do think they make good jackets

[@iNFiN3]

@@DudsByDel you can get a better, true biker jacket, with AAA certification for half the price from Goldtop, example the one Tom Hardy was wearing in Venom 2, its 1.5mm cowhide, meanwhile at Schott you just get the styling without a true certification.

[@tombaily29]

​@@iNFiN3yes, and Goldtop doesn't have stores in NYC, the Bay Area, etc. Schott has a lot more overhead cost. Does this justify a higher cost? Answer depends on you and your budget.

[@TheMultitasker123]

Who has $900 for a schott though? 😢

[@DudsByDel]

Get it used for $400 or so if you’re patient!

[@kevincollins7320]

Black Rock leather conditioner

[@DudsByDel]

What’s the context here. Do you like that conditioner?

[@juancarlosmunozramirez6047]

Just ridiculous….

[@12801270able]

While the comparison between the jackets was educational, the unnecessary, arbitrary, elitist, American-centric, gatekeeping snobbery here is repulsive, and is antithetical to creativity. You didn't even compliment the Milwaukee jacket on the areas it DID have the Schott beat in, such as larger lapel design (albeit, subjective, but it provides superior warmth to the neck if folded up) and a functional zip-in liner. If you travel over to Istanbul, you'll see virtually everybody wearing leather jackets; some of which have designs inspired from the double rider moto jacket. Hell, contemporary formal wear was inspired from military uniforms. Had everybody share your opinions on how civilian garments look "super-fake" and like a costume, we wouldn't have developed a new category of clothing. Lastly, if you want a jacket for motorcycle riding, just get a jacket that's built primarily for that purpose, with built-in protection, padding, etc.

[@DudsByDel]

I think it’s deceptive to brand your company as Milwaukee Leather when it’s not made in Milwaukee, let alone anywhere in America. Otherwise I speak about the specific issues on the jacket itself. E.g. small hole punch circles in a new leather jacket, cheap feeling materials, arms with no curvature etc. I’m not sure how pointing out that a poor copy is a poor copy is gate keeping snobbery, and poor copies are hardly creative expression… Go and read the product description. Do you really think this is a “Negan jacket that will stand the test of time and stand out” That being said, I think this jacket is actually probably a fair value at $139. I don’t think I clearly communicated that in my video. I still think you’re better off buying a used Schott or Vanson. Which is what I recommend.

[@fredguerra4917]

Liked your video. Many important points cover. I must say the upper arm design of the Schott is a inferior quality design. That is a cutting corners and saving strategy used by Schott. However, the design does allow the arm to be tailored easier than the traditional method. Personally, I think Schott makes a good product but is way overpriced. Better designs and value are available from other American jackers makers such as Johnsons leathers from San Francisco just to name a few. In the past, branded leathers used to make a nice product. I know they still in business but have not seen their jackets lately. I personally own about 6 x zips from Schott. My favorite is the 1928 model and their line made in 1994-1995 of Horsehide jackets. Having said that, I take a Lost Worlds jacket anytime over a Schott. However, at 1.7k starting x zips jacket point could be a little expensive for a motorcycle jacket that is not very protective at all in a motorcycle accident. If you want protection. A top of the line protective armored jacket is the the best choice. A Vansons model E in my view is a much better value and quality than the Schott perfecto. Thanks for taking the time and please keep on making those nice videos.

[@DudsByDel]

I’m with you in liking Vanson (I’ve had several but none currently). Lost Worlds quality and craftsmanship is well-regarded but I haven’t had one myself. Would like to have a Leathertogs A from them. I have a jacket and a vest from Johnson Leathers and both are fantastic. Really cool guys over there too. I’ve been pretty active on FedoraLounge up until recently with their site issues, if you’re not over there much a lot of what you’re saying mirrors the collective knowledge there. Good thing about liking Schott is that you can find the popular models used pretty easily. Thanks for the comment I enjoy talking about leather jackets!