Cheap vs Expensive vs Luxury Leather Jackets

[@Guinea54]

I am learning that the leather jacket world has a lot to do with placebo and perceived value. I bought a cheap ass cow hide leather jacket from wilsons over 20 years ago.. It still looks great... I also bought a buttery soft lamb jacket from them and it's over 5 years old looks brand new. I even threw it in the wash and dryer like four times to shrink it because i lost some weight. It's fully insulated, even the sleeves! The construction is well done, the hardware and zippers are super robust.... I mean sub 300 dollars... it's far from junk. I mean what else should i really want.. Feel great, soft,, comfort, great.. fit , great... warmth.. great.. durability fantastic,, zippers, fantastic. Leather quality.. I honestly can't see much of a difference compared to these jackets you're showing.. Just not as shiny as the 2,000 dollar one and a very fine tight grain. I would take a guess that the leather might not be as thick as these.. but that's just a guess.. The cowhide one im sure is as thick or thicker. the jacket weights A TON. I would say the style of the 2 grand jacket looks best on you.

[@DudsByDel]

Cheap 20 years ago is a tough comparison…1) Wilson’s probably made better jackets back then and of course 2) the dollars value has suffered due to inflation. Heck Schott jackets were going for $50 at one point if you go back. That being said, like anything, it’s not like the additional cost for the nicer jackets is wasted. There are diminishing returns of course. But if you want something particular it may very well cost more. However there is a big caveat- many great & expensive jackets can be bought used. My aero highwayman was something like $300 used. Incredible value.

[@Guinea54]

@@DudsByDel yeah I think that was a great suggestion. I never really thought about buying used jackets. But for premium it might be the way to go. You seem pretty well balanced and reasonable, but some people in this niche hobby scoff at anything below a 900 brand. I've only tried one expensive jacket that was over 900 but i found it too thin and light. I don't think it even had a liner in it. The leather was nice though. I will give it that. Just wasn't worth that money for me.

[@ivanrod2550]

How much cms did u get the master supply sleeves cut ?

[@DudsByDel]

@@ivanrod2550 the sleeves by about 2.5 cm

[@telemarktumalo6978]

Glad to see this comparo. Hardly a fair fight but helpful to prospective buyers. Obviously, the Rainbow Country is a superior jacket but is it twice as good as the Langlitz. And, is the Langlitz twice as nice as the Master Supply. I'm not sure where there is a bend in the Value vs. Price curve, but the Law of Diminishing returns applies to these jackets. Fortunately, lots of options out there so we can each find what works for us. Good to mention too, is the price and availability. Most of these great jackets are on-line order only and a challenge to see in person and try on. I think this turns some folks off and definitely stresses a brand's return/exchange policy.

[@DudsByDel]

@@telemarktumalo6978 yes tried to give the next best thing to having the jackets in person. Agree completely with your points on diminishing returns and availability. Puts our desire to obtain them in some interesting perspective 😅

[@sfrank7799]

Worth mentioning is that Master Supply makes an unlined roughout field jacket that is impeccable and very worth the $395. Not only but they’ll make one to your exact measurements. Heck I even changed out the lining and branding tags. I think that’s part of the convo too.

[@DudsByDel]

@@sfrank7799 have seen a few of those worn hard, they look pretty great. Not my personal style preference but seems like a cool jacket

[@gregreinel853]

That Hercules looks fantastic. Love to get one but with my build I’d need it fitted, especially sleeve length. Dig the collar.

[@DudsByDel]

@@gregreinel853 yeah man they’re awesome. Do you lift weights or something?

[@gregreinel853]

@@DudsByDel Yes, but I’m a smaller guy so nearly everything in my wardrobe needs to be tailored or fitted in some way if I want a great fit, especially leather jackets.

[@Riverangler78]

Hello Del..how do good stitched look like. How many stitches in 2cm for example Ruben

[@DudsByDel]

@@Riverangler78 hey Ruben I’d have to count em!

[@Riverangler78]

@@DudsByDel sounds stupid...but please do. Like to know

[@Riverangler78]

@@DudsByDel did you count them mate?

[@davidadams8027]

The tunnels on the arms where a give away to me. 100%veg tanned! Great video

[@kvnsun4289]

Great video. I wanted to know if the below conditions should be met when choosing a leather jacket that fits you: 1. looking fit either zipped up or unzipped. 2. looking fit either wearing it with a T-shirt/shirt or layering with a T-shirt/shirt plus another hoodie-like outfit.

[@DudsByDel]

@@kvnsun4289 it depends on your intended use! I have jackets with a range of space for layers. Some I can only fit a wool flannel or light merino sweater, others I can go heavy layers if desired. I do think you should be able to bend your arms and do typical activities comfortably such as driving, holding phone to ear, etc

[@Richard_Lush]

The Rainbow Country is just sooo nice but I like the Langlitz for biking. It’s a fine jacket. The cheapest is just ok. The Rainbow wouldn’t be great on a bike but it to is more of a fashion jacket like the cheaper one. Nice compression Dell. It’ll help people out. Had and Aero premier and a Y2 single rider. No comparison. The Y2 was a thing of beauty.

[@DudsByDel]

@@Richard_Lush yeah the Langlitz is the only one that makes sense on a bike for sure. Thanks Richard!

[@ryanmaesen68]

I love Belstaff.

[@DudsByDel]

Classic!

[@stefanhnavetsea1588]

honestly it's very hard to tell, stitch per inch is just a machine setting, suitable to what kind of hides, it is not a hand sewing where it takes more effort to do it, thinner leather sewn with thinner thread has higher SPI VS thicker leather sewn with thicker thread has lower SPI the same like trousers vs jeans, or dress shoes VS boots. I think availability, customizability, type of hide from what tannery and brand has the biggest influence in price, not the jacket itself, the jacket is just the end product, not necessarily a luxury jacket will outperform a decently priced jacket, if a jacket is soundly made from a good leather, and fit your size, and you wear it until well broken in, it would be just as nice compared to any luxury jacket. I bet if you have a perfectly worn in schott that has creased all in the right place, slightly faded on the right spots, I bet it would be as good as FW or LW or Himel or Thedi or SLP or what have you perhaps on FW and LW you need to replace the zipper or on Himel few cotton thread stitches has popped and need repair, yet everything still fine on your Schott or Vanson

[@DudsByDel]

My Schott 618 and Rainbow Country Hercules are 2 faves and there's a huge price difference between them! Its a point I didn't explicitly make in this video but I made it in a previous "Expensive v Luxury" jackets video comparing those two. I think though that this $500 will not be able to make that level of attractiveness with wear.

[@kottomack]

My Langlitz is still going to be around when I'm long gone....enough said😊

[@DudsByDel]

@@kottomack yes in retrospect I should have had an off the rack jacket in the middle spot, like my 618!

[@ayda2876]

Also I wanted to ask you what kind of cut is better for people with big shoulders? My aviator jacket fits very well because it's not tight but the other one I struggle to close it and be comfortable even with just a t shirt underneath

[@DudsByDel]

Some designs tend to have bigger chest & shoulders, and may or may not taper to the waist. A lot of classic motorcycle crosszip style jackets fall into this category, see Vanson, Cal Leather, Langlitz. Schott tends to have trimmer shoulders but offsets somewhat with action back/underarm footballs. Some depends on the maker, for example The Flat Head in Japan is known for larger shoulder dimensions

[@ayda2876]

@@DudsByDel thanks a lot i appreciate the recommendations

[@DudsByDel]

@ no prob man!

[@scottwistinghausen5026]

I think the rainbow country looks the nicest. That being said I think most people not into leather would not be able to tell. A lot of people can’t even recognize faux leather vs. horsehide. Nerds like us have your back though. Good video.

[@DudsByDel]

@@scottwistinghausen5026 hah thanks Scott. Makes me want to do one of those videos where you talk to random people on the street

[@willyegger4488]

Hey Duds, very interesting and helpful revue of these three leather jackets! - I always admire your knowledge in this field. - After my opinion the custom made Langlitz was looking best on you. The Japanese jacket is without any doubts very beautiful, but I had the impression it wasn't really fitting so well on you. For me it is far too expensive! - The 500 Dollar jacket looked ok, but after my opinion it also didn't really fit you. Of course I might be wrong, but I just had this impression. - By the way I am also most satisfied and happy with the genuine American made leather jackets, because I love the high quality. Wishing you all the best, peace and kindest regards.

[@DudsByDel]

Thanks Willy! Yes fit of course can be subjective. I think in retrospect I should have used an “off the rack” jacket like my Schott 618 in the $1000 slot for more reasonable comparison. As you know Langlitz has a really good value for the cost

[@brunonjezic6208]

Great video. 2500 + Himel bros goes again around with custom fit and all Rainbow country. Im so intrigued by Five star leather. Almost too good to be true. I got not lang ago Rugged west d pocket that im impressed by. Maybe something to look at as well

[@DudsByDel]

@@brunonjezic6208 so many of the five star jackets I’ve seen just don’t quite turn out as hoped

[@PeterRobinson-xi8mj]

I ordered my Vanson Leather Jacket about a week ago and am excited to receive it. To tie in with quality we should also talk about customer service. Vanson contacted me via email informing me that the jacket size ordered wasn’t in stock so I replied to them asking what they would recommend as a substitute to fit my needs. I received no reply so I called them and the lady that answered the phone was rude. I then spoke to another gentleman who was nice and I ordered a more expensive jacket, the MK2. To date, I have no order status even though I’ve sent an email. Now I’m concerned what will happen if the jacket doesn’t fit and a return is needed. Customer service plays a BIG part in price. Would I have had a different experience in dealing with Schott? Price is a one time issue and cost is a long term issue. I’m hoping for the best and will keep you posted with detail and photos if and when it arrives.

[@DudsByDel]

@@PeterRobinson-xi8mj sorry to hear about that customer service issue. My personal experiences have all been just fine. Have you received the jacket yet?

[@PeterRobinson-xi8mj]

@ you are not going to believe this but I still have not received it. I contacted Nick at Vanson and have Lao sent an email to ask for a tracking number but nothing yet.

[@ayda2876]

I don't know much about leather jackets but I recently got an oakwood jacket and a high quality aviator leather jacket and they are both great but aside from the thickness of the leather or how shiny it looks I can't really differentiate much, texture is very similar. In stores I touched a lot of leather jackets and the "smooth" ones seemed lower quality to me than the rough ones but I don't know. I don't really understand how a jacket can go from 250€ to 2000€ in some cases if they are both leather and both look pretty similar.. I'll go watch the video now (I made this comment after you asked us if we were able to see which one is 500 1000 and 2000)

[@DudsByDel]

So a lot comes down to the leather - where the hide was sourced, who did the tanning, what process involved. Then the cost of the other components- is it robust brass or cheap plastic, is it built to vintage specifications, or generic. Then the cost of the labor. Labor covers design and craftsmanship, and things made in USA, Japan, EU for example will be more expensive than ones made in Mexico or Pakistan. Once you get to a certain cost point, there are diminishing returns. But if you’re really into something specific, maybe you pay that premium for it.

[@maxetchells]

Great video

[@DudsByDel]

Appreciate it max!

[@brunonjezic6208]

I totally know what you mean with impression stuff. I got for 200e side zip in beautiful veg tan 1mm sheep skin leather but the pattern and fit are so weird. Kinda feel sorry i didn't wait to get to 500e to have something that works for real. I take it like i payed for scool to feel ok with all of the stuff that doesn't fit and end up selling with the loss

[@DudsByDel]

@@brunonjezic6208 yes the jackets on alibaba are the perfect example in my opinion!

[@michaelgentile6418]

Thank you for the video, I happen to be wearing my master supply convoy jacket today, question for you, have you ever considered lost worlds leather jackets, they seem to be custom fit , they are quite expensive, I've been looking at their website they have interesting designs,since I'm considering ordering one from them, would love to know if you have any experience with them or will you be trying them in the future?, thank you del!

[@DudsByDel]

@@michaelgentile6418 yes I am quite interested in Lost Worlds. Especially the Suburban and the Leather Togs A

[@masterblasterofdisaster]

$500 looks the best. The other ones with the patch elbow and collar don't look as nice.

[@DudsByDel]

Appreciate that perspective man

[@Retrakk]

The MasterSupply, in my opinion, is nicer than the Langlitz. Better lining, better leather, and better fit on you despite not being customized.

[@DudsByDel]

I dont fully agree. I think the Langlitz may be outside my style zone, which has been on my mind lately. But its an amazing jacket.

[@rpow6861]

Don't let Stridewise see the $1000 jacket because he'll tell you it's a very cheap jacket (he doesn't know what he's talking about)

[@altonza]

Can you even understand him? He seems to speed up or mumble when it comes to key details that the average consumer wants to know prior to purchasing from affiliate links 💀

[@DudsByDel]

Ouch! I didn't really notice this one but I come to comments section and see a bunch of upvotes on it lol

[@MrRingoac]

99.9% of people will NEVER see the difference. Master Supply is an incredible jacket, especially at $500. Paying $2000 for a boring black leather jacket is insane and silly.

[@DudsByDel]

@@MrRingoac I like the master supply co jacket, but I think anyone on the street would be able to identify which of these is the $2000 jacket. Fit is king and the MSCo jacket fits well, especially after taking a bit of the length off for me. And the design is overall well done. I think there are some aspects of it, most especially the leather, which could use improvement. And that’s ok! It’s a good value proposition at $500! Is the $2000 jacket for everyone? Of course not! Some folks are interested in them and prioritize their spending accordingly.

[@MrRingoac]

@DudsByDel ok

[@eriche8870]

Im glad that most people in the street couldn’t tell the difference.. if they can that could be a trouble😂

[@LarsLenningerJansen-l9s]

the first one is the most expensive one. the second is the cheapest i would say

[@DudsByDel]

@@LarsLenningerJansen-l9s yep yep yep!

[@DragosDreamer1989]

$500 is not what most would call "cheap".

[@DudsByDel]

I understand. But then again it’s the cheap option in this lineup. If you’d like to see cheaper, go check out my Cheap vs Expensive video, the cheap one is $140

[@nunuabiznus]

$500 is cheap for a leather jacket. It's not cheap for a plastic jacket made to look kinda like leather, but for a decent jacket made out of real leather, its definitely on the budget side . Unless you know your leather and go to thrift stores and antique malls. I got a $1500(new) modified G-2 goat leather bomber jacket with a removable mouton collar for $100. The hide is in great shape but It is missing a pocket button, had the lining and knit sleeves replaced and you can see two sets of holes in some spots where they didn't hit the old holes, and the new lining had the inside pockets put in slightly askew. But I don't have $800-$2000 to spend on a good leather jacket and I'd rather have a quality hide with some wear than a cheap jacket that won't last.