Should You Buy The Cheapest Acronym Jacket? J97-M Review

[@Neurothrope]

You know you’ve truly ascended when you’re referring to anything from ACR as cheap

[@inisus]

haha, "ascension"

[@jludwig5374]

"Cheapest" not cheap

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Ascended or degenerated D:

[@confucheese]

Yeah I don’t think that’s how words work

[@life-yi2ij]

I picked this jacket up recently. I really like it. I find that a lot of the acronym items just go a bit too far to be practical daily; this looks like a typical sports-venture jacket at a glance but with nicer more utilitarian color scheme. The thumb cuffs have folded in just fine for me. Will likely become a low key classic imo.

[@saint3211]

I've always been a big fan of thumbholes, my various snowboarding coats have all had them, it's to keep your jacket/inner lining of your coat under your gloves so your arms are never exposed to the elements. This makes me think that the J97-M was designed to be a mid layer under a hard shell for sure.

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

Thumbholes have a function and a place but IDK if they're necessary in a "summer" jacket.

[@electricvehiclehead]

Does the J97 have an AuxZip-M?

[@japp4852]

In love with this jacket, so simple yet really got the "it" factor. I would have loved for this to also feature auxzip though.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

I imagine auxzip wasn't included as it would affect the look of the collar at the back, but otherwise it'd be a good candidate for keeping zipped into a shell

[@Fumwum]

I'd love a kind of compiling and comparison video for all things summery and flowy like this, especially outerwear. Maybe even diving into things like lyocell, linen, wool (Merino) and the different blends of each. Great video as always 😊

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks! That sounds like it could be a whole series, but yes tencel, linen and merino have all popped up in previous summer-related videos.

[@arax20]

It was really cool to see all the weird choices about the jacket click at the end when you explained it as a mid layer

[@JerzytheGamer]

In autumn, winter and spring I wear J1B-GT with J58-WS combo. I was also looking for summer Acronym jacket for quite long. Your review convinced me to buyJ97-M and I like this jacket very much. Thanks!

[@j9mvp]

Thanks for in depth review - which I must have watched at least a dozen times! I finally picked it up recently from 18 Montrose (50% off) and I find it so useful over a t shirt and as an alternative mid layer (under the J1W). On colder days I use the J90-SS as my mid layer. Can't wait to see what thoughts you have/picksup you get from the FW2223 drop later this week

[@patrick6037]

It's been a long time since I used youtube and I'm glad you're still making videos man. Keep up the great work!

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks so much! Appreciate you dropping by 🙏

[@JOSHDL13]

People should check out the Nemen Blow Overshirt on flannels if they're looking for a cheaper alternative, picked mine up for £150.

[@DarkMuj]

Solid choice

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Good shout, that looks really nice

[@410ms9]

what are the white shoes in the background at 0:48 ? can anyone help ?

[@ir4kk]

With the two inside zip pockets, the two way zip, and low collar, its the perfect, low key, spring sumner fall jacket.

[@albysix4518]

Would love to see you discuss the pricing and whether its worth it

[@yungy1209]

where in the UK are you ant that shot at 1:07 looks beautiful

[@simonrockstream]

Absolutely fantastic video Antwon!! Love your work! :D

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks!

[@moart87]

Detailed and honest review Antwon! This jacket has some potential for Acronym to reach a different (larger) audience.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks very much!

[@MASI1212]

Just buy an Arc'teryx jacket instead of this??

[@ThisIsAntwon]

The Veilance Demlo would be a good alternative

[@MASI1212]

@@ThisIsAntwon If you're looking for something with a similar aesthetic, then definitely. In my opinion, 600 dollars would be better spent on something like an Arc'teryx jacket, since they tend to be around that price point and offer more funcionality and also imo look better.

[@ElementalLeaf]

I buy luxury brands like Balenciaga so my perspective is shaped from that side of fashion, but I think that if you want the brand but you cant afford the prices then maybe its better to look at a different brand instead of trying to buy the cheapest item from this brand because it might not be something you necessarily like, you just think you do because its a lot cheaper than the other pieces. And instead it'll be better to buy a decently expensive piece from a middle-tier brand instead of buying the cheapest thing you can find from the high-tier brand.

[@ElementalLeaf]

To add on to that now that I think about it, this is probably far more true for techwear than it is luxury wear because techwear is more about features and functionality and this jacket cuts out on a lot. You could get a good jacket from a medium tier brand as opposed to the cheapest ACRNYM shell. Like you can get a decent Enfin Leve jacket for about this price. Still a great brand even if its not as iconic as ACRNYM, and it also has more features and functionality. Its better to get a good piece from a medium/high-tier brand than the cheapest item from the higher-tier brand just cuz that's the only thing you can afford, imo.

[@Kevin9687]

"if you want the brand but you cant afford the prices then maybe its better to look at a different brand instead of trying to buy the cheapest item from this brand" is genuinely one of the best fashion advices.

[@ringotheflamingo6900]

the weird stacking arms may not work here but it got me thinking you could make some cool outwear designs built around big stacking sleeves. seems like some shit issey miyake would do and maybe already has

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Definitely! I'm sure I've seen something similar from Post Archive Faction too

[@littlebigbrother7279]

Antwon I have the veilance nemis in siltstone like you do. Would you consider this Acr jacket a better fitting “smarter” looking piece in person then the nemis? ✌🏽

[@cseymour97]

For anyone who just wants an acronym jacket could definitely look into older really early releases. Snagged a E-J3 for $290 shipped and it's worth every penny. I definitely wouldn't say the same if I paid retail or the $780 resell price. 😅

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Very nice pickup!

[@axguo2k]

Is that the OrbitGear x Timex watch I see there? 🧐

[@Skobonyan]

The sneakers in the background 🙆🏾‍♂️🥵

[@andream.313]

My question antwon are they expensive one , hot during the havy winter snowing -7 -4

[@DarkFire515]

I have to admit I'm not convinced by the J-97. I can understand it being aimed to be a versatile winter mid layer or summer outer layer, but for a mid layer I'd want something with a little more insulation, and for a warm weather outer layer there are other options that would cost vastly less while at the same time giving many more features while being just as breathable. The TAD Gear Ronin for example. If the J97 was £200 it would be an interesting option. At over £500... that's an insane price even by Acronym standards, especially given the minimalist feature set.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

I think that's fair - it's not going to work as a winter midlayer for sure but that's inevitable when it's such a lightweight summer-appropriate piece on its own. I wouldn't say the price is out of line with other Acronym items (iirc previous ultralight or packable shells have been a similar price or more expensive) but there are absolutely cheaper alternatives available

[@chrisogrady28]

I absolutely love it and love finger holes and long ass sleeves. But I wear my watch on my right wrist 😥

[@angustillett2649]

be interested to hear what u think about this vs the nike x acronym jackets from this year.

[@octaviogarcia2705]

Bro.. what about the sizing? In a J1A-GT I wear XL should I buy same size or size down to a L??? Thanks

[@jo-mi4966]

Love it! Keep 'em coming Antwon! Also, could someone let me know if it's ok to use a steamer on my p10s? I wasn't sure if it's okay to do this with Stotz or if it's bad for the material...

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks! Never tried steaming stotz - I know in general it can warp (which is why it's best hand washed) so if it is OK you'd have to be careful and put a towel over the top or something

[@jo-mi4966]

@@ThisIsAntwon Cheers! I might just stick to washing in that case!

[@scoon2117]

What do you think of Fuct?

[@kachao-e1m]

Lil bit of an orbitgear watch feature, very nice. How's the quality on it?

[@ForestKim]

If anything, orbit copied acrnm, as they usually do lmao

[@danylol772]

i find this jacket sits in a very rough spot, because, yeah, by acronym standards, it is cheap, but that doesn't mean it's intrinsically cheap compared to everything else. Let's see this compared to the nikelab acg collection, wich has been described as "acronym lite" or "acronym but half the price" This jacket, wich antwon shows it's many intricacies in the video costs 500ish dollars All of the hardshell nikelab acg gore tec jackets are about that price, maybe a lil' bit over it, but i'll put them in a similar range. So comparing the two, you can clearly see that this acronym piece, while very well constructed, with tough out design and a very good look, simply cannot compete with alternatives at the same price range, like the afore mentioned nikelab acg. So who is this jacket for? People that want acronym but don't have to money to buy the more iconic, mor featured jackets? Not really, this can''t fulfil that need or desire for those features and designs of the brand. You have nikelab acg as the cheaper yet still very featured and has the design of the acronym brand. Is this for the people that already have a lot of acronym pieces? Yeah, i can see that more than the previous example, you can have a very lightweight summer ready garment that still holds that DNA of the brand. So, in sinthesys: Do not feel pressured or think that: "I want this because it's a acronym jacket at half the price, even tough i really would like more of a j1a, or j28, but don't have the money to buy one" And instead view it more like "This piece specifically really talks to me, and not just because it´s a cheap acronym piece, i really like it for the contruction or the material, or the aesthetics"

[@cybersub4693]

I live in Los Angeles, this jacket seems perfect for our weather. I can see me flexing this.

[@0oSiLveRo0]

I bought this jacket for exactly the wrong reasons, but enjoyed it none the less.

[@sunnyhyland9001]

Can you do a comparison video for lighter jackets? I've been heavily debating getting a J58-WS for the past couple of months

[@addisonstaples7385]

J58-WS not really a lighter jacket, pretty insulated?

[@theinstigatorr]

@@addisonstaples7385 can you recommend a hooded hard shell acronym jacket with M auxzip?

[@ThisIsAntwon]

The J58 is quite different to this but a nice looking jacket imo! I've heard people mention the elastic at the hem being very tight which can be unflattering but aside from that it's pretty solid

[@craigdunn3231]

They look so nice

[@lordofgraphite]

i was super turned off till you brought up the mid layer point, now i think its almost essential :O

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

This is most definitely not a midlayer jacket

[@lordofgraphite]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis please explain :D

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

@@lordofgraphite Mid layers are insulating jackets. This is not an insulating jacket. This does not serve the same function as a fleece or a sweater or softshell.

[@lordofgraphite]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis correct! However I think it would perfectly suit the job of being between a t-shirt and a hard shell :D

[@lordofgraphite]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis if you're simply correcting my use of the word midlayer I completely agree that was erroneous. But I maintain antwon makes a lot of sense with his idea of it being a "between layer" x

[@AggaCityGang]

Def. looks good as a midlayer👌

[@MalakaiDerg]

Honestly? I think it sucks. It's just too basic. You can get literally any top-performance jacket from another brand that looks as subtle for 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 of the price. At least the rest of the lineup has the unique looks and performance. This doesn't seem to please anybody but the people that have too much money and only buy Acronym.

[@MagashiSaizen]

This is one of those pieces that could be (stressing the 'could') worth it if you found it on sale...maybe.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

It'd be a great sale pickup for sure

[@WristyGymnast]

New watch? Did you ever reach out to TGV?

[@ThisIsAntwon]

It's the new Orbit x Timex collab! They sent it to me

[@WristyGymnast]

@@ThisIsAntwon ah cool, devastated I’ve not heard about it. Doing a vid? Initial thoughts? A little large? What is it? 42mm?

[@Luka-Noctiluka]

Nice necklace! Where'd you get it?

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks! It's from Arxiome

[@tintinsimon]

I think all your observations are very pertinent, to the point one wonders why the jacket is not advertised as a mid-layer to begin with. That being said, over 600€ for a mid-layer is the epitome of decadence. How many perfect alternatives for a fraction of the price? My philosophy with clothing is to buy high quality items ONCE so you don't over consume of anything unnecessarily. But even I can't justify this false mid-layer for half a bag.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Thanks! It's not an area without competition for sure, and I can't see this tempting many people who would ordinarily buy running jackets from Nike/Lululemon etc.. It's more for people who are specifically after Acronym's take on that style of jacket

[@TheEthanxD]

I saw one of these in Tk max for 160

[@ThisIsAntwon]

@@TheEthanxD I'd double up at that price!

[@JJ20kil3r]

Can you do a review of g star clothing

[@fightfan0000]

Great.video. Talk about not fooling anyone.

[@Losgansosalvajes]

So, a Blackhawk Gen III softshell, with worse materials but 4 times the price.

[@joes661]

Hey ant, I was looking at getting a gortex coat for hiking in the UK/everyday wear for about £200-£300 have you got any recommendations?

[@Fumwum]

Hey what's up this is apology video here

[@ThisIsAntwon]

*sobbing* I've tried so many times to make this video

[@Джек_Брат]

I just buy new pant and it not the same thing like the picture on it...even i bought it from China about 34 dollar

[@Verse1234567]

I like the ideas of this jacket. I feel it would come more into it's intended/expected aesthetic when paired with the 3A-1 bag. What would need to happen for you to do the wooden sword choreography, Ant?

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Yeah true, it fits into the 3A-1 very nicely. Hours and hours of wooden sword training and I'm in... maybe I'd be better with a quarterstaff tho

[@Verse1234567]

@@ThisIsAntwon I think we'd all like to see that, just like in that acronym promo!

[@frc1255]

I think your £500 could be better spent elsewhere TBH. It really isn’t a mid layer either. The detailing on the back shoulders is nice but doesn’t justify the price. You’re spending 500 quid on a luxury brand, that’s it.

[@nc9853]

im not even remotely interested in techwear but i watch all of your videos just to see what is your newest name

[@ThisIsAntwon]

Hahaha I appreciate the support 🙏

[@dollarslice252]

Yo, what’s this about more P30a pants coming out??! Aware me A-Town! Aware me!

[@SBEdits]

Year 3 of asking for “this is Anton Bauer here”

[@kusuken3118]

Oh wow you know malaysia. Pretty rare for european to know my country

[@Phlegm_Thrower]

17°C is a summer evening temperature suitable for this jacket to keep you cool? 😆 Summer evening here in Australia can still reach high 20s and even 30°C on a particularly hot day. Would I pay close to a grand AUD to wear a jacket on that kind of weather/temperature? Nope. Mid layer is supposed to keep you warm so from your description, this jacket would be useless as one. A fleece or softshell jacket would work better as a mid layer. And cheaper.

[@andream.313]

Ps i don t like new acronym, i love underground brand, tech but not the new "cheap"acronym

[@mikeyvee5677]

500 euros and you get a jacket with a kinky zip.. Yeah nah. Spending 500 on any clothes item is mental to me but each their own. I bought a record for 200 so yeah I can't talk.. 😂🤣😂

[@Dreadwinner]

😎

[@kostakisx107]

So the jacket is pretty good , but would i pay 600$ for it? Even if i wanted to , no. I think you can find less expensive similar jackets to buy instead of this one, for example the nike x acronym one. C'mon ant , you know we cant afford such things😂. Btw , id really like some more haul videos or affordable techwear clothing videos , or at least an enshadower review video, cz i think they got some pretty good affordable and good quality stuff. Additionally , you can even find new alternative brands to make a vid about them

[@PrismFoxes]

Enshadower and quality in the same comment..? :^)

[@MalakaiDerg]

@@PrismFoxes They make alright stuff. It's inexpensive and some pieces look nice. Nothing really wrong with them. Pupil Travel and Reindee Illusion make good stuff tho.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

The Nike and Acronym collab has a very different look overall but I guess the featureset isn't dissimilar. There'll be more affordable stuff coming up though!

[@viewsan]

why do techwear junkies use words like utilitarian, manoeuvrability, minimal, good articulation, Gore-Tex shell, implementation and contrast.. like bro... its just a jacket 🤣

[@pabloqueima]

Everything Acronym is overpriced, no way around it. Even their newer cheaper things, use the same material and construction as other brands that cost half or less. You are paying for a luxury brand hype and recognition, people need to stop trying to justify or excuse that and take it for what it is. And I think we need more videos about other brands that use same or similar materials, same or similar construction, and don't have that kind of hype around them. Compare the number of videos about Acronym vs the number of videos about these other brands. Just overpriced hype, not much difference with Gucci, Balenciaga or any of those.

[@someflyingdude6001]

In that case - where do I find a replacement for my j1 that looks as good and feels as cool to escape-zip out of and jacket-sling around? If it keeps me safe from rain that would be a plus as well, I’d love to know, thanks!

[@vdwn]

@@someflyingdude6001 i don't know, and dont get me wrong i think ACR products look fantasitc but it boggles my mind how ppl can spend 1800€ for a jacket with a gimmicky zip and a strap to carry it when you can buy similar jackets for 1/2 even 1/3 of the price.

[@someflyingdude6001]

@@vdwn I always understood why people might find it gimmicky, but what I've always appreciated so much is that their products are designed just as much for the wearing experience as for the looks. Those ideas might seem gimmicky, but it honestly just feels so fucking cool when wearing. I feel like rdj when he suits up for the first time in the first iron man movie. I am aware of how much of a cringe-inducing comic book boy-fantasy it is, but I love it - I guess thats just a reason not to take it too seriously. But that feeling of breaking the zipper, of shooting your phone out of your sleeve - you really do feel like an action hero from a comic book. I don't get that anywhere else! EDIT: but yeah, it's ridiculously expensive and I don't get when people defend acronym like it's a religion and Errolson is god.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

I think it's OK for people to want to spend more on stuff because of the design or the brand image, but imo Acronym is quite different to that in that I can't think of another brand which offers everything the full-featured shells do. And there are plenty of other things which don't have direct equivalents, but you pay a high premium for that privilege.

[@0T13]

Acronym is a meme, your not actually meant buy it, that's now how i see it.

[@ThisIsAntwon]

It is a bit like the clothing equivalent of a supercar

[@DarkMuj]

Literally just a bomber jacket. Save your money for a real acr piece

[@smhjesse]

why does his mouth move like that? good video but the lip movement bothers me.

[@alainchristian]

People on KZbin reviewing jackets like they’re phones. I love the Internet! 🦾🦾🦾

[@ThisIsAntwon]

That is exactly how I think about this stuff tbh so I appreciate that!

[@alainchristian]

@@ThisIsAntwon it wasn’t a put down lol Reminds me of that stinger on Community where Leaonard was reviewing a microwave pizza. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGiWdGOEbat3m80