Aerofor $625 or Schott for $1000+

[austinduggan]

Five years ago I made a rather impulsive $120 purchase at Search and Destroy on St.Marks st. It turned out to be a brown/black mix Schott 141 sans liner. I believe it's a size 36, and perhaps rare. Though it's a bit small on me, especially in the arms, I love it. But of course, there comes a time in every hipster's life when wearing too-small clothing is no longer attractive. At 29 years of age, it just looks silly. Unfortunately, my slender-but-short torso does not match my long arms. I'm 6'1", 150 pds. Size 38 chest. My elbows match up with my hip bones, so stock jackets simply don't fit me, particularly the one that I want: a Schott 641hh ( http://www.schottnyc.com/products/me...motorcycle.htm )
I contacted Schott. They were very nice, but apparently a custom Schott is $1000+, even just to get an extra inch and a half in the arms. This is simply too much. Or is it? I found pictures of the Aero Cafe Racer on this very site: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...highlight=aero And there are more here: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20442800 They are selling these custom fit all day long on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/Aero-Leather-CAF...QQcmdZViewItem

This appears to be a kickass jacket for $625. But how does it compare to the coveted Schott? Might it be worth it to make the $1000+ investment, or is Schott just price-gouging? Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[A Harris]

I had the cowhide version of that Schott for a short time, and currently own a custom version of the Aero. The Aero is a much, much nicer jacket.

 

[rssmsvc]

Originally Posted by A Harris

I had the cowhide version of that Schott for a short time, and currently own a custom version of the Aero. The Aero is a much, much nicer jacket.

Did you get your hercules yet ?

 

[austinduggan]

Anything in particular make the Aero the much nicer jacket?

 

[A Harris]

Originally Posted by rssmsvc

Did you get your hercules yet ?

Yep, and it was a nice jacket but unfortunately it was also much too big. I think it very likely that they would have gotten it right on the remake, but being in sore need of cash I ebayed it. Maybe I will re-order one of these days.

Austindugaan - everything is nicer about the Aero's. Superior cut and design, impeccable construction, and superior leather and trims.

 

[harryhandlebars]

I have to disagree about the aeros, I used to be a fan but truly think the Schott product is better quality (Especially for riding a motorcycle). I also may be a little biased but I really like the fact that they are made in the USA.
-Harry

 

[DrZRM]

I've had a Schott in the past--though that was in college...ages ago--and my wife got me a custom Aero Cafe Racer for X-mas. I love the Aero, perfect fit (which the Schott should match as it's also custom) but it has great leather quality, and I think Aero's finish is better too. Take advantage of the weak GBP, those coats would have been the same price a year ago.