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Whisperstealth
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 01:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Okay, so other than aerostich, what are the names of some american made and manufactured moto gear? Both textile and leather. Most of the US leather guys I've found are major $$$.

I'll be in the market for some gear in the next couple of weeks and want to do some "window - computer" shopping. I'm of the mind that I would also rather buy some good used USA/UK or even German/Jap gear than new chinese stuff.

Thanks
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 02:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Vason
NJK Leathers
Barnacle Bill's
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 02:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Vanson leathers may have moved their production off-shore recently.

Also, the last time I was at their place in Fall River, they told me that it would be months of a waiting period before I would get something.
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Jaimec
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 02:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The reason the US leathers are more expensive is because they're more expensive to make here. If you want cheap leather, then look for "Made in Pakistan" where they don't care if they work their people into the grave and poison the air and ground where they live...
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Redbuelljunkie
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 02:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The only Vanson products currently made outside of the US are the Hybrid 1-piece race suit and the Metro Line (waxed cotton), both of which are assembled in South America. I wear a Hybrid suit in Historic Moto Gran Prix racing and for track days, and I am extremely impressed with the fit and finish of these leathers. The quality is as good or better than the Italian and Japanese leathers I've worn, and it fits like a custom suit even though it's off the rack. I sell them for $899.99 and recommend them highly.
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Hybridmomentspass
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 03:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Also, the last time I was at their place in Fall River, they told me that it would be months of a waiting period before I would get something."

Was this for a custom suit or what?
Cause thats their normal procedure, I know it took me almost three months to get my suit made
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Xl1200r
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 04:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The only Vanson products currently made outside of the US are the Hybrid 1-piece race suit and the Metro Line (waxed cotton),

Not true. They do have some other leather goods that are imported, such as the Corsair. I had one of these ordered, found out it was made in Pakistand, and canceled my order. Went with a Sportrider, found one off the rack and didn't have to wait.
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Whisperstealth
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 04:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How about textiles? Would like some good winter water proof pants / over pants, not made in china.
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Fast1075
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 04:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Syed Leathers in Orlando Florida makes some fine gear.
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Slaughter
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 04:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Shoot Rodrob a note (owner of the 1190RS that Higbee races) - he's got a suit made of kevlar and other synthetic. It's a good textile suit and even AMA legal... but it might even be more expensive than leather.
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Redbuelljunkie
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 04:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Xl1200r,

I just checked with my salesman, and he verified that the V7 Corsair is manufactured in Pakistan. The Hybrid and Metro Line are made in El Salvador. All Vanson products, however, can be ordered made in the USA- it just takes a good bit longer to make (and costs more).

A majority of the name-brand leathers are being made in Pakistan now, even the from the european manufacturers. It all boils down to cost and price. I guess Chinese cows aren't as good as the others.
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Vtpeg
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 05:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dainese. Scored a two piece on ebay last winter. Actually made in Tunisia, odd place. Quality is outstanding.
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Jaimec
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 05:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Branded Leather in Long Island City is where a LOT of NYC area bikers have gotten their gear over the years.
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 08:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm not "dissing" Vanson Leathers but the two times I went in there, they were of no use to me.
I know they have world famous quality but it counts for nothing if you need SOMETHING to wear on the bike and have nothing.

Perhaps one day, I will have the patience and money for Vanson.
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Daggar
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 09:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

motoport.com
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Ducxl
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 09:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It took me two weeks to obtain my Vanson Cobra jacket.they sewed all my patches.while there,I got a tour of the factory(they make a lot of stuff).I saw a craftsman making gloves and bought a pair on the spot.All of their products made at THEIR factory in El Salvador can be made at their Fall River USA factory but they said they'd need 3-6 weeks to source materials.At the end of my tour a fine QA lady presented my new jacket.

Vanson..the pinnacle of motorcycles apparel.

Now I'll slink away back to lurking.
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Microchop
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 10:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ducxl: wow, what and experience. I guess that's why they've always been too busy to return my emails about my broken zipper and the fact that they sent me 2 sets of elbow armor instead of a set each of shoulder and armor. Nice jacket, but never again.
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Ducxl
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 10:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I should add that their Fall River,Massachusetts facility
Is only 20 minutes from me..
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 11:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I would also like to mention that their openhouse in 1999 had Buell demo fleet from Boston H-D.
This was where I took my first ride on a Buell.

A big difference hopping off of a 1979 XLH and on to an M2!
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46champ
Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 - 11:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you want the finest American made leather you go to Langlitz in Portland Or. It is not cheep
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Two_seasons
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 01:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Langlitz Leather is probably one of the worst web sites I've visited recently.

They could probably see a lot more if their visitors could navigate easily. Langlitz.com if you're curious.
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Dcc46
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 07:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Foxcreek Leather , the quality is outstanding and made in Virginia

http://www.foxcreekleather.com/mens_mensjackets
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Doz
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 07:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

As far as vanson goes, I think they're great. Then again I bought a used suit off the rack during one of their open house/special sales days.
Especially when I did crash- I didn't get upset about trashing a new set of leathers.
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Fahren
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 09:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have a Fox Creek jacket, and it is superb. They also offer very good quality armor (pads) that fit right into the jackets.

I would also look into the motoport, as Daggar noted - they make kevlar, kevlar mesh, and textile, I believe.
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Shellyo
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 12:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I agree that Langlitz, Vanson and Fox Creek are superb!
I still have my blue Langlitz jacket that I ordered in 1972 although it is a bit snug now (an understatement, for sure!)
I really enjoy my Buell/Vanson jacket... it gets constant use, even on my Road King!
My Fox Creek is well made but not quite to the standard of the other 2... it isn't vented and has a removable liner which makes it a great choice for cooler weather.
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Bcordb3
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 12:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bates Leathers Long Beach Ca.
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Bigblock
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 08:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Z custom leathers.
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Berry
Posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 11:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Try Klim in Boise, Id
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Milt
Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 10:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Vanson leathers are cheap, considering how durable and protective they are.
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Xl1200r
Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 10:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The thing to consider with something like Vanson (I don't have any experience with the others mentioned on here), is you will literally never need to buy another jacket unless you gain weight (or lose it), you crash it a dozen times, or you lose it.
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