Leather Jacket - recommendations

[moto4fun]

I am considering upgrading my jacket and looking for real world input from real world riders. I currently have a Joe Rocket that has all the good features, but the fit is a little off and I want something a little nicer.
Required features:
Leather!
a little ventilation (this is not a warm weather jacket) but not perforated
Quality construction
a bit of collar (not the racer hole!)
armor in the right spots

I like the looks of the A* GP plus, Icon daytona, or similar.

All recommendations and feedback welcome.

I am a size 42, so if anybody has an example that I can try on, even better!

[beauregard]

Vanson.

Find one on Ebay, you're like a 42 right?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vanso...Q5fMerchandise

[epim]

Vanson or Rev-it. Both quality brands.

[seric]

Vanson used, I find them overpriced new. And I've always been happy with everything I've gotten from Dainese. Although it's difficult to find understated stuff from them nowdays.

[moto4fun]

At lunch time I tried on a Shift and an A-star. Both felt noticeably better (without back to back comparison) than my current leather. The problem with ordering something on ebay is obvious, you don't know how it is going to fit unless you have tried on a similar example.

[wackyiraqi]

If you love broken zippers and split seams, then definitely go for Alpinestars.

[moto4fun]

Sweet A-Stars it is......n't!

[the_grinch]

I can't tell you how disappointed I am with my Vanson. I wanted one for years, I hate it.

I will never buy an A* product again.

[beauregard]

You can try on my 42 Vanson.

[samatye]

my BF has been in three minor accidents in his Fieldsheer gear, and is still wearing the same jacket. Rides every day, has had it for years, and still looks new. Cheap too.

I have a POS jacket, so I can't give you primary advice, but his Primary Advice is trustworthy. :-)

[seric]

I would also point out, whatever jacket you buy make sure it fits a Forcefield back protector. Best back protectors ever!

[moto4fun]

Absolutely! I have been intending to pick up an insert size one for my current jacket.

Newenough sells a Joe Rocket branded one for $81 for the B shape that usually goes for $90+.

[Rotten]

I have found Vanson's to run a size or two smaller than other brands. I have a summer perforated 46 you can try out that's like new.

While I love the quality of the leather they use the fit is horrendous. Neither sleeve will zip all the way closed shut due to the stupid rolled edge design they use and the jacket tends to unzip itself at the neck for no reason. The leather is beautiful but stiff and poorly cut for a lounging or riding position making it uncomfortable pretty much all the time wile allowing wind and rain to enter easily. I won't buy another Vanson jacket.

Best jacket I ever owned hands down was the Hein Gericke made First Gear S-Pilot which they cut off f me on the side of the road. Great jacket. Great fit. Perfect armor placement. I dunno if they still make them But I definitely want another.

[seric]

I loved my Hein Gericke / First Gear Stealth which I gave Adrian.

[elfboy]

I loved my Hein Gericke / First Gear Stealth which I gave Adrian.

Currently loving it, good fit. Held up well in a get-off last Oct.