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ELC Roadstar

siddhartha

Administrator
Hey guys,

I'm thinking of picking up an ELC Roadstar jacket. Not sure yet.

I have an Aero KOTR, and a DiamondDave Buco J24, and both I like well enough, but you know how it is...I would consider selling off a couple of jackets or watches (or both) to fund. I have an ELC Hartmann that I rarely wear, and a Few A-1 that likewise gets little wear. That said:

I like the Buco J24 look overall, though I am up for suggestions. I think that the Roadstar may have thinner leather than the Aero KOTR, which is probably a good thing. The Aero is great, but not the best jacket for driving around in (I don't ride a bike anymore) due to the thickness of the leather. Also, I am back and forth on the fit-it fits well enough, but could perhaps be a bit longer in the body. Also maybe a bit slimmer in the body as well. Hard to say because the HH is quite thick, and doesn't give that much. So, in what little I know about the ELC, it may fit better overall, and have a slightly thinner, more comfortable HH.

I like the LW J24, but am not sure about another thick, thick HH jacket. That jacket would appear to be a labour of love to break in, and I might end up in the same boat as with the Aero. It looks great, and is a truer repro of the J24 (not that I'm so particular about an accurate J24 at this point) but I am not sure about the leather, and the fit again. That said, it looks great, and may be a contender.

With the current Aero KOTR that I have, wearing anything underneath is next to impossible. It is a stock sz 46, and is trim at the waist, a bit looser in the middle, and fits perfectly at my shoulders. My DD J24 is thinner HH, and about a true sz 46 overall (a little longer in the body than the Aero, a bit more room throughout, quite comfortable, and I can have a light sweatshirt underneath). For reference, I am 5'9", 180lbs, with a 34" waist. I workout about 5 days a week, and have had relatively large shoulders for my size. Thus, I am not the easiest to size for jackets, usually taking a bigger size than one might think for my height.

I am happy to listen to suggestions. I am not overly anxious to purchase the ELC, but would like to get something that I really like, and want to wear everyday. I was that way with my Aero Highwayman, before I drove everyday. Now, I wear it, but sitting in the car with that super stiff HH digging into my neck makes it less than comfortable. However, I am NOT adverse to another thick HH jacket if it's otherwise perfect, as I don't mind breaking something in. Also, the J24-type is the style that I like overall, though am happy to look at other configs in that vein as well

Thanks

Chris
 

siddhartha

Administrator
tcwu,

Yes, I am aware these jackets have been discussed here. Yes, I am an Aero utility jacket fan. My waist size is stated in the above thread.

What I'd like to know is how you are enjoying your Roadmaster-any pictures? How is the weight of the horsehide? Do you like the cut? Are you happy with it?

In terms of your Aero KOTR-did you discuss your measurements with Aero at the time? Were they able to offer help?

Chris
 

John Lever

Moderator
Chris,
I also like the Road Star, I have a sample of the leather and it is superb. The thing is though, there are certain biker connotations that are OK if you have motorbike, but if you don't then at least I think I might look a bit of a poser. That said it is such an old design that most modern bikers wear Goretex anyway so that might not be an issue.
The jacket looks even better with the collar up !
 

siddhartha

Administrator
Thanks John,

What can you tell me about the leather? What weight would you say? Good grain? I inquired with Eastman, and they said it's substantial, and stiffer than more "drapey," and that it's perfect for the application. I like the facings, etc. on the Roadstar, and think I may well spring on it.

In terms of the look-I agree that it can look a bit forced, but I am past the stage of caring so much what others might think in this respect. I've been wearing the moto leather stuff for years (and didn't have a proper jacket when I did ride!), and may ride a bike again, but it will be later on, when my daughter (and any children after-let's hope!) are on their own. It's the deal I made with my wife, and I can accept it for now.

Let's face it-we all wear flight jackets, too, and few of us actually fly, and fewer still fly in any combat missions!

Best,

Chris

PS-if you have any pics of the leather sample, I'd love to see it!
 

John Lever

Moderator
The sample that I like and the one I have is walnut warhorse. Loads of character and beautiful colour,quite thick but no where as thick as fqhh.
Yes you are probably right about being self conscious as probably no one is looking anyway. Quite expensive to buy on a whim though at around £700.
The good thing is that it isn't a flying jacket so will be something different.
 

MikeyB-17

Well-Known Member
I was the same about this type of jacket, I had one in the wardrobe for years that seldom got worn because I thought it made me look thuggish (especially with my haircut, or lack of it). Now I'm past caring, and my Schott Perfecto is my everyday wearer-I find a decent hat (usually a Newsboy type) helps. Mine is especially well-worn and disreputable, I think with a newer, obviously more expensive one you might look a bit more respectable. Also depends what you wear with it, David (deeb7) managed to get away with his without looking like Sid Vicious.
 
Man, where is my "this thread is useless without pitchers" image when I need it? :)

You know, some of us recovering collectors just drop in every now and then for the jacket porn, right! Lol
 

siddhartha

Administrator
I'll try to post some pics of the Aero KOTR, and my DiamondDave J23.

I have the ELC Roadstar on order....

Chris
 

John Lever

Moderator
Way to go Chris, photos and samples can only show so much. You need the jacket in you hands !
In the meantime not a very good photo of the Walnut brown leather.-
20130110_1045222.jpg
 

siddhartha

Administrator
Thanks for that, John. I think it looks great, but as you said, it's hard to tell from a sample how the jacket would be. I think that this should be a good one, and if not, I can return it. Not many people seem to have picked one up, but the few pics I've seen on the internet look promising.

Best,

Chris
 
siddhartha said:
sealbeachbum said:
I hear you Clyde! I've been hoping to see pictures too!


Bill,

You still wearing that Sears jacket you had on when you fell?

How are you doing?

Chris
I sure am Chris! The re-die is starting to wear off and the jacket looks great! I'll take some pictures of it as soon a I get a chance. Right now I'm mainly wearing my Legendary Horse for the winter because it is so heavy and warm. That was the replacement jacket I bought after my accident 3 years ago. I'll get some pictures of it to. It is taking forever to break that baby in, but it's coming along. I'm doing great! Enjoying retirement! I've already put 80,000 miles on the new bike in three years!
 

les_garten

Active Member
Hi Chris,
Not sure I can help you on your quest with one exception.

From reading the first post, don't go near the LW. It is possible to make a Jacket out of ridiculously Heavy leather that is un-wearable. LW has done that with the J23/24. He would likely source a lighter hide "maybe". But in stock form comparing Aero FQHH to the LW FQHH is like comparing Silk to Sailcloth.

SC makes superbly crafted Jackets at LW, no doubt about that. I would put his workmanship much better than Aero's. I've owned close to 30 Aero's. Maybe 8 or so in FQHH, at least I think they were...

No comparison. The LW is over the ledge and beyond the pale. I believe that Jacket is impossible to break in like you want. If you look at the examples that the J24 Lovers are wearing, it hangs like a piece of Plywood off their chests. These are the guys bragging about them. You can see how stiff every piece of the Jacket is. They have that plastic impenetrable finish that refuses to crease up and relax.

Here's the post of my thumbnail review of that Jacket and a few other LWs. I like LW stuff, but I try to be honest in my appraisal.

If this is an illegal link, my apologies.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?67060-lost-worlds&p=1565835&viewfull=1#post1565835

The thread is a good read.

Good luck on your Jacket hunt!

You'll see the link to my J24 in that post as well with some decent PIX. Now the guy who got that Jacket Loves it I'll say.
 

watchmanjimg

Well-Known Member
I once owned a beautiful LW PJ27 in 3-oz. horsehide. I've also owned a Ryder in heavy cowhide. Both were a lot tamer than the heavier HH they use, and had a nice matte finish. In my experience Stuart will usually build a jacket in whatever hide the customer requests. Just a thought . . .
 

siddhartha

Administrator
sealbeachbum said:
siddhartha said:
sealbeachbum said:
I hear you Clyde! I've been hoping to see pictures too!


Bill,

You still wearing that Sears jacket you had on when you fell?

How are you doing?

Chris
I sure am Chris! The re-die is starting to wear off and the jacket looks great! I'll take some pictures of it as soon a I get a chance. Right now I'm mainly wearing my Legendary Horse for the winter because it is so heavy and warm. That was the replacement jacket I bought after my accident 3 years ago. I'll get some pictures of it to. It is taking forever to break that baby in, but it's coming along. I'm doing great! Enjoying retirement! I've already put 80,000 miles on the new bike in three years!

Very nice to hear, I am glad you're enjoying it!

Would love to see pics when you get a chance-though it seems like you're always on the bike these days...

Best,
Chris
 

siddhartha

Administrator
les_garten said:
Hi Chris,
Not sure I can help you on your quest with one exception.

From reading the first post, don't go near the LW. It is possible to make a Jacket out of ridiculously Heavy leather that is un-wearable. LW has done that with the J23/24. He would likely source a lighter hide "maybe". But in stock form comparing Aero FQHH to the LW FQHH is like comparing Silk to Sailcloth.

SC makes superbly crafted Jackets at LW, no doubt about that. I would put his workmanship much better than Aero's. I've owned close to 30 Aero's. Maybe 8 or so in FQHH, at least I think they were...

No comparison. The LW is over the ledge and beyond the pale. I believe that Jacket is impossible to break in like you want. If you look at the examples that the J24 Lovers are wearing, it hangs like a piece of Plywood off their chests. These are the guys bragging about them. You can see how stiff every piece of the Jacket is. They have that plastic impenetrable finish that refuses to crease up and relax.

Here's the post of my thumbnail review of that Jacket and a few other LWs. I like LW stuff, but I try to be honest in my appraisal.

If this is an illegal link, my apologies.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?67060-lost-worlds&p=1565835&viewfull=1#post1565835

The thread is a good read.

Good luck on your Jacket hunt!

You'll see the link to my J24 in that post as well with some decent PIX. Now the guy who got that Jacket Loves it I'll say.

Thanks for this info-I thought the same about the LW leather. I have owned one of SC's A-2s, and have seen some of the moto leather, which I quite like, but don't know if it'd work for me right now.

I am interested in his café racer, too, especially with the Crown zip option, but again, not sure about the weight of that leather, and also, dealing with SC...

I would love to pick up a 2-tone café racer, like the Bronco Champ that MisterFreedom makes, but that particular one they don't make in my size (it stops at 42).

Best,

Chris
 

les_garten

Active Member
siddhartha said:
les_garten said:
Hi Chris,
Not sure I can help you on your quest with one exception.

From reading the first post, don't go near the LW. It is possible to make a Jacket out of ridiculously Heavy leather that is un-wearable. LW has done that with the J23/24. He would likely source a lighter hide "maybe". But in stock form comparing Aero FQHH to the LW FQHH is like comparing Silk to Sailcloth.

SC makes superbly crafted Jackets at LW, no doubt about that. I would put his workmanship much better than Aero's. I've owned close to 30 Aero's. Maybe 8 or so in FQHH, at least I think they were...

No comparison. The LW is over the ledge and beyond the pale. I believe that Jacket is impossible to break in like you want. If you look at the examples that the J24 Lovers are wearing, it hangs like a piece of Plywood off their chests. These are the guys bragging about them. You can see how stiff every piece of the Jacket is. They have that plastic impenetrable finish that refuses to crease up and relax.

Here's the post of my thumbnail review of that Jacket and a few other LWs. I like LW stuff, but I try to be honest in my appraisal.

If this is an illegal link, my apologies.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?67060-lost-worlds&p=1565835&viewfull=1#post1565835

The thread is a good read.

Good luck on your Jacket hunt!

You'll see the link to my J24 in that post as well with some decent PIX. Now the guy who got that Jacket Loves it I'll say.

Thanks for this info-I thought the same about the LW leather. I have owned one of SC's A-2s, and have seen some of the moto leather, which I quite like, but don't know if it'd work for me right now.

I am interested in his café racer, too, especially with the Crown zip option, but again, not sure about the weight of that leather, and also, dealing with SC...

I would love to pick up a 2-tone café racer, like the Bronco Champ that MisterFreedom makes, but that particular one they don't make in my size (it stops at 42).

Best,

Chris


I've considered getting his Ryder or Easy Ryder in Goat.
 
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