Quality Leather Vest Review

It is time for another motorcycle gear review.  This time I will be reviewing a leather vest.  I love the feel and smell of new leather.  The leather vest is part of the classic motorcycle rider apparel.  Finding a leather vest that fits and looks good is not always easy.

No longer is the traditional cut vest the only option.  There are numerous options for vests for riders today.  Leather, textile, denim, high-viz, black, brown...  Viking Cycles has numerous options.

My friends at Viking Cycle recently sent me a Gardar Leather vest to wear, test and review.  The Gardar leather vest features include a Mandarin collar, an evenly finished hem, two chest pockets with snaps, two slit hand pockets and covered front snaps.  The leather vest snaps are strong and will last.  This would be a great buy for a new motorcycle rider.

I love the feel and smell of new leather.

The inside of the vest include a zippered pocket, a chest slit pock and a phone pocket on each side.  I love the pockets!  The extra pockets provide for organization of items I usually carry.

The leather has a high grade feel and look.   Due to the caliber of the vest I believe it will be very durable.  The snaps are sturdy and easy to manipulate, even when wearing gloves.  The zippers are sturdy and worked perfectly.

Three inside pockets on each side of the vest!

The lining is comfortable and is made from good quality nylon.  The finish of the entire vest is well done and stylish.  All materials used are of good quality.
I really liked the "feel" of the vest when wearing it.  It is substantial enough I could feel the weight, but not bulky or uncomfortable.  When riding,  the collision with a big bug will be absorbed by the vest and you might not even feel it.

The back of the vest is a great area for large patch or numerous patches, depending on your style.

The sizing/fitting of the vest is in line with the majority of vest sizing, so no need to adjust your sizing when ordering.

Now a word about Viking Cycle and Viking Bags.  I have had numerous communications with the company and they have always been friendly, respectful and timely.  The shipping department gets orders out quickly.  I have never had to return anything, but I suspect they handle returns quickly also.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Leather Jacket review

The VikingCycle Bloodaxe Leather Jacket is made from quality buffalo leather and is sold by Motorcycle House for $99 (as of Feb, 2015) with free shipping in the USA on orders over $89.

Men's Jackets                              Women Jackets

I received my jacket 3 days after the order was placed.  My initial reaction to the jacket was very good.  The jacket is made with quality leather and feels very strong.  Stitching is solid, zippers are heavy duty and armor is typical for motorcycle jackets.  The removable armor includes back, elbows and shoulders.

The jacket has two front zippered pockets, a right sleeve key pocket, two chest vents and two back vents.  The sleeve key pocket is an interesting feature and I believe I will use it.  Cuffs have zippers to allow for bigger openings when needed.

Right sleeve key pocket

The removable quilted lining has one zippered pocket on the right side, two smaller pockets and two pen holders on the left chest.  The leather jacket has two zippered pockets (one on each side).  I like having pockets so this is a positive for me.  When the lining is removed only the two zippered pockets are left.

  

Right inside pocket

Left side pockets

Side and back reflective stripes not only provide added visibility, but adds to the stylish look.  The back zippered vents allow for air to flow through when riding on warmer days.

 The Velcro side adjustment straps allow for customizing fitting. 

Pros:

Durable leather

Reflective stipes

Thick leather that will protect a rider 

Armor (removable allows for daily or non-riding wear)

Speedy and friendly service from Motorcycle House

Vents and removable lining

Pockets! (but don't like losing 3 when the lining is removed)

Value - big bang for the bucks  

The quilted shoulders give a nice look, but sleeves are too long

Cons:

Weight (using nurses scales - 4.8lbs without the armor)

Sleeve length (I am use to sleeves being a little long, but these cover over 1/2 my hand, and yes I know I am short :)   5'6")

Cuff openings - big even when zipped - difficult time getting gloves over the cuffs before riding

Overall I like the jacket.  Being in North Texas I will not have weather cold enough to wear the jacket often.  Even with the lining out the jacket is very warm.  I can see wearing the jacket when not on the bike.  It is nice enough for casual wear and/or jeans.

The Bloodaxe Leather Jacket is a great bargain.  It is far superior to many budget jackets and yet is does not break the bank.  

With the overall quality and value offered by Motorcycle House and the review of one of their trunks at Utah Motorcyclist I can see ordering other items in the future. 

 

Connect and follow on social media

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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