Since you all are such a phenomenal source of good information I thought I would seek your advice. I was thinking about a short road trip from central Ohio to either the Fox leather store or the Vanson store. Which store would be a better destination / road trip?
Either one. Thought is to ride there and pick up a jacket for fun. If Fox jackets are better I’ll go there, just never had one. I had a Vanson that I liked years ago and thought about riding out there, but I can’t really say the route, one the surface, looks as nice as maybe heading south.
Well I think Vanson probably makes a better jacket. (I have a Fox jacket which I love but don't wear very often, and even though its a great jacket, it's not a Vanson) but Fox is located in a cooler place to ride to.
I think Fox jackets are geared more to the cruiser crowd, and Vanson Jackets more to the sportier crowd.
That was sort of my impression just looking at it on the surface. Curious about anybody’s experience at the Vanson store.
You know it just might be worth a ride down to Fox to see if you like them, seeing as you've already had a Vanson. I hear the Fox people are good people. My dealings over the phone with them were pleasant.
Good excuse for a ride to a beautiful place.I believe 4Paws lives in the area.
If you don't like what you see, head north lol
Thanks! Fox has good reviews and it looks like a nice place. Wonder what the Vanson store is like to walk in and I’ve never been to that area either.
Lol and I guess I dont need to tell you, if you want to be taken seriously, never clean the dead bugs off your leather jacket.
Vanson is down the road from me, in Fall River, Mass. The showroom is on the bottom floor of an enormous old factory building, where most of their stuff is manufactured; they have an open house a couple times a year where you can tour the production areas and see the leather hides, the cutters, punchers, sewing machines, etc and talk to the workers. Their products are top notch in quality, not cheap but last forever, and they are happy to do custom designs, colors and details. Mostly classic designs, but you can get full racing leathers, ADV touring jackets, anything you like. Whole place has an old school vibe--from a time when things were made by hand in the USA and people took real pride in their work.
In terms of the terrain you would cross to get to Fox or Vanson, I believe Ferret is correct--Fox would take you through nicer topography. The NE is more built up and roads are more congested, and Fall River, while having some nice attractions, is still a city. Vanson would need to be a pilgrimage site and not an alibi for the ride.
Thanks Baxtercat much appreciated! That was my impression looking at the map, clearly more urban, but that doesn’t rule it out for me. Thought it might be fun to ride there if the showroom was decent (try stuff on get measured etc) and stop for seafood
