04-13-2017, 12:32 AM
Two thoughts -- First, you get what you pay for. I've owned my "expensive" Hein Gericke V-Pilot since 1994 and it's still in excellent, as-new condition. A cheaper jacket probably wouldn't have survived. And after about a month, I didn't miss the money. That being said, if you're amenable, there are tons of used Vanson, Bates, Z-Leathers, Dianese, etc. jackets available from folks who have stopped riding. You can find one on Craigslist or eBay, buy it for a song (like $50), have it professionally cleaned, and you'll be good to go.