Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

OK, I have to add my $0.02 - because many of the reviews on here concerning this product are rather confusing and/or just miss the point. YES this jacket has minor issues - eg, the pockets are small and the pocket liners are flimsy. Yes the leather is tough when you get it and could use a saddle soaping. OK, yes. But this should not be relevant to the buyer of such a product. If you want a perfect jacket with perfect amenities that has been pre-distressed and conditioned, feel free to spend $450-600 getting it, or while you're at it, spend $800-1000 and get one custom built. I bought this jacket at just over $100, down from retail of $250. It is very thick and high quality LEATHER. The construction is intense, the stitching seems sound, it holds armor, and for me, a 280 pound football type, the XXL fits perfect and the armor all seems to fall in the right places, fairly securely. Of course, idiosyncracies in sizing will always be an issue - and maybe the proportions of the jacket will not serve everyone as it does me - perfectly. Although several of my friends have worn it ranging from 5'10" to 6'2" and 180 pounds up to 280 - and it seems to serve well across this range. Definitely if you're in the 180-200+ pounds range it seems as though a single XL will serve. People also complain about the liner, which is in fact also misplaced. It is a simple, quilted liner. There is not much to it at first glance, it is intended to fit under a fairly snug-fitting jacket with armor and to be flexible and not impair movement. But in fact - it is sewn well, double-stitched. It fits the zipper perfectly and fits the jacket shape perfectly. And it DOES add warmth - this is not winter jacket! But with the liner out, you're good to go Summer / Spring - with the liner in you can handle some early Spring and Fall / Late Fall action too. There are zippered vents on the rear of the jacket that are essential during hot days. If you open them and then unzip the front of the jacket say 1/3 of the way or even 1/2 way - the wind slams into the jacket, passes right around your body and out the back vents - very cooling effect. LOOKS very good - stylish and sporty, I get comments every time I wear it. Also irrelevant to the value of the product. But FYI. SUMMARY: INTENSE VALUE. Unbeatable riding jacket for the price. Strong, tough leather, armor elbows, shoulders, and back, solid construction - will improve your chances in cases of a fall, and will increase your level of security/well-being. Minor imperfections like small pockets or a flimsy liner pale in comparison to the overall value and protection. Better jackets DO exist - but they cost way, way more.