Hi. Anyone have a 'Skintan' leather jacket? ( http://www.skintanleather.co.uk/leather-motorbike-jacket-highway-52-p.asp ) Close to buying one, but would prefer an opinion before committing. Looks like a reasonable price, but all depends on the quality. PM if need be. Thanks.
Are you looking to buy it as a fashion jacket or a protective jacket to wear on the bike? If you are looking to wear it on the bike you pays yer money and takes your chances. Leicester is the 2nd home of Pakistan made leathers (Brick Lane is the 1st) of stuff shipped in from Sialkot in Pakistan. Quite a few of the non branded have been creamed off the production line of many of the branded leathers which is where 90% of the big names are made, but they cannot carry the branded name of the accreditation which is why you pay considerably less than the branded names. However, it is impossible to say what these leathers are a copy of and there is no PPE accreditation that I can see, so you have to question whether it is made to PPE spec. If it isn't accredited then it can only be sold as a fashion jacket or kit. It looks like it may also be napper which is the lower quality of skin (leather is split into 3 layers) and is treated with a chemical but which reacts with sweat over time. Its your choice and your money. You can buy a properly accredited jacket for the same or less money.
Nooooo don't do it You will look like this.....trust me... ( & fellow Bladers will pelt you with chips )
Thanks guys. Worthy advice. Often a risk with mail order. Totally agree, T.C., the 'leather' did look thin. I'll see what's at NEC next week. Might even be able to bag a bargain!