Belstaff Trialmaster Jacket: Is It Worth It? British Waxed Cotton & Leather Motorcycle Jacket Review
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2019
- Here's what we really think about the Belstaff Trialmaster:gentl.mn/2kuILev
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#Belstaff #Trialmaster #notsponsored
Starting with a waxed cotton version, the original Trialmaster. In the US, it retails for $595, In Europe, for €495, in Britain, for £450. It comes in a greater color variety than most men's jackets including black, red, navy, olive, and a military green that they call capers. The Trialmaster's iconic design include four roomy patch pockets that have flaps you can push down with snap buttons, a belt, you have a throat latch, as well as pads on the elbows, and shoulder reinforcements. Unlike most outerwear jackets I tried on, I was surprised by the length in the sleeve of this jacket which comes down to 27 inches measured from the seam, that's about 16 and a half centimeters and quite a bit longer than what you get, for example, from Barbour. The size I chose for both jackets is a 44US, 54EU, or extra extra-large. I was surprised when I saw that because overall, it has a rather slim fit. If I compare that to anything from Barbour in the same size group, the Belstaff is a lot slimmer. At the same time, the same size has longer arms. Right now, I'm wearing a polo shirt underneath but I could add a thicker sweater and it would still work especially with the adjustable belt that has six holes. I really like the high cut arm holes which allow a great range of movement and I can see why they do that because when you're on a motorcycle, you have your arms up and you want to be comfortable even when you ride the bike.
So now, let's take a closer look at the Trialmaster panther jacket which is made out of leather. The retail price for this jacket is $1795, €1495, or £1350. If you do the math, that's roughly three times the price of the cotton waxed jacket. When we bought it at the Belstaff website, it was available in black, a black brown, and a cognac brown color which was lighter. It seems like they sometimes switch colors around especially the brown ones but you always should be able to find a black and some version of a brown. Even though they're technically not exactly the same jacket, they're very very similar so I just want to highlight the differences in those two jackets. Obviously, the biggest one is the leather. To my surprise, neither the website nor the hangtags actually tell me what animal this leather was made from. Seeing it in person, I don't think it's a calf leather, I also don't think it's a bison or buffalo leather but a regular cowhide. Based on the touch and feel, I think it's a chrome tanned leather. According to Belstaff, it is waxed and then polished by hand before it is tumbled to achieve this wonderful deep colorful look of the leather. I really like the waxy crackling finish, it's not as extreme as you might know it from some upholstery leather or some leather bags we covered in the past but it's just really beautiful to see the lighter texture of the leather, it's not top coated, it looks like an Aniline dyed leather that is just finished in a beautiful way which is really ideal for a leather jacket.
Is it worth it? The pros are it's definitely iconic, it has a rich history of over 70 years and it provides you with a debonair rebel look that a lot of people want when they get this jacket. It was worn by Steve McQueen and Che Guevara, it works, it's practical, and it is an attractive slim flattering cut. The leather is really nice, the Millerain fabric is very functional and they even offer a repair service which is something that is nice especially if you invest a lot of money into a product. On the flip side, the cons are that they're both more of transitional jackets; the waxed cotton jacket more so than the leather one. There may be only six weeks out of the year where you could wear the cotton jacket with the leather version that is a little heavier maybe you can wear it a little more often for longer but ultimately, it depends on where you're located. 
Хобби
i always click away from the video i am watching when i see you post one.
Just a 24 month warranty and not made in England. Poor show for such a pricey jacket. Best Gents' RUclips channel!
Back in the 70's no-one ever bought one of these unless you were a vintage biker with an even more vintage bike! That image still sticks in my mind and I'd never buy one at any price. Mascot leathers were the jacket of choice for hip young bikers. Any Belstaff at $600 is a whopping big (imported) con! Emphasis on MASSIVE....
Not being produced in it's country of origin is the new normal for a lot of these "fashion" brands.
@@JeMappelleFrikandel True. Just like Dr Martens, Baracuta, most British shoe manufacturers... the list is endless
Here in London you are offered a lifetime repair service and free re-waxing in your jackets when bought at the Belstaff boutique
i own a wax trialmaster jacket had it over two years .. i messed up the zip.. they replaced the zip and rewaxed for free...life time warranty
"But then again, I'm someone who has an above average upper arm measurement." **grins**
belstaff: let's show our pride in British heritage by manufacturing our nearly $600 jacket in romania!
I wish the leather one was 600 hahah I'd be all on it
Jackson Perkins well better made at all then company goes Belly up
@@MW-wm2uy i suppose that's true if you're inclined to buy premium luxury brands as opposed to less expensive and arguably more rugged brands
I live here, Belstaff probably paying around 60$-70 / per item, up to 100. Harley Davidson jackets are/were also made here.
Yea it sort of defeats the purpose of it. I have purchased from aero leather in Scotland. It’s nicer to support U.K. industry.
The slim fit is better when riding as it keeps the wind from flapping the material, which is unpleasant and would wear out the jacket quicker. The sleeves are longer because when on a motorcycle your shoulders and arms extend forward and need the extra length for protection. This comes especially handy when creating a seal with gloves in colder climates. The front pocket is not angled for right handlers. It’s angled for the right hand because your left hand is for the motor cycle clutch and your right foot is for the back brake - when riding it is better to have control of the clutch if you need to get something from your pocket.
I have this jacket in olive and have used it for off-road trips through the Andes Mountains and the Gobi Desert. It’s very durable, looks goods, and the pockets come in handy. Very recommended for riders.
I got a Belstaff jacket a while ago, and the construction was incredible, I got it at around $5 from an "European clothing store" which are basically thrift stores here, and when I researched the brand and actually found the jacket's original price I was completely baffled, hadn't even heard of the brand before that.
I got one from a guy that sold me a bike the other day. Had it for sale for $49 until I got dozens of interested buyers. Then I looked into it what it's worth. Almost the same story lol
Living the dream
The sleeves are usually longer on motorcycle jackets so they still cover your arms while riding
I try to get their jackets on sale. Usually, they go on sale around summer and black Friday. Thanks for listening to our recommendations! Loved the video and the history lesson!
I oh so thoroughly enjoy these videos with the side history lesson
Amazing videography. Mr. Schneider and company truly are men (and his wife!) of many talents. Filming, photograph, narration, editing, researching, history, eloquence, menswear and even clothing design! Bravo!
I have a panther in black, I get more consistent complaints from that coat than anything else in my wardrobe.
I can not emphasize enough that ladies in particular love this coat.
I like it paired with a crisp white shirt, light wool sweater, and dark modern denim.
The « is it worth it » are so far my favourites vidéos on your channel. Once again thank you raphael
Thank you so much Sven for this video. I’ve been seriously searching for years a video on Belstaff leather jackets.
Love ya 💓
I really like your effort to bring good informative subject about the piece you are reviewing. Great job as always.
I love these “is it worth it videos” and as per usual very well researched 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸🇩🇪
This is the absolute perfect jacket I want to buy. I've searched far and wide for the perfect jacket and I've finally found it.
You’re my favourite mainstream gentleman RUclips channel.
I remember having a Belstaff jacket in 1966 when I started riding motorcycles and had it for years till I out grew it , I used to ride in all weathered carry spanners in my pockets , not that I'd recommend doing that now days for obvious safety reasons , my jacket at that time cost £ 7 . 10s .0p in old money . Great 👍
Despite being completely unfashionable (cargo shorts and software t-shirts), I love this channel. Better to be unfashionable because I don't CARE than to be unfashionable because I don't KNOW. Right?
You looked soooo cool on the leather Trialmaster. Another great video. Keep it up.
I was in luck to get the same leather jacket in sample sale for $300 pre-tax. Absolutely love it -- the fit, the leather quality and design. The waxed cotton jacket also looks nice online, but when I place them side by side, the cotton one cannot compete.
I know it isn't for everyone, but I happened to find a waxed cotton trialmaster on sale and I must say it might be the perfect jacket for me. I definitely understand the gripes, but for me it's the perfect travel jacket and great for my job (engineer/film producer). If you want something classic and utilitarian it checks all the boxes. I also love the look. Just make sure to get it on sale 😊
Excellent presentation as always I must say, However,just two things I'd like to point out. Firstly,Steve McQueen actually wore a Barbour International jacket and trousers. Secondly,the Isle Of Man TT isn't actually England,it's the Isle Of Man. A seperate island with it's own government,though a crown dependency of the UK. Other than that,please do carry on and keep up the good standards.
Mcqueen also famously wore belstaff, it was disputed he preferred his belstaff and wore it in races.
its part of the uk stop it
I've used the leather one in -5 F on my motorcycle even at 130 mph! This thing keeps you warm, even in a blizzard, also nice to have the spine protector, shoulder and elbow armor slots for the hundreds of times I've fallen off unscathed
Hi, I admire your videos. I wish more men would learn from your teachings. Hugs from São Paulo, Brazil.
Really good description, nice that you added the history. Thank you
Really appreciate the extra research into the heritage of the company. Great video.
Love this channel so much
Just bought a Belstaff Racemaster. Pure class.
I've been waiting for this one, as a big Belstaff fan :)
Adelaide to Sydney and back in the rain on my Suzuki GS1000S. Yes they are worth it.
McQueen was wearing a green sweater in the scene, having shed a German Jacket. The jump was done by Bud Ekins, one of his team mates in the ISDT, which the US won(I believe) I have 3 Belstaffs, (one leather) and a Barbour, none were made in Romania and I bought them when fashionistas would not be seen dead in one. Wear them every day and the oldest is 45 years old.
Is it worth it? Yes. Looking at you wearing something entirely inappropriate to your personality is 100% worth it for entertainment value.
Lifelong customer, I wish you fortune on all your endeavors :)
Nice video...
Suggestion for next “is it worth?” series is RM Williams’s classic or comfort Craftsman boot.
My guess will be very worthed...
Wow. So much good information here. Must watch video for anyone interested in this or similar jackets. Thank you!
Always learn something from your vids, cheers 🥂
Cool leather jacket 🧥, I have one in brown but it’s thirteen years old now . They do last a lifetime . Mine still looks new after all these years. They are definitely worth it.👍👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️💪💪💪💪
Practical and thorough review as usual
What a great video! I am neither a leather jacket man but was suprisingly interested in the video.
I'd go for a waxed Barbour jacket. I have an ancient one which has stood up pretty well over the years, with an occasional re-waxing. It still functions well.
You can also buy ones that are made in England 👍
Excellent loving your channel
Now you have to do the Schott Perfetto!
great video as always. i have been wondering about getting a top hat and wondered of you could make a video about style and colour?
keep up the great work!
Great content... thumbs up 👍
Sven in full out urban ninja tech wear for an "Is It Worth It?" video. Now that would be some wild content.
One suggestion for folks interested in a panther without forking over the full purchase price is EBay. I’ve purchased two fine examples for a fraction of new. You have to be patient for the color, condition, size and price that suits you, but it’s far less painful than full price for me at least
Leather jackets looks great on you, Raphael. Well done!
Really nice video. Keep making great videos.🙂
The leather one is just gorgeous!
Being from the West Midlands is great to hear you saying "Staffordshire" Sven
Unfortunately being a longton lad I feel he should of named Caroline Street rather than Staffordshire 😁
I personally own the belstaff trialmaster evo, it's a great alternative to these options. it mainly focuses on waterproofing, it's great for Canada's temperamental weather.but it's very thin so it's best for spring to fall not for winter.
FYI- Don't know if they were around when you made this video but The Jacket Maker makes an almost exact copy of the Trialmaster Panther leather jacket for $250 called the Dolf leather jacket. The only difference is it doesn't have the offset top pocket and they are all straight, since I'm left handed I would prefer that anyway. They also make made to measure and bespoke leather jackets in any style. I think I will get one as I really like that style, it's really unique and sporty looking with the belt. Very German looking, I'm part German as well:)
With this jacket one looks like an NPC from Fallout 4.
This is the type of comment I come here for 😂
Oof. You would have had a "like" from me if you had said "New Vegas" X-D
Just bought the Wax one in black at 30% off...much more palatable at those prices (on par with Barbour International)
Made in Albania…
@@wawalisko ALBANIA IS WORLDS BEST COUNTRY! SUPER ALBANIAN QUALITY!
“On par with Barbour” hardly on par, Belstaff are far better quality, there is no comparison. The Barbour wax is awful, and they stink of wet dog.
Great review as always.
Surprised looking at an early Ché wearing such expensive and exclusive piece of garment.
Well, he was a doctor. Lol
He wore a rolex too
His fellow bloodthirsty communist buddy Fidel Castro would wear an arm full of Rolex watches. Doesn't seem that strange to me.
They weren't expensive back in the day, my father owned many full Belstaff items for riding his bikes in the 50s and 60s, and he was not well off. Belstaff became overpriced when the Italians took it over around 20yrs or so ago, before that they were cheaper than Barbour. The new owners obviously kept the prices the same at that time.
I’d definitely buy a bellstaff cotton, intact I have two but I would never pay full price I paid about 300 pounds for mine which I don’t think is too bad. Plus I’ve had it about 4 years now and it still looks brand new!
Excellent detail Sven
I would have suggested finding someone who has had one for 10-15 years and ask them if you could review it.
That would be a clear sign if it was worth it, if it stood the test of time through wear.
Just one man's suggestion.
I've had it for 4, years. Fallen off motorcycles on it hundreds of times and not a scratch
@@L3THALXFOX the cotton trialmaster or the leather one?
@@L3THALXFOX I don't ride with one but know several who do. A fashion channel asking if technical gear is worth it is a bit missing the point. Given their audience the answer will always be no.
I've had the leather panther jacket for 7 years, it's awesome
@@L3THALXFOX LOL maybe you shouldn't be riding if you've fallen 100's of times. LOL just saying LOL.
Sven I agree with your opinion on the waxed jacket, I used to have a roadmaster and I found the sleeves too long and I didn't want to get them shortened...
During the Great Escape, Steve McQueen wore an A-2 flight jacket exclusively, over a blue crew neck for the movie and nowhere do you see a Belstaff Trialmaster which was not designed until after WW 2.
Also, the jacket he wears in the famous motorcycle photo is clearly a Barbour jacket. You can tell by the flag patch on the left chest. I've been collecting vintage clothing for over 35 years.
Thanks for the input, Tim! We've updated our article.
- Preston
@@gentlemansgazette You're welcome :)
You beat me to it regarding Steve McQueen and Barbour lnternational jacket.
I like very most your videos , interesanting and practicle theches dresing I see you total videos congratulations.
Next please do the schott perfecto, i know its not really your style but I'd love to see an in depth analysis of such a classic piece
I am English, I have two of these jackets, i wear with my nice Bioni Cords and church brown shoes, very chic and cool
All the stuff portrayed in your videos is so classy! I commend your great taste. Have you considered preparing a review of Brunello Cucinelli jackets?
I have both jackets and think they are great
Great second hand buys on eBay
May I suggest you make a video on 'Wearing Leather' jackets and pants. I find leather jackets a perfect twist on business casual; leather pants perfect for subzero weather; and Engineer boots perfect for cold weather outdoors activities. I would enjoy hearing your take on it...
Bravo for your always informative and argued points, please help funding a winter jacket which may fit with a costume ?
Hi Sven, you mentioned alternatives to this jacket near the end of the video. Matchless is owned by one of the previous owners of Belstaff. Many of the designs are inspired by their time at Belstaff, but have a distinct aesthetic. The streetfarer is their version of this jacket. Price wise it will be similar but it might be worth suggesting it as an alternative.
Just FYI, Steve McQueen isn’t wearing this jacket when he jumps barbed wire in The Great Escape, he’s wearing a sweatshirt with cut sleeves.
Has the same color same jacket made in Italy that I bought over a decade ago . Best jacket I owned . The Belstaff jacket I bought recently looked very subpar and when I looked at the label says made in India . Returned
The gold label trial master jacket is the best . Couldn’t count how many times I get completed on it
I’d go for the brown leather . It looks amazing on you
Only if you are prepared to look after your waxed jacket is it worth purchasing.
I have three waxed jackets. An original Belstaff Roadmaster in heavy cotton, A Steve McQueen blouson from the mid eighties. A Tommy Miller original version, not your made in Italy because they bought the company and flogged the market with a trend that people with money in Europe must have, because of heavy publicityand two Barbour original Captain Phillips black wax jackets.
These are relics of a gone by age when labels took pride in their stock and stores were far and few in between with select products.
Your video serves a great purpose. Thanks for the time doing this.
So for me, it is the history as well as the clothing that is well worth the price, if you look after them.
Of course, I am coming from 205 years of mens’ retail.
Hi ich wollte nur mal sagen du bist der beste ich gucke deine Videos seit Jahren keep up the content
Raphael I watch your vids to learn about these Classic pieces & in hope that 1 day I'll own one, especially da leather, & I'll know what I'm wearing Thanks 🤟😁👍
Purchased mine new in 1985 for $99 AUD (about $250AUD now) so $50 USD and ~$125 USD... AND that was the full suit - jacket and pants. Pants are still used extensively even now - with good regular care and retreating every a couple of years they are still in very good condition and still waterproof (and fortunately never been down the road) jacket less so ... still in good condition but it seams to have somehow shrunk a bit from when I was 18....
Brought here courtesy of your guidance on the blue jeans video: thanks again.
Looing at the site, it seems that they also offer the Trialmaster in DENIM, at considerably less. (And moreover, they're having a sale right now.)
Could you do a video on the proper way to wax a cotton jacket?
Hey it’s that one jacket from Fallout 4!, also great vid GG, always great seeing uploads
Never knew that about T.E. Lawrence. What a cool connection! The
YKK is probably the biggest producer of zippers in the world with manufacturing in many countries. That being said, YKK has varying quality of zippers under their brand and not every country has the same level of quality. These companies have a huge quality to choose from that are YKK brand, it falls back to how much they want to spend
Its very nice, i need to get one.
Nice video, what was that Irish jacket you mentioned
Gap released a heavy leather jacket like this some years ago. I worked as a men's floor manager at the time and wasn't completely sold on slim fit anything. The jacket sat on our floor until one of Gap's additional 40% off markdown sales, and the customer requested a damage discount for minor scratches. Guy bought that jacket for $40!!! -That guy wasn't me😭
Hi there. Do you remember what your body measurements were to have a nice fit with the 54/xxl ? Thank you
If you get the chance, would love to see an 'Is It Worth It?' on any Lewis Leathers Jacket, like the Bronx, Lightning or Dominator
You should review some hat companies like stetson or borsalino
Captain Hastings would definitely wear one of those 😊
Thanks
The leather is pricey, but it's just gorgeous. It's on my Christmas list! Could you guys please have a look at Cording's Trousers? I've heard a lot about their fit and quality, but would love to see what you think
the jacket mcqueen wore on the great scape was a german m 36 patern tunic
I am considering their iconic gangster 2.0, and came a across your video. I know it’s been over a year, how’s the leather holding up? Also do you still recommend their leather jacket. I am not new to leather, I still have my first one from over 24 years ago, as far as quality at this price point, any other brands you recommend?
You should do an is it worth it on the Schott Perfecto jacket.
Danke fürs Hochladen Herr Schneider.
May I suggest reviewing harris tweed overcoats from Walker Slater (Scotland) and also Bonded wool jackets from Peregrine (England) - very much up your alley.
I was searching about the cool leather jacket worn by brad pitt in "the curious case of benjamin button (2008)" when he was riding an indian 101 scout and gladly ended up here!!
I low sided my bike while wearing a Hillside USA Jacket made of front quarter horsehide. That's one of the toughest leathers you can get. Still, at low speed I had to send it back for a repair of the left arm where it had worn through during the spill. While I like the jackets neither of these would be of much use in a cycle spill.
You can also get a Trialmaster pro with CE armour to solve that issue.
I have a belstaff trialmaster xl500 in nylon and I got it for $50 and I wear it all winter
The brown one looks like its worth it, good colour too
Hugo boss made one similar amazing quality brown leather for a fraction of the cost . And dolche wax ... yes there is better value but to each their own
Not sure if you take suggestions/requests through the comments, but, after seeing this, I think you could do a good review of the Schott Perfecto motorcycle jacket.