'Nother advice thread--Vanson Challenger

[Hodge Podge]

Did a search and turned up nil on the specific jacket, but found a bunch of great info on Vanson versus Fox Creek, Bates, etc.

To sum up: I'm looking for a sporty leather with GP armor, some venting options so it can be used year-round (with Gerbings for winter and OK by itself in moderate summer heat), and styling that's relatively low-key.  The Lightning could also be a consideration, and I'm open to other suggestions.  No great rush to purchase, though Vanson has a $100 off "stimulus" program going on through June, which would be nifty.

Anyone have any experience they'd care to share?  Much appreciated, in advance.

[Muddart]

I have worn a Lightning for a year now in all weather on a Kawi 650R. The venting is great. In hot midwest summers if you stay above 25 mph it is comfortable, especially with an underarmor shirt. There is a little air leakage around the top velcro seals on the chest vents, but a wind proof underlayer takes care of that. I have worn it down to 30 deg. and as long as you layer smart, no probs. Love the construction and armor options. Best try before you buy, sizing, especially with armor in is deceptive.

[JeffM]

I've got two Vanson jackets, and love both of them. My perf one is very similar to the Challenger in construction - fits perfectly, and you hardly notice the armor. Superb comfort, construction, and protection. My solid is a more casual style from them that I wear both on and off the bike in cooler weather.
I bought both at Vanson's factory (used to live within a hour of them). It's best to try on for fit, but the adjustable waist helps with that. I find the Challenger style jackets to run very true to size (I'm a 36, and so is my perfect fit Vanson with soft armor kit and hard back plate). Their sleeve length is about average too. They will happily customize about anything, so if you do have any measurement that's not a perfect fit that's not a big deal if you pay a little more and can wait a bit.
Expect any solid leather Vanson jacket to feel like you're wearing an iron lung for a while - the thick leather can be very stiff initially. Keep it well oiled and wear it a lot, and it will break in soon enough. Their perf material moves air through it like it's not even there, so you'll enjoy having those vents open in warm weather.