SCOTTeVEST™ Leather Edition Review

[Brad Adrian]

As most people who know me well will attest, I have one particular piece of gadget-related equipment that I really, really, REALLY like: <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2342">my SCOTTeVEST™</a>. I actually have a couple of them, because I find their numerous (seventeen) pockets indispensible when carrying my various toys around. They're made of soft nylon and are very functional, but when Scott Jordan, creator of the SCOTTeVEST™, asked me if I'd like to be the first person to review his new leather version, I jumped at the chance.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/evestleather2.jpg" /><br /><br />To nitpick just a little, the SCOTTeVEST™ VERSION THREE.0 Limited Edition Leather™ isn't actually a vest, it's a multi-pocket jacket. I have to tell you, though, that's the only thing about this jacket that most people will find to quibble about.<!><br /><br /><i>Since I've been wearing my ScotteVESTs™ for over a year and a half (I do take them off to launder them), I wasn't expecting the leather version to hold very many surprises for me. As soon as I took it out of the box, though, I realized I was wrong.</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/evestleather1.jpg" /><br /><br /><span><b>Initial Impressions</b></span><br />Of course, the first thing I noticed about the Limited Edition Leather™ was the quality of the materials used. Once I touched the black lambskin leather, I understood why the word "supple" was coined centuries ago by the Middle English (from the French <i>souple</i>, for "extra-special soft and baby's-butt smooth"). The black Napa leather is absolutely the softest, most gorgeous stuff I've ever worn. I couldn't find a single blemish on the garment and the coloring was even and smooth. If high-quality leather is your "thing," this may be just the jacket for you.<br /><br />If wearing exclusive clothing is your thing, then this REALLY is the jacket for you. As the name implies, the Limited Edition Leather™ is being produced in (you got it) limited quantities. Put this baby on and you can rest assured that only 399 other people in the whole world are as lucky as you.<br /><br /><span><b>Specific Features</b></span><br />The quality of the leather is great, but it's the Limited Edition Leather's™ other features that make it "more than just a pretty face." It has all the features <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2342">I've seen in earlier versions</a>, and incorporates the latest "Version Three.0" features that Scott builds into all of his newest garments. Those features include:<br /><br />• 28 (yes, that's two-eight!) hidden pockets<br />• Channels, loops and tunnels for hiding gadget cables<br />• Customizable pockets<br />• Hidden epaulets for holding gadgets, headsets, etc.<br />• Clear plastic ID badge pouch<br />• Camelbak® holder<br />• Loose interior HangingPockets™<br />• Bottle holders<br />• Eyeglass Cleaner <br />• 4 Pen/Stylus Pockets<br />• 2-Way Front Zipper<br />• Weight Management System to spread weight over the shoulders and back<br />• Key Holder<br />• Earbud Pockets<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/evestleatherleft.jpg" /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/evestleatherright.jpg" /><br /><br />This list doesn't give a fair enough descrition of how well though-out this jacket is. Scott has paid so much attention to detail that each of these items is kind of amazing in its own right. For example, the pockets aren't even like regular pockets, they're "DeepPockets™." That means that they're designed to NOT let contents like coins or wallets fall out if the pocket is unzipped. And the stitching is incredibly fine and straight. It's these kinds of fine touches that have made me such a fan.<br /><br />Lest we forget, though, the Limited Edition Leather™ is intended to be an up-scale, classy coat for discriminating technophiles. So, it wouldn't do to include all these features while making the wearer look like some kind of overstuffed gopher. Yes, there are a LOT of pockets, but they are so discretely hidden, with inconspicuous zippers, that most people would be hard-pressed to see them, even with gadgets tucked inside. I can easily carry two or three Pocket PCs, a mobile phone, hands-free set and several spare batteries in the jacket and you'd never know it. I'm telling you, this is one class act.<br /><br /><span><b>Gotchas</b></span><br />Of course, most class acts come at a price...and that's about the only "gotcha" that I can see for the Limited Edition Leather™. A "regular" Napa leather jacket would cost at least $600 in most fine department stores. Scott's multi-pocket, multi-function version costs "only" $399.99. That's a lot of money to a lot of people, but considering the quality and craftsmanship of the Limited Edition Leather™, that price is a steal. You can order one <a href="http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/30_leather.shtml">here</a>.<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusions</b></span><br />In case you haven't figured it out by now, I love this jacket. It is just the kind of thing I'd like to have for keeping my favorite toys nearby when I want to dress up a bit (or impress my friends.) It is a beautiful piece of clothing, and worth every penny of the $400 asking price. If you've got the money and discriminating taste, you won't go wrong with the Limited Edition Leather™.

[scott911]

Thanks for the great review! Pocket PC Thoughts got the scoop on this jacket, being the first to review it. I will monitor this board for comments and questions. I will try to get back as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Scott

[Godsongz]

Wow... wonder if Jason will give one of these away!!! &lt;/dream>

[manywhere]

Give me a Leather Edition SCOTTeVEST v3.0, Harley Davidson and map software for my Pocket PC and I will be complete! 8)

Scott: Will we perhaps see a SCOTTeWEST (the 'W' standing for 'Winter') soon? I will surely miss my 2.5 Vest in the dead middle of winter, especially when I run out of pockets. :(

Winter is coming... brr... *shivers*

Best Regards,

[Brad Adrian]

Wow... wonder if Jason will give one of these away!!! &lt;/dream>
If so, you'll have to fight ME for it!

[arebelspy]

Woohoo!!!!

I'm a freshman at college, and I convinced my mom I will need one of these for the winter months. It just arrived yesterday.

I got a version 3.0 microfiber black jacket and it is sooo awesome.

As one user has noted before (paraphrasing): it's so fun to "explore" the jacket pockets and read the little cards in each one, seeing what they suggest to go in there, etc. etc.

I'd recommend everyone get one!

manywhere: It's actually quite warm with the sleeves on, AND it has an inner zipper lining so you can zip in a fleece, making it really warm. Check out www.scottevest.com for more info.

-arebelspy

[Brad Adrian]

Scott: Will we perhaps see a SCOTTeWEST (the 'W' standing for 'Winter') soon?
I'm working on a detailed review of the latest Version Three.0 SCOTTeVEST system, too, so look for it soon. Believe me, it will keep you warm.

[Brad Adrian]

...I convinced my mom I will need one of these for the winter months...
Where do I send my adoption papers?

[Sven Johannsen]

Scott: Will we perhaps see a SCOTTeWEST (the 'W' standing for 'Winter') soon? I will surely miss my 2.5 Vest in the dead middle of winter, especially when I run out of pockets. :(

Winter is coming... brr... *shivers*

Best Regards,

Have you looked at the 3.0 model that you can zip the 3.0 Fleece into? I've got the Fleece, and am sorely tempted to get the 3.0 Jacket for that reason. (hard to justify since I have the 2.5 Jacket already).

[arebelspy]

On a side note, I just saw a new picture of Brad. It's only at the of PPCThoughts - the part of the article on the front page only had a pic saying "Leather Edition," nor was it in the main article.

I have to say though, I got a kick out of this picture:

http://sponsors.thoughtsmedia.com/phpads/adimage.php?filename=featuredarticle-evest-leather.gif&contenttype=gif

:lol: :lol:

-arebelspy

[Brad Adrian]

Have you looked at the 3.0 model that you can zip the 3.0 Fleece into? I've got the Fleece, and am sorely tempted to get the 3.0 Jacket for that reason. (hard to justify since I have the 2.5 Jacket already).
That's the new system I'm now writing the review of. The new zip-in fleece with outer jacket makes a fabulous combination. I don't know if your "old" fleece will zip into the new Three.0 outer jacket, but I'll find out from Scott Jordon.

[cptnshred]

Got mine a few days ago. Awesome jacket! The back has some color difference that's right on the line of acceptable, but I'm going to wear it a lot and care for it poorly, so, personally, I don't really care. It does seem to be quite a value, as Brad mentioned.

[scott911]

The new fleece will not zip into the older versions, since that requires another zipper.

Scott

[cptnshred]

Hey Scott, the back has some blotchy white-ish color. I'm guessing it'll even right up, with the right stuff. Do you know how we should we care for this great leather? (As if I'm going to do it, but who knows...:o)

[cptnshred]

One thing I thought of as I walked home from Metro last night... It was relatively warm and I wished I had pit zips. I can't take the sleeves off anymore! (Which is cool. Don't change that on the next leather version.) By the way, nice touches on the key holder and the alligator clip(s) and the credentials pocket. I like the front pockets without the velcro separator too.

[Brad Adrian]

Hey Scott, the back has some blotchy white-ish color.
Wow. That's really surprising. I've never had any problems with SCOTTeVEST products, but there is a warranty conspicuously posted on the site:
http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/evest_qualityseal.jpg
"We unconditionally guarantee all merchandise sold for 30 days from the original purchase date. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you may return any unused merchandise, for any reason, for a prompt refund or exchange."

I'd contact them and see if they will arrange for an exchange.
Phone: 1-866-909-8378
Email: [email protected]

[sub_tex]

That's the new system I'm now writing the review of. The new zip-in fleece with outer jacket makes a fabulous combination.

I'm awaiting your review! I'm very close to purchasing the 3.0 system to be my new winter coat this year, but i'm not sure the whole thing will keep me warm enough. I know it's early yet for cold cold weather, but I'd love to hear how well it functions as a true (as in *cold*, windy, horrible nastiness) winter coat.

All those pockets are great, but if I'm still cold when the temp drops here in NYC and I'm walking 10 blocks to work, then the old coat and hoody combo comes back!

[bradolson]

i agree about wanting to see how it handles cold weather. it gets pretty cold here in WI and i need something that keeps most of it out.

Brad

[nosmohtac]

I have number 71 of 400. I love just about everything about it.

I had fun exploring all of the pockets and reading the cards in each one. I have to commend Scott for a wonderful design job.

Here is my only complaint: I think there should be some instructions and diagrams, giving suggested ways of routing and securing wires (headphones and hands free head sets). I can't seem to get mine to stay where I want them. I would also like to see the earbut pockets a little bit deeper with either a snap or velcro at the top. My earbuds fall out all the time.

Don't let my complaint stop anybody from ordering one. I can honestly say that this is the finest jacket I have ever owned.

I don't know about anybody else here, but I have always been a little bit jealous of women being able to carry around so much stuff in their purses. Well, not any more. I have all of my gadgetry and room for much more with this jacket. I can see these jackets being a big hit with women as well. Why load your shoulder down with a big purse, when you can compartmentalize all of your things inside a ScotteVest.

[manywhere]

Have you looked at the 3.0 model that you can zip the 3.0 Fleece into? I've got the Fleece, and am sorely tempted to get the 3.0 Jacket for that reason. (hard to justify since I have the 2.5 Jacket already).

That's the new system I'm now writing the review of. The new zip-in fleece with outer jacket makes a fabulous combination. I don't know if your "old" fleece will zip into the new Three.0 outer jacket, but I'll find out from Scott Jordon.
OK, that's great to know! I can't wait for that review! :wink:

The new fleece will not zip into the older versions, since that requires another zipper.

Scott
Hmm... Then I have to plan a trip to the US, so that I can get upgraded clothe-wise. :D Or maybe look into 'exchange studying' there, which better be a warm place... :lol:

[grogma]

I preordered mine months ago when I got the e-mail from SeV saying they were working on them. Just got #18 last week. Woot! Its almost too nice to wear. I've got three other leather jackets (bomber style) some I've paid more than this for and I can honestly say this is the only one that gives you that new car feeling. Truly a work of art.

[TheScream]

If I had the money for one of these, I'd get an iPOD instead. If I had the money for an iPOD and one of these I'd probably get an iPOD and a better mobile.

My point is, yeah it is great but who the bloody-hell has the money for something like this? Someone who already has all the stuff to put in it, that's who.

[scott911]

Hey Scott, the back has some blotchy white-ish color. I'm guessing it'll even right up, with the right stuff. Do you know how we should we care for this great leather? (As if I'm going to do it, but who knows...:o)

Sorry for late response on this one. We do stand behind our products. Can you send me a pic. If you haven't worn it and want to exchange it, just call us 866-909-8378.

Scott

[scott911]

i agree about wanting to see how it handles cold weather. it gets pretty cold here in WI and i need something that keeps most of it out.

Brad

I can assure you that the FineTex SYSTEM http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/30p_finetex_system.shtml will handle cold weather. It was designed to be used while skiing. In fact, you will find it to be VERY versital. If it is too warm, you can always take the fleece sleeves off.

[Thinkingmandavid]

use the warranty dude, dont mess around wiht it until you get it taken care of, and once you use the warranty take care of the jacket. your mom bought it for you? :roll: i havent been tothe site but by what has been said i would imagine it is a few hundred bucks.
I will stick to sales at BR

[scott911]

We posted some more beta pics of Version Three.0 up on our discussion board, and are trying to narrow down the best pictures. See http://www.scottevest.com/community/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=61 for the link with the pics.

We are trying to solicit opinions of people in an effort of simply getting some help, and in an attempt to create some sense of community to interact with people who are interested in this topic.

I invite you to feel free to chime in with comments from time to time on my Forum Page at http://www.scottevest.com/community/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=28. I am keeping an informal diary where periodically I will solicit opinions and share mine.

This particular discussion board is meant primarily for business related stuff, but given the nature of a diary, it may occasionally contain some more personal stuff. I would just ask that all comments are keep constructive :-).

I will be posting some more pictures of Sun Valley soon, not product related this time.

Fondly,

Scott