I had a waxcotton jacket for years, and everywhere I went I left my mark!!😂 it was a revelation in the 90s when I bought an armoured textile jacket and thankfully I did, because months after I was wiped out by a Taxi driver on his phone not paying attention. The jacket saved me, was a bit scuffed but the armour stopped my breaking my elbow and shoulder. It's a must if you want to ride to wear that armour, because it dosent matter how careful you are, the older you get the more it hurts and the longer to recover. Good advise Stuart about Knox armour you can wear what you like with an armoured vest, even a hoodie!! Stay safe Stuart thank you.
Well, I had one of these that I purchased early in my riding career, probably in the mid to late 1970s. I wore it occasionally, and always found it to be less than totally comfortable, and not totally waterproof during a full day's ride in the rain. It caused me to sweat in it in warm temps and had poor ventilation compared to more modern jackets. The belt and neck closures were all difficult and slow to use. I ended up selling the jacket just last year at a considerable profit over what I paid for it. I still have the matching pants, but rarely wear them for all the same reasons listed above. I'm sure the waxed cotton material was a good alternative to leather "back in the day...", but there are surely better, and less expensive options available for us today in the modern fabrics with armor, ventilation and conspicuity options.
Never imagined Stuart as a clothing model, yet it works! My first ever bike jacket was a bright blue Belstaff that was a hand me down, re-waxed several times lasted a decade+
I too, did the newspaper thing when I served as a Signalman in the Forces. Kept me warm enough to make it to Base and then home again. Adversity makes for great memories
Nowadays, I am using a Royal Enfield Khardungla V2 Olive jacket. Excellent protection and great throughout the year. Use it in winter all the way through to summer, taking out the inner lining jacket and opening up all the many many vents…@@Fred-zc8lt
Excellent review - the best place to get a 1980s Belstaff jacket, made to the original spec with heavy weight cotton, is from a charity shop here in the UK on one of the auction sites.
I think a real world test of wax cotton v rain is need here Stu. I absolutely love my Belstaff, but the first thing I did on returning home with my new purchase in the early 2000’s was shove it in the washing machine at 60 degrees and then back in again. I started biking in 79 and had the full Belstaff works. Jacket,trousers and mittens. Trousers took about three hours to get on! oh and Derry Boots ( the fake biker style). Trousers were waterproof for about twenty mins and unless you remembered to pogo up and down the crotch filled with water and you would feel that cold trickle turn into a flood. No one would allow you to sit down in their house with the Jacket on as it would leave a sticky smelly residue on the settee. The mitt’s were truly an abomination and I used to Evostick chamois leather to the palms to get any grip. The Jacket was water resistant at best but moulded to your body after a while and was like a second skin and worn for every purpose. Appreciate your memories are different but were you cosseted behind a fairing on the high speed jaunts on the job. I’m thinking you had a BMW rather than the local plods CB200 :):):). Increase in waistline and someone at a party vomiting all over it saw its demise. Roll on to the early 2000’s and I bought a new Italian owned Belstaff. Didn’t expect too much on quality. However the cut great with tapering to the waist. So washed thoroughly when new it’s still going strong. it’s covered at least a 100,000 miles and only has some fraying to the cuffs to show for it. I still wash it from time to time. Very practical and still shower proof. People still say “love the Jacket” and i’m allowed to sit down anywhere. Great practical and stylish yes. Water proof, let’s have a real work test. i’m laying down a wax laden mitten!
Having lived in a Trialmaster for much of the 1980s and 90s, this brought back mixed memories. Arriving at worked soaked, because waxed cotton does little to keep out driving rain. The jacket steaming on a radiator for most of the day. The lack of any body protection. Bugs stuck to the wax in summer. Buying a larger size because it requires two extra sweaters to stay warm. Looks nice off the bike tho'.
@@borderlands6606 Well i have a barbour Ashby for dog walking, I wear it twice a day in all weathers, I re wax it when necessary (once every couple of years). It never soaks in the water because i maintain it! if its dripping wet when i get home i simply hang it up in the unheated utility room and its usually dry ready for his afternoon walk. Sounds like You never did any maintenance of the jacket,?
@@stuartfillingham I had a 30 mile each way commute for years, some urban, some rural dual carriageway. A lot of that was blasting into rain at up to 70mph. In spite of re-waxing the jacket each autumn - a very messy job - cotton lets water in. In driving rain the lining was wet through, and had to be dried somehow before my ride home. If anyone used a Belstaff jacket in those conditions and duration that never let water in, I'd be very surprised.
@@borderlands6606 I used to do 8 hours shifts on police bikes all through winter in all weather, without an issue in Barbours. used to have to go a lot faster than 70 in rain and snow on blue light jobs!
Stuart, what a great history lesson! I love 'ton up boys' facts & history. The BelStaff jacket looked great, feels period correct & ultimately offers pretty full coverage. I agree, $350.00 would be a tipping point for me. I DO want to own a nice waxed cotton jacket, but- $350 may exceed my budget!!!
I still have my Belstaff Trialmaster along with a clip in liner and matching trousers . Inherited it from my uncle in the late 1960 s . This was required protective kit for Lambretta motor scooter racing and sprinting at the time! Always had and still has its own distinctive smell I still maintain it with wax treatment and in my experience it kept me warm and DRY for year’s
Hello Stuart, having had a variety of Modern 'all weather jackets' over the years, I eventually returned to a wet weather Wax Cotton jacket. The best thing is I can wear it walking the dogs and not look out of place with or without the armour A Win win situation.
They may have the heritage but companies like Merlin I think for specific motorcycle wear use Halley Stephenson cotton and are quality. Also they have better inner linings for comfort and warmth and motorcycle d30 armour included. Worn my Merlin Edale now for 3 winters and it’s one of the best motorcycle jackets I’ve owned to date. Definitely goes well with my bonneville and that retro look. 👍
I think you just persuaded me in a direction I've been considering for a while. Getting a Knox as a proper fitting armor/abrasion layer and removing all the armor from my jackets. With that setup, the Belstaff's lighter weight might be spot on. Great looking jacket!
Morning Stewart. Loved watching this and the previous vid on these jackets. The history lesson I also enjoyed. I don't mind admitting that I didn't know the history behind these jackets either even though I'm now touching 70 years young. But I do remember my father, my uncle and my old mates dad's wearing them. Looking forward to the third instalment sir! So in the mean time safe riding 👍😊.
You are right about the zip inner flap, it should extend across the zip and a little further over the outside flap so when the outside flap is closed the inner one folds making an envelope. That’s what stops the water getting in. Great review Stuart.
Personally, I've always had a preference to Belstaff over Barbour for the local connection both factories were based here in Stoke on Trent , Longton & Silverdale , I remember my Granddad who had an original Belstaff Trial Master, well he had a few to be fair my Nan worked at the Silverdale factory and think she along with other must have slipped a few out from time to time 🤫 , anyway he swore by his i have memories of him wearing it on his Triumph cub and working in his allotment , bought back some nostalgia for me thanks Stu , I'll spend the rest of the day shopping for a Belstaff jacket and trying to convince the missus I need one 😂
Over the years I've used Belstaff, Barbour and Lewis Leathers. The first two were great for keeping the worst excesses of the British weather could throw at you, the later was more a fashion statement and gave a little more protection from 'Road Rash'....if bouncing down the road!... Armour was unheard of for both of course.. We are bombarded with with choice, from the above to fancy fabric Weaves... (Gore Tex) etc).. and the armoured Shirts you refer to. l personally like the Fox type shirts because they give ample protection without the need to look like you've just strolled of a racetrack..l guess its 'horses for courses'. l once turned up to a Classic bike meeting, here in Spain, on my 650 Triton wearing jeans, leather jacket, boots a pudding basin type crash helmet and aviator goggles. white silk scarf and calf length boots...fashion wise... ( 59 Club sixties rocker).. l looked the part, but boy! was it hot!!
First, keep up the good work and thoughtful reviews. A couple of comments about waxed fabric/leather vs modren membrane textiles jackets: In my experience the waterproof membranes keep you drier for the first year or two. They tend to fail if used heavily. Grit gets in the nylon/taped seams fail. Then I usually return them on warrantee. I think I returned six textile jackets before I tried waxed fabric. Waxed garments are less comfortable as they breathes less or not at all. It also tends to be somewhat less waterproof as they can have small leaks at the seams. The advantage is that waxed fabric and waxed leather can be re-waxed. Waxed jackets can also be repaired and altered to fit. This tends to lend a nice character to the garment and can last for years or decades. Lastly waxed fabrics have moved forward with new tech (non sticky, better abrasion resistance, more waterproof). Like most things there are some tradeoffs to be considered. I have both, after all having a motorcycle is just an excuse to buy jackets. ;-)
After researching both jackets (and trying them on) I went for the Barbour Corbridge wax jacket (more fitted jacket) along with the Knox under protective shirt. Worth noting that I did need to size up with both as they are a snug fit still at that. Always receive compliments whenever I wear these and totally agree with what you said regarding the descriptive basic differences. Both look really good. Great video once again Uncle Stu. 👊😎👍
I first was introduced to Belstaff after watching I Am Legend in 2007 and the Trialmaster Will Smith was wearing was a character in that film as much as himself and the dog. I've wanted one ever since but yes, too spendy for me. Last year I bought and started riding my first motorcycle (RE Hunter 350) and it was as good a reason as any to finally pick one up. I sold a rifle to get my first one. A Crosby Stealth. Then a buddy (who is part of a Belstaff enthusiast's Facebook group) found me a Fieldmaster for $200 US and I snagged that one as well. I use the Fieldmaster for everyday/casual use and the Crosby for riding. I own a lot of different jackets, but the Belstaff is the jackets other jackets pray to. (My son grabbed an Ariel Stealth during their sale last year for the cafe racer he's building from a 1978 Gold Wing.)
I have a waxed cotton Belstaff with quilting at the shoulders, the cut looks more like the "Panther" It has armor in the elbow and shoulder. I also have a Leather Belstaff which looks like the one you are wearing.. It also has armor. I like them.
I had a Trial Masters Belstaff in the mid 60s it cost £7 . 10s . Sixpence, ( old money ) when you think my wages where £4 . 7shillings & Sixpence, so over a weeks wages then , I was always cold unless you put something wolly underneath, I think they did eventually bring out an inner liner which was a big improvement, they offered no protection if you come off , but they where rugged, I rambert one of my Uncles who had a motorbike for work and general running around he used a rubberised style Millitary mack and if it was cold he used an army issue sheepskin with no arms, like a body warmer , how things have changed 😉. Thanks Stu 👌
I finally bought myself a leather Belstaff jacket, I got it half price and it was still eye wateringly expensive, it really is brilliantly made though.
Stu, I still have my Original Police issue Belstaff Trialmaster from when i went on Traffic bikes in 1978 !! Unfortunatley its too damn small for me now ha ha . I also as it happens still have my boots as well both unlined and sheepskin lined !!! They do still fit ! .
Heres my tuppence worth..I Bought a Belstaff Trialsmaster with same lining as this in 1978 ,from a mail order catalogue, circa £40,wore it for 20 years till it was knackered with holes in the pockets etc Then about 5 years ago i bought a Union Jack Barbour,same style, i think the old Belstaff was a better quality jacket.
Hi Peter. Texpeed make a decent waxed cotton copy of the Trialmaster . But its has CE removable amour and removable quilt liner. Around £80 and having had a Trialmaster its really good value copy. Only down side with the amour it weighs a ton. I tend to ride without the amour but thats just my choice. And yes its water proof but like all waxed gear needs re waxing once a season
Hello, Stuart, I've only owned one waxed cotton jacket, that was in the 1980's and the jacket was manufactured by TT Leathers. It wasn't as good quality as a Barbour or Belstaff jacket, but it was cheap at £20 in a January sale, it was good enough to last me for twenty years before it eventually wore out.
Found myself in the same boat in that I always check out Belstaff jackets but amazed at the price point. This time of year is their "Liquidation" time and my local dealers here are needing to make room for the new line up coming so I got myself a Race Master (Shorter version of this jacket as I already have a Barbour Int. jacket and didn't need another Long one) at 40% off. Things I notice is it does feel "Lighter" I guess due to material being a bit thinner, but I also noticed that like My Barbour (not yours for some reason) It doesn't have the dual zip zipper that your Barbour has and my Barbour doesn't have the metal neck buckle your has but yet my Belstaff does. My Barbour came from a Barbour dealer so I know its not a "Fake" but I have to say this Belstaff I now have feels to be a higher quality of snaps etc... and I love it, I wear it as my winter jacket now both on and off the bike. Looking at the Barbour website it appears they now use plastic hardware in place of metal and the pictures don't show the dual zip nor is it mentioned in the description. I think maybe Barbour is now lowering their "Quality" while Belstaff is pricier but keeping their quality at the same time.
Yes, I just purchased my first Belstaff with 40 % off and 10% discount code two weeks ago. Also, have a barbour. Like you said its the first time I've seen them discounted. I believe they've all sold out now
I enjoyed the Barbour and belstaff vids. My first jacket was a red belstaff made of nylon type of material, was a decent jacket. Those Knox items are great but mega expensive.
Looking at your Jacket in comparison to my original 1960's jacket, yours looks more shiny and has a smoother texture, but it still has the style.. perhaps mine is rougher through years of age. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
I had a Belstaff jacket and trousers when I first started riding seriously in 1989. Cost me about £150, brand new. I have a Merlin waxed cotton jacket now, which was about £250.
Hey Stuart. The royal Enfield version of the Belstaff trailmaster has been heavily discounted on thier website. Upto 50%. Approx 200 pounds. A good option. It's a made in Romania jacket that one from belstaff
From the other end of the earth, NZ. I am using a Driza-Bone Oz oilskin as it was in a church shop and affordable. Underneath is an armoured shirt, Resurgence Gear. As a pensioner, I have to cut the cloth accordingly. As oilskin can last for many years with reproofing, it should see me out. The 1942 Victory Garment Co. dispatch riders coat of rubberised canvas was very heavy and a strange odour would linger. It is suited for large fearsome open veterans and vintage sportscars.
I've had both Barbour Internationals and Belstaff Trialmasters (pre-fashion brand) - 'Each to his own', but personally I much prefer the Barbour, it's shorter so you're not sitting on it and it's not curled up at the front with rain pooling in it !.. I like the Barbour's pockets better, also the heavier material and the especially generous sizing on the Barbour for layering up underneath. If I was nitpicking, my only slight problem with the Barbour is that I find the arms to be a little tight. I had the Belstaff first but ever since my girlfriend stumped up for the Barbour as my Christmas present I've never had anything else - In fact, I was so chuffed with it that I married her !..
Interesting to hear the history, I'd always assumed the Belstaff was the "better" more up market jacket I guess partly due to the modern marketing. Since your last video I've bought a Barbour and wear it with a knox armoured undershirt
As you pointed out ,Belstaff produce a dedicated motorcycle range with armour, I have a trailmaster pro it's 10oz wax cotton as opposed to the 6oz ,which with the armour has good abrasion resistance,the 6oz garment in your review is a fashion item ,very good for everyday outdoor use ,and very comfortable and practical, and as you say more in keeping with the original from 1948 ,but if you're riding then just buy the 10oz dedicated motorcycle version which comes with armour and thermal liner, I do ride a classic bike (Triumph T150V),and my Trailmaster is well suited to it,and it is about £75-100 more expensive, than the 6oz version ,but at that price point I don't think proportionatly it makes that much difference,good review though, and your jacket is probably a bit more comfortable for everyday use than mine.
Actually this Garment is labelled as Trialmaster Pro! I would rather buy an action shirt and wear whatever i like over the top then be limited to one jacket.
For £350 to £500, jackets should be tailor-made to fit properly! I am 176cm tall and weigh 127kg. I found an eBay seller that makes custom-sized Triumph leather riding jackets. The factory is in Pakistan and makes apparel for Triumph as well. I placed an order and sent in my measurements. I received the jacket (with CE Level 1 pads) a month later. Even with high shipping and import fees, I saved $150 from the price of a general-sized jacket at the dealer. It fits perfectly and comes with a zip-in quilted nylon liner.
They were put on sale as they are discontinuing the trialmaster, if you got one that will be the last one ever. They are replacing it with a much lighter version which basically an inferior product albeit aimed at a different market. I bought the trialmaster pro out of motolegends for £350, not wore it out on the bike yet but does feel very heavy (10 oz cotton) and no doubt will see me through to the end of my bike career.
Both coats look good. Can't justify either because of the price. I'm just an old guy on a bike. Nobody pays any attention to what I look like. Back in the day, any special gear came from the army navy store for outdoor activities.....wonder how I survived. So much has changed with time.....
Never really understood the need for little badges personally, or the the interchangeable Velcro nationality badges…. long as it keeps the wind and rain out ! 😁
@stuart fillingham you should be aware, that Belstaff makes a Motorcycle line, that meets CE standards. They have a classic motorcycle version, which looks just like the one you have, except its CE approved, and its in the 12ok waxed cotton.
my EX Wife used to work at a Belstaff Factory in Hartlepool in the mid 70's before they got taken over so i managed to get one at Discount but i can not remember how much i paid for it as it was over 45 years ago 😊
My first one was in 83 and was £50! the Barbour was £60 but the Belstaff came with a sewn in thermal liner, and a clip in liner for the barbour was extra!
Just looked up Belstaff here in Aus and the price of that jacket is $1,300 Australian. Might pass on looking "authentic".😀One thing I have noticed is that a lot of the copies we can get here (made in Asia) come with breathable waterproof linings, zip out thermal liners as well as armour for less than $400 Aus. But, as you point out, they don't have advertising and celebs to inflate the cost. To be authentic Aussie though, I'll stick with my Driz-a-bone.
I wonder if Belstaff offer a clean and rewax service for their wax jackets? For £50 Barbour cleaned and rewaxed a seven year old Triumph/Barbour jacket of mine, which came back much rejuvenated.
When it comes to brands especially British brands if the item is no longer made by the original company and it is simply a case of someone buying up the name and manufacturing rights then I don't consider it to be a genuine article.
I have a new Trailmaster with the belt and the British flag . Looks great but you have to wear a second long sleeve layer as it sweats terribly even walking on a winters day. Very disappointed.
@@Howard1776 Its not fashion based it is an accurate re-issue of the 1948 Trialmaster (the original). 6oz was the industry standard until the early 1970s. These were cheap bike jackets for cash strapped motorcyclists.
Im on a belstaff fb page. 90% of the posts are blokes wearing belstasff jackets coats tee shirts hats and jumpers. And probably pants. Don't thinkhardly any of them ride a bike. Or mind that thir wax cotton is as thin as wet paper. Sad really
I live in Stoke-on-Trent the former home of Belstaff,Longton to be precise first left after the railway bridge,and I would never buy one in their current iteration.The reason being that back in the day before all the celebrity endorsements they were cheap as chips,you could get the jacket and trousers for less than fifty quid from the factory shop,ok they were often slight seconds but you'd be hard pressed to spot the difference.I own a Barbour jacket as per your last video and the quality of it is far superior to the od Belstaff I remember.Just my two penneth based on fourty years of riding.
Personally Belstaff are far superior products. Granted the prices are significantly higher but overall far superior. I’ve recently looked at a Barbour and decided against one.
Nice one Stuart. Belstaff is massively overpriced. Admittedly well made gear. If you do buy into it you are showing to others that you can afford to wear their products. I bought a pre owned Belstaff Brooklands (armoured pocket) jacket some years ago off eBay. A shorter version of the Trailmaster. It looked great but it was uncomfortable to ride in. I didn’t like the waist and neck buckle system and most annoyingly the back of the jacket wasn’t cut to drop over your rear so when riding air would ride up your back. I relisted the jacket after a few weeks of using it. I would recommend British company Merlin who make modern retro motorcycle CE approved apparel for those who do not want to buy into Belstaff.
Never can understand why they use overpaid celebrities to advertise. Its an insult to those that have to nearly bust the bank to buy them especially when most people buying the jackets have no interest in the celebrities. Anyway jackets don't need to last that long now that they're forcing the insane battery vehicle market so I just buy the most sensible reasonably priced protection that fits well. That's just personal choice though.
Hi Stuart, total rip off even at the cheap price, loads of cheaper alternatives that do the job without trying to be a David Beckham look a like. Is it about looking right or riding the bike.. I had the jacket in 1980 and they were practical, cheap, good quality motorcycle gear, sing of the times I suppose.. Good review...
I had a waxcotton jacket for years, and everywhere I went I left my mark!!😂 it was a revelation in the 90s when I bought an armoured textile jacket and thankfully I did, because months after I was wiped out by a Taxi driver on his phone not paying attention. The jacket saved me, was a bit scuffed but the armour stopped my breaking my elbow and shoulder. It's a must if you want to ride to wear that armour, because it dosent matter how careful you are, the older you get the more it hurts and the longer to recover.
Good advise Stuart about Knox armour you can wear what you like with an armoured vest, even a hoodie!! Stay safe Stuart thank you.
Well, I had one of these that I purchased early in my riding career, probably in the mid to late 1970s. I wore it occasionally, and always found it to be less than totally comfortable, and not totally waterproof during a full day's ride in the rain. It caused me to sweat in it in warm temps and had poor ventilation compared to more modern jackets. The belt and neck closures were all difficult and slow to use. I ended up selling the jacket just last year at a considerable profit over what I paid for it. I still have the matching pants, but rarely wear them for all the same reasons listed above. I'm sure the waxed cotton material was a good alternative to leather "back in the day...", but there are surely better, and less expensive options available for us today in the modern fabrics with armor, ventilation and conspicuity options.
Never imagined Stuart as a clothing model, yet it works! My first ever bike jacket was a bright blue Belstaff that was a hand me down, re-waxed several times lasted a decade+
Newspapers down the inside of jackets…I’ve done that back in the my day.
I too, did the newspaper thing when I served as a Signalman in the Forces. Kept me warm enough to make it to Base and then home again. Adversity makes for great memories
Nowadays, I am using a Royal Enfield Khardungla V2 Olive jacket. Excellent protection and great throughout the year. Use it in winter all the way through to summer, taking out the inner lining jacket and opening up all the many many vents…@@Fred-zc8lt
Had one in the 60s couldn't run to leathers. Used a hot water bottle in the snow ❄️ got away with it fortunately 😊
Excellent review - the best place to get a 1980s Belstaff jacket, made to the original spec with heavy weight cotton, is from a charity shop here in the UK on one of the auction sites.
I think a real world test of wax cotton v rain is need here Stu.
I absolutely love my Belstaff, but the first thing I did on returning home with my new purchase in the early 2000’s was shove it in the washing machine at 60 degrees and then back in again. I started biking in 79 and had the full Belstaff works. Jacket,trousers and mittens. Trousers took about three hours to get on! oh and Derry Boots ( the fake biker style).
Trousers were waterproof for about twenty mins and unless you remembered to pogo up and down the crotch filled with water and you would feel that cold trickle turn into a flood. No one would allow you to sit down in their house with the Jacket on as it would leave a sticky smelly residue on the settee. The mitt’s were truly an abomination and I used to Evostick chamois leather to the palms to get any grip.
The Jacket was water resistant at best but moulded to your body after a while and was like a second skin and worn for every purpose. Appreciate your memories are different but were you cosseted behind a fairing on the high speed jaunts on the job.
I’m thinking you had a BMW rather than the local plods CB200 :):):).
Increase in waistline and someone at a party vomiting all over it saw its demise.
Roll on to the early 2000’s and I bought a new Italian owned Belstaff. Didn’t expect too much on quality. However the cut great with tapering to the waist. So washed thoroughly when new it’s still going strong. it’s covered at least a 100,000 miles and only has some fraying to the cuffs to show for it. I still wash it from time to time.
Very practical and still shower proof. People still say “love the Jacket” and i’m allowed to sit down anywhere.
Great practical and stylish yes. Water proof, let’s have a real work test. i’m laying down a wax laden mitten!
Having lived in a Trialmaster for much of the 1980s and 90s, this brought back mixed memories. Arriving at worked soaked, because waxed cotton does little to keep out driving rain. The jacket steaming on a radiator for most of the day. The lack of any body protection. Bugs stuck to the wax in summer. Buying a larger size because it requires two extra sweaters to stay warm. Looks nice off the bike tho'.
Well theres your problem! "steaming on a radiator" you ruined the wax coating!
@@stuartfillingham How do you dry a Belstaff at work, without the application of heat?
@@borderlands6606 Well i have a barbour Ashby for dog walking, I wear it twice a day in all weathers, I re wax it when necessary (once every couple of years). It never soaks in the water because i maintain it! if its dripping wet when i get home i simply hang it up in the unheated utility room and its usually dry ready for his afternoon walk. Sounds like You never did any maintenance of the jacket,?
@@stuartfillingham I had a 30 mile each way commute for years, some urban, some rural dual carriageway. A lot of that was blasting into rain at up to 70mph. In spite of re-waxing the jacket each autumn - a very messy job - cotton lets water in. In driving rain the lining was wet through, and had to be dried somehow before my ride home. If anyone used a Belstaff jacket in those conditions and duration that never let water in, I'd be very surprised.
@@borderlands6606 I used to do 8 hours shifts on police bikes all through winter in all weather, without an issue in Barbours. used to have to go a lot faster than 70 in rain and snow on blue light jobs!
Stuart, what a great history lesson! I love 'ton up boys' facts & history. The BelStaff jacket looked great, feels period correct & ultimately offers pretty full coverage. I agree, $350.00 would be a tipping point for me. I DO want to own a nice waxed cotton jacket, but- $350 may exceed my budget!!!
I still have my Belstaff Trialmaster along with a clip in liner and matching trousers . Inherited it from my uncle in the late 1960 s . This was required protective kit for Lambretta motor scooter racing and sprinting at the time! Always had and still has its own distinctive smell
I still maintain it with wax treatment and in my experience it kept me warm and DRY for year’s
Hello Stuart, having had a variety of Modern 'all weather jackets' over the years, I eventually returned to a wet weather Wax Cotton jacket. The best thing is I can wear it walking the dogs and not look out of place with or without the armour
A Win win situation.
They may have the heritage but companies like Merlin I think for specific motorcycle wear use Halley Stephenson cotton and are quality. Also they have better inner linings for comfort and warmth and motorcycle d30 armour included. Worn my Merlin Edale now for 3 winters and it’s one of the best motorcycle jackets I’ve owned to date. Definitely goes well with my bonneville and that retro look. 👍
Love my Merlin Expedition, the quality is top notch.
I think you just persuaded me in a direction I've been considering for a while. Getting a Knox as a proper fitting armor/abrasion layer and removing all the armor from my jackets. With that setup, the Belstaff's lighter weight might be spot on. Great looking jacket!
My first riding gear was, Kangol jet helmet, Belstaff Trialsmaster, Gold Top boots, seaboot socks and leather gauntlets 👍
Morning Stewart. Loved watching this and the previous vid on these jackets. The history lesson I also enjoyed. I don't mind admitting that I didn't know the history behind these jackets either even though I'm now touching 70 years young. But I do remember my father, my uncle and my old mates dad's wearing them. Looking forward to the third instalment sir! So in the mean time safe riding 👍😊.
Great review, it's a beautiful jacket.
I bought my first Belstaff jacket last week. An early H Racer. I'm hooked!
You are right about the zip inner flap, it should extend across the zip and a little further over the outside flap so when the outside flap is closed the inner one folds making an envelope. That’s what stops the water getting in. Great review Stuart.
Personally, I've always had a preference to Belstaff over Barbour for the local connection both factories were based here in Stoke on Trent , Longton & Silverdale , I remember my Granddad who had an original Belstaff Trial Master, well he had a few to be fair my Nan worked at the Silverdale factory and think she along with other must have slipped a few out from time to time 🤫 , anyway he swore by his i have memories of him wearing it on his Triumph cub and working in his allotment , bought back some nostalgia for me thanks Stu , I'll spend the rest of the day shopping for a Belstaff jacket and trying to convince the missus I need one 😂
🤣 You can never have enough motorcycle jackets! Our lass hasn't taken her belstaff off since she got it!
Over the years I've used Belstaff, Barbour and Lewis Leathers. The first two were great for keeping the worst excesses of the British weather could throw at you, the later was more a fashion statement and gave a little more protection from 'Road Rash'....if bouncing down the road!... Armour was unheard of for both of course.. We are bombarded with with choice, from the above to fancy fabric Weaves... (Gore Tex) etc).. and the armoured Shirts you refer to. l personally like the Fox type shirts because they give ample protection without the need to look like you've just strolled of a racetrack..l guess its 'horses for courses'.
l once turned up to a Classic bike meeting, here in Spain, on my 650 Triton wearing jeans, leather jacket, boots a pudding basin type crash helmet and aviator goggles. white silk scarf and calf length boots...fashion wise... ( 59 Club sixties rocker).. l looked the part, but boy! was it hot!!
Nice jacket Stu, I bought mine in 1980 and its still fits okay. Great blog as usual.
First, keep up the good work and thoughtful reviews.
A couple of comments about waxed fabric/leather vs modren membrane textiles jackets: In my experience the waterproof membranes keep you drier for the first year or two. They tend to fail if used heavily. Grit gets in the nylon/taped seams fail. Then I usually return them on warrantee. I think I returned six textile jackets before I tried waxed fabric. Waxed garments are less comfortable as they breathes less or not at all. It also tends to be somewhat less waterproof as they can have small leaks at the seams. The advantage is that waxed fabric and waxed leather can be re-waxed. Waxed jackets can also be repaired and altered to fit. This tends to lend a nice character to the garment and can last for years or decades. Lastly waxed fabrics have moved forward with new tech (non sticky, better abrasion resistance, more waterproof).
Like most things there are some tradeoffs to be considered. I have both, after all having a motorcycle is just an excuse to buy jackets. ;-)
After researching both jackets (and trying them on) I went for the Barbour Corbridge wax jacket (more fitted jacket) along with the Knox under protective shirt. Worth noting that I did need to size up with both as they are a snug fit still at that.
Always receive compliments whenever I wear these and totally agree with what you said regarding the descriptive basic differences. Both look really good. Great video once again Uncle Stu. 👊😎👍
I actually tried the Corbridge last week and it is a very tailored fit!
Barbour’s sizes are all over the place,with different models. In one a medium fits nicely, in the model I bought needed xl.🤷♀️
I first was introduced to Belstaff after watching I Am Legend in 2007 and the Trialmaster Will Smith was wearing was a character in that film as much as himself and the dog. I've wanted one ever since but yes, too spendy for me. Last year I bought and started riding my first motorcycle (RE Hunter 350) and it was as good a reason as any to finally pick one up. I sold a rifle to get my first one. A Crosby Stealth. Then a buddy (who is part of a Belstaff enthusiast's Facebook group) found me a Fieldmaster for $200 US and I snagged that one as well. I use the Fieldmaster for everyday/casual use and the Crosby for riding. I own a lot of different jackets, but the Belstaff is the jackets other jackets pray to. (My son grabbed an Ariel Stealth during their sale last year for the cafe racer he's building from a 1978 Gold Wing.)
I have a waxed cotton Belstaff with quilting at the shoulders, the cut looks more like the "Panther" It has armor in the elbow and shoulder. I also have a Leather Belstaff which looks like the one you are wearing.. It also has armor. I like them.
I had a Trial Masters Belstaff in the mid 60s it cost £7 . 10s . Sixpence, ( old money )
when you think my wages where £4 . 7shillings & Sixpence, so over a weeks wages then , I was always cold unless you put something wolly underneath, I think they did eventually bring out an inner liner which was a big improvement, they offered no protection if you come off , but they where rugged, I rambert one of my Uncles who had a motorbike for work and general running around he used a rubberised style Millitary mack and if it was cold he used an army issue sheepskin with no arms, like a body warmer , how things have changed 😉. Thanks Stu 👌
Hi! uncle Stu, i still have my old Belstaff Trialmaster jacket and trousers, bought in the Seventies.
Quite smart that! Can't believe I chucked mine away in favour of textiles, twas some years ago though. Ta👍
I finally bought myself a leather Belstaff jacket, I got it half price and it was still eye wateringly expensive, it really is brilliantly made though.
Stu, I still have my Original Police issue Belstaff Trialmaster from when i went on Traffic bikes in 1978 !! Unfortunatley its too damn small for me now ha ha . I also as it happens still have my boots as well both unlined and sheepskin lined !!! They do still fit ! .
In the 80s we had goldtop leathers for summer and barbour or belstaff for the winter!
Heres my tuppence worth..I Bought a Belstaff Trialsmaster with same lining as this in 1978 ,from a mail order catalogue, circa £40,wore it for 20 years till it was knackered with holes in the pockets etc Then about 5 years ago i bought a Union Jack Barbour,same style, i think the old Belstaff was a better quality jacket.
Brilliant video as always Stuart and I had a belstaff as my first motorcycle jacket and it cost £50 😊👍🏻
I really like that style.
It's beyond my budget, but I would buy a knock off if I find one in nz.
Hi Peter.
Texpeed make a decent waxed cotton copy of the Trialmaster .
But its has CE removable amour and removable quilt liner.
Around £80 and having had a Trialmaster its really good value copy.
Only down side with the amour it weighs a ton.
I tend to ride without the amour but thats just my choice.
And yes its water proof but like all waxed gear needs re waxing once a season
@@Lee-70ish thank you. I'll check them out
Merlin are a decent alternative, still expensive, but not unreasonably so.
Hello, Stuart, I've only owned one waxed cotton jacket, that was in the 1980's and the jacket was manufactured by TT Leathers. It wasn't as good quality as a Barbour or Belstaff jacket, but it was cheap at £20 in a January sale, it was good enough to last me for twenty years before it eventually wore out.
Back in the 80's my mates and I would wear the Belstaff over our leather jackets for cold/wet weather use.
Found myself in the same boat in that I always check out Belstaff jackets but amazed at the price point. This time of year is their "Liquidation" time and my local dealers here are needing to make room for the new line up coming so I got myself a Race Master (Shorter version of this jacket as I already have a Barbour Int. jacket and didn't need another Long one) at 40% off. Things I notice is it does feel "Lighter" I guess due to material being a bit thinner, but I also noticed that like My Barbour (not yours for some reason) It doesn't have the dual zip zipper that your Barbour has and my Barbour doesn't have the metal neck buckle your has but yet my Belstaff does. My Barbour came from a Barbour dealer so I know its not a "Fake" but I have to say this Belstaff I now have feels to be a higher quality of snaps etc... and I love it, I wear it as my winter jacket now both on and off the bike. Looking at the Barbour website it appears they now use plastic hardware in place of metal and the pictures don't show the dual zip nor is it mentioned in the description. I think maybe Barbour is now lowering their "Quality" while Belstaff is pricier but keeping their quality at the same time.
Yes, I just purchased my first Belstaff with 40 % off and 10% discount code two weeks ago. Also, have a barbour. Like you said its the first time I've seen them discounted. I believe they've all sold out now
Thanks for sharing!
I enjoyed the Barbour and belstaff vids. My first jacket was a red belstaff made of nylon type of material, was a decent jacket. Those Knox items are great but mega expensive.
Looking at your Jacket in comparison to my original 1960's jacket, yours looks more shiny and has a smoother texture, but it still has the style.. perhaps mine is rougher through years of age. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Just seen royal Enfield ones on motocentral. £225. Not many sizes. Amazing price
They have 36,38 and 40 in stock. If I was that size I’d buy one immediately. Cheers
I had a Belstaff jacket and trousers when I first started riding seriously in 1989. Cost me about £150, brand new. I have a Merlin waxed cotton jacket now, which was about £250.
You're looking quite dapper in that color with the nice shoes!
Hey Stuart. The royal Enfield version of the Belstaff trailmaster has been heavily discounted on thier website. Upto 50%. Approx 200 pounds. A good option. It's a made in Romania jacket that one from belstaff
From the other end of the earth, NZ. I am using a Driza-Bone Oz oilskin as it was in a church shop and affordable. Underneath is an armoured shirt, Resurgence Gear. As a pensioner, I have to cut the cloth accordingly. As oilskin can last for many years with reproofing, it should see me out. The 1942 Victory Garment Co. dispatch riders coat of rubberised canvas was very heavy and a strange odour would linger. It is suited for large fearsome open veterans and vintage sportscars.
Thanks!
Thank You!
I had a Trailmaster in the 1960's brilliant - from memory was 30.00 shillings
Great review. I've noticed that the Merlin jackets seem to be even more expensive than the Barbour. Thanks for sharing your detailed thoughts.
I've had both Barbour Internationals and Belstaff Trialmasters (pre-fashion brand) - 'Each to his own', but personally I much prefer the Barbour, it's shorter so you're not sitting on it and it's not curled up at the front with rain pooling in it !.. I like the Barbour's pockets better, also the heavier material and the especially generous sizing on the Barbour for layering up underneath. If I was nitpicking, my only slight problem with the Barbour is that I find the arms to be a little tight. I had the Belstaff first but ever since my girlfriend stumped up for the Barbour as my Christmas present I've never had anything else - In fact, I was so chuffed with it that I married her !..
Interesting to hear the history, I'd always assumed the Belstaff was the "better" more up market jacket I guess partly due to the modern marketing. Since your last video I've bought a Barbour and wear it with a knox armoured undershirt
As you pointed out ,Belstaff produce a dedicated motorcycle range with armour, I have a trailmaster pro it's 10oz wax cotton as opposed to the 6oz ,which with the armour has good abrasion resistance,the 6oz garment in your review is a fashion item ,very good for everyday outdoor use ,and very comfortable and practical, and as you say more in keeping with the original from 1948 ,but if you're riding then just buy the 10oz dedicated motorcycle version which comes with armour and thermal liner, I do ride a classic bike (Triumph T150V),and my Trailmaster is well suited to it,and it is about £75-100 more expensive, than the 6oz version ,but at that price point I don't think proportionatly it makes that much difference,good review though, and your jacket is probably a bit more comfortable for everyday use than mine.
Actually this Garment is labelled as Trialmaster Pro! I would rather buy an action shirt and wear whatever i like over the top then be limited to one jacket.
My first motorcycle jacket back in 1978 was a Belstaff. I do not remember the model name though...
For £350 to £500, jackets should be tailor-made to fit properly! I am 176cm tall and weigh 127kg. I found an eBay seller that makes custom-sized Triumph leather riding jackets. The factory is in Pakistan and makes apparel for Triumph as well. I placed an order and sent in my measurements. I received the jacket (with CE Level 1 pads) a month later. Even with high shipping and import fees, I saved $150 from the price of a general-sized jacket at the dealer. It fits perfectly and comes with a zip-in quilted nylon liner.
I remember my first belstaff, had to leave it outside the office ( in the back place/porch) because of the smell lol
A good review Stuart
They were put on sale as they are discontinuing the trialmaster, if you got one that will be the last one ever. They are replacing it with a much lighter version which basically an inferior product albeit aimed at a different market. I bought the trialmaster pro out of motolegends for £350, not wore it out on the bike yet but does feel very heavy (10 oz cotton) and no doubt will see me through to the end of my bike career.
Both coats look good. Can't justify either because of the price. I'm just an old guy on a bike. Nobody pays any attention to what I look like. Back in the day, any special gear came from the army navy store for outdoor activities.....wonder how I survived. So much has changed with time.....
If you want the real deal better to save up and get it. Buy cheap buy twice has always proved right in my life!, with anything in fact.
Never really understood the need for little badges personally, or the the interchangeable Velcro nationality badges…. long as it keeps the wind and rain out ! 😁
@stuart fillingham
you should be aware, that Belstaff makes a Motorcycle line, that meets CE standards. They have a classic motorcycle version, which looks just like the one you have, except its CE approved, and its in the 12ok waxed cotton.
yes covered that in this video
There's a handsome Gentleman!
I am wearing my Australian Scippis Cruiser for about 15 years now. 12 ounce. Price Europe 274€ - 229£
my EX Wife used to work at a Belstaff Factory in Hartlepool in the mid 70's before they got taken over so i managed to get one at Discount but i can not remember how much i paid for it as it was over 45 years ago 😊
My first one was in 83 and was £50! the Barbour was £60 but the Belstaff came with a sewn in thermal liner, and a clip in liner for the barbour was extra!
On film the Belstaff does visably look lighter than the Barbour. Flannels also had ‘non’ motorcycle Barbour jackets on sale. So did John Lewis.
I bought a Trialmaster in September 1973, having just started work. The price? £12.50 !
dont forget the badges on the top pockets
I had a Tourmaster jacket and trousers. Always kept me perfectly dry..........if I used an oversuit.
Just looked up Belstaff here in Aus and the price of that jacket is $1,300 Australian. Might pass on looking "authentic".😀One thing I have noticed is that a lot of the copies we can get here (made in Asia) come with breathable waterproof linings, zip out thermal liners as well as armour for less than $400 Aus. But, as you point out, they don't have advertising and celebs to inflate the cost. To be authentic Aussie though, I'll stick with my Driz-a-bone.
Are you sure you weren't looking at the leather version?
nope, waxed cotton, double checked it when I saw the price.
I wonder if Belstaff offer a clean and rewax service for their wax jackets? For £50 Barbour cleaned and rewaxed a seven year old Triumph/Barbour jacket of mine, which came back much rejuvenated.
I believe they do but they never answered my email when i enquired.
Good to see a former police officer promoting “ton up” riding😆. I think I’ll break out the Speed Triple….😎
Hi Stuart careful you might get some modelling offers .
Another good topic Uncle Stu but the question is if you could only have one which would you choose ( cost not applicable) 🤔 Caio for now👍🏻
When it comes to brands especially British brands if the item is no longer made by the original company and it is simply a case of someone buying up the name and manufacturing rights then I don't consider it to be a genuine article.
What about the Millerain company who were first and still based in Rochdale?
I have a new Trailmaster with the belt and the British flag . Looks great but you have to wear a second long sleeve layer as it sweats terribly even walking on a winters day. Very disappointed.
It does look a bit thin !?..... I have my 30 year old Belstaff somewhere here in the house, I seem to remember it being a bit heavier.
Depends on the model and era!
@@Howard1776 Its not fashion based it is an accurate re-issue of the 1948 Trialmaster (the original). 6oz was the industry standard until the early 1970s. These were cheap bike jackets for cash strapped motorcyclists.
Still think Ashley Watson’s jacket is the best all round except for its weight
Im on a belstaff fb page. 90% of the posts are blokes wearing belstasff jackets coats tee shirts hats and jumpers. And probably pants. Don't thinkhardly any of them ride a bike. Or mind that thir wax cotton is as thin as wet paper. Sad really
👍
I live in Stoke-on-Trent the former home of Belstaff,Longton to be precise first left after the railway bridge,and I would never buy one in their current iteration.The reason being that back in the day before all the celebrity endorsements they were cheap as chips,you could get the jacket and trousers for less than fifty quid from the factory shop,ok they were often slight seconds but you'd be hard pressed to spot the difference.I own a Barbour jacket as per your last video and the quality of it is far superior to the od Belstaff I remember.Just my two penneth based on fourty years of riding.
Now a Chromwell helmet and Climax googles…
Personally Belstaff are far superior products. Granted the prices are significantly higher but overall far superior. I’ve recently looked at a Barbour and decided against one.
In some situations
Nice one Stuart. Belstaff is massively overpriced. Admittedly well made gear. If you do buy into it you are showing to others that you can afford to wear their products. I bought a pre owned Belstaff Brooklands (armoured pocket) jacket some years ago off eBay. A shorter version of the Trailmaster. It looked great but it was uncomfortable to ride in. I didn’t like the waist and neck buckle system and most annoyingly the back of the jacket wasn’t cut to drop over your rear so when riding air would ride up your back. I relisted the jacket after a few weeks of using it.
I would recommend British company Merlin who make modern retro motorcycle CE approved apparel for those who do not want to buy into Belstaff.
Please check out the Modeta Glasgow for quality and value
I was so poor .I had a fake Belstaff
Never can understand why they use overpaid celebrities to advertise. Its an insult to those that have to nearly bust the bank to buy them especially when most people buying the jackets have no interest in the celebrities. Anyway jackets don't need to last that long now that they're forcing the insane battery vehicle market so I just buy the most sensible reasonably priced protection that fits well. That's just personal choice though.
Hi Stuart, total rip off even at the cheap price, loads of cheaper alternatives that do the job without trying to be a David Beckham look a like. Is it about looking right or riding the bike.. I had the jacket in 1980 and they were practical, cheap, good quality motorcycle gear, sing of the times I suppose.. Good review...
Wonderful looking jacket! Price is a bit high, but I guess it sells and they get it. Nice review as you again. Are very thorough!
A mate of mine at college in the late '70s/early '80s had a Barbour jacket and kecks. This jacket is too big on you. I suppose you know that. Nick
Nowadays it's not a proper motorcycle jacket if it's not sufficiently abrasion resistant and armored. Without those it's a motorcycle larping jacket.
bollocks
@@stuartfillingham How so?
hated my wax cotton jacket thsnk goodness in the 1970’s better alternatives came along which didnt rot, smell, and get your fingernails filthy!
Waxed jackets are so over rated!! Over priced too.
First
Wow. 🥇Here
You should be on the Catwalk, Stuart. Looking good and all Man.
When you mentioned advertising have you ever noticed that Barbour Advertise on Emmerdale most of the main characters all wear Barbour