SCOTTeVEST Version Three.0 Limited Edition Leather Jacket

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Julie

November 26, 2003

 

NEWS FLASH: High fashion isn't just for the pretty people anymore. With the Dockers Mobile Pant for men, Burton's iPod and Minidisc jackets for snowboarders, and the Laks USB watch, geek chic seems to be the in thing these days. I'm happy to announce that sharp dressed geeks now have an additional outerwear option with the SCOTTeVEST Version Three.0 Limited Edition leather jacket.

I've been interested in the SeV line of technology enabled jackets since their first vest was introduced in 2001. I reviewed that first version and although I was impressed with the concept, I wasn't very impressed by the style. One year later, Judie reviewed a newer version of the vest which included removable sleeves. This past summer, I was fortunate enough to review their latest version, and totally fell in love with the fleece liner. Since that review, the sporty and comfy fleece jacket has become an excellent every day jacket for me.

A few weeks ago Scott Jordan, CEO and founder of SCOTTeVEST, asked if I would be interested in reviewing the Version Three.0 Limited Leather Edition jacket. I told him that I didn't think it would be a good idea for me to do the review because I'd probably end up wanting to keep the jacket. With a $400 price tag, I knew I wouldn't be able to justify it. ;o) He talked me into it though, so here's the review...

It's important to point out from the start, that the Version Three.0 Limited Edition Leather jacket is not a mass produced coat. It is really something unique. With only 400 of these jackets made (200 remain as of this writing), buyers will be happy to know that it would be a rare thing indeed to run into someone with this same great jacket.

Made of Napa lambskin leather, this jacket has to be the softest leather jacket I have felt in my life so far. Like a Lay's potato chip, you can't just touch it once. It's almost like you are compelled to tell people "feel my jacket"...

Like SeV's previous versions, this jacket has pockets galore. 28 individual pockets to be exact! The layout is very similar to current Three.0 Version jackets, so I'm not going to go into super detail about each pocket, what it can hold, and its location. You can check out the previous reviews and the SeV website if you want specifics.

Let's start with the exterior. Each side has a breast level vertical zippered pocket that is large enough to hold a wallet, PDA, etc. All of the pockets are connected via the PAN (Personal Area Network) system of small openings. The PAN allows you to route wires from devices such as phones, PDAs and MP3 players throughout the jacket. Both exterior sides also have a waist level zippered pocket and of course, two deep zippered hand pockets.

The right side of the jacket has an additional pocket near the shoulder area. Inside is a pull out ID holder with a see through vinyl window.

A heavy duty nylon zipper allows you to close the jacket completely up to chin level. A leather flap can also be snapped over the zipper. A SCOTTeVEST logo is embroidered on the outside of this flap.

There are only two things about this jacket that I wish were different. The first thing is the collar. The collar used on this jacket is a 3" stand up collar. Actually, all SeV jackets have stand up collars... I would rather have a flat fold down collar. Since I prefer to keep my hair short, I find that the collar is constantly in my hair line which drives me nuts... I realize that this is a personal preference, but hopefully, SeV will offer this as an option in the future. As it is, the collar on this jacket is comfortable and soft. The exterior is all leather, but the interior is partially made of a knit material. Little elastic loops along the bottom of the collar allow you to thread your ear bud wires through them.

The back of the jacket has a large zippered pocket that is spacious enough to hold magazines, and even a laptop computer if you so desire. I can't imagine actually wanting to carry around a laptop in your jacket, but if you want to, you can. As you can see, another SeV logo is sewn into the middle back shoulder area.

The sleeves have two metal snaps on the cuff so that you can adjust the fit to your wrist. I should also mention that the sleeves on this jacket are not removable.

The biggest difference between this jacket and previous SeV's (besides being constructed of leather) is that the interior is made of a silky nylon instead of mesh. I love this difference. Although you can not see the objects in the pockets through the material like you can with the other jackets, this material feels more robust and snag proof. Not to mention the fact that it just plain looks great with all the little SeV logos (not visible in pictures) in the material.

The interior on the right side has a ton of storage. Along the zipper area is a small pocket for ear buds, and two pen / stylus slots. 3 other zippered pockets and one Velcro'd pocket are also located on this side. An owner's label sewn into the lining.

The left side has a matching ear bud basket and pen / stylus slots. There is a zippered pocket at the top which reveals an eye glass cleaner cloth attached to an elastic band. Below it is a large Velcro'd pocket which matches the one on the other side of the jacket. The bottom most pocket has a zippered closure and inside it is separated by a Velcro wall. This is called a PIP (Pocket in Pocket) pocket. If you need to start a large object, you can open the wall to enlarge the area. On the outside of this pocket is a small see through compartment that is sized perfectly for credit cards.

In addition to the collar, the only other issue I have with this jacket is with all the logos. I can understand that branding is very important, but I think there is a point where it's just too much. Not including all the logos on the jacket lining, I counted 15 (I probably even missed a couple) in other locations on the jacket. I don't mind the ones on the lining, the embroidered ones on the exterior, or even the ones on the zipper pulls... But I don't care for the TEC (Technology Enabled Clothing) badge thing on the outside or the very large Leather Edition Three.0 SeV embroidered logo at the bottom front.

Besides that gripe, I just totally love this jacket. It is soooooo comfortable to wear. Even though it isn't a very heavy jacket, it was able to keep me warm on my walk into work this past week, when the temps dipped below 25 degrees. I think the style compliments both men and women, and looks great with either jeans or dressier clothes. The price may seem expensive at $400, but a jacket of this quality is well worth it in my opinion. If you are a Gadgeteer that wants to look great while carrying your gizmos and you have some extra change in your pocket, then trust me when I tell you that the Version Three.0 Limited Leather Edition jacket will definitely earn you some cool points with all your techno-savvy friends.

 

Price: $399.99

Pros:
Very stylish
Wonderfully soft leather
Pockets out the wazzoo

Cons:
Too many logos for my personal taste