Fox Creek and Langlitz are very, very good and somewhat pricey, but in this day and age of everything Made in China, you still get what you pay for. Don't skimp on good leather...it is for your protection and again when amortized over the length of time used...it is cheap insurance. That said, I recently picked up an "old school" Harley jacket circa 1985 Made in Korea, snap in Thinsulate lining, full brass zippers, snap down collar, zips up all the way to upper neck, padded shoulders, elbows, epaulets, kidney protector and surprisingly heavy well made for $125 VVG condition, so there are deals to be had (I have had tailored items made while traveling in Hong Kong and Korea that were exceptionally fine), just have a problem with mainland China items.
If you want the good makers to stay in business, invest in their good gear. For many years I have used one by Hein Gericke, but when I went on their website...all they had was light duty stuff...nothing near the quality of the 20 year old jacket I use day in and day out...Made in Germany. I wear Belstaff gloves Made in England...also great quality, all leather. Just don't buy the dime a dozen stuff...the Europeans also are hurting and though pricey, they have good quality also...JMO
As for what to look for...1) Snap in quilted insulated liner, 2) Strong metal zipper closures, 2-way if possible, 3) Flexible collar arrangement that allows you to make a virtual "turtleneck" to protect you from drafts, but snap down when open to prevent "flapping", 4) Flow thru ventilation zippered vents...removable liner, open the front and back vents, voila' air conditioning & protection. 5) Order 1 or 2 sizes larger than normal, allows layers of clothing or vest underneath...beside the ol' T-Shirt for layered warmth. 6) Matching chaps, with full length metal zippers and snaps at the leg bottoms, again to prevent "flapping". Also a leather "wrap" to protect face if wearing 1/2 helmet and the setup will work +35 deg to +95 deg along with Nylon or Rubberized Fabric Rainsuit and Totes and you also have rain covered.
Probably you will think of some others, but these are the more important features of the jacket (other than thickest 1.4mm guage leather, and CE Armor or pockets to add them in later...).
