I know that money shouldn't be the main deciding factor in buying SCTA legal leathers, but sometimes that is the reality. I want a set of Vansons really bad, but can't afford them.
I bought a set of 2 piece cheap leathers off Ebay. The cheap Import ones are actually mostly solid leather with very little in the way of stretch pieces. I think I paid $250 buy it now. Then I took them to a local person and for $100, she took them a part and replaced all the perf areas with new leather for another $100. I have seen several other people with the same style suit out there who must have done the same.
I hope I never go down in these because they are kind of thin. I have other Vanson stuff and it is awesome, but I just can't swing $1200 or more for a custom suit.
Again, I hate to say this is the way to go, but it is possible to get a set of SCTA leathers for under $500.
Jeff