Mississippi, I haven't owned a goat Indy jacket from any vendor, but I do have a goat LL Bean Flying Tigers jacket. That jacket is much thicker and heavier than my Wested lamb jackets, and much tougher. Part of that weight has to do with the thicker lining that it has, but even without that, I think it would still be heavier. It's maybe a year younger than my Wested, and the finish still looks near brand new, unlike the lamb that has large areas of distressing and even a couple of holes, and unlike the Wested, I wear the goat jacket through the winter....
There are a lot of threads on the durability of goat. It is one of the most durable leathers. I've had mine for 3 years now and it still hasn't gotten very distressed. Do a search and you should find the answers you seek.
My jacket is the LLBean Flying Tiger without insulation. As I noted elsewhere I wear it 3 - 4 months each year and its still going strong after 20 years. Got soaked and dirty today doing some work on 3 different pieces of heavy equipment (not unusual) and just keeps adding character. Only notable damage was done by a cat that didn't want to see the vet. (Cats! Very dangerous. You go first.)
I have a Wested goat, and it is great. I had a lamb from Todd's, and the goat seems like it can take a lot more abuse. Not that I even plan on abusing it. I am not sure if the Wested lamb is any different.
OK, I think it is well established that goat is much more durable than lamb. But for those of us in chillier climes, which is warmer? Whilst I love my Wested lamb, it is NOT the warmest jacket for winter wear. So, what say the collective?
bobjones wrote:Does anyone have a US Wings or G&B lamb or Goat? How durable does the leather seem? For lamb, would it stand up to a beating/abuse?
I prefer not to wear clothes that one needs to be cognizant of all the time, not bumping into things, spilling a drink on them, etc.
I have a new seal brown goatskin G&Bl, and I have to admit it feels like armor. Not in terms of weight, nor is it heavy and restrictive, but the leather itself feels tough & durable. 5 Stars for G&B in my book.
Mossyrock wrote:OK, I think it is well established that goat is much more durable than lamb. But for those of us in chillier climes, which is warmer? Whilst I love my Wested lamb, it is NOT the warmest jacket for winter wear. So, what say the collective?
I have a lamb shearling, a cow motorcycle, and a Goat Expedition. I've owned a few leather jackets and from my experience, warm and type of leather have no significant correlation. While the thickness, stiffness of the hide does help with insulating heat, The lining is what determines how warm you'll be. The leather on my shearling is flaking and shredding to !@#$, to the point where holes can allow air to go through but that jacket keeps me toasty warm in even the COLDEST days I've had in NY.
The way I now buy my jackets are outside durability and inside heat insulation. The lining determines how warm you'll be, but the leather determines how durable the jacket it.