Gibson & Barnes/Flightsuits "Raiders" jacket:

Shawnkara · Post by **Shawnkara** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 4:36 pm

I recently received a Gibson and Barnes (G&B) "raiders" replica jacket from another member and wanted to post some thoughts on it, as it's not often discussed anymore. I'll have pics posted soon.

I got this one from IndyBlues last week in a trade for my Wested 'Raiders' goat. I've loved every Wested I've ever owned (5) but I had also always wanted a G&B, mostly out of curiosity as it was supposedly patterned after an actual screen used 'Raiders' stunt jacket. But laying out nearly $500.00 for an off-the-rack jacket was a leap I was not willing to take. The trade worked out perfectly for my purposes, and I can always pick up another Wested down the road.

The first thing I'd like to note is the fit. My Wested was an off-the-rack 48. The G&B is an off-the-rack (I believe) 50. Somehow the fit of the two jackets is identical. And when you consider that my Wested had shrunk a bit in a heavy downpour, slightly reducing the size 48 fit, it's safe to say that G&B's sizing runs VERY much on the small side. Be aware of that fact if you order from G&B.

This particular G&B is goatskin. It seems to be a high quality hide in terms of durability and surface consistency, but is a bit "rough" looking in appearance compared to the smooth, flawless surface the Wested had (pre-down pour). In my experiece over the past few years I've come to realize that English leathers really are the finest anywhere. The hide of the G&B is not a bad thing, however. I think the "visual richness" of this goat really adds to the antique, WWII-era look. I can really see this jacket taking on some interesting characterisitcs with age. To my eye this is what made Indy's jacket look so well-worn, anyway. It wasn't so much dirt or faded seams, but the texture of the jacket. It has an EXTREME shine to it, but I've begun to dull it down and it's proving to be an easy process. It's also VERY light weight for goat! It wears and feels like the lambskin Wested's I've owned. The Wested goat, by contrast, was much heavier in weight and a bit more stiff.

So, the big question, "Is it REALLY so much more accurate than Wested?". In my opinion, NO. It's not that the G&B is at all INaccurate, no, FAR from it. It's VERY accurate. I think it's just that Wested's jackets are not as inaccurate as some people would have you believe. I know the subtle differences in appearance between Wested and G&B are many, but are so minute they're nearly invisible, no matter how obsessive you might be. The most notable are the black rectangular slides on the straps (which Wested now offers, anyway) the smaller collar and the fact that the yoke sits atleast an inch higher than any Wested I've owned, which has always been my only real gripe about Wested. The elastic used in the pleats does keep them in check quite nicely, but does not help them function any better. However, the fact that the pleats are present in the lining as well DOES seem to be a plus. The gussetts are a nice addition and seem to add some freedom of movement, but are largely over rated, in my opinion.

So how does it stack up, overall? It's an incredibly well-made and screen accurate 'Raiders' jacket for sure. But I think I still have to claim loyalty to Wested, and would reccommend them over G&B. Most, if not all, of the differences are available with a Wested; the black sliders, gussetts, choice of hide. And as I understand it the "80's" fit Wested 'Raiders' does have the yoke 1" higher than their standard cut, so even that problem is mute, I guess. Add to that the fact that Wested is the maker of the original jacket, a fact that's hard to ignore on some items. Wested is also still much more affordable, even with today's exchange rates and international shipping. And most importantly, G&B no longer offers custom-made (made-to-measure) jackets. Everything is off the rack only, and still command a price very close to $500.00. Wested will make a jacket to YOUR specs, (throw in the "80's" fit option and you'll pretty much have the G&B specs, too) and still only set you back about $300.00. Any way you look at it, Wested is STILL the one to beat.

Doug C · Post by **Doug C** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:10 pm

Wow, nice honest write up..thanks. I thought about getting one but I'd need them to lengthen sleaves and it sounds like they wouldn't..so I'll keep my $500 I guess.

Doug C

mark seven · Post by **mark seven** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:18 pm

AND in the flightsuits corner(anyone?)...round 2..DING! DING!

Lao Feng · Post by **Lao Feng** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 7:44 pm

Hi...My experience with G & B is that it is a great jacket..as is Wested (I've had both). My only comment to what has been said is on the sizing issue. My experience with G&B is that they run BIGger not smaller. I was a pretty good in a Wested 42R. I currently have a G&B 42R (which is a beauty) but which is too big...so I'm in the market again.

Mike Bolton · Post by **Mike Bolton** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 5:17 am

From the title I was hoping you had a review of the G&B "Raider" jacket, and not the Expedition.

I purchased a lambskin Expedition. Like it alot, and to me it looks a lot more "screen accurate" than the Wested. That may be because of the lambskin vs goat, but it is definetly a ligher jacket. Also, the lining causes it to slide around more, which gives is a more screen accurate look.

The Wested I have is dark brown goatskin with a full cotton lining, and the heavy brass zipper. It definelty weighs more than the G&B, and feels like a sturdier jacket.

The "raider" jacket in their catalog has some interesting features. The one that interests me the most is the "Dark Vintage Nappa" cowhide they offer it in.

According to the catalog "The cowhide has been dyed so that the pigment wears off slightly as you wear the jacket, giving it a vintage, broken-in appearance." Sounds like it would be a good fit for an Expedition.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:20 am

The G&B 'Raider' is even HEAVIER in weight than the Expedition. I know...I've owned both.

Regards! Michaelson

Mr. Das · Post by **Mr. Das** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 12:02 pm

Hi...My experience with G & B is that it is a great jacket..as is Wested (I've had both). My only comment to what has been said is on the sizing issue. My experience with G&B is that they run BIGger not smaller. I was a pretty good in a Wested 42R. I currently have a G&B 42R (which is a beauty) but which is too big...so I'm in the market again.

I've always wanted an G&B...pretty much the same reasons as you Shawnkara and have avoided it....pretty much the same reasons as you Shawnkara.

I'm a little confused about the sizing now. I'm seen a lot of people wearing their G&B and giving the size and it looks like they run bigger, but according to your story, it sounds like they run smaller