My new screen accurate Wested just arrived (NOW WITH PICS)

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 4:36 am

It arrived at home and I am at work.
It's finally here after 60 days.
Can't wait till I get home. I hope (pray) that Wested has not omitted any of my custom order specs.

Review tomorrow probably.

orb · Post by **orb** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 5:57 am

Amen

Hey today is friday the 13th. I hope this isn't a bad omen. Just joking.

Much regards

orb

Doug C · Post by **Doug C** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:43 am

Tell the Boss you have Diarreah and have to get home

... Can't wait to see the pictures and get a full review!

Doug C

coronado3 · Post by **coronado3** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 9:59 am

Or a migraine headache.... Tell em you are seeing spots!

What are the specific specs you asked for again?

C3

Chewing Wax · Post by **Chewing Wax** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 3:32 pm

I'm confused. It's been a while. I'm out of the loop. Do you have to specify a "screen accurate" jacket or is this another update to the regular jacket? I'm still considering somewhere in the back of my mind getting a Wested. The price is so darned reasonable.

Post by **Jens** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:57 pm

_ wrote:
orb wrote:Amen

Hey today is friday the 13th. I hope this isn't a bad omen. Just joking.

Much regards

orb
Only for Templar Knights...

Good one, _!

Well Platon, you know - it was inevitable, someone just had to post that:
;0

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:20 pm

Platon is usually a bit slow at posting pics, regardless of the content. Give the guy a few days.

Post by **Jens** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 7:30 pm

The good ol' "Patience is a virtue"-thingy?

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:03 am

Hi guys,

The jacket arrived on Friday the 13th and it's perfect. Wested did an outstanding job. All of my screen accurate specs are there and Wested did not omit anything.

The jacket has the following specs

Size 40R
Dark Lamb
80s fit
Cotton silesia lining
5 gauge alluminum zipper (which I supplied)
Zipper extends all the way to the bottom of the jacket
No leather facing on the zipper
Storm flap 1 1/2 inches wide and rounded top corner
Leather collar stand
Standard collar
Pockets 7 x 6 1/2 inches
Scalloped pocket flap
Side strap length 7 inches sewn with x-box pattern
Two piece rectangular buckles
Pleat depth 1 1/2 inches
Yoke seam 1 inch higher than arm seam
Inside "piped" pocket (slit/less leather) left side
No gussets

THE BEST thing about the jacket is the pockets.
They have the best size the the absolutely BEST POCKET FLAP SCALLOPNESS I've ever seen by Wested. They could only be compared with Todd's new jacket.

Also the jacket has the optimum pocket placement (I spent countless hours to come up with this spec).

For the pocket placement Wested used the following scetch I sent them

The price for the jacket was 175 pounds.

Unfortunately my quest for "the jacket" isn't over.
The jacket does not fit me as I expected (I gained a few pounds lately). It's too small.

Therefore I am selling the jacket (best offers invited) and ordering one with the same specs but one size up I guess. (I will consider giving them my measurements and let them determine what size).

I will try to post pictures very soon (you will be amazed). Actually as soon as I get my camera back.

Meantime, jacket goes in the closet and waiting for your best offers. Remind you, this is a brand new jacket only received yesterday and ready to ship again to one of you, so you will not have to wait 21 days.
Jacket will fit 38 and 40 sized people.

Thanks and regards,
Platon

CM · Post by CM » Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:50 am

PLATON wrote:Hi guys,

The jacket arrived on Friday the 13th and it's perfect. Wested did an outstanding job. All of my screen accurate specs are there and Wested did not omit anything.

Thanks and regards,
Platon

Sounds great. I like your pocket work especially. This is useful work for all of us. What a pity it doesn't fit. The perfect jacket, but you can't wear it. God can be cruel.

Regards - CM

Technonut · Post by **Technonut** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 9:34 am

I can't wait to see pics of the jacket.... Shame it won't fit PLATON...

It is interesting that Wested charged you around $347.00 USD for a screen-accurate jacket... It makes Todd's screen-accurate jacket very comparable at $349.00, especially if shipping charges are considered....

Cassidy · Post by **Cassidy** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:23 am

No offense by why don't you just lose some weight? It's cheaper than buying a new jacket...

Jorenz · Post by **Jorenz** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:33 am

Cassidy wrote:No offense by why don't you just lose some weight? It's cheaper than buying a new jacket...

It may be cheaper but not as easy...well for me at least

orb · Post by **orb** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:47 am

Cassidy wrote:No offense by why don't you just lose some weight? It's cheaper than buying a new jacket...

Cheaper? I don't think so. I'm sure Platon will even get the same amount he paid or even a bit more for the jacket. He just needs to wait another 4 two 8 weeks for another SA jacket. That's the only bad thing about it.
I would never lose some weight for a jacket

Much regards

orb

Shawn · Post by **Shawn** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:22 pm

Keep the jacket, trim yourself to fit. A jacket like that is inspiration enough to let some of those treats go. Otherwse you can keep ordering new gear and after months of wait time can find yourself doing the same on your next jacket. It is the pants too and the shirt then the belt for screen accurate length and the rise on the gun belt........

VP · Post by VP » Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:53 pm

Hey PLATON, what was it that you just said about the fit of my pants?

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:56 pm

jjkillin · Post by **jjkillin** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:25 pm

Erri · Post by **Erri** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:55 pm

VP wrote:Hey PLATON, what was it that you just said about the fit of my pants?

What did he say?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 2:02 pm

And VP my friend you need to lose some weight. Then they will fit you perfectly.

that's what was said erri.....must be karma hey vp?

platon, i'm happy that they got your specs correct and i'm sorry it didn't fit correctly. i must say that you have been a very patient man through all of this. i can't wait to see some pics.

cheers

independent · Post by **independent** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:47 am

I just busted out laughing when I saw Platon's diagram of the pocket layout.

That is pure sweetness.

I like the hand pointing at the top stitching.

Oh man, I think I pooped a little.

I'm laughing, but that didn't prevent me from saving that picture to send it to Wested for my jacket.

Man, correct or not, Platon is serious business when it comes to his quest for screen accuracy.

I type this as I'm wearing his pants. Not his pants, mind you, but cavalry twill pants that he designed, including the gloriously scalloped pocket flaps, which can attest to the fact that there is genius to his madness.

Big ups, my man.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:59 am

Hi guys.

Now for the photos I promised

Jacket front with flash

Jacket front w/out flash

Right pocket. Notice size and pocket flap scallop.

Left pocket. Notice size and placement from storm flap and bottom.

Jacket front detail. Notice the 5 gauge alluminum zip and collar.

Jacket back. Notice yoke seam higher than arm seam.

Left side strap. Notice jacket so brand new that straps are not even passed through the metal buckles.

Right side strap.

Wide open. Notice no leather facing on the zipper.

Jacket inside. Notice slit (less leather) pocket.

Wested label. Size 40.

Side strap sewn with x-box pattern.

Jacket on a hanger.

Jacket waiting in the closet for its new owner.

Hope you like.
If any more pics needed pls contact me.

Regards,
Platon

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:04 am

Wowee! That looks a hard jacket to give up!

Technonut · Post by **Technonut** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:38 am

Looks like they nailed your specs PLATON....

Wested needs to use your specs for their screen-accurate jacket.

The pockets are exceptionally nice IMO.

I wonder if the price would be reduced from $347.00 USD if they made these specs the new "standard" pattern?

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:09 am

Thanks for your kind words.

The pocket size looks indeed perfect.

Please see a comparison

The pic in the middle was the basis for my design. Also, the distance from bottom and storm flap thought to be the optimum as per the drawing posted above.

Wested needs to use your specs for their screen-accurate jacket. The pockets are exceptionally nice IMO.

You guys should consider running a poll about that, maybe.

CM · Post by CM » Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:55 am

Wow!!!! That's fantastic. Best jacket I've seen from Wested. I think a lot of people are going to want to order a Platon. Good photos.

Well done - CM

Bjones · Post by **Bjones** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:20 am

Looks good Platon. I know the aluminum zip is screen accurate and all, but I hope it holds up for you (durability-wise). Aluminum is pretty soft. I might have chose a nickel zip instead. But very sharp.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:40 am

The original zip was aluminum. If you don't plan on zipping it much at all it probably won't make a difference. However, I do recall Michaelson mentioning something about teeth on the original jackets that busted off.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:25 am

That is correct. They were a literal last minute addition to the original jackets due to the pressure for delivery, and painted brass color. The zippers failed after just a couple uses.

Regards! Michaelson

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:30 am

That is indeed correct. When I bought the zipper I was told it can be changed anytime with ease.

So, unless the wearer does not belong in the category of people who can't handle anything without breaking it, then there should be no problem.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:34 am

It has nothing to do with individuals not being able to 'handle anything without breaking it'. It has to do with the soft nature of aluminum, and it's tendency to break easily with use.

Just be aware that the zipper will fail, no matter how gently you use it. Best NOT use it. That's why folks shifted to the nickel plated version, as it is tough, but has the screen accuracy appearance.

Regards! Michaelson

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 10:52 am

MAN that jacket looks GREAT!!!! WOW!!!!!! FINALLY the perfect pocket flaps! Peter you should really stick to that design, 'cause THAT'S just awesome!

If only the collar on the left side would extend to the middle of the storm flap, it would be perfect.

Regards,

Marc

orb · Post by **orb** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:56 am

Wow great jacket PLATON! It must be very hard for you to give it away.
What I have seen from pics yet I must say I like this SA Wested much more than Todd's. What sliders are on that jacket? Antique Rectangular?

Much regards

orb

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:11 pm

man, did they ever nail your pocket specifications PLATON! nice work.

the zipper looks perfect as well. the only 2 things i can see wrong is what marc has already brought up, and the hardware on the straps.

its a shame it doesn't fit you....but it's even a bigger shame that it won't fit me

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:07 pm

What sliders are on that jacket? Antique Rectangular?

The sliders are antique rectangular.
This is not a problem for me because I can easily change them with the triglides I have in my possession.

the only 2 things i can see wrong is what marc has already brought up....

I am fine with that plus I will get a Todd's jacket in the future... so no biggie.

Indiana Max · Post by **Indiana Max** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:09 pm

Holy Wested, what a nice jacket, the pockets and all the little changes

GCR · Post by **GCR** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 3:56 pm

One of the best Westeds I've seen...ever. Still, as a few folks have pointed out, there are a few more things that could stand to be changed, though a few of these issues may have been altered to suit your personal preferences for all I know.

Things I would change:

- Strap hardware to either the traditional black rectangular loops, the tri-glide OR the newest version of pronged buckle supported by Todd's recent study.

- Zipper swapped from aluminum to nickel plated for durability sake

- The collar extended to middle of the stormflap

- The bottom corners of the pocket made just slightly more rounded and less squared.

Not a very daunting list of changes, to be sure. Otherwise that jacket looks great, I'm very jealous! I would agree that if Peter decided to adopt these specs as his basic Raiders design, he'd have a winner for sure.

-GCR

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:39 pm

I suggest we cooperate to make one list of screen accurate specs that we all agree upon, make a poll, and send it to Peter.

Meantime, please find some more photos of this extraordinary jacket.

By the way, this jacket has officially a new owner as of today.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 5:15 pm

I would also have to agree that being really, really picky there are only two things I would change on the jacket for screen accuracy, next to the color, of course.
As already mentioned by GCR, the storm flap still has never met the mid-way point on any storm flap on any Wested I've ever seen. I don't know why this has always been such an issue as FS seems to do it on all of their jackets with success. I mean, it comes out to about the 1/4 mark, but never to the 1/2 mark. Also keep in mind that the other side of the collar would also have to be extended as well to match it up.
Secondly, the side strap hardware is a shiny gunmetal color and the originals were flat back, which does make a bit of a difference to me, not just for screen accuracies sake, but I also like them alot more personally.

Other than those two small things, I'd say Wested knocked this one out of the park. Too bad you couldn't lose the weight, Platon. This may be the one.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:15 pm

Agent5 wrote

Also keep in mind that the other side of the collar would also have to be extended as well to match it up.

This is a misconception

Look at the FS collar of an A-2 jacket.
Extends to almost midway of the strom flap

Now look at the jacket zipped up to the collar. Closes perfectly.

Now look at the Wested. Collar stops where storm flap begins.

Now look at Wested zipped all the way up. Left collar (as we are looking at the photo) is in place. Right collar is not.

This is where it's needed that the collar extends till midway of storm flap. If it was like that, jacket would close as FS does above.

Conclusion: The other side of the collar needs nothing done. Only the storm flap side of the collar needs to extend up to middle of storm flap.

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:56 pm

Platon, you asked Peter to place the straps pointing toward the back of the jacket so that you could replace the rectangular sliders with the tri-glides, right?

SD

Canyon · Post by **Canyon** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:59 pm

Platon, beautiful jacket, my friend!

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:13 pm

Platon, you asked Peter to place the straps pointing toward the back of the jacket so that you could replace the rectangular sliders with the tri-glides, right?

Jacket has the rectangular antique brass buckles that Wested offers. They can be removed and replaced by triglides.

Technonut · Post by **Technonut** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:30 pm

By the way, this jacket has officially a new owner as of today.

I did not figure it would be for sale long PLATON...

So, are you going for another in your size right away? You are a collar spec away from "THE" jacket...

You may want to look into the YKK zipper used on the G&B historical A-2... The one on mine is nickel, and looks to be a # 5.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 9:00 pm

I have two spare alluminum zippers here. I think I'll take my chances.

About the collar-storm flap thing, I guess I will incorporated in the new order.

Still thining about it.

Chewing Wax · Post by **Chewing Wax** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:41 pm

Very nice.

How come my Expedition collar doesn't lie flat like it should?

How about them Sabres?

Technonut · Post by **Technonut** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:03 am

Chewing Wax: How long ago did you get the Expedition? I'm wondering what is up with the U.S. Wings style pocket flaps?

Most of the Expeditions that I have seen have scalloped pocket flaps.

:

Chewing Wax · Post by **Chewing Wax** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:09 am

Hi. I bought this puppy sight unseen when I was doing research back in January 2001. Learned about the Expedition from this site before Flight Suits even offered it on their website. When I ordered it, they didn't offer it in goat and I asked for it from Kathy Falcon as a special order. I guess they made it for me. So it's a very early model and has the reverse shoulder seams based on Paterson's actual jacket. I love the jacket, but the collar is thick and has a curl to it. I was a big fan of Flight Suits because I had a G-1 from them that was amazing for the price. I figured I couldn't go wrong. I wanted an Indy style jacket, and even back then the buz on Wested was that the quality of the jackets wasn't reliable. I don't want to sound like I'm anti Wested, but since I started looking into an Indy jacket, Wested reviews were always mixed. I've never realized the pockets weren't scalloped enough. They seem scalloped to me. But maybe not as much as they are now eh?

Bogie1943 · Post by **Bogie1943** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:13 am

Wish I could have picked this jacket up for myself, it is possibly the best Wested I have ever seen. Oh well, for now I am stuck waiting on my jacket from Todd. Waiting with great anticipation.

Technonut · Post by **Technonut** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:24 am

Oh well, for now I am stuck waiting on my jacket from Todd. Waiting with great anticipation.

You and me both....

I know it's going to be "THE" jacket though.

Wherethehell is that "twiddling thumbs" Emoticon?