Wested jacket quality versus the other brands

CM · Post by CM » Thu Apr 26, 2007 5:54 am

Hi everyone,

I do not want to start a brawl: I am genuinely interested in people's views on this question.

I own a Wested LC but no "Indy" jackets by anyone else. I've read posts by people who complain about Wested in terms of quality and build. But I’m yet to read a solid amount of good information on this question.

So here’s the question. How does Wested compare to G&B and US Wings in terms of quality (forget screen accuracy)? Is it true that Mil Spec makes a big difference? If so, how? My goat Wested seems reasonably well made. Certainly as good as the Cooper A2’s they sell over here.

Is there a difference in terms of stitching technique or thread quality? Or is it simply a question of quality control?

I’m looking for objective arguments where possible rather than hearing cheerleaders for particular brands.

Regards - CM

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:19 am

whoo-boy,,bring in the steel cage for this match!

Just kidding. ;-)
In the fewest words-Wested=much better than U.S. Wings,not quite as good as G&B. I've had all three in my possession before,more than one G&B,and have seen a few more Westeds in person, and this is how I see it. Now this is strictly quality-wise. Which to me means-CONSISTENT- fit & finish ,craftsmanship,construction,longevity,durability,materials,return-for-problems ratio,,STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX. I like all these jackets in one way or another. I try to be as objective as possible about them. But really,each one is in its own category,but you will always get the same excellent jacket from G&B time after time after time.

TR

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:26 am

I can only comment on Westeds. I owned three.

I think a grading system would be in order

1. Best quality
2. Good quality
3. Fair quality
4. Bad quality

Quality on jackets would mean three things for me

a. Leather
b. Stitching
c. Design

I will comment on all the above.

a. Regarding leather, I have owned auth. lamb, dark lamb and pre-cow. They were all good quality leathers. The leather matching was good in all the jackets. Sure, there maybe better leather than that, but for the purpose it is intended I think it's very good. I would also assume that there is leather without the shine that makes the jacket dressy while that is not in it's nature. So, to summarize, Wested leathers are of "good" quality. Anything better than what they use, would unecessarily increase the price.

b. I can't say I am really satisfied with the stitching, but hey, what can you expect from hand made jackets? If the makers gave more attention and time, then they would produce less jackets in a given time so again the jacket would have to be more expensive. I think that the stitching on Westeds is "fair". A rated "best" quality would have to be flawless. You would have to "put the jacket under the microscope" to find a single flaw in the stitching and yet you would not be able. I hear people screaming about popping seams. Well, don't sandpaper your jacket on the seams if you don't want that.

c. Design. Well, on another thread I asked people to post worn photos but in vain. You need to be able to compare against something but yet, I think Wested's design is pretty much good and improving. Lacking any evidence to the contrary I think design is "best" you can get in the market. Not best possible by man, but best available. And I am not talking about SA features, but about general design i.e. how the jacket looks when worn (to normal body types at least).

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:49 am

Platon,should design really count in the quality dept.? You're opening a whole new can of worms with that category,and Wested is the only one that will alter the design for custom orders,,so it's kind of a biased category.

TR

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:58 am

You are right, but I am not suggesting anything. Just stating my personal opinion.

Everybody else is free to think whatever they want.

Texas Raider · Post by **Texas Raider** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 8:50 am

It's all good ;-)

TR

Cowboy · Post by **Cowboy** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 8:58 am

[quote="PLATON"]
I hear people screaming about popping seams. Well, don't sandpaper your jacket on the seams if you don't want that.quote]

Hey Knuckle Head :!: I didn't sandpaper jack and yet my pocket popped......so watch it

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 8:58 am

True, provided a red herring isn't thrown into the discussion.

I've actually OWNED quite a few versions of all three in question.

I've owned Wested jackets that were definitely sub-par (and I mean on the lowest rung of bad) in the past, but I've owned examples that stitch for stitch were made to perfection in my eye. My eldest daughter still has the one I gave her that dates back to the mid 90's. It's been worn hard too, and I occasionally recondition it for her. To date, all the seams have held fine, and it's aged well, so it's definitely passed that 'field test' with flying colors in our household...and she's really given it a workout all these years, so there's that for the 'costume jacket' argument.

I've owned U. S. Wings the same way...but even the bad Wings jackets were made tough enough to withstand a bomb blast. Sizing has been pretty inconsistant. Some jackets have been HUGE, the next fit but came with to short a sleeve....then the next dead on target...and all the same size marked jacket! Not sure why that is either.

If and when you get a Wings jacket that fits, hold onto it! JMO.

I've owned 2 G&B (Flightsuits) Expeditions, and both were made exactly the same, and no complaints from this owner, bearing in mind these two were also 'made to measure', and comparable to the Wested jacket regarding 'hand made to order'. That is no longer the case with G&B, so Wested definitely gets the nod for that now. My one experience with an off the rack Expedition was not a good one, but only because the sleeves were MUCH to short considering the standard jacket sizing. I did not take the jacket, so I'll have to say I've been happy 2 out of 3 times with their product.

So, in my personal experience, it's been kind of a toss of the dice with the first two, and consistant with the 3rd Let's just say I've been more satisfied than disappointed with the first two over all.

Regards! Michaelson

coronado3 · Post by **coronado3** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:00 am

I have one of the closeout Wings jackets and I can say that the quality of the stitching is better than my wested... The wested had several seams that came out... they were simply not double stitched at the stress points. The quality of the leather is great on both, although my wested was lamb and my wings, goat.

From a quality design standpoint, I think the fit and other little details of the design were better on the wested...

However, the wested does feel a little light and fragile compared to the robust wings goat jacket!

I guess it's a draw for me!

C3

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:06 am

I think Wested makes it light so you can wear it all the time.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:13 am

Considering the Wings jacket has insulating batting between the leather and the lining, it IS physically heavier the a Wested jacket. Wested doesn't do that.

When the batting is removed, the Wings jacket is the same weight as a Wested when made from the same material.

Regards! Michaelson

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:25 am

I've worn my Wested lambskin almost daily for 2 years, no broken stitches, no popped seams. The satin on the lining is starting to show signs of wear. But I would expect that.

I also have a Wested Cowhide, it 'feels' much sturdier, but is not made any differently. It is a bit heavy for my taste.

I have a Wings goat A2, it feels well made but is so outsized I'll not wear it enough to find out how strong it is. I'll probably end up on ebay. Feels well enough made though I've not pulled at the seams much.

I also have a Wested Doctor Who in cowhide and it feels bombproof, and a WOW in lamb and that feels fine. No popped seams on any of them.

Doug C · Post by **Doug C** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:56 am

– the entire side seam from the hem to the armpit came open and I never did find the patch pocket…

WHAT??!! Man you should have shot a picture of that one! And why even bother ever buying another? Not to sound too doubtful, but

. I'm not trying to stick up for Wested but I can not imagine any of the 4 I've owned (3 were lamb) doing that.

I haven't had a G&B (though I do believe them to be tuff and consistantly built) but the US Wings I just got seems (somehow) stronger and I'd guess it would take more to bust the stitching apart than the Wested - if I was just guessing.

Doug C

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 10:40 am

Well, I cannot comment on the quality of the other jackets manufacturers, but my pre-distressed Raiders Wested is 8 years old and has seen lots of wear. The only part that has shown any sign of wear and tear is the cotton lining. It wore out in parts--mainly due to rubbing on the work pass and ID tag I wear on my belt. My wife patched the lining herself, and everything's fine. It looks great, and with a treatment of Pecards every year or so seems to be aging nicely.

Last night I received another Wested. It's a brow pre-distressed Doctor Who/Bas Boot jacket. I'm really impressed with it, and will soon post photos and a review. I've been very happy with the two Wested jackets I own, and wouldn't hesitate to order from them again. Good leather jackets are expensive, but I find that to get something comparable to my Wested's here in Calgary, Canada, I'd have to spend hundreds more.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:26 am

This is what _ does to those who disobey.

Just kidding.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:43 am

The thing is, you get what you pay for.

Right. As Peter says in his site "affordable quality"

Ripper · Post by **Ripper** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:46 am

This is what _ does to those who disobey.

Just kidding.

OK, Now that is fricken cool ! I love stuff like that !

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:15 pm

I have to ask you guys - does that bib-overall-thingy make me look fat?

regardless....you'll need it to keep that pesky intestinal juice off your wested shirt.

so once you carve this guy into a jacket, are you going to make the hide glossy or predistressed?

......i know..i know...too far....sorry, the wife won't let me have my fix of gore as of late. i wanted to rent TCM, the beginning but i was stuck with a chick flick...things you do

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:18 pm

at least "emotionally distressed"!!!!

Ripper · Post by **Ripper** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:58 pm

Well, it is already predistressed right?

.............but............will it be "screen accurate" ?

Ripper · Post by **Ripper** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:03 pm

There ya go......Good 'ol Google.

rick5150 · Post by **rick5150** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:06 pm

That jacket fits him like a second skin.

Ripper · Post by **Ripper** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:09 pm

Dang! You are good... And just a little scary...

Problem is that it is not silver...

Thank you sir! I take it as a complement ! Regarding the zip, I ordered a nickel zip but they didnt follow my request. Bad quality control..

Captain D · Post by **Captain D** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 1:26 am

I agree with _; you get what you pay for. Since this member asked for objective responses, I'll simply allow my experiences to speak for themselves regarding Indy jackets that I have owned along the years:

Wested #1: Lamb: Various stitching & lining became undone within weeks of owning.
Wested #2: Lamb: stitching became undone along the shoulders.
Wested #3: Goat: stitching became undone along the arms & pockets.
Wested #4: Cowhide: Top press stud popped off the day the jacket arrived at my home, and of course, the stitching also became undone before I had it all repaired and sold off.

- Wested Pants & Shirt: Has held up just fine with stitching still intact.

- I have no experiences with US Wings.

Flightsuits #1: Lamb: In perfect condition as if new.
Flightsuits #2: Goat: Also, in perfect condition as if new.

I'm not trying to bash Wested, I'm just giving my objective personal experiences which is what CM had asked to hear about.

CM · Post by CM » Fri Apr 27, 2007 5:56 am

Thanks everyone for their feedback. This has been a very interesting discussion. I guess the point of an Indy type jacket should be toughness (IMHO). I'm not into the costume thing... if you can't roll around on the dirt in one without hurting it, there's a problem.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:14 am

I guess the point of an Indy type jacket should be toughness (IMHO).

Wrong. The point of an Indy type jacket is to buy 10 of them, just like they did for the movie.

coronado3 · Post by **coronado3** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:22 am

And then drag some of them behind a truck? (or the ones you drag may be coopers!)

C3

Doug C · Post by **Doug C** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:36 am

I can't fully understand why someone would continue to purchase jacket after jacket when they keep busting on them. I've had 4 Westeds which haven't had seems pop (and I don't go easy on them either) but I doubt I would of bought the 3rd if the first 2 were crappy..especially when there are so many other choices. I guess that really speaks volumes about the inconsistancy of build, that's been mentioned though.

But on the other hand, I can also understand (during the course of time) coming to believe that quality has improved. The G&B does look like the more consistant of the group.

Doug C

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:55 am

I think the very bottom line is that you have people who have favorites for various reasons and they stick to them. You all know who you are

and of course, there's nothing wrong with that. I think the best thing to do is try your best to meet up with other gearheads who own these jackets if you don't feel like buying them all to get a totally informed opinion. Some are just so die-hard over certain brands that it gets a little dizzying (is that a word?) trying to keep up with all the facts presented. Favortism sometimes makes some of these posts a little one sided which isn't always right or fair, but it is ineviteable. I say judge for yourself. Don't let anyone else make the decision for you. Do your best to see them in person to help you make that decision.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:39 am

agent5 wrote:I think the very bottom line is that you have people who have favorites for various reasons and they stick to them. You all know who you are

What ever do you mean, '5?

I think there's truth to that statement, too. As much as we may try to make an informed opinion over a product, the best way to figure out what you like is to see it in person if at all possible. I'm a full-fledged AdventureBilt fan, but as much as I am loyal to the brand, I have seen, held, or owned most of the other Indy hat offerings out there. My opinions of the AB are largely based on comparisons with the other hats, as well as many vintage hats I own. Still, I like variety, so as much as AB's are high on my list, they won't be the only hats in my arsenal. Heck, as much flack as Optimo gets from time to time, I've seen Agent5's Optimo in person and was very impressed with the hat, and I have yet to see a current offering with a felt as thin as that. If it weren't for the price tag, I wouldn't mind having one in my collection. I think it and the AB's could get along.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 10:39 am

How can judging for yourself be misleading, especially if you have actually seen and handled all of the offerings for yourself? I mean, that has to be the bottom line. Am I missing something then?

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:14 am

No problem at all and no apology needed. I think my statement is true and bears some weight.

You however, are one of a handful of people who walk the walk. What I can't stand when someone gets a new item and immediately calls it the best this or that. THAT hurts people. It is a baseless and completely one-sided opinion that bears little weight, especially if they haven't even seen or handled the other offerings to have an solid opinion. Sure, it's one thing to like your item and say you do but to say it's 'the best' or try to point people in one direction, the ONLY direction you know, is not good overall.

You back your statements in support of years of experience and it shows. Others aren't as fortune to have the experience you have but want to pretend they do.

CM · Post by CM » Fri Apr 27, 2007 6:51 pm

_ wrote:
agent5 wrote:I think the very bottom line is that you have people who have favorites for various reasons and they stick to them.
This was what I was referring to, to be candid... My point is - beleive it or not - to avoid blind favoritism and speak objectively... I do apologize as I should have been more specific in my objection above...

That's a good summary of what we should be doing here, _. For myself I only trust opinion that is based on empircal measures - buy it, touch it, try it - then discuss it. I think you do that extremely well.

My Wested has held up since 2002. But I've always felt it was more fragile than the many other (non-Indy) leather jackets I have owned. I simply haven't been prepared to risk wearing it on any serious adventures. But maybe that's just a dumb position to take.

It does sound from all these posts that the lining has been a serious weakness for Wested compared to other makes. The cotton lining in my coat has held up but it does look quite thin. My bike jackets all have a thick grade cotton twill. Stiching seems to be a problem too. I don't know whay that is.

I don't believe that we should write Wested off as simply a costume jacket as some do. After all, there is no reason why a jacket inspiried by a movie jacket can't be built to last. It's not design we're talking about here - it's quality.

I'm going to try and find a way to get a G & B jacket sent to Australia without getting taxed to blazes. I would have bought one earlier but I have to pay another $100-150 just to import the bloody thing - on top of the mail costs.

Thanks again everyone.