US Wings goathide or VIP cowhide?

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 7:45 am

Hi. I am new to this forum and have learned a lot about leather and the various Indy jackets. I have chosen US Wings because they are within my budget and they ship to APO boxes.

I was specifically looking at their Signature series goatskin and the vip vintage cowhide and vip cowhide.

I have read that the goatskin is stronger and more water repellent than the cowhide in general. Does anyone own one of these US Wings jackets to comment?

Also I have read that the VIP cowhide comes from the belly the cow, thus explaining the smoothness of the leather. I have also read that the belly leather is not very strong and is not used by most manufacturers.

I have also read that US Wings has had some issues with sizing. Does anyone know if the Signature and VIP series run large? Thanks in advance.

Tim

Bjones · Post by **Bjones** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:05 pm

Welcome,

From what I have seen and read here, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. While I don't own a Wings, goat will be more water resistant and marginally more durable than the cowhide, but I have not heard about the VIP cow being less durable because of where it came from on the animal. The cowhide will probably be noticeably heavier, though. There has been plenty documented on the sizing, keep looking and hopefully someone here can offer advice on the sizing.

Where's Michaelson? He absolutely raves about the VIP cowhide, and is our resident pundit on this stuff.

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:38 am

Bjones,

Thanks for the reply. Like you said, I think the goatskin is probably the best bet for a hard wear jacket. I will probably go with it unless someone can talk me into the VIP cowhide.

IndyFan89 · Post by **IndyFan89** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:58 am

I own a lambskin US Wings Indy Jones jacket and honestly it's the best jacket i have ever had. Although in terms of "Screen Accuracy" its not the best jacket there is. If your looking for screen accuracy you might want to get a Wested or a jacket from todds costumes.

http://www.indyjacket.co.uk/home.html

http://www.toddscostumes.com/indy/jacke ... ackets.htm

US Wings is a great jacket if that dosen't bother you.

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:00 am

Indyfan89, I have considered lambskin, but was told it was not durable for an everyday jacket. How has yours held up?

Was the sizing on your US Wings accurate? Thanks in advance.

Tim

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:08 am

Don't let the die-hard gearheads get to ya. When people here say lambskin won't hold as an everyday jacket, they mean it won't survive being dragged under a truck, or throwing yourself off a cliff.

If you intend to do what you normally do (assuming you're a city slicker), then it should be fine. The only problem I could forsee is if you're terribly clumsy, and find yourself catching your clothes on sharp objects very often!

IndyFan89 · Post by **IndyFan89** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:08 pm

My lambskin is holding up just fine, us wings jackets don't have a very good drape though, the jacket is kind of puffy.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:27 pm

I've been in Ohio for the last week. Glad I was missed....I think.

I wore my VIP Cowhide in Ohio all week, and if you're looking for a warm HEAVY jacket for winter wear, the VIP is THE way to go. I did NOT regret taking it, BELIEVE me!!!

If not, go with the goatskin.

Plain and simple. They're both durable, long lasting, and well made.

Regards! Michaelson

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:30 pm

Thanks for the reply Michaelson. You seem to have the inside track on the US Wings line. Do you have any pictures of your VIP Cowhide?

Also in terms of sizing: I am a big guy, 5'8" 230lbs with a 56" shoulders and a 51" chest and would normally order an XXL, but I have read that the US Wings tends to be large? I normally wear an XXL, in coats, shirts etc. but am stationed overseas and want to nail the size down before I order.

Thanks again. Tim

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:34 pm

The sizing has been the biggest 'bug a boo' that Wings tends to have in the industry.

I am 6 feet 1, 210 pounds, and wear a large, to give you an idea of scale.

I'd supply your information above to the individual at Wings and ask them to measure an actual jacket they will send to you to make absolutely sure it WILL fit your measurements.

Regards! Michaelson

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:06 am

Thanks for your advice Michaelson. I did send my measurements to US Wings and they suggested an XXL so we shall see. I just hope it isn't too big.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 9:25 am

Well, be sure to follow their instructions to the absolute letter when trying it out. Do NOT remove any tags or labels. Try it on. If it does not fit, put it right back in the box and contact them. They will work with you on a replacement.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts when it arrives.

Regards! Michaelson

Arca Perdida · Post by **Arca Perdida** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 2:17 pm

I know others have mentioned it, but short of trying it on in person, the second best thing for me was to have the person go get the jacket while I was on the phone with them and measure it for me. I was also able to ask them about details such as number of pieces on the back panel, sleeves, etc. (I bought one of the imports). Maybe I lucked out and they weren't very busy that day, but it's worth a try.

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:06 am

Good advice and I tried to do just that. However, when I called, and I am overseas(us military), the lady said she was only an answering service for taking orders and could not even tell me if the jacket I wanted was in stock.

She said to call back after 10 am Ohio time. I tried that and got no answer. I then had to resort to email with US Wings.

tnitz · Post by **tnitz** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:10 pm

Others here have more experience with this, but just to share:

I normally wear a 52L in suits and leather riding jackets and recently acquired an xxl US Wings Indy jacket. It fits me identically to the jacket(s) worn by Harrison Ford in Raiders and the sleeve length is fine for all but riding MC or driving.

That said, I just ordered a size up and in long because that would seem to be a more comfortable jacket and more useful for me than the jacket Indy wears. I can't comment yet on how it will fit.

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:39 am

tnitz,

Thanks for the reply. I normally wear a 50, so it good to hear an xxl for you.

tntxfour · Post by **tntxfour** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:49 am

Well my goatskin XXL US Wings jacket arrived today and it fits and smells wonderful!

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions and especially to Michaelson. You sir are the professor of leatherology!!

Happy New Year from Italy.

Tim