New Guy Needs Help W/ G&B & Wested

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:27 pm

I'm the new kid, as of this past weekend, and need guidance from you masters of knowledge of all things "Indy".

First let me say, that at first look, I thought this all a little weird. A bunch of grown guys, going online, to talk about playing dress up to look like a movie character. I knew my brother, the psychiatrist, would have something to say about this. But then I thought about how much I enjoyed the character and his "gear", especially that ###### jacket and decided, I wanted to be a part of this group, especially since so many of you played a role in the design and development of the product. So here I am and proud of it.

Now I 've always been a military leather jacket kind of guy. I've got an older Avirex A-2, a newer G&B Historical Horsehide A-2, and a Flight Jackets G-1. I've always admired the Expedition Jacket through the G&B catalog, but only recently, after reading every post on this site, got serious about an "indy" jacket.

So I ordered a Wested Standard Raider Jacket in 42R. It is a beautiful jacket, until I put it on. Then I'm not so sure. It seems to be awfully full in the chest, and the sleeves too long, and one shoulder is over 1/4" too long. I have a 42" chest and this puppy measures over 48" armpit to armpit. Is that too much? What about the uneven shoulders? Is that normal in a handsewn jacket? Sounds to me like I need a Special ROTLA in the 80's cut. I'll post pictures as soon as I figure out how to do that.

So then I ordered a Todd's Standard in a Medium size. It should arrive today and will probably be too small. Will let you know.

My main question is about the G&B Expedition Jacket. Everytime it's brought up people speak very favorably about it, but it never seems to come up. My experience with G&B has always been great, except they never have anything in stock. If my chest is 42", but my 40R Historical Horsehide is perfect, do I need a 40R or 42R in the Expedition? Please give me feedback on the G&B.

BTW, I also plan on buying a U.S. Wings VIP Copwhide, so I guess you could say I'm hooked.

Thanks To All
Randall

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:33 pm

Go with the 40R, unless you want to layer underneath. Cheers

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:36 pm

rrhanselka wrote:A bunch of grown guys, going online, to talk about playing dress up to look like a movie character.

Don't be so quick. Some of us are just here for the jacket.

SD

INDIANA_7 · Post by **INDIANA_7** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:55 pm

Rundquist wrote:Go with the 40R, unless you want to layer underneath. Cheers

I'm not too sure you want to go with a size smaller than your normal size. I'm a size 46 and wear a G&B 46 and the fit is perfect. There's even room underneath for a sweater, sweatshirt etc. A size smaller may not allow you to do this. Just my opinion. Great choice by the way. You won't be disappointed with it's appearance, quality and durability.

Best regards,

Indiana_7

that_dog · Post by **that_dog** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 11:00 pm

I believe G&B still has a 6 month return policy, no questions asked. Order the one you think will fit and if it doesn't, exchange it for the other size.

In case it matters at all, I've owned Expeditions in both lamb and goat, and while the goat was much, much tougher, I like the lamb a lot better. The goat never draped well, IMHO, even after months of being worn, crumpled, sat on, etc.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:00 pm

INDIANA_7 wrote:
Rundquist wrote:Go with the 40R, unless you want to layer underneath. Cheers
I'm not too sure you want to go with a size smaller than your normal size. I'm a size 46 and wear a G&B 46 and the fit is perfect. There's even room underneath for a sweater, sweatshirt etc. A size smaller may not allow you to do this. Just my opinion. Great choice by the way. You won't be disappointed with it's appearance, quality and durability.

Best regards,

Indiana_7

That was sort of my point. If you don’t want to layer go one size down. I’m in the process of getting rid of three Expeditions because I don’t want to layer. The Indy jacket is pretty useless on function anyhow. Might as well look good.

No big deal. Cheers

that_dog wrote:I believe G&B still has a 6 month return policy, no questions asked. Order the one you think will fit and if it doesn't, exchange it for the other size.

In case it matters at all, I've owned Expeditions in both lamb and goat, and while the goat was much, much tougher, I like the lamb a lot better. The goat never draped well, IMHO, even after months of being worn, crumpled, sat on, etc.

Agreed, you can always return the jacket if you get the wrong size. You know, I think I know the batch of goatskin leather that you are talking about. In fact I have friends that have had their Expeditions made from that batch. I was never crazy about that batch of leather either. It seemed like that leather had found the fountain of youth. It was indestructible and would not age. But that leather was from some years ago. My last Expedition had one of the nicest goatskins I’ve ever had, nice and relaxed. Indyblues will have that jacket in a couple of days. Cheers

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:46 pm

My G&B in goatskin came today. A 42R and it is SO EXCELLENT. I can't imagine why G&B doesn't get more play on this site. They make the BEST jackets.

Randoman

Post by **Holt** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:48 pm

;0

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:52 pm

YEAH!! I know I need to post pics, but, I haven't figured out how to take a picture of myself. As soon as I do, I'll post pics.

Randoman

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:38 pm

rrhanselka wrote:My G&B in goatskin came today. A 42R and it is SO EXCELLENT. I can't imagine why G&B doesn't get more play on this site. They make the BEST jackets.

Randoman

Amen brother. I just got a black goatskin (replaced my old one) and it's the bomb. I'll try to post a pick later.

HANSOLOJONES · Post by **HANSOLOJONES** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:34 pm

please delete

coronado3 · Post by **coronado3** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:41 pm

you guys who own a G&B.... What is the length of the body like? I have a couple of westeds and they just look too short on me in the body. Is the G&B similar to wested in that respect?

Thanks!
C#3

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 5:57 pm

coronado3 wrote:you guys who own a G&B.... What is the length of the body like? I have a couple of westeds and they just look too short on me in the body. Is the G&B similar to wested in that respect?

Thanks!
C#3

Everyone is going to be different, depending on how long their torso is. My last Expedition that I got a few days ago really fits me like a glove. I got it in a "long" size and had the sleeves shortened. For me personally, it would be wrong to have the jacket shorter in the body. Take that for what it's worth. I'm 5'11, which is right on the border of their sizing table (for a long). Cheers

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:49 pm

I got the goatskin, which is a heavier skin, in the G&B. It drapes well and reaches further down than my Wested. I will probably get a G&B in Lambskin. I know it's not from the original maker , but I am a great fan of the G&B prduct and company.

Randoman

Nebraska Brad · Post by **Nebraska Brad** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:48 pm

I am a 42 and the Todd's standard in large was very tight but my custom Wested 42 fits great. I am eager to see how things turn out with your Todd's.

-Nebraska

INDIANA_7 · Post by **INDIANA_7** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:48 pm

rrhanselka wrote:I got the goatskin, which is a heavier skin, in the G&B. It drapes well and reaches further down than my Wested. I will probably get a G&B in Lambskin. I know it's not from the original maker , but I am a great fan of the G&B prduct and company.

Randoman

Wear it well! it'll outlast any other jacket out there. trust me

Best regards,
Indiana 7

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:36 pm

Anybody out there have a G&B in Lambskin? I'd like to hear from you.

Many Thanks
Randoman

that_dog · Post by **that_dog** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:58 pm

Here's a thread on my G&B lamb Expedition.

viewtopic.php?p=299547&highlight=#299547

Indiana Greg · Post by **Indiana Greg** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:52 am

I have had a G&B Goat (one of the prototypes, actually) for four years.
It is the toughest thing going and may never naturally distress, still looks almost new. I wear a 40R Suit & the 40 G&B fit me to a "T".... my .02