For Todd's standard owners...how is the durability?

Vaderbreath · Post by **Vaderbreath** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:42 pm

I've searched through so many threads, but it seems the issue of the durability of Todd's standard wasn't addressed much because the jacket was still so new. The biggest concern seemed to be the thinness of the leather and whether it would stand up to any abuse. So, for those who were among the first to get one, how durable is the leather? Thanks!

-Corey

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 6:48 pm

I hate to say this but after looking at different styles of jackets and makers (and I don't mean to be rude) but what do you expect for a $150 leather jacket? And what kind of abuse would you subject it to? For going out with friends, its fine. For going out and doing work, probably not.

lingarn · Post by **lingarn** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 7:00 pm

JC1972 wrote:I hate to say this but after looking at different styles of jackets and makers (and I don't mean to be rude) but what do you expect for a $150 leather jacket? And what kind of abuse would you subject it to? For going out with friends, its fine. For going out and doing work, probably not.

Even then, it probably depends on the work you do.

I don't think anyone has put theirs to rigorous testing, at least in part because while it is just a $150 jacket it is still a $150 jacket.

That said, one of the reasons people are so interested in goat, horse hide, or even cow leather for their jackets is that lamb in general isn't the most practical substance.

Anyway, I look forward to hearing what people who've had the jacket for months have to say. Last time I checked, most people hadn't had the chance to wear them much.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 7:01 pm

People are supposed to assume that you mean the standard and not the custom, correct? The standard is lambskin. Lambskin is comparatively one of the weakest leathers there is. It still might suit your needs though.

Vaderbreath · Post by **Vaderbreath** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 7:28 pm

After reading some of the reviews I noticed that some were almost afraid to wear it as a daily jacket (assuming they're not being dragged behind a truck all day) that it may fall apart or wear out easily. I was just hoping to hear some opinions now that people have had them for awhile.

-Corey

And, yes, I'm talking about the Standard, not the Custom.

Bogie1943 · Post by **Bogie1943** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:20 pm

I will say this, the Todd's Standard lamb is the lightest lamb I have ever owned. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice jacket for $150, I am very pleased with mine. Compared to my Wested lambs and my Flightsuits lambs it is so so light. It's a nice jacket for dressy and warm weather.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:18 pm

I just got mine yesterday, so I haven't had enough time to tell you how well a Todd's jacket will hold up. I have had a lambskin Wested for over 10 years and it has held up just fine. I wear my jacket to work, which keeps me outside alot, and on the weekends, which keeps me outside even more

. So far, the lambskin has been subjected to all the same conditions my goat and cowhide jacket have endured, including two years of working at a lumbermill, and has done just as well.

Weston

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:20 pm

Vaderbreath, I just noticed you live in the Tri-Cities. Would that be Richland, Pasco, or Kennewick? I live in M-F, OR.

Weston

Cowboy · Post by **Cowboy** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:31 pm

Weston wrote:Vaderbreath, I just noticed you live in the Tri-Cities. Would that be Richland, Pasco, or Kennewick? I live in M-F, OR.

Weston

Hey Boys....I live in Spokane area! An INW Summit?

rebelgtp · Post by **rebelgtp** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:42 pm

JC1972 wrote:I hate to say this but after looking at different styles of jackets and makers (and I don't mean to be rude) but what do you expect for a $150 leather jacket? And what kind of abuse would you subject it to? For going out with friends, its fine. For going out and doing work, probably not.

I've got a $150 US Wings jacket that is tough as nails and has stood up to tons of abuse.

I live in the John Day area I would be up for a Summit.

Cowboy · Post by **Cowboy** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:48 pm

rebelgtp wrote:
JC1972 wrote:I hate to say this but after looking at different styles of jackets and makers (and I don't mean to be rude) but what do you expect for a $150 leather jacket? And what kind of abuse would you subject it to? For going out with friends, its fine. For going out and doing work, probably not.
I've got a $150 US Wings jacket that is tough as nails and has stood up to tons of abuse.

I live in the John Day area I would be up for a Summit.

Cool! Oh, but then I guess I would have to buy all the gear and not just the hat and jacket

I would settle for getting together for the premier!

rebelgtp · Post by **rebelgtp** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 11:55 pm

don't worry I don't have all the gear, I have a couple jackets, a couple hats, a couple bags, a couple whips and some aldens. Other then that all my "gear" is my normal every day stuff, cargos, safari and ripstop shirts, stuff like that.

a meet for the premiere would be cool.

DoubleOhSeven · Post by **DoubleOhSeven** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:06 am

So far, it appears to be as tough as any other lightweight lambskin jacket. Of course, like someone stated earlier, that depends on what you do with it. Would it stand up to being pulled behind a 2 1/2 ton truck across a desert road? Negative, I don't think so.

Could it take casual activity wear? Sure, no problem. I don't think I'd use it as a work jacket or anything like that. It serves very, very well as a light over-jacket with something warmer underneath it for layering. It is very thin leather, and it is soft and drapes very well. I wouldn't wear it hunting like I do my old bomber (G-1) jacket. The jacket isn't for that kinda thing, it's just for wearing and looking nice. It's good for dressing up, going out, riding horses, and putting on with your fedora and saying, "#### that looks like Indiana Jones in the mirror".

If you're planning on getting dragged behind a truck, get horsehide or goat or something. Todd's Standard Jacket isn't for that.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:30 am

DoubleOhSeven wrote: If you're planning on getting dragged behind a truck, get horsehide or goat or something. Todd's Standard Jacket isn't for that.

Honestly, who ever plans on getting dragged behind a truck? If that is the standard durability test, I think were all safe.

That lumbermill job though, I felt like I'd been dragged behind a truck every day! An somedays, I felt like the unfortunate Nazi officer who went second!

Weston

Vaderbreath · Post by **Vaderbreath** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 1:53 am

Weston-
I live in Richland. I'm pretty excited about Todd's jacket and I'm sure it'll do fine. I know I don't plan on being dragged behind a truck... at least not this week.

-Corey

ortiz344 · Post by **ortiz344** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:54 pm

Vaderbreath wrote:After reading some of the reviews I noticed that some were almost afraid to wear it as a daily jacket (assuming they're not being dragged behind a truck all day) that it may fall apart or wear out easily. I was just hoping to hear some opinions now that people have had them for awhile.

-Corey

And, yes, I'm talking about the Standard, not the Custom.

I recently got my wested rotla special and AM kinda afraid to wear that everyday, which is partially why i also ordered the todds. Im thinking the todds (150-) would be less of a hit and cause me less grief than if my wested special (280-) got unintentionally damaged...my wested will be more of a special occasion jacket , my wings or todds my daily...

rjallen70 · Post by **rjallen70** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:19 pm

I have both jackets..
A Todd's medium and a wested 40r.
That said, I wear my todds every day that weather permits. Not because it is cheaper, but because it is lighter and more comfortable. I am in south FL.
From hiking trails in the 'Glades to working on the car, Thunderstorms etc...
It has held up fine for the 4 months I have owned it.
Ron

Indiana · Post by **Indiana** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:55 pm

If you are looking for something to wear everyday without worry (no matter what you plan on doing) order something made from goat, cow, or horse. But if you want a costume jacket or a jacket that will take light wear the lamb is just fine. I've heard stories of people getting lamb snagged on something and it ripping. Simple fact is, lamb just isnt very tough.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:39 am

I plan on wearing my Todd's lambskin jacket on a daily basis until it is stupidly hot. I do not plan on shielding it from any activity and will not coddle it beyond giving it a coat of dressing if it looks like it's drying out. This time next year I will post before and after pics of what I did with it, some pics of the conditions it survived, and you can judge for yourselves as to it's durability.

Not too long ago I posted some pics of my 10 yrs old lambskin Wested. The lining is long gone, and some of the stitching came apart and has had to be fixed, but the leather has endured. I'd put it up against my cowhide jacket any day! It ain't tissue paper!

I hear people say that the lamb looks good, but a real jacket needs to be goatskin. Then why all the sandpaper and acetone?

I just go the Todd's, so we will have to see. Close scrutiny reveals some quality construction, but time and use is the real test.

Weston

Chewing Wax · Post by **Chewing Wax** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:43 am

Mine should be arriving tomorrow. Is this thing even water resistant or does it absorb water? I have a G&B veg goatskin A-2 that absorbs water. All my other leathers shed it.

I guess I'll find out tomorrow. First thing I'm going to do is take an ice cold dip in the Niagara River with it on.

IndyWannaBee · Post by **IndyWannaBee** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:37 pm

Well I think the story is in on the Todd Standard Indy jacket. I have been wearing mine for the last four days doing simple everyday activities (driving, sitting, eating, more driving, walking, occasionally shopping). No stress has been placed on this jacket whatsoever!

So this morining I decided to inspect the distressing I did with alcohol last week just to see if it could use some additional lightening. Well as I looked at the jacket I found numerous (13) small gouges throughout the jacket and they are in random locations AND not in areas that I had used the alcohol treatment. These are gouges that simply have torn up the soft upper layer of the leather exposing the second layer.

So I have concluded that this jacket is going to be converted from an everyday jacket to a once or twcie a year costume piece. It will go into the closet with the rest of the Indy clothing but way in the back. It most likely won't come back out until May 22 and Comic Con.

Too bad because I was really starting to love this jacket BUT it is now my conclusion that I should have gone and paid an additional $150.00 for that Wested.................

ortiz344 · Post by **ortiz344** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:10 pm

i just got my todds and i LOVE it, i will check back with natural weathering /wear updates if mine doesnt hold up...

MACHONE · Post by **MACHONE** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:30 pm

I just got an XL today, it is a great jacket, though I can see where IndyWannaBee is coming from. I understand how people would be inclined to give it limited use. However, having a Wested lamb that's about 6 years old, it has just started to show wear with regular use. There are some light marks on the leather right out of the box. I have to think this jacket will age quickly naturally, which provided I do not tear it on anything, should be a good thing.
Ben

DOHERTYJAX · Post by **DOHERTYJAX** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:07 pm

Well, my standard XL arrived today. Unfortunately, it is on its way back to California. It was just too tight around my upper arms. I called Todd about twenty minutes after I got it, and he advised to ship it back. He will exchange it for a XXL, which he still has in stock. The jacket looked great, but was thinner than I expected. But I think it will do fine for Normal everyday use. I will post pics when the new one arrives.

Indakin · Post by **Indakin** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:48 pm

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

Just got my new XXXL todds stanard and its sooooo nice. The hide see,s slightly different but thats good, almsot slightly thicker and i loveeee it. Cant remember if the front pockets had cotton in them before but this one does just like the Wested cotton linning. AMAZING fits me sooo perfect now, i really almost dont want to ruin it....Buit im going to lol. Ill give it a day till i destroy this baby. Definitely get one of these jackets if ur not sure, ive tried on alot of different jackets and i LOVEEEE this jacket to death, i dont need to spend 400 to get a GB this is just as good for alot less.

Ill post pics later.

Chewing Wax · Post by **Chewing Wax** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:19 pm

Indakin wrote:WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

Just got my new XXXL todds stanard and its sooooo nice. The hide see,s slightly different but thats good, almsot slightly thicker and i loveeee it. Cant remember if the front pockets had cotton in them before but this one does just like the Wested cotton linning. AMAZING fits me sooo perfect now, i really almost dont want to ruin it....Buit im going to lol. Ill give it a day till i destroy this baby. Definitely get one of these jackets if ur not sure, ive tried on alot of different jackets and i LOVEEEE this jacket to death, i dont need to spend 400 to get a GB this is just as good for alot less.

Ill post pics later.

How'd you get an XXXL?

Anyhow, my XXL came today. It's not as good as a GB. Not even close. Nor did I expect it to be. The zipper is a peice of... but it's a fun jacket. Seems well made to me. Smelled pretty bad but I assume that will wear off.

I'll post pic later.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 11:35 pm

You guys don't like the way it smells? Man I do! It reminds me of my Wested lambskin when it was new, only not as strong. But hey, I like the smell of gasoilne, and the kids play-dough.

Indakin, let's see it!

Weston

Chewing Wax · Post by **Chewing Wax** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:57 am

Weston wrote:You guys don't like the way it smells? Man I do! It reminds me of my Wested lambskin when it was new, only not as strong. But hey, I like the smell of gasoline, and the kids play-dough.

Indakin, let's see it!

Weston

That's it! I couldn't figure out what it smelled like. It smells like diesel fuel. No. Not a big fan. But it's not the worst smell in the world.

I wore it out in the rain and the rain beaded up very nicely. The color didn't come off when I wiped off the rain with a paper towel, so my fears of it bleeding through to my shirt are lessened. Except for the @#$% zipper, I was fairly impressed with some other details. The lining is really very nice. The pocket linings are nice. The black rectangular strap rings are nice. The leather itself is better then I thought it would be. It's clearly pretty low grade stuff, but I've seen worse. The sizing is a problem. For an XXL jacket, it's just a smidge bigger than an off the rack 46 from G&B. The length is a bit shorter actually.