Nowak Jacket Owners Thread
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- Castor Dioscuri
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Nowak Jacket Owners Thread
Though there is a Nowak announcement thread, I thought I'd give us Nowak owners our own thread to show off our jacket in!
Since I'm probably the first stateside Cow to post pictures of my Nowak, I thought I'd share some details of it! Even though I may not be the biggest fan of distressing, I am VERY impressed with the overall quality of this jacket!
It's just that though the distressing may look good on film, in person and up close it just looks very cartoony and reminds me of what you would find in a wax meseum. I've just never been a fan of distressing in general though, so you should bear that in mind.
Since there already was a picture of someone with this jacket on, I thought you guys might like to see what this jacket looks like by itself. Though it looks dark here, the jacket is considerably lighter in person, and is closer to a light-rusty-orange color.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167 ... /Nowak.jpg
And here is a comparison between a Nowak (without Pecards) and a Wested Novapelle (with Pecards). By the way, those specs on that Wested are completely custom, guesstimated by yours truly. Spooky how accurate my pocket measurements were, give or take a couple millimeters! Oh, and those specs are still available to anyone that wants them!
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167 ... Wested.jpg
The feel of Nowak's jacket is soft, velvety, and almost chalky, much like Wested's Novapelle. It's certainly sturdy, and more than a little heavy. Personally, I just like this jacket so much, I'll probably be getting another one down the road sans distressing!
If anyone else wants more info on my jacket or more pics, feel free to ask!
Since I'm probably the first stateside Cow to post pictures of my Nowak, I thought I'd share some details of it! Even though I may not be the biggest fan of distressing, I am VERY impressed with the overall quality of this jacket!
It's just that though the distressing may look good on film, in person and up close it just looks very cartoony and reminds me of what you would find in a wax meseum. I've just never been a fan of distressing in general though, so you should bear that in mind.
Since there already was a picture of someone with this jacket on, I thought you guys might like to see what this jacket looks like by itself. Though it looks dark here, the jacket is considerably lighter in person, and is closer to a light-rusty-orange color.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167 ... /Nowak.jpg
And here is a comparison between a Nowak (without Pecards) and a Wested Novapelle (with Pecards). By the way, those specs on that Wested are completely custom, guesstimated by yours truly. Spooky how accurate my pocket measurements were, give or take a couple millimeters! Oh, and those specs are still available to anyone that wants them!
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t167 ... Wested.jpg
The feel of Nowak's jacket is soft, velvety, and almost chalky, much like Wested's Novapelle. It's certainly sturdy, and more than a little heavy. Personally, I just like this jacket so much, I'll probably be getting another one down the road sans distressing!
If anyone else wants more info on my jacket or more pics, feel free to ask!
- Castor Dioscuri
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viewtopic.php?t=25792Marv wrote:Nice jackets, I do prefer the Wested version best....do you happen to have any pics of the Wested before the pecards was applied, if not how dark was the Wested before the pecards compared the the Nowak.
I've just received my Novak Jacket (I will try and post pics later) and could not be happier with the quality, feel and fit is pure quality. as to the weathering I like it and it does look just like the jacket in the film as far as I can see (good enough for me!). I went for the Harrison Ford size, I'm 6ft and 42 jacket (sized at 44 by Tony but fits me perfectly!).
- Indiana G
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.......almost there...........package will be here in under 2 hours........grrrppp......still holding my breath........
castor, that's a nice jacket. the distressing is always something that i wanted but never had the heart to do myself. i like it very much. congrats!
tony called me at midnight last night to relay my tracking number....which was funny because the package was already in the city. you gotta love the guys customer service and extremely polite nature. if i read my credit card statement correctly, he only charged me $25 for 2 day priority shipping. on a a package that heavy, it should have costed 3 times as much.
i've got a big smile on my face as by days end, i'm walking outta here wearing a tony nowak original
castor, that's a nice jacket. the distressing is always something that i wanted but never had the heart to do myself. i like it very much. congrats!
tony called me at midnight last night to relay my tracking number....which was funny because the package was already in the city. you gotta love the guys customer service and extremely polite nature. if i read my credit card statement correctly, he only charged me $25 for 2 day priority shipping. on a a package that heavy, it should have costed 3 times as much.
i've got a big smile on my face as by days end, i'm walking outta here wearing a tony nowak original
- Indiana G
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just got it and i'm wearing it........words just can't explain it.......
one thing about SCREEN ACCURACEY per my discussion with mr. nowak last night.
these jackets appear to be SCREEN ACCURATE from what the eyes see, but internally they ARE NOT. these jackets are built for real world conditions and are reinforced on the inside and on the corners of the pockets, etc.....these jackets are meant to take the abuse of a real adventurer (unlike me of course).
mr. nowak said the jackets he made for the movie was constructed to look good on screen....if they were destroyed, then the next one would be put on ford's/the stuntman's back. these jackets are for us fans and are made to last as long as have an inkling of adventure left in us
i'm happy with mine, i'm happy with mr. nowak's services, and i want to give a big thank you for kryptonian1 for giving me the heads up on this as well as castor who gave me a tonne of specs of the thing. thanks for the help boys.
one thing about SCREEN ACCURACEY per my discussion with mr. nowak last night.
these jackets appear to be SCREEN ACCURATE from what the eyes see, but internally they ARE NOT. these jackets are built for real world conditions and are reinforced on the inside and on the corners of the pockets, etc.....these jackets are meant to take the abuse of a real adventurer (unlike me of course).
mr. nowak said the jackets he made for the movie was constructed to look good on screen....if they were destroyed, then the next one would be put on ford's/the stuntman's back. these jackets are for us fans and are made to last as long as have an inkling of adventure left in us
i'm happy with mine, i'm happy with mr. nowak's services, and i want to give a big thank you for kryptonian1 for giving me the heads up on this as well as castor who gave me a tonne of specs of the thing. thanks for the help boys.
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Hi All,
Just got my Tony Nowak Indy Jacket #777/777 aswell just before lunch.
This jacket is amazing. The fit is prefect, the sleeve length is great, the color is wonderful, I love the distressing,the folder with paperwork and jacket pillow is a nice touch aswell.
Eventhough th movie is getting mixed reviews,I love the fact that after a draught of 19 years, Indy is becomming a household name again,
and I was able to lay my hands on a screen accurate jacket (as far as I am concerned).
I have owned 4 Wested's, 2 GB's, 1 Wings, and this jacket in my opinion, and it is only my opinion, not trying to bash the other venders here, but the Nowak Indy is in a league all its own. The construction is on par with my GB Expo Goat, but Nowak's stiching is far far neater.
Tony, did everything he promised, and gave me product that I will treasure, it is bitter sweet but the jackt quest is done for me, must move on to the Fedora and Bull Whip next hee hee.
Pictures will follow soon,
Kind regards,
Stefan
Just got my Tony Nowak Indy Jacket #777/777 aswell just before lunch.
This jacket is amazing. The fit is prefect, the sleeve length is great, the color is wonderful, I love the distressing,the folder with paperwork and jacket pillow is a nice touch aswell.
Eventhough th movie is getting mixed reviews,I love the fact that after a draught of 19 years, Indy is becomming a household name again,
and I was able to lay my hands on a screen accurate jacket (as far as I am concerned).
I have owned 4 Wested's, 2 GB's, 1 Wings, and this jacket in my opinion, and it is only my opinion, not trying to bash the other venders here, but the Nowak Indy is in a league all its own. The construction is on par with my GB Expo Goat, but Nowak's stiching is far far neater.
Tony, did everything he promised, and gave me product that I will treasure, it is bitter sweet but the jackt quest is done for me, must move on to the Fedora and Bull Whip next hee hee.
Pictures will follow soon,
Kind regards,
Stefan
- Indiana G
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congrats! so you got the last one?....well not really me thinks, i think mr. nowak is jumping across the numbering board just to ensure that no one gauges how many are left. i received mine today, ordered it right after kryptonian1's post a week and some ago and i'm no. 125/777Stefan Hills wrote:Hi All,
Just got my Tony Nowak Indy Jacket #777/777 aswell just before lunch.
This jacket is amazing. The fit is prefect, the sleeve length is great, the color is wonderful, I love the distressing,the folder with paperwork and jacket pillow is a nice touch aswell.
Eventhough th movie is getting mixed reviews,I love the fact that after a draught of 19 years, Indy is becomming a household name again,
and I was able to lay my hands on a screen accurate jacket (as far as I am concerned).
I have owned 4 Wested's, 2 GB's, 1 Wings, and this jacket in my opinion, and it is only my opinion, not trying to bash the other venders here, but the Nowak Indy is in a league all its own. The construction is on par with my GB Expo Goat, but Nowak's stiching is far far neater.
Tony, did everything he promised, and gave me product that I will treasure, it is bitter sweet but the jackt quest is done for me, must move on to the Fedora and Bull Whip next hee hee.
Pictures will follow soon,
Kind regards,
Stefan
i agree 100% with your take and yes, i think i've found my holy grail of leather jackets.
cheers,
G
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Re: Nowak Jacket Owners Thread
Tony said the distressing should fade a bit over 4 - 5 weeks. You might try wearing it in the rain. Just don't send it to the cleaners because they will rob the leather of its oils (or so says Tony every time I've talked to him).Castor Dioscuri wrote: I may not be the biggest fan of distressing, It's just that though the distressing may look good on film, in person and up close it just looks very cartoony and reminds me of what you would find in a wax meseum. I've just never been a fan of distressing in general though, so you should bear that in mind. Personally, I just like this jacket so much, I'll probably be getting another one down the road sans distressing!
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Ok, picture time. This first picture of my TN was taken indoors with flash. This is the Harrison Ford size 44 with 26 sleeves.
This second pic was also taken indoors without the flash. The jacket on the left is my Wested ROTLA Special lambskin. It is a size 40 off the rack.
Picture number 3 was taken outside in direct sunlight.
Picture number 4 back of jacket outside.
Picture number 5 Close-up on the leather.
Picture number 6 The pocket.
So which jacket do I like better? I love them both. The Wested being lambskin is much lighter and I will be able to wear it more often in South Florida. Plus it just looks great on. If fits great and has that classic Raiders look, somewhat fitted and snug. The Nowak really is built like a tank. Very rugged with the stitches being nice and tight. Feels heavy and will be perfect for colder climates. The distressing looks gorgeous IMO. The customization of the inside may not be to everyone's liking, but I'm sure you'll have the option of telling Tony what you want it to say. Also, as I've stated previously, the openings at the end of the sleeves are HUGE. And finally, they both still smell great! Ahhhh
This second pic was also taken indoors without the flash. The jacket on the left is my Wested ROTLA Special lambskin. It is a size 40 off the rack.
Picture number 3 was taken outside in direct sunlight.
Picture number 4 back of jacket outside.
Picture number 5 Close-up on the leather.
Picture number 6 The pocket.
So which jacket do I like better? I love them both. The Wested being lambskin is much lighter and I will be able to wear it more often in South Florida. Plus it just looks great on. If fits great and has that classic Raiders look, somewhat fitted and snug. The Nowak really is built like a tank. Very rugged with the stitches being nice and tight. Feels heavy and will be perfect for colder climates. The distressing looks gorgeous IMO. The customization of the inside may not be to everyone's liking, but I'm sure you'll have the option of telling Tony what you want it to say. Also, as I've stated previously, the openings at the end of the sleeves are HUGE. And finally, they both still smell great! Ahhhh
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No, not maybe. Hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Honestly, I don't recall ever holding a better made jacket in my hand. They're both nice jackets; however, TN's has the added lure of being the maker of the jacket for CS.CM wrote:The Nowak jacket looks pretty good. My Expo looks even better. In those close up shots, the seams and finish of my expo look better. Maybe I'm wrong.
Personally, I love them. However, they are not very deep at all, and according to a previous post by Mannie Bothans, Tony says the distressing should fade over time. We'll see.Indiana Strones wrote:I personally don't like very much all those scratches on the sleeves...
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Just got # 112/777 yesterday. Tony shipped FedEx overnight and phoned and emailed me when it was shipping. The guy has excellent customer service and should prove to be a great addition to our vendor list. Tony suggested that I keep with Ford's specs and he was dead on as the jacket is a great fit. I am just over a 42 jacket size and he was right with his suggestion. The fit is very similar to my US Wings LE in medium. The construction is fantastic! Everything even, stitching is perfect and VERY tough. The distressing may be a little strange but it is not severe and will fade and blend in no time IMHO. When I get some time I will post comparison pics of it with the US Wings LE.
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Maybe I missed it, but what is Tony's long-term plan? Will he continue to make CS jackets beyond the base number of 777, and join the ongoing vendors?
Or is this is more of a one-off? If so, is that because his contract doesn't allow more to be made, or he doesn't want to make more than that (I would guess maybe us COW nitpickers are more than he bargained for ) ?
Or is this is more of a one-off? If so, is that because his contract doesn't allow more to be made, or he doesn't want to make more than that (I would guess maybe us COW nitpickers are more than he bargained for ) ?
Last edited by bobjones on Sat May 24, 2008 2:17 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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I'd really like to see that, as I'm sure others will too.Nebraska Brad wrote:When I get some time I will post comparison pics of it with the US Wings LE.
-Nebraska
I emailed him with this question before my jacket arrived. He responded only with my FedEx tracking number. No further comment. Read whatever you like into that.bobjones wrote:Maybe I missed it, but what is Tony's long-term plan? Will he continue to make CS jackets beyond the base number of 777, and join the ongoing vendors?
Or is this is more of a one-off? If so, is that because his contract doesn't allow more to be made, or he can wants to make that many (I would guess maybe us COW nitpickers are more than he bargained for ) ?
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I don't know about his contract but I did get the feeling in our conversations that he was not only quite surprised at our "loyalty" to Indiana Jones but very proud to be able to give us a jacket that was as it appears on screenbobjones wrote:Maybe I missed it, but what is Tony's long-term plan? Will he continue to make CS jackets beyond the base number of 777, and join the ongoing vendors?
Or is this is more of a one-off? If so, is that because his contract doesn't allow more to be made, or he can wants to make that many (I would guess maybe us COW nitpickers are more than he bargained for ) ?
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Tony also said some of the distressing is actually a result of the stitiching proces.TheMechanic wrote:I believe the distressing is done after the jacket is made. In other words, the leather doesn't come that way.
Oh and he didn't say the distresing would fade completely, he just said it would tone down a bit after a few weks of normal wear.
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anzac, my friend......adjusting the straps is not really an issue with this jacket from what i can tell as it seems to be a 'cosmetic' strap. the straps are quite low on the jacket and they are in the d-rings pretty snug. it doesn't seem that the back action pleats function in the same manner as the wested.ANZAC_1915 wrote:So do all TN's have the weird sleeve distressing?
Also, the strap attachment on the side looks less strong than the Wested box?
Right now these are the two things holding me back.
my sleeves as you can see are more in line with kryptonian1's distressing. the two others i have seem have more on their jacket than mine.....i wouldn't mind some more but i guess they will slowly 'dull' out in a couple of weeks anyways. i'm sure you can request mr. nowak to ease up on that.
the leather is very strange. i think it was brushed....kind of like velvet. if i run my thumb across it, it changes shades......perhaps an outcome of the distressing? it is quite soft for cowhide. it is quite close to the texture of wested's novapelle but with more weight imo.
i'll try to snap some more pics when she gets some more mileage and the collar lays down/the jacket molds better.
cheers,
G
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The distressing actually looks quite good and I think it will improve with time. I was a little put off by it at first but it passed.ANZAC_1915 wrote:So do all TN's have the weird sleeve distressing?
Also, the strap attachment on the side looks less strong than the Wested box?
Right now these are the two things holding me back.
The straps are attached just like US Wings does and they seem very strong.
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From what folks have posted, it sounds like Tony is quite willing to satisfy specific requests, so I'm sure he'd be happy to refrain from adding additional weathering if asked.Drhenryindianajones wrote:im a personal fan of the wested but everyone is different on these i like to breake in and wear down my own jacket im not one for pre-distressing there both nice jackets
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It was how the archive jacket straps were.Indiana G wrote:KT, was that a request from bernie? peter never anchors his straps like that. that veg tanned lamb is also quite scary close to the weight of the TN cow IMO.
Looks like they made the loop for the D-Rings smaller and moved the anchor box closer to the edge of the jacket.
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By archive, presumably the LC jacket?Kt Templar wrote:It was how the archive jacket straps were.Indiana G wrote:KT, was that a request from bernie? peter never anchors his straps like that. that veg tanned lamb is also quite scary close to the weight of the TN cow IMO.
Looks like they made the loop for the D-Rings smaller and moved the anchor box closer to the edge of the jacket.