Wested Zipper -- 5 gauge or 8 gauge?

Road Warrior · Post by **Road Warrior** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 3:36 pm

I'm thinking hard about re-ordering my Raiders HH from Wested, but on the order form there's a question about whether I want a 5 gauge or 8 gauge (which is the standard) zipper. I've Googled without success just what zipper gauge means. I'm not sure if it works like sheet metal, with the smaller the gauge number equalling thicker material, (and thus a heavier-duty zipper) or vice-versa.

My main concern is durability, which can be a factor when a jacket is made out of horsehide, which is heavier and less flexible (at least until it's broken-in) than lambskin or goat. I figured that this is THE place to get good feedback on this aspect of a Wested, because so many members have them.

So, what zipper did YOU get when you ordered your Wested? 5 gauge or 8 gauge? Any reason(s) you can think of why I should choose one over the other? Screen accuracy is not an issue.

Thanks for the help.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 3:42 pm

Gauge refers to size of teeth of zipper chain. 8 is bigger than 5. 8 is too big though. 5 is fine and also SA. I recommend you get 5.

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 4:45 pm

I have two horshide A-2's with regular size zippers. they are not oversized,I'm not sure if that helps. Both jackets are thick and stiff but the zippers work just fine.

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:43 pm

PLATON wrote:Gauge refers to size of teeth of zipper chain. 8 is bigger than 5. 8 is too big though. 5 is fine and also SA. I recommend you get 5.

Does this only refer to zippers?

My experience is the smaller that the gauge number is the larger the piece of metal or wire is. So in this case a 5 gauge would be bigger than 8 gauge.

Does this only apply to the USA?

mark seven · Post by **mark seven** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 2:03 pm

I asked for the standard gauge on my wested HH and got the heavier brass zipper(is that 8 gauge?),my off the peg lambskin has the smaller nickel zipper(is that 5 gauge?

)p.s-I prefer the brass zipper,especially with the heavier horsehide.

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:13 pm

I'm pretty sure the Raiders screen jackets had a 5 gauge, although I could easily be mistaken. In any case, I just like the look of the 5 gauge zip over the much larger 8. Just don't get aluminum.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:28 pm

Pic for reference.

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:48 pm

Kt Templar wrote:Pic for reference.

Which is which?

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:00 pm

Bigger teeth is the 8 gauge, smaller teeth is the 5.

Road Warrior · Post by **Road Warrior** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:48 pm

Well, I pulled the trigger and re-ordered a Raiders in horsehide.

This time, I received a confirmation e-mail, so I think I'm anxious to get it in a couple more weeks, although it won't be much fun to wear except indoors for a few months. I went with the 8 gauge antique brass, which the order form shows as standard. Seeing the photo comparison (Thank you KT Templar) made it all clear. I think the heavier gauge zip will be better with horsehide.

Thanks for the feedback.

Fortune and glory kid · Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:40 am

Heya,

I believe the Gauge refers to how wide the zipper is when done up,in millimetres, measuring the 'teeth' from side to side.

I like the zip on my Off the Peg Wested, nice n sturdy.

Indiana Blooze · Post by **Indiana Blooze** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:22 am

I have both, and have had no problems with either.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:26 am

Well, shoot, Blooze, when you have your own teeth, you SHOULDN'T have any problems...

Uh, what were we talking about again?

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Blooze · Post by **Indiana Blooze** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 9:34 am

Michaelson wrote:Well, shoot, Blooze, when you have your own teeth, you SHOULDN'T have any problems...

Uh, what were we talking about again?

Regards! Michaelson

In my neck of the woods, it's unusual to have any teeth, let alone yer own

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 10:13 am

In my neck of the woods, it's unusual to have any teeth, let alone yer own

Well, that's still better than having someone ELSE'S teeth, I suppose.

Regards! Michaelson

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 3:14 pm

Would the larger gauge be easier to zip up and more durable?

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 3:16 pm

Usually.

Regards! Michaelson

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:58 pm

Michaelson wrote:Usually.

Regards! Michaelson

Does anyone know if the G&B Expo zipper is 8 gauge or 5?