USW VIP Cowhide verses Goat....

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:03 pm

I'm on the fence here. Your opinions please.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:43 pm

The VIP is VERY heavy in terms of physical weight, where the goat is not.

Otherwise, I can personally understand you being on the fense on this. Of the Wings offerings, those are two of my favorite materials, and I'd be hard pressed to choose between the two myself. It would all come down to where I was located as to which I'd go for.

You're in Texas, so unless you plan on a very short wear time (really cold), then go for the goat, simply due to the weight of the material. I own a VIP, and it got worn very little last winter, but let me tell you, in the snow storms I was in, it was a God send.

Regards! Michaelson

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:13 pm

Also check out the G&B goat, it is a tough hide that might be more lightweight than the US Wings.

BlueSkyz · Post by **BlueSkyz** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:02 pm

I've had both and am partial to cow however goat is lighter and more wearable through out the year. The ruggedness of the cow really appeals to me as well as the weight. Note: my USWINGS VIP was way too big in the neck for me. But it was a beautiful jacket! G&B is my best fit.........last picture[nappa cow]

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:18 pm

My sentimental favorite is cow, but I see your point, Michaelson. Use is important, and we just don't have much need for a very heavy coat down here. We may get a couple of snows in a year's time, but it usually burns off in a few days.

Thanks, guys!

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:18 pm

bobjones wrote:Also check out the G&B goat, it is a tough hide that might be more lightweight than the US Wings.

How? They're both goatskin, and both mil-spec.

I've owned both, and found no difference between the two regarding weight.

I was talking about the heavy weight of the cowhide VIP.

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:21 pm

Yep, won't do you much good just hanging in the closet most of the year. ;-)

Regards! Michaelson

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:30 pm

I've seen and handled both. The USW goat does not seem that much lighter, especially when being worn. The goat is darker brown than the cowhide which is a nice reddish brown as pictured in the post above.
The cowhide has a nice soft feel but is tough. The goat has an almost rubbery feel but is probably tougher than the cowhide.
My personal preference would be for the cowhide.

The USW tend to fit large, so talk to them about it, if you think you are a Large for example you may end up with a Medium as the best fit.

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:52 pm

The USW cowhide is much heavier/warmer than their goat. I plan to use my cowhide as a winter jacket and I live in the northeast U.S. in one of the cities with the heaviest yearly snowfalls. That should give you an idea of how cold it gets here.

I feel my USW goat is wearable for spring and fall. By contrast my Wested washed goat is very light and I've been wearing it on cool to warm days. I'd never dream of doing that with the cow.

I think you'll also find the USW goat to be extremely durable and something you'll feel comfortable really wearing hard.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:58 pm

Cowhide weight is 3.0 ounces, while the goat is 2.5 oz., in case anyone was wondering.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:59 pm

Then I'm amazed at how sensitive I am regarding an additional 1/2 oz. in weight.

That's the 'official' weight, but believe me, they will vary from jacket to jacket. No two cows or goats are the same. ;-)

Regards! Michaelson

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 6:28 pm

I really like the russet undertone in the wings VIP, I think that is really sharp.