Best Indy's Jacket?

Restless Dreamer · Post by **Restless Dreamer** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 4:57 pm

I know, I know, there's no such thing as a "best" jacket just like for the fedora. But I'd like anyway to hear your comments.

Which one(s) do you got? Which is the best in terms of SA? Quality/Price? Resistance?

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:21 pm

Just read a few pages of this forum section and you should get more info than you could dream on regarding that subject, especially since the very same question seems to be asked on a regular basis. The answers to your questions are found in a great many threads, you just need to sit down one afternoon and do a little reading ;-)

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 6:04 pm

let me help you get there:

"what's the best indy jacket?"

KT Templar - Wested
Rundquist - G&B Expedition
Me - Tony Nowak

the lines in the sand have been drawn!

you'll also see that people buy different offerings for different reasons as lot of the folks have more than one jacket (perish the thought).

like bink said.....grab a coffee and do some reading....and there maybe some scarey parts in here with the big green monster but those parts will be jam-packed with info ;-)

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 7:34 pm

Don't Forget Magnoli.

I don't have one yet but I will. Think: totally custom, half the price of a Tony Nowak ...

sebas · Post by **sebas** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:04 pm

Wested. Peter is the orignal maker of the Raiders jacket. The rest are imitators. Great craftmanship, and detail, but ultimately "cover versions." And that's not being nasty, that's just a fact.

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 10:39 pm

If you want an Indy jacket, Peter

If you want an Indy IV jacket, Tony however I think Tony's is constructed better and will last longer but thats just me and nothing against the Westeds which really are great jackets too. I am just saying, when you try on the Nowak, you will know where that extra money you spent went!!!

blueoakleyz · Post by **blueoakleyz** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:31 pm

What are Wested's claim to fame? Last Crusade?

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:37 pm

umm...it thats Indy Movie entitled :Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Peter Botwright!!

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:42 pm

The real question here, I think, is "What is the best Indy Jacket for YOU" since everyone judges this with different criteria:
- Style is one factor. Raiders? Last Crusade? etc. What is your favorite film and which jacket style interests you the most?
- If you want the jacket made by the original maker - Peter Botright comes to mind. This alone could be the thing that sways you one way or another.
- Quality - are you going to be dragging behind a truck anytime soon?
- Price - How much is your budget is the first question. If you have the money do you feel a $1000 Nowak jacket is twice as good as excellent G&B or the original Wested Jacket?
- Leather - Lots of options here with each maker using different type hides.
- Screen accurate - harder to find than the grail sometimes and changes depending on the movie and even different scenes.

Ultimately you have to weigh all the options and come to decide which one you like the best. The great thing here is that there is a choice and in that environment everyone wins. Personally I think it would be awfully boring if we all bought the same jacket and that was it. You are coming at this question at an excellent time because of the renewed interest with the latest film.

best in your quest
Canada

Post by **Holt** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:42 pm

Peter from wested is the father of the first Indiana jones jacket ever shown on the silver screen.

he is the original maker.

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:56 pm

Which ones do I own?
2 Westeds, a CE US Wings, and an Indy 4 Nowak

As far as "best" ... it obviously depends on what you want and what you're willing to spend. I won't cover any jackets I don't own an example of, as it's just not fair.

If you want Raiders authentic on a budget, go Wested. Mine (the first one) lasted from about '01 - '06 before it really started to fall apart. Is it the best constructed, no, but there's just something about the look of the jacket that I think none of the other manufacturers has ever been able to duplicate. If you're on a really tight budget, you might want to consider Todd's, but since I don't own one, I won't say any more on that...

Since the Nowak and Wings CE are more fair to critique head to head... here goes...

The Nowak is the best constructed of the bunch.... but only SLIGHTLY. Of what you can see, the only difference really is double stitching in a couple more places. Of what you can't see, there's some internal reinforcement going on. If you're one of those "must have original manufacturer" crowd... well, you probably wouldn't have asked the question.... but the cred is obvious there.

What does Nowak give me over the Wings jacket? Having a slimmer frame, the Nowak is cut more for my body type than the more generous proportions of the Wings jacket. I also really like the construction of the barrel cuffs much better on the Nowak than the Wings. The cuffs are wider and don't stick as much to my sleeves when I put the jacket on. (Sometimes I end up having to tuck the barrel cuff back in a little. It's a quick adjustment, not much of a hassle, but...I've never even had to come close to doing this on the Nowak.) The lining of the Nowak feels a bit cooler in warmer weather.

The US Wings is what I would personally call the "best"... that is to say, best mix of price and build quality? I rate Nowak a little higher, but US Wings is a mil spec jacket in its own right. You will probably fall apart (i.e. gain weight and no longer fit it) long before either the Nowak or the US Wings jacket will. At roughly 2x the price of the Wings jacket, I just don't see that in the end the Nowak was worth it. Worth more than the Wings, yes, but not that much more.

CM · Post by CM » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:57 am

sebas wrote:Wested. Peter is the orignal maker of the Raiders jacket. The rest are imitators. Great craftmanship, and detail, but ultimately "cover versions." And that's not being nasty, that's just a fact.

Of course some of us don't care if Peter is the original maker as this is just an emotional statement. If you're after a brilliantly made jacket then there are several alternatives to chose from. I'm not even going to suggest one as it's personal taste.

If you want a genuine copy of a film used one then Peter's Wested ToD jacket is indeed the one to get, even if he didn't make it for the film.

PLATON · Post by **PLATON** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:13 am

If you mean "Best jacket" as in "best replica" then I gotta say Todd's jacket is the best. It has all the details right.

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:40 am

Go with a Wested, Raiders or LC. Very good jackets at a good price, and with the right pedigree. Plus, you are in Italy and can order and receive jacket in a few days, without paying any customs... ;-)

Post by **Holt** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:42 am

Indiana Strones wrote: without paying any customs... ;-)

you guys are lucky in Italy! wouldnt mind living there...

I was in Garda not long ago.loved it!

SpeedRcrX · Post by **SpeedRcrX** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:54 am

Indiana Strones wrote:without paying any customs... ;-)

Yeah but if you go for an US Wings or a TN custom is a pain.....

I have calculated at the times for CS TN that I would pay nearly 250€ only in custom fee......

So no TN for me since with the custom fee of a TN I would get a Wested....

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:06 pm

CM wrote:
sebas wrote:Wested. Peter is the orignal maker of the Raiders jacket. The rest are imitators. Great craftmanship, and detail, but ultimately "cover versions." And that's not being nasty, that's just a fact.
Of course some of us don't care if Peter is the original maker as this is just an emotional statement. If you're after a brilliantly made jacket then there are several alternatives to chose from. I'm not even going to suggest one as it's personal taste.

If you want a genuine copy of a film used one then Peter's Wested ToD jacket is indeed the one to get, even if he didn't make it for the film.

I’ll second everything CM says. It’s all personal taste and you really need to read up on the pros & cons of every offering. I especially like his point about Wested being the best choice for a TOD jacket even if Peter didn’t make the original. It was copied from an original and looks the most like an original.

I will also second that a jacket’s pedigree is nonsense. With regards to Wested, it took years before the jacket became what it is today (relatively accurate). Also you’d just be kidding yourself if you believed that Peter Botwright made every single jacket himself. I’m sure he still gets his hands dirty, but Wested puts out far too many jackets for them not to be made by at least a few different people. (People don’t want a David Morgan whip made by an apprentice, for instance. That’s why the old ones go for so much.)

The only jacket that you get the guarantee that it was hand made by the guy that “made it for the movie” (if you care about pedigree) is with a Tony Nowak. If you don’t care for the Crystal Skull jacket (as I don’t) then you’re out of luck on that one (I still can’t believe that they used a predistressed hide in the movie. I also didn’t care for the color. When I watch the dvd, in the daylight scenes you can really see the lack of color contrast between the hat and the jacket. Pollock got it wrong, sorry).

That brings me to looks and personal taste. There’s no accounting for taste. Every jacket out there has its fans and detractors. Since nobody has put in a word on this thread about the Gibson & Barnes Expedition (and since its my choice of Indiana Jones jacket), I’ll put in my two cents. It’s a great all around choice. It was copied from a Raiders stuntman jacket and it’s constructed like iron. It used to be the most expensive jacket out there, but these days it’s moderately priced. Cheers

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:16 pm

So you don't buy Aldens because your pair is not made by the same guy who made the Ford's pairs. Right?
Wested (or "Botwright" if you prefer) made the original jackets, and now makes one for me. This is what means pedigree for me, and no problem if is not Peter in person who cut the leather. And if the Wested jackets some years ago were not accured, who cares today?? Not me.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:35 pm

As they say, 'different strokes for different folks!' ;-)

Regards! Michaelson

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:41 pm

It's probably not the most helpful thread is it!

Every single jacket has it's merits and every one has their favourite. Dig deep here even try to make a tally.

At the end of the day choose for yourself because you're the only one who knows what you really want and people here are very good at showing off their new purchases.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:42 pm

Well stated, KT.

Regards! Michaelson

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 2:59 pm

Indiana Strones wrote:So you don't buy Aldens because your pair is not made by the same guy who made the Ford's pairs. Right?
Wested (or "Botwright" if you prefer) made the original jackets, and now makes one for me. This is what means pedigree for me, and no problem if is not Peter in person who cut the leather. And if the Wested jackets some years ago were not accured, who cares today?? Not me.

I agree with you. I buy a product when the name means something. The “Alden” name means quality. The name “Wested” over the years has meant several different things. (My intent is not to sully their current reputation [it’s good]. They’re just the example we have been using.) My point is that I think it’s silly to buy a polo shirt just based on the fact that it has a little alligator over the breast. Cheers

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:11 pm

Rundquist wrote: Also you’d just be kidding yourself if you believed that Peter Botwright made every single jacket himself.

The only jacket that you get the guarantee that it was hand made by the guy that “made it for the movie” (if you care about pedigree) is with a Tony Nowak.

Who really is kidding who here? That is my question.

Please correct me if I am wrong but does Tony hand make every jacket himself? I got the impression he had people making them for him in his shop under his supervision (the same way Peter works). I just think he is too busy (on the phone with us COWers!) to be running into the back room, cutting the leather himself and turning the jacket around with all the modifications we are asking for in the time we are seeing. We see in cases like David Morgan and Steve Delk - craftsmen who do make their product - the waiting time is months (and well worth the wait). Kudos to him if he is though.

10 years ago I went to Peter's shop in London and saw his set up. The jackets are made in house under his supervision but I never for a minute thought he actually sat down at a machine and made them. There are specialists he employs in each area - leather cutters, sewing staff, etc.
In fact, I had a jacket made and specifically asked for the jacket to be made by one of his employees who had been with him for a long time and who had made some of the original jackets. This did not in any way lower my opinion of the pedigree. The original jacket was made in that shop, by these people, under Peter's supervision. I was quite clear on that.
best
Canada

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:15 pm

[/ If you don’t care for the Crystal Skull jacket (as I don’t) then you’re out of luck on that one (I still can’t believe that they used a predistressed hide in the movie. I also didn’t care for the color. When I watch the dvd, in the daylight scenes you can really see the lack of color contrast between the hat and the jacket. Pollock got it wrong, sorry). ]

I absolutely agree Rundquist! I was really disappointed with the predistressed hide. I always liked the look of the leather in Raiders, as well as the fit. I know the character is older and all, but in CS the jacket starts to look a bit like a leather car coat and less like the jacket I liked so much in ROLA and TOD. They had started down that path a bit in LC but it seemed too far in CS. The jacket Ford wore in the Young Indy episode looked ok.

As for Gibson and Barnes, I'll second Rundquist again. I have one of their Raiders jackets rather than an expedition and it is solid. I love my Wested jackets for their authentic look and drape, but Gibson and Barnes makes an exceptional product that will outlast most of us.

A great way to start into the hobby is to pick up an authentic Wested to start. If you aren't planning to be seduced by all the choices and just want one solid, dependable jacket like Indy's, G&B is a tough act to beat and it will never let you down, tear, split a seam, lose it's color, etc. - well, maybe if you want it to and torture it appropriately - I'm not into distressing stuff other than wearing it.

From what I've seen, Tony does nice work too. I've never had one of his in person since I don't care for the CS look. Now, the new Raiders he's got is tempting. I like that type of leather - really course grain. But you have to really fall in love to spend nearly $1000 for a jacket.

After reading a lot of posts, Todd's is interesting. I think it's the most affordable and some have suggested it's the least durable, but others have beat the daylights out of it and it's taken it without a whimper. I've seen some great pics posted that make me think I've missed out there as it looks incredibly screen accurate.

My suggestion if you're going to collect a few different ones is to start with the authentic Wested lamb.

If you are only going to get one and you need it to be a solid jacket that doesn't mind seat belts, shoulder straps, tree branches and whatever else life throws at us, get a G&B.

If G&B is too expensive, maybe consider a Wested goat.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:15 pm

Rundquist wrote:
Indiana Strones wrote:So you don't buy Aldens because your pair is not made by the same guy who made the Ford's pairs. Right?
Wested (or "Botwright" if you prefer) made the original jackets, and now makes one for me. This is what means pedigree for me, and no problem if is not Peter in person who cut the leather. And if the Wested jackets some years ago were not accured, who cares today?? Not me.

I agree with you. I buy a product when the name means something. The “Alden” name means quality. The name “Wested” over the years has meant several different things. (My intent is not to sully their current reputation [it’s good]. They’re just the example we have been using.) My point is that I think it’s silly to buy a polo shirt just based on the fact that it has a little alligator over the breast. Cheers

you mean....guy playing polo. the aligator is lacoste.....which is funny as well because lacoste is also a common term for a short sleeved button down with collar........just like a polo shirt.......er....uhm......why am i arguing with you again?

oh yeah.......the best indy jacket.......the tony nowak raiders. don't buy any other jacket out there cuz they aren't correct. nothing can compare to this.....absolutely nothing. no one can top it, it has a built in COW internet access link to automatically downplay every post in the leather jacket section that does not pertain to it............

now that my friends....is an uneducated guess as i don't have the TN raiders in my hand. the same way i can't comment on G&B or US wings. if you managed to find someone with all these jackets....then you can have an educated opinion on what the best is. still an opinion though ;-)

Browncoat · Post by **Browncoat** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:22 pm

Just buy them all then sort out the best later.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:25 pm

Indiana G wrote:
now that my friends....is an uneducated guess as i don't have the TN raiders in my hand. the same way i can't comment on G&B or US wings. if you managed to find someone with all these jackets....then you can have an educated opinion on what the best is. still an opinion though ;-)

Absolutely. I try not to comment on the TN beyond my stating that I don't care for the looks of the Crystal Skull jacket. I usually also state that it reportedly is also built like a tank. His Raiders jacket is another thing altogether.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:31 pm

Canada Jones wrote:
Rundquist wrote: Also you’d just be kidding yourself if you believed that Peter Botwright made every single jacket himself.

The only jacket that you get the guarantee that it was hand made by the guy that “made it for the movie” (if you care about pedigree) is with a Tony Nowak.
Who really is kidding who here? That is my question.

Please correct me if I am wrong but does Tony hand make every jacket himself? I got the impression he had people making them for him in his shop under his supervision (the same way Peter works). I just think he is too busy (on the phone with us COWers!) to be running into the back room, cutting the leather himself and turning the jacket around with all the modifications we are asking for in the time we are seeing. We see in cases like David Morgan and Steve Delk - craftsmen who do make their product - the waiting time is months (and well worth the wait). Kudos to him if he is though.

I was under the impression that Tony was a one man operation. Again with the Wested, my point is that there are a few people that have the romantic notion that their jacket is handmade by Peter himself. Of course many people aren’t under that impression, and buy Westeds for other reasons (the most prominent probably being that they like them, plain and simple). I’m just playing the part of the grinch, because I’m a little perverse.

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 3:55 pm

Valuing a Wested because it is made by the same company/craftsman that made the Raiders and LC jacket has no less merit than preferring a Flightsuits jacket because of its oft praised craftsmanship. It's all about why we buy the jacket we buy. Entirely subjective. That said, it's a pretty tenuous argument that the pedigree of Wested's Raiders jacket is somehow tainted because Peter has employees. He, and essentially the came company crafted the Raiders hero jacket, and for $300, a person can each wear one on his back. For a lot of fans, that carries a lot of weight.

SD

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 4:27 pm

St. Dumas wrote:Valuing a Wested because it is made by the same company/craftsman that made the Raiders and LC jacket has no less merit than preferring a Flightsuits jacket because of its oft praised craftsmanship. It's all about why we buy the jacket we buy. Entirely subjective. That said, it's a pretty tenuous argument that the pedigree of Wested's Raiders jacket is somehow tainted because Peter has employees. He, and essentially the came company crafted the Raiders hero jacket, and for $300, a person can each wear one on his back. For a lot of fans, that carries a lot of weight.

SD

Sure, no arguments. It just doesn’t make sense to me is all I was saying. An immigrant and a native had a conversation and it went something like this: “I really love my country. Well why did you leave it then? Because I can live a better life in this country. Why do you love your country so much for then. Because it’s where I was born”.

Many people don’t like the new Star Wars movies. (Why? They’re made by George Lucas and the same effects company that made the originals). Other people like the new movies just because they are Star Wars. I’m just using SW as an example (not saying anything about their quality one way or another). It just illustrates my point.

Again there is obviously nothing wrong with opinions that differ from mine. I was just stating that it seems odd to me personally to make decisions based on pedigree and not actual product. I understand not everyone feels the same. I understand the impulse, but it makes no logical sense (strictly in the “Vulcan” sense).

PS- I stated that the new TOD Wested is a good choice for a Temple of Doom jacket even if Wested/Peter did not make the original. Apparently Peter is now trying to link the original jacket that was used as a model for the current Wested, to Leather Concessionaires because some of you guys “want” the original film jacket to be originally made by them, even if it wasn’t.

Shishak · Post by **Shishak** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 5:16 pm

I can comment on Cooper, Wested, U.S. Wings, G&B, Todd's, and TN. I have owned all of them at one point in time. My jacket search has been a long one.

Cooper - I have one of the originals from the Paramount catalog, and it will always have a special place in my heart since it was the first one I ever owned. It traveled everywhere with me, including overseas. A testament to the quality of the Cooper is the fact that it is now 19 years old and in pretty good shape. The lining is not torn, there are no rips in the leather, and the seams are all still intact. While I'm on Cooper, I will mention that I also had one from Disney. That also was a great jacket, although the leather was pretty stiff in the beginning. Again, a very fine jacket, built solidly, but in my opinion, not worth the Disney mark-up price. My transactions didn't involve any direct customer service interactions, however I did have to return my first Cooper for a different size and it came rather quickly. So no complaints.

Wested - After owning two cowhide Coopers, the lamb of the Wested felt very thin. And having handled other lambskin jackets from other makers, I would say that the Wested lamb IS thinner. The craftsmanship was not what I expected. My jacket looked like it had been thrown together. After multiple attempts to get it fixed, I finally gave up on it and sold it for quite a loss (if you take into consideration the shipping costs to England - twice). The seams on mine were not sewn straight, and there were problems with the lining as well. That being said, I have seen other Westeds that were better-made than mine, but my personal experience with Wested was not good with either the jacket itself or the customer service - especially in regards to returns and repairs. My final analysis on this is to just be aware that, yes, you are getting a jacket at a good price, but in my experience, it can be hit or miss with quality and construction.

G&B - After a disappointing experience with Wested, I decided to splurge a little and go for a G&B goat. This is a great jacket that I still own. I can't say anything about this jacket that hasn't been said before. The leather was stiff in the beginning, but has since softened up very nicely. The construction of this jacket is excellent. I've had it for a few years now and there really is no sign of wear on the leather or the lining or the seams for that matter. By all indications, this jacket should last quite a long time. All the materials used are meant to last. G&B's customer service is excellent as well. Heck, they were even willing to fix my Wested for me when I couldn't get it done by the maker. That really says something to me. G&B is a great looking jacket, a little more expensive, but worth the money.

U.S. Wings - When KOTCS came out, I jumped on one of the limited edition jackets. I loved it. The leather was incredibly soft and the construction was excellent. The pattern of the Wings is not SA, but I like it. I think it has the right feel for an Indy jacket. I also ordered one of their lambskin jackets at the same time, just to compare the leather, and I have to say that they use a very nice lambskin. It's much thicker than the Wested lambskin I owned, and seems much more durable. And you really can't go wrong with Wings. It's a good jacket for a good price and maintains a very Indy look. Their customer service is exceptional as well.

Todd's - I'm a little disappointed with Todd's, but only because the XXL didn't fit me. I had to return it, but in the brief amount of time I had it, I was able to check it out thoroughly. While I can't speak of its long-term durability, I can say that just handling the jacket, the leather felt very thin. On the up side, it is very, very accurate to what you see in Raiders. I loved the sliders on the side straps. For $150 you can't really go wrong with Todd's. Oh, and he is a real gentleman to talk to.

Tony Nowak - This is the most recent jacket that I've purchased, and hopefully, the last. As far as I'm concerned, my search for the ultimate Indy jacket ended with my TN. The leather is like no other that I have ever handled on any Indy jacket. Including the LE Wings. I don't know if he did something special to it himself, but it is the softest cowhide I've ever felt. The lining is like no other that I've felt either. I can't even begin to describe how comfortable this jacket was right out of the box. It was made to my measurements, and it just fits like MY jacket. It's a hard thing to explain unless you've experienced it yourself. The quality and workmanship on this jacket really show. I love the look of this jacket too. Not only the pattern, but the distressing that Tony does to it as well. The funny thing about this jacket is that the pattern is exactly the same as the Paramount Cooper that I have. Tony is fantastic to work with, and I've never had a more personal experience with a vendor. He really seemed to care about me and getting me the exact jacket that I wanted. He did just that. This jacket is worth every penny when you consider that not only are you getting a jacket of the finest quality, craftsmanship, materials, and construction, but also custom made.

I don't know if this is going to help you make your decision, but I thought I would put it out there since I've already been through what a lot of people just starting out will most likely go through themselves.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 5:36 pm

It's hard to argue with a guy that's tried them all (except for a Magnoli).

Post by **Holt** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 5:39 pm

I have a Magnoli.all I can say that it is TOP shelf.the construction.the leather.the style.the custom fit.ALL wonderfull.

if you would go for a Magnoli you would not be dissapointed

Holt

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 5:47 pm

I have an otr wested and I really love it.I honestly have had some stiches pop already and only owned 5 months, but it's just a cool jacket. For a starter Indy jacket collector I find it's a good choise. I'm saving for the Tony Nowak jacket but it will take some time. Todds is a good starter too.The other question is are you going to wear it all the time, or a costume piece or show piece. I wear my wested everyday and since I got it fixed no problems. good luck

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 8:50 pm

Wait, where's Belstaff in all of this? P)

I have a 2000 Wested LC, and had a 2001 G&B Expo. Also briefly had a 2000/2001 Wested Raiders. Waiting for a TN CS. The G&B was built very well. As I've mentioned, I've broken both arms while wearing it, in a motorcycle accident. But it never looked like a "Raiders" jacket on me (looks great on Mark Seven!). Maybe it was the fit. The Westeds are a bit more of a crapshoot. I couldn't believe how badly made that Raiders jacket was, although it really looked the part when I was wearing it. My LC jacket doesn't look the part, because it still looks brand new. It's a nice looking jacket though, and I'm keeping it new looking as a "dressy" leather jacket. And yet, the pocket stitching is coming loose... (Mind you, these days Westeds are reputed to be much better made).

The CS jacket, well, what can you say. If you truly want a screen-accurate jacket, I don't think it can be beat. And from what I've seen so far, it's very well constructed. So after weeks of deciding between a new Wested Raiders jacket, and a TN CS, I voted with my dollars on the TN. It's not my favourite style, but I'll never lose sleep again on K vs X box stitching on the jacket.

I just had this discussion with my wife. In the end, only Indyfans are impressed with the pedigree of an Indy jacket

And in the end, we're the only ones to notice or be concerned with small details. Sure, it's cool to tell that girl "Yeah, this was handmade by the same guy who made the jackets for Harrison Ford" but it's never gotten me a date.

Man, is it ever fun, tho, huh? I guess it's the jacket that makes you hear that theme music in your head the loudest.

CM · Post by CM » Thu Oct 23, 2008 9:06 pm

Belstaff hasn't been mentioned because frankly hardly anyone has one...

Canada Jones · Post by **Canada Jones** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:46 pm

[quote="Baldwyn"]Sure, it's cool to tell that girl "Yeah, this was handmade by the same guy who made the jackets for Harrison Ford" [quote]

Again, I ask - Does Tony hand make the Jackets himself or does he have people that do that? Perhaps I missed this somewhere in the many pages of posts on the TN jacket.
thanks
Canada
PS Enjoy your jacket Baldwyn!

junior · Post by **junior** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:23 am

IMHO, which doesn't mean much, I think if you took a Wested, Cooper, G&B, Todd's, Mag, Wings, and a TN - all size 40R - and had 7 men of the same build wearing one of each at the same time and asked a group of Indy fans, who grew up with the movies from the beginning, which jacket best captures and oozes "Indiana Jones" the most, I think it would have to be the Todd's custom.

For now, I think the Todd's jacket has a cut and fit about it that most emmulates the originality of the jackets distinctive character.

But like i said, that's just MHO.

junior

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:28 am

junior wrote:IMHO, which doesn't mean much, I think if you took a Wested, Cooper, G&B, Todd's, Mag, Wings, and a TN - all size 40R - and had 7 men of the same build wearing one of each at the same time and asked a group of Indy fans, who grew up with the movies from the beginning, which jacket best captures and oozes "Indiana Jones" the most, I think it would have to be the Todd's custom.

For now, I think the Todd's jacket has a cut and fit about it that most emmulates the originality of the jackets distinctive character.

But like i said, that's just MHO.

junior

not fair.....haven't seen a TN raiders on a body yet.......

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 12:29 am

Canada Jones wrote:
Baldwyn wrote:Sure, it's cool to tell that girl "Yeah, this was handmade by the same guy who made the jackets for Harrison Ford"

Again, I ask - Does Tony hand make the Jackets himself or does he have people that do that? Perhaps I missed this somewhere in the many pages of posts on the TN jacket.
thanks
Canada
PS Enjoy your jacket Baldwyn!

As far as I know he makes them himself. This is the impression I have from him and it has been stated here by others.
It's part of the reason the price is what it is.
It's the reason it can take a while to get the finished jacket.
Now if people would just quit calling him to ask about the Raiders jacket source for a while....

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:17 am

I've never had any quality issues with my Westeds.

1) This lambskin was my first, I wore it day to day for nearly 3 years. Not a single stitch is out of place. I did wear 2 vertical 1" slits in the bottom of the rear liner but that is pure wear on the satin. It gets an occasion wipe down with Letap and no other special treatment. When not wearing it, it sometimes ends up on the floor sometime on the coatrack.

2) This Novapelle is my current favourite. Now over a year of wearing it as much as possible. Nothing wrong with anything. Often gets thrown on the ground. Last time I was taking pics at Wested I threw it on the gravel carpark whilst hanging up a new one to snap. I caught Peter's eye, "That's my one!" I ensured him

. It occasionally gets a light dressing of pecards.

3) 12 year old lambskin, I bought from someone else. Have put it through the washing machine and wore for only a few of months. No problems with any materials or construction, still had the original liner. Sold on and still regretting it.

4) Horse hide was a gift from another member on another board. He told me there was a popped stitch somewhere but can't find it. This has also been through a washing machine. But hasn't had a lot of wear from me, I find it a little heavy personally.

My pockets get used, I have a big bunch of keys that are usually in my handwarmers when not driving, a mobile phone goes in another usually with any change I have. (Yeah the phone isn't liking that too much).

PS: I do sometimes get out of London!

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:08 am

Lynn Canyon?

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:12 am

RCSignals wrote:Lynn Canyon?

Yup!

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:13 am

Great collection Kt!

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:13 am

If you asked Indy he might say that Donegal Tweed he got married in !!.......but we're just interested in the leather ones I presume !!

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:17 pm

Hatch wrote:If you asked Indy he might say that Donegal Tweed he got married in !!.......but we're just interested in the leather ones I presume !!

Are you sure it wasn't Harris Tweed? ;-)

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:20 pm

I don't know about you, I thought both the Marshall college chase jacket and the finale jacket were both about the ugliest things I've ever seen Indy wearing.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:30 pm

I thought I heard Donnegal on Features DVD from Bernie but coud be wrong but he talks about the color etc.on one of the segments on the new DVD

Satipo · Post by **Satipo** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:50 pm

Kt Templar wrote:I don't know about you, I thought both the Marshall college chase jacket and the finale jacket were both about the ugliest things I've ever seen Indy wearing.

I've got to agree. I think Indy lost his sense of style in this movie.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:13 pm

Satipo wrote:
Kt Templar wrote:I don't know about you, I thought both the Marshall college chase jacket and the finale jacket were both about the ugliest things I've ever seen Indy wearing.
I've got to agree. I think Indy lost his sense of style in this movie.

It happens.

As I write this, I am looking at a professor on my monitor that is currently teaching an aviation system class in applied mechanics in one of my video production classrooms.

I have seen old videotapes of him teaching over 25 years ago, and he was one snappy dresser, complete with suit and tie.

Today he's wearing a blazer that is two sizes to small for him, a flannel shirt, a pair of Old Navy trousers, and worn out tennis shoes.

Once tenure is secured, it's down hill from there....or so it seems. ;-)

But, with that said, at least Lucas/Spielberg got THAT right, based on my daily personal experiences with professors of 'higher education'.

Regards! Michaelson