Why are Nowaks' so great?
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What is a long time? How much 10-20-30 years?Raider S wrote:Dutch, we get it, you don't like the Nowak jackets too much. But do you really think the jackets won't be durable? Do you think he uses self-destructing thread or some sort of super entropic leather?
It's not like the Indy jacket was his first try at a jacket; he's been at this a long time and am sure he know how to make things that will last a bit. He even tells people to wear and abuse the jackets, not look at them.
I'm just saying, its a bit silly to praise him so much, since the indy 1 jacket has only been around 2-3 months and there is still no proof. Now that doesn't take away it looks good. But the fact remains we don't know how durable the hide is. Whiskeyman ripped his while doing chores. It could happen to any leather, but lamb is usually considdered more fragile than other leathers.
And please stop trying to FORM my opinions for me. I never said such a thing.
You're right, Dutch.Dutch_jones wrote:What is a long time? How much 10-20-30 years?Raider S wrote:Dutch, we get it, you don't like the Nowak jackets too much. But do you really think the jackets won't be durable? Do you think he uses self-destructing thread or some sort of super entropic leather?
It's not like the Indy jacket was his first try at a jacket; he's been at this a long time and am sure he know how to make things that will last a bit. He even tells people to wear and abuse the jackets, not look at them.
I'm just saying, its a bit silly to praise him so much, since the indy 1 jacket has only been around 2-3 months and there is still no proof. Now that doesn't take away it looks good. But the fact remains we don't know how durable the hide is. Whiskeyman ripped his while doing chores. It could happen to any leather, but lamb is usually considdered more fragile than other leathers.
And please stop trying to FORM my opinions for me. I never said such a thing.
thats why he has the Indy1 in other leather offerings as well.casue I am sure that by his long experience in leather jackets,he knows that lamb is the weakest one.it will rip if you get it caught with something sharp.
Tony says to beat the poop out of the lamb.that doest mean it wont rip.he never said anything about not ripping.
just like Peter.when people got the wested lamb 10 years ago,Peter said the same thing.beat the poop out of the jacket.(I know agent5 can confirm) but he didnt say anything about not ripping.of course it will rip if you treat it like you dont care....
thats why both vendors offer the jacket in stronger hides.
just shared my thoughts thats all..
Tony says to beat the poop out of the lamb.that doest mean it wont rip.he never said anything about not ripping.
just like Peter.when people got the wested lamb 10 years ago,Peter said the same thing.beat the poop out of the jacket.(I know agent5 can confirm) but he didnt say anything about not ripping.of course it will rip if you treat it like you dont care....
thats why both vendors offer the jacket in stronger hides.
just shared my thoughts thats all..
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Excellent point, crismans.crismans wrote:This is also a thread as to Nowaks in general. Not the Indy I and shrunken lamb specifically.
In case anyone has forgotten what the original question was, here it is again:
Let's get it back on the rails.What's so special about a Tony Nowak coat. Im not trying to imply they're not good It's just Ive never seen one. I tried looking at some online bu never seemed to get many images. Anyone want to enlighten me a little?
Regards! Michaelson
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Dutch_jones wrote:Whiskeyman ripped his while doing chores
Not a typical "chore," if you ask me. Having cut and carried Christmas trees plenty in the past, a lambskin jacket from any manufacturer wouldn't be my first choice of a jacket to wear anyway. Lots of sharp branches and pointy bits. Maybe I'd wear a goatskin or horsehide jacket, in that situation, but I'd prefer the warmth of a heavy wool jacket. That's just me. But to date, I haven't had any issues with my shrunken lamb Nowak jacket. I certainly haven't babied it.whiskyman wrote:It got torn while carrying a xmas tree. I was going to get it repaired locally, when it got damaged again - rather more seriously. I don't want to discuss it though as Tony is kindly sorting it out and making it good as new.
The only thing i will say about the shrunken lamb is that it is not the hide for me.
Is it just as silly to praise Peter just because he's been making jackets for x number of years? Or Wings? G&B? Todds? What's the difference with Tony, then? The reason why any maker of any product receives praise is because of customer satisfaction, be it one customer or a million. If a customer is completely satisfied with a product, he or she will recommend it based off that experience. If a customer is unhappy with a product, that often gets shared, too. Most customers also base their experience off products they've had direct and personal experience with, though that doesn't always seem to be the case around these parts.
Any opinion I make or share regarding any piece of gear comes from my own experience in owning, handling, or comparing things side by side. If I don't have such experience with a product, I usually don't say anything. I prefer to make educated assessments. As it stands, I have been fortunate enough to own or handle jackets from every major player in this game.
Either way, if you get a Nowak/Wested/G&B/Wings/Todds jacket, it should be because of your own research and homework in the matter and because you are personally drawn to it. The final choice should have little, if anything, to do with the biases, egos, or opinions of others, but with the needs and wants of what you want in a jacket. Personally, I love my Nowak and I've shared my personal opinions of it with those who have PM'ed me. But I have never told them to buy a Nowak, or any jacket, for that matter. It's not my choice to make.
Whiskyman was right when he said, "The only thing i will say about the shrunken lamb is that it is not the hide for me." But that doesn't mean it's not the right hide for others. A Nowak isn't the right jacket for everybody, but neither is a Wested, G&B, Wings, or Todds. Choose wisely, my friends, and choose for yourself.
And (as Michaelson posted while I was typing) we should get this one back on track.
Dutch,
I think you've been around here long enough to know that the Nowak is the new 'flavor of the month' around here. It's a relatively new offering and so many people here, as per usual, go a little overboard with exuberance about something new that is also good.
Remember the overbearing praise for the AB when it hit and some of the stupid comments that went along with it? "Steve Delk for President!" Then there was my personal favorite...a member who was actually serious about putting his AB in a glass display so nothing would happen to it and it never be worn. What a waste of a good hat. There were people claiming to be the best hat ever when a good deal more than half of those claiming it had never seen half the other offerings. Everyone an expert.
On the flipside though, a good deal of people are just happy to see something new, something nice and be able to discuss it. It's just that some of the praise is a bit over the top which happens around here.
Of course, these products (AB and Nowak) are incredibly good products and worthy of praise. Some people just take it too far is all. I spoke with Steve about it a while back and even he knew where I was coming from. I'm glad he understood I was never bashing him or his product, but some of the stupid comments coming from members. In many ways I feel the same about the Nowak. I've read nothing but good things about Tony and have heard firsthand from friends about how good his product is. It's just that some people here make it seem as though they are head over heels in love with him. Odd indeed that with some it seems more personal and more about Tony that his product.
I think you've been around here long enough to know that the Nowak is the new 'flavor of the month' around here. It's a relatively new offering and so many people here, as per usual, go a little overboard with exuberance about something new that is also good.
Remember the overbearing praise for the AB when it hit and some of the stupid comments that went along with it? "Steve Delk for President!" Then there was my personal favorite...a member who was actually serious about putting his AB in a glass display so nothing would happen to it and it never be worn. What a waste of a good hat. There were people claiming to be the best hat ever when a good deal more than half of those claiming it had never seen half the other offerings. Everyone an expert.
On the flipside though, a good deal of people are just happy to see something new, something nice and be able to discuss it. It's just that some of the praise is a bit over the top which happens around here.
Of course, these products (AB and Nowak) are incredibly good products and worthy of praise. Some people just take it too far is all. I spoke with Steve about it a while back and even he knew where I was coming from. I'm glad he understood I was never bashing him or his product, but some of the stupid comments coming from members. In many ways I feel the same about the Nowak. I've read nothing but good things about Tony and have heard firsthand from friends about how good his product is. It's just that some people here make it seem as though they are head over heels in love with him. Odd indeed that with some it seems more personal and more about Tony that his product.
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I can't speak for the product, having not owned one of Tony's jackets, but I have spoken to him twice recently, both times at length.
All I can say is he knows his stuff, and sells his product well.
It's the high level of customer service that he offers that perhaps many here at COW have simply never received before from other vendors.
He called me in Australia, and we spoke for about fifteen minutes.
That can't be cheap. And the conversation wasn't rushed. He offered alternatives to my jacket choices, spoke about how he came to be making the Indy jackets in the first place, discussed different types of leather.
Maybe my praise is a little over the top too, but I know when it comes time to order, it will be money well spent, and I will have no reservations.
And yes, I'm aware I was a doubter at first too. I did not like the shrunken lamb until I saw Chris King's jacket.
Now I want one!
All I can say is he knows his stuff, and sells his product well.
It's the high level of customer service that he offers that perhaps many here at COW have simply never received before from other vendors.
He called me in Australia, and we spoke for about fifteen minutes.
That can't be cheap. And the conversation wasn't rushed. He offered alternatives to my jacket choices, spoke about how he came to be making the Indy jackets in the first place, discussed different types of leather.
Maybe my praise is a little over the top too, but I know when it comes time to order, it will be money well spent, and I will have no reservations.
And yes, I'm aware I was a doubter at first too. I did not like the shrunken lamb until I saw Chris King's jacket.
Now I want one!
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Heh, thats it exactly ! Thanks !agent5 wrote:Dutch,
I think you've been around here long enough to know that the Nowak is the new 'flavor of the month' around here. It's a relatively new offering and so many people here, as per usual, go a little overboard with exuberance about something new that is also good.
Remember the overbearing praise for the AB when it hit and some of the stupid comments that went along with it? "Steve Delk for President!" Then there was my personal favorite...a member who was actually serious about putting his AB in a glass display so nothing would happen to it and it never be worn. What a waste of a good hat. There were people claiming to be the best hat ever when a good deal more than half of those claiming it had never seen half the other offerings. Everyone an expert.
On the flipside though, a good deal of people are just happy to see something new, something nice and be able to discuss it. It's just that some of the praise is a bit over the top which happens around here.
Of course, these products (AB and Nowak) are incredibly good products and worthy of praise. Some people just take it too far is all. I spoke with Steve about it a while back and even he knew where I was coming from. I'm glad he understood I was never bashing him or his product, but some of the stupid comments coming from members. In many ways I feel the same about the Nowak. I've read nothing but good things about Tony and have heard firsthand from friends about how good his product is. It's just that some people here make it seem as though they are head over heels in love with him. Odd indeed that with some it seems more personal and more about Tony that his product.
Go back into the Nowak threads and see how many times people have complained about poor workmanship, stitches pulling out, pockets falling off after a couple months of casual use, linings coming out, wavy seems, sleeves a different shade than the body, etc. Now look at how many times people complained about their order never arriving, Tony sending them something they didn't ask for, Tony getting the specs wrong, etc.
OK, a guy ripped a jacket carrying a tree. Personally, I'm not into lamb jackets so I can't claim to know how strong one should be but a tear in the leather itself has nothing to do woth the quality of the construction - lamb is not a work jacket, goat probably isn't either. If you want a work jacket to clear brush, get a Carhartt.
I also remember a guy who had some sort of stain on his jacket. I have no idea what the circumstances were. A chemical thing, a defect from the tanning, whatever. But again it had nothing to do with the construction.
In both the above cases, from what I understand, Tony made things right. And when there have been sizing problems or maybe even things overlooked, Tony did his best to make those right.
For some people it always comes down to Wested and how you can get a great jacket for $250. Well bravo. As far as quality, I personally wouldn't pay much more for a Wested. Yes, for the price they have some nice things, but along with that you also get miserable email communication, you don't get anywere close to the personal service you get with Tony, and IMO you don't get anywhere near the level of customization you get with Tony.
And that's what Tony's all about - giving his customers the jacket THEY want. Talk to Tony and the man will tell you there's nothing he can't do and he wants YOU to be happy. He knows his jackets are expensive and makes no excuses for that. He know's his jackets aren't for everyone but when he has a customer he makes them feel good about the process.
Most importantly, Tony made the CS jackets and is working from the exact patterns he had. There's little grey area here. People are getting the closest replica of an actual Indy jacket possible from the man himself. With his Raiders he's using a screen-used hero jacket (yes, everyone wants photos of the original) and Tony is a master at duplicating things. Speak with Bernie Pollack about that.
Now with Wested you get a certificate that says made from original patterns. Any takers on that one?
By the way, I own Wested and think they're great. I just don't have to #### anyone else to appreciate other options.
Bottom line - Tony has a great product because of how he treats the people who pay a top dollar to get it. There's no reason to believe a Nowak jacket won't last longer than anyting else out there.
OK, a guy ripped a jacket carrying a tree. Personally, I'm not into lamb jackets so I can't claim to know how strong one should be but a tear in the leather itself has nothing to do woth the quality of the construction - lamb is not a work jacket, goat probably isn't either. If you want a work jacket to clear brush, get a Carhartt.
I also remember a guy who had some sort of stain on his jacket. I have no idea what the circumstances were. A chemical thing, a defect from the tanning, whatever. But again it had nothing to do with the construction.
In both the above cases, from what I understand, Tony made things right. And when there have been sizing problems or maybe even things overlooked, Tony did his best to make those right.
For some people it always comes down to Wested and how you can get a great jacket for $250. Well bravo. As far as quality, I personally wouldn't pay much more for a Wested. Yes, for the price they have some nice things, but along with that you also get miserable email communication, you don't get anywere close to the personal service you get with Tony, and IMO you don't get anywhere near the level of customization you get with Tony.
And that's what Tony's all about - giving his customers the jacket THEY want. Talk to Tony and the man will tell you there's nothing he can't do and he wants YOU to be happy. He knows his jackets are expensive and makes no excuses for that. He know's his jackets aren't for everyone but when he has a customer he makes them feel good about the process.
Most importantly, Tony made the CS jackets and is working from the exact patterns he had. There's little grey area here. People are getting the closest replica of an actual Indy jacket possible from the man himself. With his Raiders he's using a screen-used hero jacket (yes, everyone wants photos of the original) and Tony is a master at duplicating things. Speak with Bernie Pollack about that.
Now with Wested you get a certificate that says made from original patterns. Any takers on that one?
By the way, I own Wested and think they're great. I just don't have to #### anyone else to appreciate other options.
Bottom line - Tony has a great product because of how he treats the people who pay a top dollar to get it. There's no reason to believe a Nowak jacket won't last longer than anyting else out there.
Actually, no. He has a good product due to his expertise in craftsmanship and source materials. It is his moral standing that allows him to treat people the way he does. He can still put out an amazing and expensive product and be a jerk. We're just lucky thats not how it is.Tony has a great product because of how he treats the people who pay a top dollar to get it.
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very well put, Raider S.....i couldn't have said it better myself.
btw, you don't need an outfit to be in business a long time to figure out if their products are durable and last over time, considering you have a comperable product that HAS lastetd the time period and can make comparisons between the two.
i have many jackets....good, cheap, expensively good, expensively cheap, bargain for the quality, vintage quality, vintage garbage....you name it....and no, i'm not constrained to just indy offerings. i have no hesitation in saying that my TN cowhide jackets will endure the apocolypse.....there is only one other 'fashion' jacket in my collection that could give it a run for the money as far as durability goes and its from a manufacturer that i've never heard of before (i think they are either italian or british). the other jackets that wouldn't really be a fair comparison to my TN's are my motorcycle leathers. the TN is built as strong as these, but of course motorcycle leathers will outlast the TN if you dump your bike going 50 mph.
opinions of durability based on how long the product has been on the market is foolish. you don't go up to a new millitary tank rolling off the assembly line and ask, "i wonder if this thing can last 10 years".....
btw, you don't need an outfit to be in business a long time to figure out if their products are durable and last over time, considering you have a comperable product that HAS lastetd the time period and can make comparisons between the two.
i have many jackets....good, cheap, expensively good, expensively cheap, bargain for the quality, vintage quality, vintage garbage....you name it....and no, i'm not constrained to just indy offerings. i have no hesitation in saying that my TN cowhide jackets will endure the apocolypse.....there is only one other 'fashion' jacket in my collection that could give it a run for the money as far as durability goes and its from a manufacturer that i've never heard of before (i think they are either italian or british). the other jackets that wouldn't really be a fair comparison to my TN's are my motorcycle leathers. the TN is built as strong as these, but of course motorcycle leathers will outlast the TN if you dump your bike going 50 mph.
opinions of durability based on how long the product has been on the market is foolish. you don't go up to a new millitary tank rolling off the assembly line and ask, "i wonder if this thing can last 10 years".....
Your response is attempting to bait people into the shrunken lamb thing or point out any negative you can.
I don't know what emails you sent or what you said, but maybe he dosen't want to send a leather sample. Are you going to buy a jacket?
I also see you're calling his shrunken lamb crispe'. That's from another thread where there was the beginings of a peeing match between vendors happening.
First time I tried to call Tony I got an answering machine that was too full to leave a message. Tried the next day, got through to Tony and he said let me call you right back then five minutes later talked to me for an hour with all kinds of interesting stories on his dime. After an order he does email but they are short and to the point - Tony works on the phone.
So no, I've nver had any email problems with Tony. He has answered me then followed up with a call if needed. He even asks for emails to confirm things mentioned over the phone.
Bottom line: Tony makes a customer feel like they're the most important customer the guy has. And you know buying one jacket from Tony isn't going to make or break him and he doesn't "need" my business but makes me feel like he does. I don't hero worship the guy and don't even really know him, but appreciate his good nature.
EDIT - I see Dutch has removed his post. Oh well.
I don't know what emails you sent or what you said, but maybe he dosen't want to send a leather sample. Are you going to buy a jacket?
I also see you're calling his shrunken lamb crispe'. That's from another thread where there was the beginings of a peeing match between vendors happening.
First time I tried to call Tony I got an answering machine that was too full to leave a message. Tried the next day, got through to Tony and he said let me call you right back then five minutes later talked to me for an hour with all kinds of interesting stories on his dime. After an order he does email but they are short and to the point - Tony works on the phone.
So no, I've nver had any email problems with Tony. He has answered me then followed up with a call if needed. He even asks for emails to confirm things mentioned over the phone.
Bottom line: Tony makes a customer feel like they're the most important customer the guy has. And you know buying one jacket from Tony isn't going to make or break him and he doesn't "need" my business but makes me feel like he does. I don't hero worship the guy and don't even really know him, but appreciate his good nature.
EDIT - I see Dutch has removed his post. Oh well.
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There is nothing over the top about that. You are relating your personal experience to this point. However, there are a few here who will read it and apply the you "are head over heels in love with him" line.Kevin Anderson wrote:I can't speak for the product, having not owned one of Tony's jackets, but I have spoken to him twice recently, both times at length.
All I can say is he knows his stuff, and sells his product well.
It's the high level of customer service that he offers that perhaps many here at COW have simply never received before from other vendors.
He called me in Australia, and we spoke for about fifteen minutes.
That can't be cheap. And the conversation wasn't rushed. He offered alternatives to my jacket choices, spoke about how he came to be making the Indy jackets in the first place, discussed different types of leather.
Maybe my praise is a little over the top too, but I know when it comes time to order, it will be money well spent, and I will have no reservations.
And yes, I'm aware I was a doubter at first too. I did not like the shrunken lamb until I saw Chris King's jacket.
Now I want one!
This experience is important, but in the end it is about the product. You know now that Tony doesn't just want to sell you a jacket, he wants to make sure you get the jacket you want, and that you will be happy with it. It isn't just about taking an order. There are some who simply do not understand that.
agent5 wrote:Dutch,
I think you've been around here long enough to know that the Nowak is the new 'flavor of the month' around here. It's a relatively new offering and so many people here, as per usual, go a little overboard with exuberance about something new that is also good.
Remember the overbearing praise for the AB when it hit and some of the stupid comments that went along with it? "Steve Delk for President!" Then there was my personal favorite...a member who was actually serious about putting his AB in a glass display so nothing would happen to it and it never be worn. What a waste of a good hat. There were people claiming to be the best hat ever when a good deal more than half of those claiming it had never seen half the other offerings. Everyone an expert.
On the flipside though, a good deal of people are just happy to see something new, something nice and be able to discuss it. It's just that some of the praise is a bit over the top which happens around here.
Of course, these products (AB and Nowak) are incredibly good products and worthy of praise. Some people just take it too far is all. I spoke with Steve about it a while back and even he knew where I was coming from. I'm glad he understood I was never bashing him or his product, but some of the stupid comments coming from members. In many ways I feel the same about the Nowak. I've read nothing but good things about Tony and have heard firsthand from friends about how good his product is. It's just that some people here make it seem as though they are head over heels in love with him. Odd indeed that with some it seems more personal and more about Tony that his product.
Many good points here. I’ve always hated the flavor of the month mentality on this board. On the other hand I fall into some of the categories that agent5 is “complaining” about (for lack of a better adjective). One of the reasons that I bought a TN was that I really like Tony. But that’s just as good a reason to buy a product as any, I guess. But I will say that I didn’t have an interest in the CS jacket before I met Tony, or after I met Tony and saw the jacket in the flesh. The Indy 1 was a completely different story. I was interested in the jacket before I met Tony, or saw one in the flesh. After I met him and saw the jacket, I was sold.
But it’s not for everyone. I liken it to a really good-looking woman that is perhaps not as “good looking” inside (forgive the sexism). Sometimes you don’t want to deal with it. Just the nature of a lambskin hide means that you can’t really get into it like you can with a well-made goatskin jacket. On the other hand, I wear this thing a lot. It looks like the movie jacket, has a great feel, and looks cool to boot. Tony did a helluva job.
However, if I had to choose the “best made Indiana Jones jacket” on the market (and this is perhaps splitting hairs), it would still be a Gibson & Barnes Expedition. This comes after living with these jackets for a while. Also the G&B is the most functional of all of them. The pleats actually work. Not everyone is after functionality, however. I wasn’t when I bought a TN Indy 1, which is not to say that TONY didn’t make hidden improvements on the original Raiders "junk" design.
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Exactly. That is the experience. Those who have never spoken to Tony do not understand this, yet the same people are for some reason, some of the most outspoken and critical about Tony and his product.Raider S wrote:..............
First time I tried to call Tony I got an answering machine that was too full to leave a message. Tried the next day, got through to Tony and he said let me call you right back then five minutes later talked to me for an hour with all kinds of interesting stories on his dime. After an order he does email but they are short and to the point - Tony works on the phone.
So no, I've nver had any email problems with Tony. He has answered me then followed up with a call if needed. He even asks for emails to confirm things mentioned over the phone.
Bottom line: Tony makes a customer feel like they're the most important customer the guy has. And you know buying one jacket from Tony isn't going to make or break him and he doesn't "need" my business but makes me feel like he does. I don't hero worship the guy and don't even really know him, but appreciate his good nature.
..........
People wonder why I tell them to call Tony when they whinge on the topic of him, his jackets, leather etc. This is the reason "- Tony works on the phone."
It has nothing to do with hero worship, 'love' or anything else.
No complaints here, Run. I'm just calling em' as I see em'. Flavor of the month is just a term to describe the hype of any product here, but I know you know that. It's just a general cycle around here that dies down after a while as it did with the AB. It just takes some settling down time to become more the norm than the hot new thing.
You still don't get it. If I'm having a discussion with other gearheads about a Nowak jacket that doesn't mean I should nor need to run and pick up the phone to discuss it with or ask questions of Tony. It's just...not...necessary. I especially don't think it necessary if I had something negative to say about his choice of leather. That would be downright rude and uncalled for and on top of that I know he has other leathers to choose from so it would be kind of poinless. If I wanted to buy a jacket or DID have a legitimate question I wanted to ask I would not hesitate to call him. It's apparent Tony works best on the phone. His absence on this forum sort of hints at why he does. I personally like the phone coorespondence at a heck of a lot more than going back and forth through e-mails.People wonder why I tell them to call Tony when they whinge on the topic of him, his jackets, leather etc. This is the reason "- Tony works on the phone."
I should have used the word "observation". I couldn't think of it at the time.agent5 wrote:No complaints here, Run. I'm just calling em' as I see em'. Flavor of the month is just a term to describe the hype of any product here, but I know you know that. It's just a general cycle around here that dies down after a while as it did with the AB. It just takes some settling down time to become more the norm than the hot new thing.
I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
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agent5 wrote:
You still don't get it. If I'm having a discussion with other gearheads about a Nowak jacket that doesn't mean I should nor need to run and pick up the phone to discuss it with or ask questions of Tony. It's just...not...necessary. I especially don't think it necessary if I had something negative to say about his choice of leather. That would be downright rude and uncalled for and on top of that I know he has other leathers to choose from so it would be kind of poinless. If I wanted to buy a jacket or DID have a legitimate question I wanted to ask I would not hesitate to call him. It's apparent Tony works best on the phone. His absence on this forum sort of hints at why he does. I personally like the phone coorespondence at a heck of a lot more than going back and forth through e-mails.People wonder why I tell them to call Tony when they whinge on the topic of him, his jackets, leather etc. This is the reason "- Tony works on the phone."
You ...still...don't...get....it. I have never suggested any one call him to 'complain'. Far from it. I don't know why you would think that is the intent. Some people, not necessarily you, have asked questions of details that only he can answer. They expect answers from other people who really can't make an answer. What's the point there?
There is nothing wrong with gearheads making discussion at all, but when specific answers are wanted that can't be satisfied in the discussion, there is only one place to go. Some for whatever reason don't want to go there. Perhaps they really don't want to know.
Who would call just to 'complain' and be negative?
- Indiana G
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you wouldn't be able to understand his posts cuz they'd be littered with "######## ####" through out the message with sporatic words in CAPITAL LETTERS.....Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
.......just kiddin
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I agree. I don't think he'd understand all the talk over a jacket, especially the leather.Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
I also prefer that changes and adjustments to the product be kept to an individual request basis.
oh my god.I was just about to post the same thing G,just another proof aout how alike we think huh ;-)Indiana G wrote:you wouldn't be able to understand his posts cuz they'd be littered with "######## ####" through out the message with sporatic words in CAPITAL LETTERS.....Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
.......just kiddin
- Indiana G
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Indiana Holt wrote:oh my god.I was just about to post the same thing G,just another proof aout how alike we think huh ;-)Indiana G wrote:you wouldn't be able to understand his posts cuz they'd be littered with "######## ####" through out the message with sporatic words in CAPITAL LETTERS.....Raider S wrote:I'm glad Tony doesn't get involved directly with the forums. If he weren't as open when talking in person it might be different, but it's kind of nice he stays above it all and simply makes the jackets. Besides, I just don't believe he's into all the minutia the fans are.
What would get ugly is if he comes on here and starts making all sorts of little adjustments to his product based on a wide range of opinions about what people believe they see on screen.
.......just kiddin
"great minds" my friend
now, get to work carving out a hatblock and make me a hat
- Michaelson
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Ok, last call. Let's try and force this thread back to the question at hand...
Regards! Michaelson
If it continues down the path it keeps turning to, it's going away.What's so special about a Tony Nowak coat. Im not trying to imply they're not good It's just Ive never seen one. I tried looking at some online bu never seemed to get many images. Anyone want to enlighten me a little?
Regards! Michaelson
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I think it's pretty much been answered really.
That and there are really only two offerings in the 'Indy' realm, an Indy IV and a Raiders.
If someone wants THE Indy IV jacket this is it. If someone wants what most people agree is an accurate Raiders jacket, this is also it. A draw back for many is price, but with these 'you get what you pay for' applies.
Indiana G wrote:..............they're great because they have top notch construction (like a g&b expo) and have beautiful non-chrome tanned leather with choice of distressing.......built EXACTLY how you want it. that is why they are so great.
That and there are really only two offerings in the 'Indy' realm, an Indy IV and a Raiders.
If someone wants THE Indy IV jacket this is it. If someone wants what most people agree is an accurate Raiders jacket, this is also it. A draw back for many is price, but with these 'you get what you pay for' applies.
Simple answer then: Tony has made jackets for one of the Indy movies (a claim only a couple others can make) and he makes jackets for fans that are as close to true custom as you can get.
Other factors might be his customer service, his attention to detail, and the fact you're getting something that's somewhat one-of-a-kind in this world where most everyone has the same shoddy plastic junk the neighbor owns.
Other factors might be his customer service, his attention to detail, and the fact you're getting something that's somewhat one-of-a-kind in this world where most everyone has the same shoddy plastic junk the neighbor owns.
- lantzn
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Customer Service
With me the customer service was out of this world. I emailed him about ordering and he responded immediately with a call. I had so many concerns on the measurements because I'd never owned a custom jacket before. He sent me a large "test" Indy jacket to try on. After that he called again, and with an XL jacket in his hands, we went over each and EVERY measurement from BOTH jackets to determine the best fit. He asked all the right questions, made a number of calls, and in the end, I got THE jacket I had hoped for.
Because he called at such odd times for a business man, evenings and weekends, my wife started to question if the guy was legitimate. She ate crow.
I love quality merchandise and this jacket is just that.
my 2 cents
Because he called at such odd times for a business man, evenings and weekends, my wife started to question if the guy was legitimate. She ate crow.
I love quality merchandise and this jacket is just that.
my 2 cents
- Indiana G
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here's another testament to why nowaks are so great. i asked my non-gearhead buddy if he thought my jacket looked old (my indy 1 in CS) or if it looked like a new jacket trying to look old. he said, "it looks like an old jacket to me, but i don't really pay attention to that kind of ####".......so there you have it.
most vendors do not offer this level of artistic distressing on an indy jacket.....the only other vendor who i would trust to order a jacket in a distressed manner is indy magnoli. both him and TN can make the jacket look like an old buddy right out of the box. who else can do that? predistressed hides look like predistressed hides and jackets made out of those still look new when they are new....i guess the only bonus to those is that they don't look like polyethylene
most vendors do not offer this level of artistic distressing on an indy jacket.....the only other vendor who i would trust to order a jacket in a distressed manner is indy magnoli. both him and TN can make the jacket look like an old buddy right out of the box. who else can do that? predistressed hides look like predistressed hides and jackets made out of those still look new when they are new....i guess the only bonus to those is that they don't look like polyethylene
- Indiana G
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what a horrible choice PSB.......are you mad??? that's not SA and you've got no proof that it is. shrunken lamb will tear as soon as a rain droplet hits it.....then it shrinks into oblivion. you'll look like you put on one of them sideshow toys jackets. just a terrible choice imo......you need to get rid of that quickly. i'll bite the bullet too and you can send it to me for disposal......it's garbage, absolute garbage!!!!PSBIndy wrote:Just bit the bullet (more like my wallet) and ordered a Raiders I in the famous (or should it be infamous?) Shrunken lamb. ETA in 10 days!
just kidding my friend........you're gonna love it!!!! can't wait to see some pics........
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Well, after listening to Tony rant and rave for 1 hour on the phone about the "special" qualities of the shrunken lamb, how can one not be excited? ...esp. when he told me that he's made a special one for T. Leonard who told him, "This is the one."crismans wrote:Can't wait to see what you think of it, PSB. It's a special jacket.
Man, I tell you, the guy can sell an ice cube to an Eskimo....how can anyone say no to Tony?
I was going back and forth between the shrunken lamb and the goat......in the end, I went with the shrunken lamb because I figured this is a "signature" hide you can only get from Tony and I wanted that "look" above all else. (Besides, I already have 2 Wested goats).
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I'm glad you had a chance to discuss the hide with Tony.PSBIndy wrote:
Well, after listening to Tony rant and rave for 1 hour on the phone about the "special" qualities of the shrunken lamb, how can one not be excited? ...esp. when he told me that he's made a special one for T. Leonard who told him, "This is the one."
Man, I tell you, the guy can sell an ice cube to an Eskimo....how can anyone say no to Tony?
.......
Thing is there is no hard sell with him. He'd rather have you sure about the hide and jacket than even sell you one.
Tony would have no problem with you asking for goat or even not wanting a jacket after an hour of discussion.
I think you made a great choice personally.
- Don't Call Me Junior!
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That's definitely a great way of looking at it, PSBI. I would definitely call it Tony's "Signature" hide even though he does offer others. The fact that some people love it and other's hate it for the Indy jacket aside, your new jacket will stand out from all of the rest. It will also, when you look just a little closer, stand out from the other Tony Nowak "Signature" hides out there. In character "this is the one" but in reality there are no two exactly alike. Your Tony Nowak "Signature" Indy I reproduction will truly be uniquely yours.PSBIndy wrote:Well, after listening to Tony rant and rave for 1 hour on the phone about the "special" qualities of the shrunken lamb, how can one not be excited? ...esp. when he told me that he's made a special one for T. Leonard who told him, "This is the one."crismans wrote:Can't wait to see what you think of it, PSB. It's a special jacket.
I was going back and forth between the shrunken lamb and the goat......in the end, I went with the shrunken lamb because I figured this is a "signature" hide you can only get from Tony and I wanted that "look" above all else. .
I talk with Tony often and he know how much I love goat and not some much lamb of any kind. I don't think he would want to make a lamb for me anyway at this point since he know where my heart is on hide. The point of this story is Tony can do what you want and he really tries to get to know what you want. I will most likley get a shrunken lamb in the future. Tony is in no way pushy he just know what he has.
That is the thing. He really doesn't push these things on you but he has such a genuine enthusiasm for the product that it rubs off on you. I've learned to already have my mind set to buy before I call, because if I'm wavering, I'll end up buying anyway. Might as well think I've made an informed, reasonable decision instead of an off the cuff emotional one.