Wested...OTR or custom for a first jacket? HELP PLEASE!

[wembley]

Ok...New boy here and obviously I'm a fan of IJ movies blah blah....So please bear with me and forgive my naivity but this is my first real step into the world of Indiana Jones replicas...

To be honest I am feeling completely lost and terrified I will be disappointed with my choice due to my fundamental lack of knowledge.

"Do your research" I hear you say.

But after trolling through pages and pages I am still no closer to ordering my first Wested...just convinced that I am more uncertain now and possibly my eyesight is deteriorating through too much use of a pc monitor!!

Anyway...I am thinking of going OTR, raiders goatskin for durabilty, although as I dont intend to rough it up that much authentic lamb hasn't been ruled out yet.

Which OTR is more accurate? Is nickel zip correct as opposed to brass?

I would go for a custom but to be honest my OCD gets the better of me and I would be convinced I would get it all wrong!

It would be simpler if Wested just made ultra SA in the skin of your choice, but I guess they have to cater for many tastes/budgets. I find the choice on Wested site and Ebay most confusing!

Itching to get a jacket and patience is not a virtue I have in abundance...I know I should really take my time to get it right and let Wested work out recent issues I have seen mentioned on here.

What would be the best all round OTR???

Any advice appreciated although may confuse me more!

Sorry for the obvious newboy questions and thanks in advance for any advice you are prepared to share.

[CM]

The problem with the idea of SA is that it is based on opinion. We all see different jackets. Why not watch Raiders on DVD and note down what you like in terms of the zip, pocket placement and size, collar, etc. Then pick the Wested which best meets those choices.

Because this choice is so personal it will have to invlove work...

Or you can do what many others do and get a jacket in Agent 5's specs. Do a search on that and you will find what many consider to be accurate.

The new OTR appear just fine. But no Wested is going to be exactly like the screen used jacket, since they are all patterns reflecting different preferences.

Wetsed's ToD jacket is in my view the closed to a SA jacket you can get anywhere. Cut from an actual ToD jacket.

That's what I would get if I was starting out today - that or a G& B expedition - well made and 90% accurate which is fine by me.

[Holt]

remember G&B is about 90% accurate of a stunt jacket.



welcome wembley!

[gwyddion]

I would say that if you want the most SA OTR wested, you should go with a ROLA Special as they don't have the leather facings the other OTR's have and have a slightly slimmer cut. If you want to get as SA as possible with Wested I would suggest you'd do some research on what specs you would want the jacket to have and order a custom.

One nice place to look is Holt's thread on his custom Wested as it looks pretty SA and has a lot of pictures.

Regards, Geert

[Indiana G]

the TN indy 4 is probably the closest jacket to screen accuracy that you will find in this day and age......everything else is just varying degrees of close enough imo.

now the question is about wested OTR or custom. for a custom order, you need to cover all your bases and be sure about all your specs. do not leave anything to chance. EG - you do not spec 'longer collar', you spec 'lengthen collar stand by 3" and collar tips by 1/8"'. this will save you alot of different custom wested iterations in the future. not only that, i truly recommend that you send wested a package which they can have in their hand instead of on the screen or whatever they print the specifications on.....too many things have the potential of being missed. now a custom order may have been taken too lightly by folks which is why they never get what they exactly want (and you can include me in that demographic.....until i grew wiser). if you specify everything to the nth degree, then i do not think you can go wrong.

now if you don't know what the nth degree is, then an OTR should suffice. less homework on your end, less worrying on whether or not it will turn out....what you see is what you get. i can honestly say that wested's OTR jackets are a great bang for the buck. if you've got an OC disorder.....these jackets will keep you happy for about 1 season

if you are an OC (like me) your best bet is to buy an OTR, then cancel your cow membership......cuz then you'll start reading more and finding out all the stuff you should have speced out....then you don't like your jacket anymore...then you want a new one......it's a viscous circle i know.......but can the folks with 6+ westeds tell me i'm wrong????

[Browncoat]

I like the look and the fit of the OTR jackets of late (at least the non 80s fit--I just don't like that particular fit); the problem is that they are not made in the UK.

If this is your first Wested, I would say go custom, have it tailored for your by your design choice. It'll be pretty special regardless of accuracy since it will be made for you by Peter and his crew.

Another alternative is Todd's Standard, after a shower treatment, the jacket just looks and acts the part.

[crismans]

if you are an OC (like me) your best bet is to buy an OTR, then cancel your cow membership......cuz then you'll start reading more and finding out all the stuff you should have speced out....then you don't like your jacket anymore...then you want a new one......it's a viscous circle i know.......but can the folks with 6+ westeds tell me i'm wrong????

I wish I could just get one jacket (all right two--one for spring/fall and one for winter ;-) ) and be done with it. I really do.

But even if I get a jacket that I'm happy with the look and the specs, there's always some other leather to try or something else that gets me going again.

[Redinight]

SA to the max is very difficult for obvious reasons. For instance I know the pockets on the OTR should be moved more to the sides, at least a half inch and maybe up to inch? I don't know we will all dissagree.

I think the best way is to do research like mentioned above and be specific. Send it to Wested with an order. I will do that with my next purchase. I suggest a Wested for this custom because it's inexpensive and high quality. Having this first jacket be very close is important because for one it's something you will cherish and number two it makes it so much easier to compare and contrast when you have something tangible in your hands. Pics aren't that helpful unless you've held a jacket, worn one and smell it

[Imahomer]

To me SA isn't all that important. I think 99% of the people out there won't know the difference between SA and the general Indy look. Heck, the people on this forum are really into this stuff and they normally don't agree on what is and isn't SA. Get something you like and are comfortable with. I'm not going off the rack because they just don't fit me 100% right and I want it to fit me right.

[CM]

To me SA isn't all that important. I think 99% of the people out there won't know the difference between SA and the general Indy look. Heck, the people on this forum are really into this stuff and they normally don't agree on what is and isn't SA. Get something you like and are comfortable with. I'm not going off the rack because they just don't fit me 100% right and I want it to fit me right.

Man, you're right about that. The average punter (as we often joke here) thinks an Indy jacket is an A2 flight jacket.

[uncle ogs]

I toyed with all kinds of options and in the end i just went with Westeds lamb, i bought one my actual size which is a nice snug miltary fit and one an inch bigger in the chest which i thinks hangs a little more SA. I must add, to second some of the earlier comments, that if a number of jackets were used in the making of the film how are you to get THE srceen accurate jacket ? we could take every jacket here and find a dvd capture that it resembles. That said i really respect the guys who can look at a jacket and go, ahh yes thats a Raven Bar, or Well of Souls etc.

[Indiana Jonesy]

Im getting a OTR which i should have today or tomorrow.

Will let you know how it fits.

[Kt Templar]

Im getting a OTR which i should have today or tomorrow.

Will let you know how it fits.

They've been snowbound since monday.... so take that into account!

[Indiana Jonesy]

Im getting a OTR which i should have today or tomorrow.

Will let you know how it fits.

They've been snowbound since monday.... so take that into account!

Spoke to Pete last night and he said they had been picked up... so hopefully today or tomorrow i should get it.

[jacksdad]

I have an otr goat and even though it si't completely SA, I love it and wear it everyday. you'll like yours,but like others have metioned you'll want another jacket, I'm trying to save up fro the TOD or Tony's raiders 1, but everytime I get it nickel saved it's gone. So I keep trying.eventually I get one or both.All in good time.

[Hatch]

You don't mention your size or ease in getting good fit with standard sizes OTR ie 42 reg etc....if you're pretty standard fit I'd go OTR for your first... washed goat is a good for all purpose wear ,durability etc.......Welcome

[Imahomer]

Let us know which way you decide to go.

[wembley]

Thanks all for the welcome and all your input....really valuable and most appreciated.

Choices choices!!

You don't mention your size or ease in getting good fit with standard sizes OTR ie 42 reg etc....if you're pretty standard fit I'd go OTR for your first... washed goat is a good for all purpose wear ,durability etc.......Welcome

I got a "slim fit" dress shirt today which is a standard 40..and like most shirts my size the only issue is sleeve legnth is a tad too long but not too bad. Looks good enough but not Saville Row!

I guess I would go with a 40 reg OTR or should I go up one?

Wetsed's ToD jacket is in my view the closed to a SA jacket you can get anywhere. Cut from an actual ToD jacket.

Oh man you seriously tempted as it a fine looking jacket and I really like the accuracy of the TOD but to be honest that is my least favourite style in the movies. Just a ROLA lover!

I was thinking go OTR ROLA in authentic soft goat x-box and sliders with a nickel zipper if possible..but thebn I think heck if you are going to do that just go simple custom!:roll:



As many of you have said, I know I will get one and then down the line want improvements but I guess you all have gone through that journey and I guess I will have to, no mattter what I order!

I kind of got used to that when building my Stormtrooper armour...as time went on I upgraded parts here and there as I came to realise how far off SA my original was!

The bitter sweet of chasing the rabbit that is screen accuracy!

I am learning to control my OCD and try to remember SA is often subjective to the beholder...so I should allow some margin but would like a s close as I can get.

Seriously though, so many posts...thanks for each and every one and keep em comimg!

Of course I will be updating you all and displaying pics when I take the plunge.

[Imahomer]

So, what did you decide?

[wembley]

So, what did you decide?

Still undecided....but leaning slightly towards custom now!!

AAAARRRRRGHHHH!!!!


I make important decisions for a living...but I can't decide on this!!!

Gues I will take a little more time and do more homework!

[Imahomer]

I don't know the answer to this, but I'm sure someone will.... What's the price difference between OTR and Custom?

[wembley]

I don't know the answer to this, but I'm sure someone will.... What's the price difference between OTR and Custom?

Depends on the style, and leather. Around £20-40 more for custom. ($40-80?)

Worth it I think and after reading about hide quality issued on OTR I may now opt for custom...plus cool to tell people this was custom made for me!!

Now..my issue is chest size!!

I tried on an OTR leather jacket in a department store that was very similar in style to Indy.

I am skinny so tried 37..slightly too small...41+ too big... 38-40 was perfect.

Meausred my chest and I am a skinny 36! Then I meaured a jacket that fis well with a little room but this was 44 around!!

Should I go a 40 for the extra room and potential weight gain/shrinkage or go 38 for a closer fit?

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Get your measurements together and contact Wested. You can see where your measurements fall in relation to an OTR jacket and then decide if it's worth going custom or not especially if you're thinking of "leaving room". Also, remember that you can return an OTR but not a custom made jacket. Any alterations are will likely cost you.

[RCSignals]

You can always go to a local Tailor and ask to be measured. That may cost a little for the service since you aren't buying from them but it would be worth it. Tip them if they aren't going to charge.

When you place your on-line order put the specs in the comments space, don't fill out the generic drop down sizing. Be sure of everything, you don't want to make changes later.
Follow up with an email and or phone call as confirmation.




edited to add missing characters .

[wembley]

Good point.

On Wested site when I click for ROLA it's a bit confusing for my small brain!

http://www.ekmpowershop4.com/ekmps/shop ... -157-p.asp

It gives options for sliders etc etc...

This is not the custom?

If I go OTR should I go for the 80's slimmer fit? Is that more SA?

[Holt]

that is not an of the rack jacket.

if you buy that jacket you will get a UK made raiders jacket.

the of the rack jacket are outsourced from India. just as good as the UK made.only a little cheaper

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

Good point.

On Wested site when I click for ROLA

http://www.ekmpowershop4.com/ekmps/shop ... -157-p.asp

It gives options for sliders etc etc...

This is not a custom but additional options?

If you are ordering online the options only show up when you go to order a custom jacket. If you look at the top of the page above the photo of the jacket you will see that you are in the Custom "section" by: Home > Indiana Jones > Custom Made. The OTR jackets ordering section allow you to pick only the hide and size which is based on the stock patterns that they have for each type of jacket.

[wembley]

Well if I do go custom I will contact Wested directly and discuss my sizing issues..

Don't want to assume that because an OTR jacket size medium (38-40) in a dept store fits me, the westedOTR or custom will too.

Jeepers this is crazy confusing!

Thanks again.

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

I would go so far as to contact them directly no matter what option you go with. You can never have/give to much information when you are spending your hard earned cash! I was able to resolve many questions in the past with a couple of simple emails. You mileage may vary.

[Kt Templar]

You are on the slimmer side for the jackets. McFly found his jacket was too big for his liking. I think that people on the left of the bell curve probably need to give Wested a little more help to get a better fit.

The standard measures are:

Chest measure (actual measure) Note: they will add some for movement, do not second guess them. Discuss with them if you want the jacket tight or looser for layering.
Jacket back length (nape of neck to just below top of back jeans pockets)
Sleeve (tip of shoulder to first thumb joint).
Height


I'd add:

Shirt collar
Waist
Weight

and

as good clear pic of you wearing a tight fitting tucked in t-shirt with jeans/trousers so they can see your build. Front and side.

Contact Gemma or Peter by email and make sure get all your info.

It's not really that scary, many people find that the OTR's fit them great. If you are of average height.

[Kevin Anderson]

I gave Wested the same specs for each of my 3 custom LC jackets, and received 3 quite different jackets. Different in back length and sleeve length to be precise, sometimes by as much as half an inch or more.
Unless you really talk to them and insist on your specs, like Holt did with his nice Raiders jacket, I don't think specs are paid much mind. I just got roughly my size in each case, with inexplicable changes each time.
If cost weren't an issue, there are other options for a true custom jacket, but they're not cheap.

[RCSignals]

Well if I do go custom I will contact Wested directly and discuss my sizing issues..

Don't want to assume that because an OTR jacket size medium (38-40) in a dept store fits me, the westedOTR or custom will too.

Jeepers this is crazy confusing!

Thanks again.

My suggestion was based on you ordering a custom jacket.
Although getting yourself measured by a Tailor still might not be a bad idea.

[wembley]

Well I am 5'8 and skinny..

Anything I buy OTR tends to vary between small and medium..usually small being too small and medium too big. Pot luck if something fits OK.

I have a brown jacket that fits me well enough...I could send them that! LOL!

I am going to have to give this more time and thought..

OTR...plus column
Eaiser to return if ill fitting.
Cheaper
Less hassle

Negatives
Outsourced and rumoursof inferior quality hides and workmanship compared to customs made here in Blighty.
Less SA.
More likely fit will not be perfect.
Less options.
More likely to want a replacement after a while

Custom Positives
Custom made..should be perfect
More options to achieve closer SA
The kudos of having custom made by Wested!
Less likely to be wanting a new one as close enough to SA for me

Negatives
Price (not really an issue)
Hassle of getting it right
Risk of it turning out irreparably wrong and no simple return/replace
What options to pick!


Gonna have to sleep on it....

[Kt Templar]

And if you do actually live near Wembley..... Go and visit Wested!!!

[Don't Call Me Junior!]

And if you do actually live near Wembley..... Go and visit Wested!!!

OMG yes. No question about that. You have the best chance of everything working out to your expectations if you visit in person!

[crismans]

I'm not sure that the outsourced jackets have inferior hides (do they? I've never read of this). There have been some comments that the stitching isn't as good.

[RCSignals]

I think it was said once that the hides come from the same source?

[Kevin Anderson]

The spine marks on the washed goat that Peter rejected that later appeared on an OTR jacket pictured here at COW raises some questions.

[theinterchange]

I just bought and recieved my OTR via eBay. I couldn't be happier with it.

Randy

[wembley]

I just bought and recieved my OTR via eBay. I couldn't be happier with it.

Randy

Got pics?

BTW...Orlando ROCKS!

[wembley]

Well..after much discussion and wrestling with the options.....

I am gonna go CUSTOM!!

So it's time to start doing some homework.

Wish me luck!

[RCSignals]

Custom is a good choice. If you can go to Wested and get yourself measured. If you can't do that get a tailor to measure you.

and for specs look HERE

[Holt]

RC,

I KNEW the ''HERE'' link was to my thread...