Most SA and Real Life durable Raiders Jacket

[BryceW]

Well this may wind up causing all sorts of debate, but I want to know the opinion. What is the most screen accurate Raider jacket that can take a real life "Indy" beating? I am the new guy according to the front page bottom listing and want to try and avoid mistakes again if possible. I am all about being SA to our hero but love using gear in real life. I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Bryce

[Indiana G]

i'd say my TN-1 made in CS cowhide or the goat TN-1 that i've seen a small handfull of.

[Imahomer]

Boy, there is a question that gets asked, debated and then asked again.

[Tollan]

Yes... heard this one many times.

Personally I'd go with USW (cow or goat) or G&B (goat). I have owned both and prefer the cut of G&B, and it's more SA as well. I have no experience with TN so can't comment... but USW and G&B are A LOT cheaper!!

[binkmeisterRick]

Bryce, what do you mean by "real world beating?" Are you planning to put your jacket through serious wilderness abuse, or just through everyday urban adventures? Most jackets will be just fine if you plan to wear them around town, on the weekends, and on typical adventures. If you're after something you plan on wearing through caves, tight tunnels, over cliffs, and sliding down hills, then the criteria changes a bit. Keep in mind I am answering your question and sharing my personal opinion based off of the Raiders pattern, as opposed to ToD, LC, or CS, as per your initial inquiry. Also note that I am assuming money is not the issue here, as that would also affect the criteria. Again, you asked about ultimate screen accuracy AND durability as found in a single jacket. There are other durable jackets (like US Wings) but you are asking about the best of both worlds.

Gibson and Barnes jackets (especially in goat) has a reputation for being built like a tank and worthy of being dragged behind a truck. They are based off a stunt jacket used in Raiders, though some will argue how minutely screen accurate they are. I have not owned one, but the G&B jackets I've seen and handled in person are pretty darned impressive and look like they live up to their claim. I'm sure Rundquist would pipe up regarding these jackets.

I own a Nowak TN-1 in shrunken lamb and the pattern is arguably the most screen accurate Raiders jacket to date. It has the design quirks that you see in some of the film jackets and is superbly built. I've closely compared and scrutinized it to my Westeds (and numerous other Westeds), G&B, US Wings, and Todds, and the workmanship and construction of my Nowak is top of the pops and in line with the quality of the G&B jackets I've seen. If you want a serious off-road adventure Raiders jacket, Nowak's pattern in goatskin might be your best bet in terms of ultimate screen accuracy AND durability combined.

[r.deckard]

I would have to say a Todd's custom. I think you get the most bang for your buck. I own one in lambskin and not only is it the most SA jacket I have seen or owned but it holds up really well. I wear mine while working in a warehouse all the time.

[BryceW]

Bryce, what do you mean by "real world beating?" Are you planning to put your jacket through serious wilderness abuse, or just through everyday urban adventures?

Thanks for the replies. I do a lot of hiking, hunting, etc. My family also owns a horse ranch and we do a lot of riding, and breaking horses as well. I currently have a US Wings CE and I love it. I am hoping to get something more SA though eventually, and I want to use it for these sorts of real life adventures.

[ReturningSon]

Wested HorseHide. If I had to be dragged behind a truck, thats the jacket I would wanna wear. Built like a tank and SA (providing you put in some specs, of course!)

[Michaelson]

My vote is for the G&B Expedition in goatskin.

Regards! Michaelson

[binkmeisterRick]

Bryce, what do you mean by "real world beating?" Are you planning to put your jacket through serious wilderness abuse, or just through everyday urban adventures?

Thanks for the replies. I do a lot of hiking, hunting, etc. My family also owns a horse ranch and we do a lot of riding, and breaking horses as well. I currently have a US Wings CE and I love it. I am hoping to get something more SA though eventually, and I want to use it for these sorts of real life adventures.

Then it sounds like you do want a good, tough jacket which will last you a lifetime. Given the types of rugged environments you live and work in, the G&B sounds like a good bet. One thing to consider, though, is that G&B doesn't do custom tweaking, so if screen accuracy means you want every stitch and turn to be 1000% on the mark to match the film jacket, then you won't get that. But if you want a great looking, truly real-world jacket that's overall pretty accurate and will scream Indy, then you can't go wrong with the G&B.

[Michaelson]

It all depends on what YOUR definition of SA really is too. If you want one based on an actual production used Raiders stunt jacket with a few non-SA points, within the price range of your Wings jacket, and mil spec, the G&B is your choice. The other thing about the G&B is it was a project that was born and carried through by Indyfan/Indygear members from beginning to end, so we've all had our fingerprints all OVER the Expedition.

If you want something that is absolutely SA, the TN jacket is the way to go. It cost more, but it's those details that you're paying for.

Keep in mind, your horses won't care one way or the other when your up rounding them up. It's all in what you're happy with.

Regards! Michaelson

[Raider S]

USW goat. For the price you can't get anything tougher (I doubt G&B or Nowak would be X amoung more durable) and its simply a jacket that needs to be beat on. I'm one of the people with a Nowak goat that I hate to even take off, but for the price you simply can't beat the USW for something you might destroy.

[Michaelson]

He already has a Wings jacket, he said, and wanted something more SA. Getting one made in goatskin isn't going to change that angle.

Regards! Michaelson

[Hatch]

I'd have to agree with both Indy G and Bink and Michaelson.......the G&B is great jacket just won't "hang" on you like the TN does

[Michaelson]

This is starting to sound like an old beer commercial...

"GREAT TASTE!"


"LESS FILLING!"



Regards! Michaelson

[Raider S]

Understood, but the only jacket I'd really want to clear brush with is a USW. Mostly due to the cost and the durability of that leather. While I don't baby my Nowak (or any jacket) for something I should be wearing a Carhart for, the USW is the only one I'd feel ok being in!

[binkmeisterRick]

RABBIT SEASON! DUCK SEASON! SHOOT!!!!!

[BendingOak]

RABBIT SEASON! DUCK SEASON! SHOOT!!!!!

[Michaelson]

Understood, but the only jacket I'd really want to clear brush with is a USW. Mostly due to the cost and the durability of that leather. While I don't baby my Nowak (or any jacket) for something I should be wearing a Carhart for, the USW is the only one I'd feel ok being in!

No argument from me on that. I love my Wings jackets just as much as the next owner. The whole point of his question was getting another jacket that was more Raiders screen accurate. Getting another Wings jacket in goatskin isn't going to 'scratch that itch'. That's all I was saying.

Regards! Michaelson

[Raider S]

The answer I'd give is the Nowak. Most SA and just as durable as anything out there. If someone will never be happy with "close enough" it may be the only game in town.

[CM]

The answer I'd give is the Nowak. Most SA and just as durable as anything out there. If someone will never be happy with "close enough" it may be the only game in town.

Problem is, there are jackets in Raiders that don't look like TN's, so in terms of accuracy this can be quite subjective. I still think Todd's looks the best even though I prefer a G&B for strength and reliability. Of the 30 or so jackets I have owend the G&B is the best made I have ever seen. And fellow member Rundquist, who has both TN and G&B, and is a good judge of quality, doesn't believe that TN is any better built.

[Raider S]

CM, your position on the Nowak jacket is well noted in many threads. I don't have a G&B and you don't have a Nowak, so either comparison about construction will simply be opinion and guesses. Either jacket is going to be better than 90% of what else is out there but Nowak has advantages of being a true custom and copied from a Ford-worn jacket. The G&B has just as many strengths but some changes were made along the way.

[RCSignals]

The answer I'd give is the Nowak. Most SA and just as durable as anything out there. If someone will never be happy with "close enough" it may be the only game in town.

Problem is, there are jackets in Raiders that don't look like TN's, so in terms of accuracy this can be quite subjective. I still think Todd's looks the best even though I prefer a G&B for strength and reliability. Of the 30 or so jackets I have owend the G&B is the best made I have ever seen. And fellow member Rundquist, who has both TN and G&B, and is a good judge of quality, doesn't believe that TN is any better built.

Problem? Do you mean to imply that Todd's and G+B don't share this 'problem' ?

[Rundquist]

Screen accurate and durable don't go together. Screen accurate was lambskin. With lambskin you get the drape. "Durable" however, lambskin is not.

[Rundquist]

I also agree that no "1" jacket looks "screen accurate" 100% of the time. I have yet to see one that duplicates the arm creases you see when Indy pops out of the Well of Souls for instance. I'm not looking for one that does, mind you. Who cares, really.

[CM]

CM, your position on the Nowak jacket is well noted in many threads. I don't have a G&B and you don't have a Nowak, so either comparison about construction will simply be opinion and guesses. Either jacket is going to be better than 90% of what else is out there but Nowak has advantages of being a true custom and copied from a Ford-worn jacket. The G&B has just as many strengths but some changes were made along the way.

Raider S are you saying because you think my opinion is well noted I should keep quiet? I could easily respond that your opinions are well known too so... However, I value your opinion as a fellow member so I'm happy to read anythign you post. I am responding as you do with OPINION. I have no problem with yours so leave me to mine please.

By the way, Opinion is all we have anyway - even with the jackets. I know people with G&B's who do not like them. There are TN owners who don't like theirs. Again, Opinion is all we have and it's easy to tell when some opinion is a bit less reliable than others.

Also I am basing my views of TN and G&B on Rundquist's views who has both and whose views I value as an always interesting and moderate poster. (sorry Rundquist if I am bringing you into a quarrel).

Also you don't know my TN opinion. I like them a lot. I would order one now if I didn't already have 2 other good jackets.

Okay?

Back to the post's question. If affordability is an important factor too then I agree with Michaelson above.

All the best

[Indiana G]

Also you don't know my TN opinion. I like them a lot. I would order one now if I didn't already have 2 other good jackets.

good god man, you only have 2 jackets?!?!?! you should phone TN right now!!!! i'll dial the number for you!!!!



CM, my friend.....with all the jackets i got.....i still want to see first hand what all the hub bub is about on the expo you can never, ever have too many imo......but remember, you also have to have the same opinion with the shoes of your significant other

[CM]

Hi G,

I like your thinking. I could easily own a dozen Indy jackets. But I can't justify to myself the outlay when I am addicted to and pay for so many other things...

I'd love a ToD Wested but am turned off by the quality control issues.

I'd love a CS TN in goat.

I'd love a new ToD Wings - well made and a worthy project.

I'd love a Magnoli LC.

I'd love a Holt special Wested LC

I'd love a TN Indy 1 in... in... in...

Secret fantasy: TN copies the ToD jacket but does it his way...

Oops, the thread is being hijacked by my self-indulgence.

Bye

Man, this is a bad hobby.

[binkmeisterRick]

CM, if you ever find good professional help, let the rest of us know who's willing to counsel gearheads.

[Raider S]

Tell you what CM, I'd be happy to compare my TN Raiders in goat to any G&B or any Wested. You get the other jackets together and meet me on the east coast of the U.S. If you then still believe the TN isn't the most SA of the lot, I'll let you keep the Wested and the other jackets stay with me. Sound like a deal?

[Indiana G]

CM, buy them all and let your closet sort it out

on the flipside, you have a G&B.....and even though i've been known to count stitches in the gussets on hir-res pics....i can truly understand why you would be satisfied.

what's with G&B??? it's very intriguing to me now. hey rundquist.......can i have one???