cockpit oil driller: with pics

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:52 pm

i just received the jacket.......and YES, i will post pics tonite but i want to capture my initial thoughts of her before i lose my train of thought

the hide - tough as nails goatskin. very SA dark brown with no beet colour or prince purple rain hues to it. dark brown, plain and simple. the grain/pebbling is reminiscent of wested's goat a couple of years back before they stopped offering it at that time and has some minor distressing to it......very minor. looked like they tried to do a TN distressing job and then just walked away

the hide is very thick and the overall jacket has some serious heft to it. about the same weight as my vintage police highway cowhide jacket (brogden track).

construction - very well constructed. adaminnyc posted a review of it in the 'cockpit usa indy jacket' thread and he was very accurate with his findings other than him mentioning that it was sheep (which is what the salesperson told him). the length is 'platon SA'

and she sits a couple inches (if that) above a car-coat length. the back is very similar to dewayne's vintage jacket with the half belt/leather waist panel in the back and the strap hardware are a very robust blocky brass triglide-ish looking pieces. you can cinch these up a small amount but as mentioned previously, they are there for fashion more or less. the sleeves are a 3 piece panel construction and are more trim than the standard offerings (ie - no barrel cuffs here). the collar is a snap down collar and looks to need some training to get it to sit right but that's no big issue. the lining is comperable to westeds coton body/satin sleeve lining but the sleeves on this one is lined with satin 'map' lining which i am assuming is a product of their flight jackets. i thought i saw a map of england on one sleeve (i don't think england was well known for oil rigs back in the 30's and 40's no?).

now when you put this baby on, you gotta try reaaaaaaaally hard to not think it's an indy jacket cuz that's the vibe you get. it looks like a really bad try at making an indy jacket (speaking as a stitch nazi). if you get over that, you get what i always wanted to get for 3 years now........a cockpit usa jacket (and yes, it is made in the usa).

all in all, i like it very much. i've got SA jackets coming out the yin-yang and i wanted something OTR that was indy-esque but could still stand on it's own for what it was meant to be. i was tired of measuring collars and back panel lengths.......gimme an OTR that suits my character and that's what i got. it also hits home nicely considering that i do work in Alberta's Oil Patch up here.

i am thinking of filling up this jacket with some vintage patches of oil and gas companies along with a provinical patch and a nice canada flag. i thought this would be a nice touch and it would have alot of meaning for me.

so blah, blah, blah.........yes, i will get pictures up tonite or by the weekend. she's at my tailors at the moment getting the sleeves hemmed.

cheers,

G

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:55 pm

;0

We don't wanna wait that long, G.

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:58 pm

I'm looking at a Cockpt jacket, so how's the overall quality? Top-notch? Worth every penny?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:06 pm

Raider S wrote:I'm looking at a Cockpt jacket, so how's the overall quality? Top-notch? Worth every penny?

i've heard nothing but good things about cockpit's quality (as well as old avirex). From what i could deduce from the 20 minutes that i had her in my hands.......very well built.

another thing i forgot to add is that the pocket flaps do have a minute amount of scalloping to them. the pic on the website shows them looking pretty much like the us wings pocket flaps. one of the things i was prepared to live with so it was a pleasant surprise when i got the jacket.

for a $450 (from pilotwear.com) jacket.........i think it's a great bang for the buck. not SA but i didn't want SA this go round.....

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:12 pm

That's a good price you got there. Kind of nice to have a non-Indy jacket, too many choices out there.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:15 pm

the only thing left on my indy wish list is a G&B

here is an exerpt from the propoganda tag that was fastened to the jacket:

"This authentic COCKPIT product meets the highest standards and is equal to, or exceeds the requirements of military specifications"

.......hopefully they were talking about the us military's

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:21 pm

How's the sizing? They only do S, M, L, etc. Do you find it a true fit or bigger or smaller?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:30 pm

definitely a true fit. my body is a large on most standard offerings but my arms are shorter. this one fits pretty good.

one thing i did forget to mention that i thought was pretty neet.........there is an elastic that spans your back which is meant to keep the pleats closed. i have a wider chest so i can totally feel it back there.......feels kinda neat.......it'll give you some extra spring if you ever need to backhand somebody......not that i condone that sort of thing, but you get the picture.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:57 pm

Ashhh, 'Indy G and the Secret of the Sleeve Lining Map'......look forward to the pics and the break in report.......

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:51 pm

Congrats, G!! Can't wait for the photos, it sounds like a cool jacket.

Indiana G wrote:it'll give you some extra spring if you ever need to backhand somebody......not that i condone that sort of thing, but you get the picture.

Don't buy Mrs. G one.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:07 pm

Indiana G wrote:definitely a true fit. my body is a large on most standard offerings but my arms are shorter. this one fits pretty good.

......

So you ordered a large and the fit was good? What about the sleeve length?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 8:49 pm

RCSignals wrote:
Indiana G wrote:definitely a true fit. my body is a large on most standard offerings but my arms are shorter. this one fits pretty good.

......
So you ordered a large and the fit was good? What about the sleeve length?

took about 1.5 to 2" off of the sleeves.........same as my CS: i ordered ford's size and took 2" off the sleeves.

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 9:11 pm

Indiana G wrote:
RCSignals wrote:
Indiana G wrote:definitely a true fit. my body is a large on most standard offerings but my arms are shorter. this one fits pretty good.

......
So you ordered a large and the fit was good? What about the sleeve length?
took about 1.5 to 2" off of the sleeves.........same as my CS: i ordered ford's size and took 2" off the sleeves.

So they did a custom job on the Oil driller jacket for you?
What is the standard sleeve length, and is their large about a 40 - 42 then?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 4:00 pm

RCSignals wrote:So they did a custom job on the Oil driller jacket for you?
What is the standard sleeve length, and is their large about a 40 - 42 then?

no custom job......my tailor did the work. i'd say their large is about a 42 - 44. the salesperson that i talked to said that a medium fits about a size 40. i'd guess that the sleeve length would be about 26" or so.

here's some pics:

she's breaking in quite nicely!!!!

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:03 pm

Nice , G now a little distressing work, maybe a shower or wash.......I just wish your daughter had some more toys to play with

.........looking good

.......Doc

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:19 pm

Me likey!!! I like the half belt back. It looks nice and vintage. Can we see better pics of the pockets?

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:29 pm

It looks good. Nice length for it too.

What does that large measure on the flat pit to pit?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 8:32 pm

RCSignals wrote:It looks good. Nice length for it too.

What does that large measure on the flat pit to pit?

actual pit to pit (seam to seam) is 20" but lying flat, end to end across the chest is 23".......part of the side panels come over to make up the front when laying flat.

here's a closer pic of the pocket:

I just wish your daughter had some more toys to play with .........looking good .......Doc

thank you doc!!!! the rule of the house is......baby gets as much toys as daddy has.....and VICE VERSA!!!

btw - back length is about 27 1/4"

......alot different than my indy jackets which are about 24"

Browncoat · Post by **Browncoat** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:42 pm

Nice jacket!! I have always loved the half belt back design. My next jacket will definitely feature that.

Baldwyn · Post by **Baldwyn** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:14 pm

G, that's a sweet jacket! Those back pleats look completely functional, and the length is great for fall/winter/spring. Nice purchase!

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:25 pm

So how do the boys on the Patch like it?

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 2:14 am

I love it! It looks like it would be an excellent jacket for motorcycles. I like the highly functional action pleat.

Weston

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:35 pm

RC.....the days that i go bombing around in the oil patch are few and far between these days unfortunately

.....they've got me behind a nice comfy desk job managing the boys that do go out and run amuck

you know if they do need me to go out, something is seriously wrong out there

weston, there aren't too many indyjackets that i'd trust my own hide on if i were to get the bike out.......this one, would definitely be on the list. it is a very tough hide. the patina shows beautifully which gives it its 'vintage' look......but in the same time, it's brand new. it's hard to explain really......gotta see it and feel it.

ain't it funny how the front view looks like a normal indyjacket where the measurements went wrong???

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:51 pm

Almost hate to say this, but that jacket looks more "Indy" than the real Indy jackets. I mean this seems like a more honest jacket (maybe more functional as well) for the time period. I like the stlye just as much if not more than traditional Indy jackets.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 1:12 pm

Raider S wrote:Almost hate to say this, but that jacket looks more "Indy" than the real Indy jackets. I mean this seems like a more honest jacket (maybe more functional as well) for the time period. I like the stlye just as much if not more than traditional Indy jackets.

the absence of the yoke panel and allowing the action pleats to go right up to your shoulders give the jacket supreme movement capability. the built in elastic band will keep these pleats shut as well. it definitely makes for a comfy functioning jacket.

what i like about this jacket is that its not trying to be an indy jacket......at least cockpit is not using that angle to sell it. therefore i believe this to be its own creature.....no more lying awake at night thinking...."now, maybe if i just move the straps another 1/4" up........"

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 5:26 pm

i agree with Raider S, that jacket looks very Indy the way it may have looked back in the 30's enjoy your jacket.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:01 am

Are there no rear vents?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:03 am

alphared6 wrote:Are there no rear vents?

side vents?.....nope. the lack of that gives it a car coat feel.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:14 am

G, I'd love to see some pics of that jacket in some natural light, possibly some dirt and grime as well (come on, it's an oil driller jacket!) with a fedora and other period gear. That is just way too adventurous a jacket to only be seen in your living room.

Weston

Raider Of The Lost Ark · Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:00 pm

Looks similar to the jacket worn by Mr Costner in 'Untouchables'. Very nice

By the way, How tall are you?

Best wishes, Raider

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:40 pm

I'll probably have my privileges suspended for saying this, but in some ways that looks better than an Indy jacket.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:23 pm

Raider Of The Lost Ark wrote:Looks similar to the jacket worn by Mr Costner in 'Untouchables'. Very nice

By the way, How tall are you?

Best wishes, Raider

i'm about 5'6 - 5'7......my stature or lack there-of is because of my shorter legs.......hard to buy pants

rundquist.......thanks for the kind words. i like the fact that its not an indy jacket or it wasn't made to be an indy jacket and has no references to it

i bet you would enjoy this jacket more if you were to examine the hide and the construction as you would recognize the quality.

weston........the drilling out in the patch here is pretty slow as compared to last year. i don't even know where i can find a derek that is close.......i can easily get a pic beside a pumpjack though

......i'll have to wait for nicer weather....

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:55 pm

Rundquist wrote:I'll probably have my privileges suspended for saying this, but in some ways that looks better than an Indy jacket.

BURN HIM!!!!

I've always liked the look of half-belt leather jackets. They're very classy and add a more fitted look to them then straight-backed jackets. There's an Aero jacket I'd like to get someday that has some similar features to this jacket.

Browncoat · Post by **Browncoat** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:13 pm

I like both the Indy back and the halfbelt designs. However I do prefer the Indy back just because its fairly unique in its design.

I am currently waiting for my Aero Ace Cafe Ace. On Week 12 at the moment, so I should be getting it soon. I think, everytime I check it, it seems the wait time longer so I stopped checking.

It's a bit like this oil drillers jackets but with slash pockets and dual side tabs.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:32 pm

Who sells these? What's the link?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:04 pm

alphared6 wrote:Who sells these? What's the link?

cockpitusa.com sells them through there online store (out of the big apple). however...........

a place called pilotwear.com (out of shelbourne falls, ma) gets cockpits stuff and sells them at a reduced price (talk to steve howland)....there pirce was $50 cheaper and cockpit nyc couldn't meet it. steve provided me with excellent customer service btw.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:06 pm

Indiana G wrote:
alphared6 wrote:Who sells these? What's the link?

cockpitusa.com sells them through there online store (out of the big apple). however...........

a place called pilotwear.com (out of shelbourne falls, ma) gets cockpits stuff and sells them at a reduced price (talk to steve howland)....there pirce was $50 cheaper and cockpit nyc couldn't meet it. steve provided me with excellent customer service btw.

Thanks!

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:32 pm

Browncoat wrote:Nice jacket!! I have always loved the half belt back design. My next jacket will definitely feature that.

Check out Magnoli's Vintage Adventurer.

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:35 pm

Don't care for the back on the Magnoli - the V shaped yoke and the somewhat narrow panel. I think I prefer the Cockpit jacket.

Hatch · Post by **Hatch** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:45 pm

Indiana G wrote:
alphared6 wrote:Are there no rear vents?
side vents?.....nope. the lack of that gives it a car coat feel.

Didn't I read that the TOD jackets were sewn up and they had to rip out the seams to get "the look"..........might be a new project for you G........

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:32 pm

ripping the seams........hmmmmmmm...

and if it comes out ugly, i can justify to the wife that i need a new jacket!!! nice call doc

.......or maybe i can just use that money to buy more meds from you