gibson and barnes and us wings

damian della morte · Post by **damian della morte** » Fri May 22, 2009 10:33 am

just bought my second G & B indy jacket, i won one (IN LAMB) on ebay a few months ago and liked it so much i picked another up in goat, the service from G & B is the best i ever experienced! i had bernice running back and forth from her desk to the show room to gather sizing info and other details, after i knew what i wanted bernice told me she would pick my leather personally, she asked what kind of goat i wanted and called me back after she picked it, it only took a week to get the jacket, when it arrived... the best quality leather ive seen at any price!, i think after 40 leather jackets ive learned to know good leather, if you compare it to the lamb G & B it is of course thicker and not as smooth, both jackets are crafted to a five stars plus, with a five star plus hyde and consistency, i also recently picked up a u s wings and i like the jacket for what it is but you really cant compare in my eyes, also i guess the first reason is because i got the right service person at G $ B and the wrong one at us wings, to be fair to the wings jacket ( although it wasnt ship until the date they promised delivery date) it is easy to see is made of the same kind of hyde they used in CS ( i also own a TN annd wested novapelle CS, i used to think the novapelle was right on, but if you watch the movie the wings leather is really on the money), however the jacket it self is far from SA, but it has a nice look to it, as far as i can tell the G & B is perfeclty SA, also at almost $500 for the us wings jacket i would expect a more consistant hyde, the colors and textures are a bit to off on the uswings, under the back flaps for example they used a different texture for each side of the usw, and the pocket tint is slightly different then the usw jacket,one rather large blemish even for a distessed jacket, the craftmenship it self is ok but the leather wrinkles in some of the seams of the usw, great for maybe a $250 jacket, it is however a fairly thick hide, i like the feel enough to keep the jacket pics when i figure out how

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 22, 2009 10:59 am

Considering the G&B Expedition was created using specifications taken by _ from a screen used Raiders jacket 'way back when', their jacket WILL be more SA than Wings in that respect.

Glad you got a good jacket and experience with G&B! They're all good folks.

Regards! Michaelson

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Fri May 22, 2009 12:43 pm

I've gotten a great jacket and great experience from both companies. Enjoy your jackets!

damian della morte · Post by **damian della morte** » Fri May 22, 2009 12:58 pm

thanks! forgot to mention i do like the extra fat collar and the largest indy pockets ive seen yet, even though the cut of the pockets is sligtly off from each other ( ones rounder on the bottom), lets not nit pick now!

i think as a whole it really gives the usw unique look, the usw jacket is also cut slimmer then most indy jackets i have, that really adds to the look as well

Arca Perdida · Post by **Arca Perdida** » Fri May 22, 2009 1:44 pm

damian della morte wrote:the usw jacket is also cut slimmer then most indy jackets i have, that really adds to the look as well

That's interesting to hear. I own one from the clearance sale a while back and love it except for the fact that it's pretty baggy. Which version is yours and when did you get it?

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Sat May 23, 2009 12:36 am

I think you may be the first person who has described a Wings jacket as being "cut slimmer," damian.

I favor their jackets because they are generally cut bigger.

Either way, they are great jackets. G&B's are very different animals, and I can't see a way of comparing them to Wings properly. The design and intent of each is too far apart, and appeal to different corners of the market.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sat May 23, 2009 1:21 am

the 2 major indy offerings still not residing in my closet........though i've always wanted to sample both companies. great choices....as i hear both are practically bulletproof in construction. enjoy them in good health

RaiderZee · Post by **RaiderZee** » Sat May 23, 2009 2:43 am

Just got a slightly used G&B Indy in Dark Goat. I cannot speak too highly of this jacket. The construction is FANTASTIC, blowing others out of the water (disclosure: never held a Nowak!). A tad heavy, but not by much. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

RaiderZee

damian della morte · Post by **damian della morte** » Sat May 23, 2009 7:11 pm

hmmm, mine does have a slim look to it, but maybe because usw are a little longer then the the other 2 CS jackets i own, (wested, TN) also the jacket i got previously was the G&B and was wearing that for a while, that is one full cut jacket!

damian della morte · Post by **damian della morte** » Sat May 23, 2009 7:13 pm

for sure

RaiderZee wrote:Just got a slightly used G&B Indy in Dark Goat. I cannot speak too highly of this jacket. The construction is FANTASTIC, blowing others out of the water (disclosure: never held a Nowak!). A tad heavy, but not by much. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

RaiderZee

Yojimbo Jones · Post by **Yojimbo Jones** » Sat May 23, 2009 7:41 pm

Come on Damian,

;0

damian della morte · Post by **damian della morte** » Sat May 23, 2009 9:50 pm

workin on it

Yojimbo Jones wrote:Come on Damian,

;0

morethanatimelord · Post by **morethanatimelord** » Thu Jun 04, 2009 7:01 am

Just managed to nab a G&B on ebay for £30!! im so glad its highly thought of on COW

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:28 pm

So I'm looking at the "Collectors Edition Signature Series Indy-style Vintage Adventurer Jacket" and wondering if its a good buy.....I'm in the market for a decent LC jacket and this looks pretty good. I hear that the quality control is much better then Wested.

So good buy?

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 5:58 pm

backstagejack, is that a Wings or G+B you are referring to?

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 6:39 pm

A 'Collectors Edition' would be a Wings.

Regards! Michaelson

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 9:46 pm

Thanks M That's what I thought but then thought maybe there was something new coming from G+B I missed.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 9:57 pm

My first jacket was a Collector's Edition and I'm still kicking myself for getting rid of it. There are some details off if you're wanting SA but if you want a tough jacket that carries the Indy "vibe" then the CE is a really good choice. The cowhide was fantastic.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:32 pm

I want the LC look but I don't mind it being somewhat off SA. It looks fairly close to me anyways, granted I'm no expert like some on this forum....

DoubleOhSeven · Post by **DoubleOhSeven** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:21 am

backstagejack wrote:So I'm looking at the "Collectors Edition Signature Series Indy-style Vintage Adventurer Jacket" and wondering if its a good buy.....I'm in the market for a decent LC jacket and this looks pretty good. I hear that the quality control is much better then Wested.

So good buy?

Believe me, I shed a few tears when I posted mine for sale. I am sure it will be a melancholy moment when I have to box it up. I absolutely love the leather on that jacket, and the cut of it is great, too. I just wish it fit me now as well as it did when I first got it. My issue is that it is too tight for layering, like a sweater underneath it or heavy shirt. It really is the finest jacket I've ever owned, and I plan on getting another in a bigger size, but fiancee says I gotta get rid of this one, first. Guess that makes sense, since it is too small.

It's an awesome jacket. Especially now that Wings has added the press snaps.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 9:33 am

DoubleOhSeven wrote:
Believe me, I shed a few tears when I posted mine for sale. I am sure it will be a melancholy moment when I have to box it up. I absolutely love the leather on that jacket, and the cut of it is great, too. I just wish it fit me now as well as it did when I first got it. My issue is that it is too tight for layering, like a sweater underneath it or heavy shirt. It really is the finest jacket I've ever owned, and I plan on getting another in a bigger size, but fiancee says I gotta get rid of this one, first. Guess that makes sense, since it is too small.

It's an awesome jacket. Especially now that Wings has added the press snaps.

So the fit is tight? I'm guessing a Military Cut?

I wear a standard Medium in almost everything and wonder if their standard Medium would fit me.

I really like the look of the leather in their pics. It looks like a pretty sturdy jacket

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 9:57 am

Some of us smaller guys have found wings to be a bit generous in the smaller sizes.

I usually wear a size 40 Wested, made short. I needed to get a XS wings.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:05 am

The medium seems more suited to folks who wear a 42R. If you go bigger, go with a large. I wear a 44/44T, and the large fits me fine.

KT is right, when you go the other direction, the sizing is pretty generous.

Regards! Michaelson

DoubleOhSeven · Post by **DoubleOhSeven** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:08 am

KT and Michaelson are correct, as I learned the US Wings jackets tend to run a bit big. I normally wear a size L (42-44), but the US Wings Medium fit me perfectly (until I grew out of it).

US Wings says the fit is Normal on their web site, but I believe it is a bigger cut. My jacket measures 22" across the chest, with a 25.5" sleeve, and a 26.5" back from collar to hem.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:09 am

I had the same issue with Kt as to the sizing and ended up with an XS G-2, but in the case of my jacket (and I think your, too, Kt, but correct me if I'm wrong) those jackets were from their warehouse clearance sale a couple years ago. Most of these jackets were old stock and import jackets. Those were the jackets with sizing issues. The modern US made jackets reportedly do not have these issues. My best advice is to have US Wings physically measure a jacket for you and see if those measurements work for you. If so, have them send you that specific jacket. Really, the same could be said of any OTR jacket from anyone.

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:31 am

I got very lucky in this department. I got a XXL CE and it fit me like a custom. So much so that I used it's measurements for my CS and LC jackets from Tony.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:24 pm

Well, my old wested fits so tight that I can barely layer any clothing. I don't mind this too much as everyone says it looks like it was made for me (which it was).

I'm honestly looking for something with a little more room and better quality. I hear that Wested is spotty on quality nowadays. I've heard generally nothing but good things about the US Wings jackets and I really like the look of the collectors edition adventurer...

How big do they run, I mean if I get a Medium....would it look humongous on me or just roomy? I'm sure its a case by case basis...

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:36 pm

What is your jacket size?

Like I posted above, if you wear a size 42, a medium will work fine. A 44R? Large.

Regards! Michaelson

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:21 pm

I normally wear a 40R but have longer arms then some jackets that I wear....I've thought about getting a 40 long in some jackets to accommodate my arms.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:22 pm

Sounds like a medium is the way to go in your case.

Regards! Michaelson

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:19 pm

Backstagejack, I'd also say a medium from Wings will do, and probably their Regular will have long enough arms.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:23 pm

Agreed, especially considering he's needing a size 40. I think you're right on target, RC.

Regards! Michaelson

DoubleOhSeven · Post by **DoubleOhSeven** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:31 pm

I gotta concur with the Knower of Things and RC...definitely a medium for you.

I measured my CE Medium, and here's what I got:

22" across the chest, with a 25.5" sleeve, and a 26.5" back from collar to hem.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:34 pm

Thanks guys! I'm glad I found this coat as I was going to go Wested but I've been hearing that their quality control is iffy. I wasn't going to go USWings until I noticed that it has the storm flap snaps. It may not be dead on SA but I think it'll be good enough for a decent LC jacket. And I've heard nothing but good things about the jacket itself.

Dragonlady Jones · Post by **Dragonlady Jones** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 6:10 pm

Dang. I was dead set on the CE from Wings, but now I'm thinking the G&B Expedition (it is the Expedition at flightsuits.com, right?). All due to the little button snaps on the storm flap... This whole gear thing is an OCD nightmare!

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 6:12 pm

it is the Expedition at flightsuits.com, right?

Right.

Regards! Michaelson

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 3:11 pm

Jacket size has is one of the most difficult things when it comes to Indiana Jones gear collecting. Many people don’t realize how difficult it can be. The other difficult size issue is the Alden boot. I am willing to bet that more than 50% are wearing the wrong size on those. An orthopedic boot really needs to be fitted to you by a professional.

Getting back to the jacket subject, as has been mentioned, each of the offerings is cut differently. On top of that, each of us likes a different fit. I’ve had many sizing issues myself over the years. One thing that some of us may have to deal with is that a more fitted jacket can sometimes feel “weird” at first. My TN felt a little “off” for a bit when I first got it, because the fit was so right on. It feels great now and I like the way that it looks.

With regards to G&B, it took me a while to realize I like a more fitted look as well. And this was even after I walked in and tried them on. I originally went with larger sizes because I liked the way the looser jackets felt. After a while though, I began to be dissatisfied with the way that the jackets looked on me. As a side note, I live in southern California, so layering underneath was never an issue for me. In the end I was much happier with the next size down, although I had to go with a long size. My height is right in the middle between a regular and a long on G&B’s sizing chart. The current jackets I have from them fit perfect. But I could have very easily come to the conclusion that their jackets were baggy, or didn’t fit me well. I mean the first jackets did fit, just not as well.

Of course everyone will have a different experience with size and some jackets just will not be suited to you. But sometimes it does pay off to be diligent in getting the proper fit.

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 3:37 pm

Great avatar of Spanky, Rundquist. I was a huge fan of Little Rascals growing up. Pity they never seem to be rereleased on DVD.

SD

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 8:25 am

St. Dumas wrote:Great avatar of Spanky, Rundquist. I was a huge fan of Little Rascals growing up. Pity they never seem to be rereleased on DVD.

SD

It will probably be released the day after the 6 million dollar man comes out in another 50 years...

FLATHEAD · Post by **FLATHEAD** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:29 am

St. Dumas wrote:Great avatar of Spanky, Rundquist. I was a huge fan of Little Rascals growing up. Pity they never seem to be rereleased on DVD.

SD

They ARE out on DVD.

I have the complete set on DVD that I got at Sams Club. The set I have contains 3 of the original silent shorts, plus all
the Hal Roach "Our Gang" shorts (the ones from Joe Cobb thru Spanky) as well as the ones that were made after Hal
Roach left. Those are the ones where Spanky is older, and you also have the kids like Mickey, Froggy, and the like.
They are not quite as good as the Hal Roach shorts. But some are funny.

There are a TON of places that are selling these on DVD like Amazon.com ext.

It took me about 5 seconds with a google search to find all kinds of places that sell them on DVD other than
Sams Club where I got them!

Its funny to see these again too!! Some of this stuff you just can't do in todays world.

There is one short from the Joe Cobb days where the kids want to find burried treasure in this abandoned house, so
their parents give them picks, axes, shovels and all kinds of sharp, heavy tools, and tell them to go and have a good time!

And this is with kids who are 8 years old at best!!

Yeah, thats going to happen in todays feel good, pamper your kids, politically correct society.

Flathead

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:29 am

Okay, reel it in to the topic on hand, folks.

raider 57 · Post by **raider 57** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:48 am

I've owned a USW(Signature Series) medium-long and G&B 38 long, both in goat. I ended up selling the USW.
The body and arm holes were much larger on the USW. Not bad mind you, but more of the "modern" baggy look most folks wear these days. The G&B fits me perfect,more of the trim military uniform style cut. (More Indy-like!)I ordered down one size from recommended and went with a long,as I got skinny shoulders. Remember too, with #'ed sizing you do get more choices, opposed to S-M-L-XL.
I do kinda miss those nice big USW pockets though,very useful. The G&B's are pretty small. The lining on the G&B is a work of art as well, includes inside bi-swing shoulders. Nice.
~raider 57

Dragonlady Jones · Post by **Dragonlady Jones** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 7:40 am

I have a question for any of you G&B or USW goat owners. Did you order longer sleeves, or the long version of a size (e.g. 44L), to accommodate "sleeve ride up" as the jacket wrinkles and gets older? Thanks in advance!

V/R,
DLJ

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 4:09 pm

Dragonlady Jones wrote:I have a question for any of you G&B or USW goat owners. Did you order longer sleeves, or the long version of a size (e.g. 44L), to accommodate "sleeve ride up" as the jacket wrinkles and gets older? Thanks in advance!

V/R,
DLJ

I don't know about the G+B but the Wings regular is already fairly long in the sleeves and body. The exact measurements have been posted before, I don't have them handy.

Remember if you don't need a 'Long' and are ordering one just to get longer sleeves you will also get a longer jacket body, which you may not want.

Dragonlady Jones · Post by **Dragonlady Jones** » Sun Aug 09, 2009 2:49 pm

RCSignals wrote: I don't know about the G+B but the Wings regular is already fairly long in the sleeves and body. The exact measurements have been posted before, I don't have them handy.

Remember if you don't need a 'Long' and are ordering one just to get longer sleeves you will also get a longer jacket body, which you may not want.

Thanks for the reply and yes, I realize that. A discussion in another thread started me thinking about it and I was just curious. I don't think the sleeves on either of the goat jackets would "ride up" all that much anyway. I've decided on the G&B. I tried on a 44S (too short) and a 44L (too long), so it looks like the 44R should be just right...we'll see. I'll post some pictures when I order that sucker.

Have an Indy day,

DLJ