A couple of questions about G&B Expedition and US Wings.

[ron521]

Sorry if this has been asked before...does the G & B Expedition have facings on the inside near the zipper?

For those who have seen both: Is there any significant difference between the G & B goatskin, and the goatskin used by US Wings?

Trying to decide if I need to justify the extra expense for G&B, or if US Wings (in goat or cow) would make me just as happy (or even happier).

From comments people have made, primary differences involve screen accuracy and fit? Correct? Any differences in build quality, sturdiness, etc?

[Texan Scott]

The G&B has no leather facings, I think that the Wings jackets do, if memory serves me correctly. You are correct with your assumptions. After speaking with a G&B rep. recently, they did not have my size on the rack, so they would have to make it. If you can basically get a standard size, 42 S-R-L for instance, then you pay the price as advertised. The G&B lamb deserves a second look, unless you are committed. Both are among the toughest, sturdiest Indy jackets you can buy. It's a personal preference issue on the price.

[donovan]

i have both the g&b and us wings in goat as mentioned above both great jackets-g&b has no facings and is more "raiders" in look and fit. the us wings has the facings,is a slightly longer in length, it to me is more of a"crystal skull" jacket. also be aware the goat us wings is very dark brown almost black.

[RCSignals]

I believe the goat skin they both use is the same as the goat skin they use on their military contract jackets. It's tough stuff and wears like iron.

[Texan Scott]

..it is a pliable form of iron, isn't it?

[RCSignals]

Thankfully it just wears like iron. I think both G+B and Wings goat skins are similar in that way.

Goats are tough in life anyway, they'll walk straight into thorny Bramble/Berry patches eating and not be phased one bit.

[ron521]

...some form of iron which is pliable at room temperatures?

Would you describe either one as "pebbly"? I ask because my old G1 was not pebbly in the least, I didn't even know it was goatskin for years.

[Texan Scott]

The samples were pebbly, but the goat i received looked alot like the texture of cow. If you didn't know better, you might think it was cow, just the outside appearance, not the weight. The collar was stiff, but after the water treatment, it softened up.

[RCSignals]

Goat skins vary a lot. You will often find pebbly, smooth, and grainy textures in the same piece. I've seen G-1s that were pebbly and others that looked more smooth.
I'd expect the same in any goat skin jacket that uses military type skins.

[Gringo]

What decade of the G-1 makes a difference. They changed to smooth(lighter brown) cowhide in the 60's thru early 80's. I believe it was back to goat in 87 or 88. The Top gun movie did alot to bring back leather flight jackets, as the Air force did(good recruiting method at the time). Back on topic,
The Wings goat I have is fantastic. It has broken in very well. You will not be unhappy. Mine is pebbly, and I love that!

Cheers

[ron521]

Ah, that explains it, my G1 was purchased new and unworn at a surplus store in 1978, so actually may have BEEN cow. It was a lighter brown than some others I had seen, and have seen since then.
I made a mistake in purchasing it in a size 38, which fit ok then, but I grew to a 40, which I still wear.
If I'd purchased a 40 then, I'm sure I'd still have it.

[Gringo]

sounds like you had a cowhide. I could only quess by the description. quatermasters were gods back then(and now). I saw one on a Naval Air station give my girl(a Fighter pilot in 88, very rare then)a private stock of goatskin when all the other aviators got cow, hence I know the jacket you had.

Take care and good luck with your choice of a Indy!!