I just need help with the jacket thing!

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 6:28 pm

First off, let me introduce myself, I'm just a simple machinist looking for a middle ground. My idea of a "good" shirt is one I haven't cut the sleeves out of yet. I have really no idea about sizes, what is what, and what jacket looks good on what body type. All I know is, I've bought two different jacket's and if I put the two together I'd have one that I like! I have a South beach leather, that fit's good but let's face it, is @#$%! A wested LC that looks good but dislocates my shoulder every time I try to put my hand's in the outer Handwarmer pockets! I guess the question is" were can I find a jactet that fits good, and is user friendly?"

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 6:49 pm

....nobody likes a stinking at-number sign-dollar-percenting-exclamation point kind of jacket!

Let's just get that out of the way right now. Well, at the risk of generalizing too much, nobody that I know of, anyway.

Take a look at the new US Wings offering. They are taking pre-orders right now, and for $195, it ain't such a bad deal.

It is made of distressed cow and will replicate the Last Crusade/Skull jacket. Tough jackets, made well, but with a bit of extra room.
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... 8&start=50

Ain't that a bad mamma slamma?

Besides that, it depends on your preference, leather, fit, etc. Off the racks are cheaper, and customs are more expensive. If you go custom, G&B makes a good likeness of the Raiders jacket in either lamb or goat. Either one is tough, well made jacket. Todd's Costumes and Magnoli both make customs, as well.

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:26 pm

I'll second TS. Right now for an all round Indy jacket that is practical and tuff as nails I think US Wings has got the best thing going. And as far as bang for the buck...I don't know how you can beat it.

Travis

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:37 pm

Thanks, I'll give 'em a hard look, my Wested is a custom distressed cow, I love the look but like I said I have a hard time getting my hands in the front pockets otherwise it fits. Is this normal or am I just built different? My upper half is very V shaped, Wide shoulders and a narrow waist. I have 9 or so leathers with most of them having bi-swing backs. They all seem to fit great I was just wondering if the action back of the Wested just moves differently. As a matter of fact I used one of my motorcycle jackets for the measurements due to the fact it fits so good.

jamesdell · Post by **jamesdell** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:45 pm

I just recently got my Wested, and I can get my hands in the pockets, but I'll agree it does take a little shrug and twist of the wrist to do it. Once inside though I feel comfortable and not like the jacket is stretching. As a comparison to body shape, I'm not much of a V shape. I'm not large, but I could stand to spend a little time in the gym.

I think it may be the way the pockets are on the Indy style jackets. I have seen other posts that have mentioned the difficult hand warmers in passing. Maybe other members have insights, and experiences from other vendors.

James

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:55 pm

Don't let the Wested get you down. They can be troublesome with fit sometimes.

If you want something right off the rack, zero fuss - go with U.S. Wings. They are roomy, but great for layering. It sounds like you enjoy freedom of movement!

If you prefer custom, then I must recommend Magnoli. To me, he's the best, and fully custom. However,with that trim middle, Todd's Costumes' pattern will probably work well for you. (His standard is not intended to be overly rugged) He makes a heck of a jacket. I just happen to favor Magnoli.

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:58 pm

Any idea if they plan on making the pockets SA?

Kyle

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 8:13 pm

knibs7 wrote:Any idea if they plan on making the pockets SA?

Kyle

On which one?

Travis

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 8:19 pm

Wow, you guys are awesome! thanks so much for the advice. I'm really new here and already you make me feel at home.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:22 pm

Last one out has to do the dishes....they forgot to mention that!

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:44 pm

I have four Wested jackets, and I seem to wear My U.S. Wings more because I like the fit better. Just a thought I would let you know. Cheers Gringo.

P.S. Never , Never say you are a SIMPLE Machinest. I am a class A, and my father was was a Master Machinest! If it was not for our type, we would never have gone to the moon(my dad made parts for the L.E.M. Apollo). You are a true craftsmen! Bridgeport milling machine all the way(dating myself).

Dunross76 · Post by **Dunross76** » Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:53 pm

Go with USWings jackets. They fit and are durable.

CM · Post by CM » Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:28 am

Hollowpond wrote:
knibs7 wrote:Any idea if they plan on making the pockets SA?

Kyle
On which one?

Travis

If you mean Wings then I would say no. I think the point is that it looks more like an LC than a Raiders, but it is not attempting to be accurate. It's just the Wings take on an Indy style jacket. Sounds like a good deal, though and well made.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 11:36 am

Gringo wrote:P.S. Never , Never say you are a SIMPLE Machinest. I am a class A, and my father was was a Master Machinest! If it was not for our type, we would never have gone to the moon(my dad made parts for the L.E.M. Apollo). You are a true craftsmen! Bridgeport milling machine all the way(dating myself).

Yeah, I read that and thought exactly the same thing, Gringo. There ain't NOTHING 'simple' about the work a machinest does, no matter WHAT you make....be it rocket parts or firebrick molds, if it isn't machined right, it's junk. I salute you and those of your craft, John!

Oh, and yes, Wings would be one to definitely look at. The introductory price on that $199 jacket not to be confused with quality, as after the introduction is over, the jacket is slated to be priced at $499 list.

U. S. Wings was one of the VERY first vendors to support this hobby of Indygear.com, and have been our friend for decades. THAT'S why we get these great intro prices on their jackets....so welcome to the community!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

lc_fan · Post by **lc_fan** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 1:17 pm

I perhaps would have thought about such an us wing jacket....but when I read that the shipping fees are 100 $(4 times the US-fees) to Germany...I was shocked.

Joeyeah_right · Post by **Joeyeah_right** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 2:44 pm

lc_fan wrote:I perhaps would have thought about such an us wing jacket....but when I read that the shipping fees are 100 $(4 times the US-fees) to Germany...I was shocked.

I have the same issue with US Wings shipping to the UK. It takes the jacket from being a great buy to being quite expensive (for my budget anyway).

I will probably have to look at Wested, as at least I can drive over there and pick one up...

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:06 pm

Well, depending on where we live in the U. S., shipping and customs charges ratchet up the charge on any Wested jackets coming our way, so that situation cuts both ways.

Regards! Michaelson

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:23 pm

Thanks Mark!(I miss the smell of cutting oil in the morning!!)

Back on topic, I have a couple of Westeds that fit great and the others are more custom. It just seems the full cut(?) of the Wings seems to suit my everyday needs(sweater, no sweater etc..). Cheers

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 3:48 pm

My late father in law was a master machinest at the firebrick plant in Portsmouth, Ohio, so I KNOW from where you're coming from, old friend!

Anyway.....

Regards! Michaelson

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:01 pm

Cheers to your father in-law! I will never be a master(because the master is gone), but I can live with class A(Grasshopper)!

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:03 pm

He trained under HIS father, who was also a master machinest.

Once again...anyway....

Regards! Michaelson

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:24 pm

Ironic, so did I! He tortured me an my brothers to be the best. We were not his sons when we walked in that door! But we were, because we had to be better than the other 30 guys. Hated him then, love him for it now(he was a Marine with a big heart).

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 4:55 pm

I truly hope I didn't offend anyone with that "simple" remark, If I did than I'm very sorry. I wasn't talking about our craft so much as How I am as a man. I know the importance of machinists. I work in the back ground of a small tool factory. My supervisor/master and I are the ones who make the parts to the machines that make the tool everyone else uses to fix their machines. WOW, I hope that makes sence. Anyway thanks for the help and now the support. I'm very new here but already have a good feeling about this.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 5:30 pm

I do have to throw one more thing into the fire as it were. Would someone tell me about Todd's jackets. From what I hear they are good jackets. I don't have a problem with lambskin. As far as distressing goes I can use the South beach one to pratice on, If it get messed up I'm not going to cry.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 5:32 pm

John Vaughan wrote:I truly hope I didn't offend anyone with that "simple" remark

Offend? Quite the contrary! We were just pointing out how IMPORTANT you and your craft are!

Regards! Michaelson

Joeyeah_right · Post by **Joeyeah_right** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:07 pm

Michaelson wrote:Well, depending on where we live in the U. S., shipping and customs charges ratchet up the charge on any Wested jackets coming our way, so that situation cuts both ways.

Regards! Michaelson

Yeah, I know, but I REALLY liked the look of that US Wings jacket, but I'm going to have to settle for a Wested instead. It's a shame that worldwide shipping is so expensive (plus customs charges on top of that, depending on which country you live in) on both sides.

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:18 pm

Hope I can get in on that introductory price of the New Wings cowhide. I have been wanting to add a LC style jacket to my wardrobe and this would fit the bill.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:19 pm

Joeyeah_right wrote:
Michaelson wrote:Well, depending on where we live in the U. S., shipping and customs charges ratchet up the charge on any Wested jackets coming our way, so that situation cuts both ways.

Regards! Michaelson
Yeah, I know, but I REALLY liked the look of that US Wings jacket, but I'm going to have to settle for a Wested instead. It's a shame that worldwide shipping is so expensive (plus customs charges on top of that, depending on which country you live in) on both sides.

Agreed!

Regards! Michaelson

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:37 pm

Next obvious question is.. How long is that intro. price going to be around? I figured by the time I get the funds it would be gone. That's the only reason I was askin' about the Todd jacket. It's price is set.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:39 pm

Good question! I honestly don't know! I'll ask!

Stay tuned.

Regards! Michaelson

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:41 pm

John Vaughan wrote:Next obvious question is.. How long is that intro. price going to be around? I figured by the time I get the funds it would be gone. That's the only reason I was askin' about the Todd jacket. It's price is set.

I was told they don't bill you till its shipped, so I imagine around 6/1. Also I got this from Sarge about reserving one, so you can email him at info@uswings.com

these are not pre paid and all we will do when they come in is just send you a e-mail and if you want one at that time place your order and if not we will contact the next person in line. I will only make 100 at a time due to the time it takes to age the Naked Cow leather!

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:48 pm

Oh, and as far as the machinist thing goes, Thanks guys, It's an honor to be with such good people. I take everything as a compliment, and tip my hat to all.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:58 pm

There's your answer! Thanks, JC1972

If I hear a solid end date, I'll post it here.

Regards! Michaelson

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:55 pm

Sorry if you took it as offense. NOT AT ALL. Just wanted you to realize your roots! Off topic again Gringo(I have to work on that).

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:16 pm

Gringo wrote:Sorry if you took it as offense. NOT AT ALL. Just wanted you to realize your roots! Off topic again Gringo(I have to work on that).

For that I thank you kind sir. I truly do.

Back on subject, as soon as I get the feel for this I'll post pics of the Wested That way you fine gents can give me you valued opinions on the jacket.

Captain D · Post by **Captain D** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:30 pm

I really like what I hear about the US Wings. The only thing that kinda throws me is the back panel. If they could get the seams closer with regards to the back yoke, I'd probably be a lil' more inclined to purchase one. No offense towards US Wings jacket by any stretch, just my opinion...

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 9:53 pm

I was concerned about that way back when, I have found through experience that the action pleats to their job better if they are in a bit, rather than screen accurate. Of course, if accuracy is you priority, that's another story.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 10:50 am

David Hack's response, posted verbatim:

Hello COW members…
I think in all honesty the question should be how long will we have them!! I will hold the price for COW as long as I have them!! I do not want any member buying our jackets that cannot afford them nor do I want any member doing business with me that is out of work…. If I find that out I will not sell to them and I mean it. These are hard times and if the truth be known that is the reason for the $ 195.00.

Sarge

Regards! Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:44 am

Well put, Sarge!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 11:46 am

I'm really looking forward to this offering. I hope they knock it out of the park, though I'll settle for a double stretched into a triple.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:33 pm

Huh? Ah, wow. That's well, cool. good to know there are still good people out there. Why did it take me so long to find you guys? Did I just type that out loud?

Thanks to all,
John

RCSignals · Post by **RCSignals** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 5:38 pm

Captain D wrote:I really like what I hear about the US Wings. The only thing that kinda throws me is the back panel. If they could get the seams closer with regards to the back yoke, I'd probably be a lil' more inclined to purchase one. No offense towards US Wings jacket by any stretch, just my opinion...

I think on the new cowhide jacket the back is as you want

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:33 pm

Your supposed to use those pockets. I've never used them actully. I have a Wested abd a custom Todds in Lamb find I like the weight of the Lamb over the goat.

A wings could be a future jacket.

Croft

theman · Post by **theman** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:56 pm

I would so be all over the wings if the sleeves were at least the same as the back length and the zipper was left hand pull side.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Thu Apr 22, 2010 9:03 pm

All I know is, I'm lookin' at that wings HARD. I mean what's one more Indy jacket? I already have four motorcycle jackets. Three of them are the same type only differently sized to go with changing weather here in kansas. three are black and one is distressed brown, three are the old classic Brando including the brown one. the other is more sportbike styled. ( I ride a chopper). I'm just wanting a good fitting leather for those times I'm not in a biker sort of mood. How well made are the one's from Todds? Light lamb is okay, I can always layer. From the time I wrote the first post I've had lots of friends say that the Wested fits and looks great on me And the more I look at it the more I like it, it just seems the shoulders are a bit tight.

Thanks to all

John Vaughan

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:27 am

Update: Just ordered the US Wings jacket last night. At $195 I just couldn't pass that up. I think of it as "Hey, odds are, even Indy had more than one jacket" Even the wife gave her blessing, well after the "Just how many leather jackets does one man need" commemt

Sent them an Email in regards to sizing. And off I go on another adventure jacket land.

Thanks to all for turning me on to US Wings.

Peace

John

Post by **Holt** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 9:50 am

great choice. it will last forever. dont baby it! it can take it. congrats!

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 10:14 am

Ya, don't worry about that, First thing, I'm going to have my wife drag me behind my Ranger for a block or two.

Or maybe not.

Peace
John

Post by **Holt** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 10:22 am

or maby not

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sat Apr 24, 2010 10:59 am

Even the wife gave her blessing, well after the "Just how many leather jackets does one man need" commemt

An infinite number!

I actually get this comment a lot. Doesn't stop me, however, and I always say "About the same number that a woman needs purses."

I would not recommend this course of action.