Some big US Wings Indy jacket news

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Sat May 01, 2010 6:11 pm

what im wondering about is, are they gonna make this jacket in this exact same style as shown in the picture or make them in their standard us wings pattern?

I think the jacket 'style' looks really REALLY good.

Flyderf · Post by **Flyderf** » Sat May 01, 2010 7:26 pm

Is that size chart similar to previous wings sizing charts? I pre-ordered an XL based on my other wings collector's edition jacket.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sat May 01, 2010 7:39 pm

When I called and placed my order I asked about the sizing and cut of the jacket. The girl on the phone said it was the same as my USW CE. So, I assume it's the same jacket just a different leather.

-Erin

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sat May 01, 2010 7:48 pm

Style as shown, Holt...yeah...VERY LC!!!

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Sat May 01, 2010 8:01 pm

how's the back? 1'' gap between yoke/panel?

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sat May 01, 2010 8:13 pm

Indiana Holt wrote:

how's the back? 1'' gap between yoke/panel?

Mine is 1 1/16th"

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sat May 01, 2010 8:20 pm

Indiana Holt wrote:

how's the back? 1'' gap between yoke/panel?

We've talked about that some. From the pics Indydawg put up, it almost looks like that gap is gone, but some others, after looking at the pics, think it might still be there but the "lay" of the jacket is hiding it.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sat May 01, 2010 8:31 pm

I was letting you know about my CE. It could be less like Crismans said, I was just passing the info told to me from the sales rep about it being the same cut as what I have now.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sat May 01, 2010 9:02 pm

I can say that a definite answer on the back yoke is forthcoming within a week or so...maybe less, depending. I agree that the appearance of the gap being corrected may be deceiving. But...even I we're talking about 1/16 of an in.?!?!

Honestly, I hesitate to speak out of turn...but we'll be able to say for sure pretty soon.

blueoakleyz · Post by **blueoakleyz** » Sat May 01, 2010 9:32 pm

Which Pecards specifically?

Ok I'm paranoid so I'm going to let you all decide my size. I know that right now the best size to get would be a large. But as far as clothes go or other jackets I get at say JCPenney I can fit just fine in a medium. In fact depending on the jacket a medium fits like a large. Right now I have a US Wings A-2 that's a large and it fits great but I can feel like there is some extra comfort room there. I'd like an Indy jacket a little more form fitting..

So I just measured my chest with a tailor's tape and it is 43". I think that actual width (without curving the tape around. Imagine a 2D picture with just the width dimension from point a to point b, straight line) is around 17". I don't know how to measure that maybe.

Anyway right now, I'm 5'7" and 200lbs... The weight is evenly distributed so I'm not overly big in the chest or stomach. I do have some man boobage and a spare tire though...
But obviously, being overweight, I need to lose around 30lbs or more. So when I'm 170 lbs that is going to be huge on me. Considering that medium clothing fits as it is, albeit slightly tight, would a medium be a good way to go?
As hot as it is during summer I'm not going to be wearing it until I've lost weight anyway... and a smaller size would be a good incentive to lose weight.

I'd prefer a medium since as a short person it would fit lengthwise better and it would be more form fitting.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Sat May 01, 2010 10:36 pm

I'm in a similar dilema, blueoakleyz. I plan to have a chat with somebody over at Wings about the extra room I'm experiencing. I don't mind it, generally, but if I get another jacket I am hoping for a slightly trimmer fit. I don't plan to layer with my next one.

My advice is to call them, describe the current fit of the jacket you have, and see what they say.

blueoakleyz · Post by **blueoakleyz** » Sat May 01, 2010 10:46 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote:I'm in a similar dilema, blueoakleyz. I plan to have a chat with somebody over at Wings about the extra room I'm experiencing. I don't mind it, generally, but if I get another jacket I am hoping for a slightly trimmer fit. I don't plan to layer with my next one.

My advice is to call them, describe the current fit of the jacket you have, and see what they say.

Although you know, being a cowhide I could use it form cold weather with some layers..
and then get a light lambskin when it comes out and have it be a form fitting, fashion style 3-season jacket. Just a though..

But I'd still want it to look right on me as far as an Indy jacket goes..

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Sat May 01, 2010 11:58 pm

That's what I do with my CE Distressed Cowhide. It works great!

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sun May 02, 2010 9:28 pm

The Standard leather dressing, blue....here's the link.

http://www.pecard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc? ... leathdress

No "distressed finish" leather jacket should go more than a year without a coating of this stuff...IMO!

Regards!
Indydawg

blueoakleyz · Post by **blueoakleyz** » Sun May 02, 2010 9:32 pm

Indydawg wrote:The Standard leather dressing, blue....here's the link.

http://www.pecard.com/mm5/merchant.mvc? ... leathdress

No "distressed finish" leather jacket should go more than a year without a coating of this stuff...IMO!

Regards!
Indydawg

Those are all the same just different sizes?

Anyway what happens after this is applied. Gets shinier? Softer?

blueoakleyz · Post by **blueoakleyz** » Mon May 03, 2010 3:09 am

So are both the lightweight and the striated going to be from the same pattern?
I'd like the very soft lightweight one but I want it to be the accurate pattern (or at least one that's fairly accurate and no snaps on the storm flap)

Longinus · Post by **Longinus** » Mon May 03, 2010 8:44 am

blueoakleyz, Chewbacca Jones: Sarge was very helpful with me when I emailed him about a sizing question. Told him my specs - 5'10", 220#, 40" waist, can wear a 48R blazer off the rack - and he confirmed my suspicions that a 2X would work for me. And to echo what others have said, he does seem to enjoy touching base with members of the community here.

Looking forward to my 1st jacket! $\:D/$

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Mon May 03, 2010 10:54 am

Hey, blue-

Yes...all the standard leather dressing is the same, just different sizes. That product is strictly for use on distressed leather surfaces, though...as "smooth" finish leathers are not porous enough to absorb the stuff. They make a different product, the motorcycle leather lotion, that I've always used on my smooth finish jackets. Michaelson put me onto this stuff years ago....I've sworn by it since. Use it on my leather car seats (the motorcycle leather lotion, that is).

Anyway-what happens is you scoop it out-it's kindof a goopy paste. You rub it between your palms to liquify it, and then you apply it evenly to the leather surface. It gets it really wet looking, but don't worry-it will soak in. After you cover the entire surface with a thin layer of the stuff, hang it up and give it a day or so to soak in. Then buff the remaining residue off the surface with a clean old white T-shirt.

Reapply as needed, but I always do it about once a year, unless the jacket gets wet a lot. Then I do it more.

Regards.
Indydawg

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Mon May 03, 2010 10:57 am

blueoakleyz wrote:So are both the lightweight and the striated going to be from the same pattern?
I'd like the very soft lightweight one but I want it to be the accurate pattern (or at least one that's fairly accurate and no snaps on the storm flap)

As far as I know, the lightweight is going to be the standard Wings pattern. The striated is going to be off of Cooper's 25 year old pattern with the side straps going into the pocket edge similar to the Blue Label they produced a couple of years ago.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Mon May 03, 2010 12:31 pm

Sorry...I missed that question somehow...but yes, I think that's right, crismans...

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon May 03, 2010 1:20 pm

Longinus wrote:Sarge was very helpful with me when I emailed him about a sizing question. Told him my specs - 5'10", 220#, 40" waist, can wear a 48R blazer off the rack - and he confirmed my suspicions that a 2X would work for me. And to echo what others have said, he does seem to enjoy touching base with members of the community here.

Actually, based on how my 2X Wings Jackets fit, that's going to be much too big for you.

I'm 5'10", 220ish, with a 44" waist and a 48R is just a smidge too tight for me. I usually have to wear a 50R. And the Wings jackets fit me with lots of room to spare. Did you explain the fit you wanted when discissing it with Sarge?

The Standard leather dressing,
No "distressed finish" leather jacket should go more than a year without a coating of this stuff...IMO!

To date, I have never used dressing on any leather jacket. I avoid wearing the distressed one in rain, but otherwise take no special precautions. All but the oldest are practically in new condition.

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Mon May 03, 2010 2:15 pm

COW member "Longinus", my weight and waist size are the same as yours and I normally wear a size 48 regular, and like you, off the rack, with no problem. The CE SS Indy-Style adventurer jacket I have is a 2XL and, as "Chewbacca Jones" stated, there is plenty of room to spare. I went with the 2XL for the fact that I am short with broad shoulders but with some "middle age spread" happening.

Really need to lose weight.

Anyway, for the new Antique Cowhide jacket I pre-ordered, I went with an XL based on my experience with the US Wings 2xl jacket I own.

Not trying to doubt or undermine Sgt. Hack's information or advice, just giving you my personal experience with US Wings jackets. Hopefully, this information helped instead of making things more difficult in your decision.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon May 03, 2010 2:53 pm

Yeah, I wouldn't say Sarge's advice is bad, just that his POV on a good fit might be different than some buyer's. I have just e-mailed him with my own experience, and the fit I'm looking for specifically. I'm curious to see if his answer will change.

Longinus · Post by **Longinus** » Mon May 03, 2010 4:59 pm

Hmm, food for thought. One of the reasons I've held out on buying a jacket (for YEARS) is because I've been stressed about the question "But what if it doesn't fit right?" I'm not looking for a 100% SA jacket that looks the same on me as it does on Harrison Ford, and even if I was, my endomorphic body won't let it happen! I suppose I should think about either contacting Sgt. Hack about tweaking my order, or bite the bullet and make this jacket my wintertime layering jacket.

(These decisions do get easier the more jackets you own, right?)

Thanks for your feedback, gents!

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon May 03, 2010 5:20 pm

Longinus wrote: (These decisions do get easier the more jackets you own, right?)

Yeah. Sure. Absolutely.....

Regard! Michaelson

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Mon May 03, 2010 5:48 pm

Michaelson wrote:
Longinus wrote: (These decisions do get easier the more jackets you own, right?)

Yeah. Sure. Absolutely.....

Regard! Michaelson

MIchaelson....

COW member "Longinus", you are very welcome always will to help out my fellow COW brothers and sisters whenever possible.

BTW...I have 2 Cooper/Disney jackets, 5 Westeds (1 "Raiders" OTR, 2 "Temple of Doom" Customs from fellow COW members

, and 2 "Last Crusade" 1 OTR and one OTR from a fellow COW member

) and 1 US Wings with 1 US Wings on the way and probably purchasing the upcoming 2 jackets later this summer. And still have my eye on a Gibson and Barnes and Magnoli jacket along with whatever else may be on the horizon. Though I do plan to "downsize" my jacket collection. As with you, "SA" isn't a priority with me.

So...to answer your question "Longinus"...NO it doesn't get easier. Just remember, it is what YOU like.

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Mon May 03, 2010 11:05 pm

Here is an email that I received from Sgt. Hack this early evening.

I received our first samples today and what a nice Jacket.. I don’t know if you were around when Willis and Giger was in business but back in the late 70s they came out with a leather that blew everyone away.. a True Lightweight Vintage Lambskin.. Jacky Clyman of Avirex copied that jacket until she could not get the supply of skins.. This is the same leather!!

It has a shade of black and Brown and a shade of red.. The Leather is from New Zealand and is from a True Lambskin.. Not Sheep!! I sent one to our web master for picture taking tomorrow and we will see how it comes out.

Regards,

Sgt. Hack

Can not wait to see the pictures of this jacket. Again, GREAT products on the horizon from U.S. Wings. $\:D/$ Thanks, Sarge.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Tue May 04, 2010 9:13 am

Yep....you've got that right! Nothing like hearing it from the horse's mouth, is there?

Indydawg

riothamus · Post by **riothamus** » Tue May 04, 2010 9:17 am

So are these samples for the light-weight lamb offering or the striated lamb offering? They sound pretty cool looking, so whichever they are for, I may have to get a jacket from it!

Can't wait for some pics of the leather.

Excelsior!
Riothamus

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Tue May 04, 2010 10:17 am

Light-weight.

riothamus · Post by **riothamus** » Tue May 04, 2010 10:46 am

EXCELLENT!

Here's hoping we still get $195.

I'm going to have to get rid of my two westeds at this rate. How many brown Indy jackets does one need anyway?

Wait, I'm in the wrong place to ask that, aren't I?

Excelsior!
Riothamus

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Tue May 04, 2010 10:54 am

Yes.....yes, you are.

Indydawg

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Tue May 04, 2010 11:14 am

riothamus wrote: How many brown Indy jackets does one need anyway?

Excelsior!
Riothamus

I can't seem to find the infinity symbol on my keyboard!!

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 11:23 am

Type an '8', then turn your monitor sideways.

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 12:03 pm

Well, as a teaser (which I know folks hate), I JUST received a prototype cowhide from Wings to review by UPS a few minutes ago.

First blush, just fantastic leather!!! Reminds me of my favored lambtouch lightweight cowhide jackets of yore, but much more robust feel. Overall quality is just amazing! This one even has the American zip rather than the British version, for those who have never liked that type zipper.

The daughter is out of town with her digital equipment until the end of the week, but she HAS the camera and computer now at the house, so once she's home, we'll do a photo shoot and show all the angles and goodies.

Post a list of shots you want to see, and we'll do our best to compile those requests and post shots. Keep in mind the example I have in hand is a 'large', so all measurements will be based on that size jacket.

I'll add more information here after I've had time to take it home and go over it with a fine tooth comb, but first impression I'm VERY pleased and EXTREMELY impressed with what I see!

Regards! Michaelson

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Tue May 04, 2010 12:12 pm

Sounds great, Michaelson! I'm really looking forward to this jacket and those pics!

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 12:14 pm

It shouldn't be the usual convoluted effort now, as she got a new laptop with WiFi connection, so we're getting closer to the 21st century all the time....even though they're dragging me there kicking and screaming all the way!

Regards! Michaelson

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:01 pm

Excellent...looking forward to it!
Indydawg

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:11 pm

Michaelson wrote: First blush, just fantastic leather!!! Reminds me of my favored lambtouch lightweight cowhide jackets of yore, but much more robust feel.

I have had only one brief encounter with lambstouch, so I can't remember much about it. How would you compare this new cowhide to actual lambskin, like what Wested uses. I'm mainly concerned with thickness and potential warmth (I actually want a less warm jacket in this case).

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:15 pm

Like I said, I only had a brief look, but it feels comparible in physical weight to a lambskin, just more substantial in terms of physical strength. Every lambskin jacket I've ever handled (regardless of maker) had a bit of stretch to it. I'm not experiencing that at all with this cowhide.

Regards! Michaelson

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:20 pm

looking forward to it. would be nice to see how a large will look on a person. because if I go this route which i proabably will, I will need a large.

this awesome jacket is growing on me.

I really hope they have more Large in stock.

dawg?

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:23 pm

Ah. Got it. Without a clear memory of the lambstouch, I didn't really understand the comparison fully.

Anyhow, thank you!

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:27 pm

Eric, in case you missed this, here is the current number physically on order:

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=46646

As to availability, you'll need to drop Wings a line. Only they know what is available.

Chewy, the old 'lambtouch' was as close to a lambskin in terms of 'feel' and physicial weight as you could find out there. If someone didn't TELL you it was cowhide, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. What you DID know was you had less chance of a rip or tear should the leather ever get hung up on something due to the tensile strength of cowhide over lambskin. That's exactly what this new jacket reminds me of.

Does that make a bit more sense?

Regards! Michaelson

Flyderf · Post by **Flyderf** » Tue May 04, 2010 1:55 pm

I can not wait until this jacket ships, I'm on the list for one. My dilemma is explaining to the spouse exactly why I need another Indy jacket. I won't tell her that I'm probably going to order the new lambskin as well when it comes out.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Tue May 04, 2010 2:06 pm

Holt-

I can't tell ya, man...haven't got mine yet! Hopefully she's on the way pretty soon.

I remember that Lambtouch cowhide very well....Michaelson and I bounced a couple back and forth for a few months...one was distressed (and I actually ended up selling that to someone here...can't remember who now...or did you and I just trade for good on it, Michaelson?) and one was not...that one, I think Michaelson ended up keeping.

That was really fabulous leather....and if this stuff is anything like it, then we are ALL in for an unbelievable surprise!

Regards!
Indydawg

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 2:16 pm

Nope. It was given to another member a LONG time ago, Dawg. That's why I say I missed it.

Yep, we about wore that one out shipping it back and forth before I decided to hang on to it for a while, didn't we?

Regards! Michaelson

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Tue May 04, 2010 2:28 pm

Again...the "soon to be patented" Indydawg/Michaelson USPS Distressing Method....works wonders for giving your jacket that "well-travelled" look!

Indydawg

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 2:33 pm

Indy Magnoli has our method beat all to heck, Dawg! Just ask him the path a vest I ordered from him traveled trying to get from New Zealand to Tennessee a few years ago! It saw more air time and foreign countries than most international pilots!

Regards! Michaelson

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Tue May 04, 2010 2:52 pm

OK, maybe I'm slightly confused, which happens all the time..just ask my wife...but I see a naked cowhide Indy jacket on the US Wings site for $195 that sounds just like the one here that I contacted Sarge to reserve for me.

So am I correct that this is an offering to the general public, and not just COW at this price, or does it mean that he is filling orders from COW before he fills other orders for the public?

Oh, and Eric, if it is any help, I contacted USWings on Friday and was able to add my name to the list, so definitely send over an email.

Dan

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 04, 2010 2:55 pm

I believe it's a general price, and first come, first served. This isn't a COW 'exclusive' jacket, BUT, we were the first ones who knew about the offering (along with the incoming lambskins), and were given first opportunity to get preorders in before it became public.

Regards! Michaelson