U.S. Wings Antique Cowhide 'Hero Jacket'

191145 · Post by **191145** » Sat May 29, 2010 4:33 pm

Has anybody received one of these yet? I know they're supposed to ship next week, but was just wondering. I'm hoping it can replace my Wested 'Raiders' which is now way too big.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sat May 29, 2010 4:36 pm

Would like to see the back panel.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sat May 29, 2010 4:39 pm

I have one on order, but don't think it'll be here untill next week sometime. Ill let ya know as soon as it gets here. I think the panel is like all of the others they offer.

John.

191145 · Post by **191145** » Sat May 29, 2010 6:27 pm

I'd like it to be 'close' to SA but I'm not into perfectionism with the jacket. I just like the style of the Indy jacket. If this new one fits better than the Wested and looks decent, I'll be good with it. Then maybe I can pawn off the Raiders on one of you fine, upstanding gentlemen.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sat May 29, 2010 8:07 pm

The pic on their site has it with Snaps on the storm flap which leads me to believe that'd it'd be a good LC....I was all for the Collectors edition for an LC look but this is even better for the price. Since Wested is hit or miss especially on SA, I'm more concerned about quality then perfect SA.....

I'm highly interested in this since the price is excellent and I've heard nothing but good things about US Wings...

Anyone got one yet?

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sat May 29, 2010 9:36 pm

from what I've heard it's the jacket to get. My Wested LC is a good jacket, but I'm not totaly in love with it. I asked about what would be a good jacket to get and every one pointed me to US Wings. I have one on order and should be getting it sometime within the next few weeks. When it gets here I'll be sure to post something. All I've heard about them is they are tough as nails and fit good. Oh, and when ordering go with the largest size stated ( L 42-44) is a 44. The one that is coming is my first so this is all hearsay. But as you already know, around here the guys are very helpfull and wont steer ya the wrong way, so I take what was said as truth. Heck, I ordered a new jacket because of their advice.

John

CM · Post by CM » Sat May 29, 2010 10:06 pm

Can't wait to see it. I hope the pockets are just like that.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sat May 29, 2010 10:25 pm

Yeah, I'm very interested in this jacket. For the price and the famed US Wings quality.....its hands down the best option out there. Maybe not perfect SA but I'm okay with that. i might just grab this asap before they raise the price.

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Sun May 30, 2010 10:29 am

What's the actual color? Seal brown? Dark brown?

BTW, anybody ordered the "New Zealand Lambskin" jacket? From the description, it sounds similar to a Todd's.

The prices are awesome!

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Sun May 30, 2010 11:07 am

Just got mine.....post pics later today.

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Sun May 30, 2010 11:31 am

I still haven't even been asked to pay yet!!

Travis

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Sun May 30, 2010 11:47 am

IndyOriginal wrote:Just got mine.....post pics later today.

How'd you get yours already? I was told they weren't going to take payment info yet until next week, and they would ship next week. Unless you paid online or gave your payment info, and they shipped early?

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun May 30, 2010 11:59 am

Yeah, seriously... I'm still waiting to pay.

Band Director Jones · Sun May 30, 2010 12:09 pm

Tennessee Smith wrote:Yeah, seriously... I'm still waiting to pay.

Ditto, and I ordered online on April 21.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun May 30, 2010 12:37 pm

I've already paid for mine, I think we've been through this already. My card was charged for the jacket back in April. not sure whats going on, and as I said before I want the jacket so I'm ok with it

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Sun May 30, 2010 1:41 pm

I'm not sure what's going on with the billing, exactly. I'm not worried, but as it stands for me - I order the jacket by phone, along with another item. I gave my payment info then. I was shipped the other item with an invoice showing both that and the jacket. However, my card has not been billed for either item yet. Now, this doesn't really answer anything, but I hope it demonstrates to those concerned that tracking the state of our payments may not be the best way to figure out when we're getting our jackets.

I know the anticipation is huge, but take a deep breath and try to relax.

I said try....

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun May 30, 2010 4:22 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote: I know the anticipation is huge, but take a deep breath and try to relax.

I said try....

As always the voice of reason

John

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sun May 30, 2010 4:27 pm

The site says that the jacket will ship the week of June 1. Maybe the first shipments will arrive to their new owners around the end of the week.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun May 30, 2010 5:34 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote:

I said try....

Chewie, that's so much easier to type than abide by

-TS

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sun May 30, 2010 5:45 pm

Heck, for the price and known quality of US Wings....I'm having a hard time NOT buying this right now before hearing the opinions of the guys waiting on their jackets to arrive!!!!!

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun May 30, 2010 5:56 pm

backstagejack wrote:Heck, for the price and known quality of US Wings....I'm having a hard time NOT buying this right now before hearing the opinions of the guys waiting on their jackets to arrive!!!!!

Seriously!!!! You haven't bought it yet!!!!

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun May 30, 2010 5:57 pm

Texan Scott wrote:The site says that the jacket will ship the week of June 1. Maybe the first shipments will arrive to their new owners around the end of the week.

Ya, that's what I'm figuring, well hopin' anyway. I've waited this long a few more "days" won't kill me none.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sun May 30, 2010 6:04 pm

Tennessee Smith wrote:
backstagejack wrote:Heck, for the price and known quality of US Wings....I'm having a hard time NOT buying this right now before hearing the opinions of the guys waiting on their jackets to arrive!!!!!
Seriously!!!! You haven't bought it yet!!!!

lol!!! Don't make it harder then it is!!! I'm waiting to hear the reviews......I was torn between getting another Wested LC or the Collectors edition USWings for my new LC look (again, I don't care that much about SA but quality) With this new offer and the pic showing that it has the snaps......i've been looking at this dang jacket every day now since I discovered it!!!

If this new jacket stands up to the US Wings Quality and durability, I'm sold.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun May 30, 2010 6:20 pm

HA! I told my wife that I'm probably not the only one who keeps looking up the jacket day after day!

John

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sun May 30, 2010 6:39 pm

John Vaughan wrote:HA! I told my wife that I'm probably not the only one who keeps looking up the jacket day after day!

John

Now THAT'S Funny. My GF thinks ALL of us are insane on COW, although she loves Indy.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun May 30, 2010 6:40 pm

backstagejack wrote:I was torn between getting another Wested LC or the Collectors edition USWings for my new LC look (again, I don't care that much about SA but quality) With this new offer and the pic showing that it has the snaps......i've been looking at this dang jacket every day now since I discovered it!!!

If this new jacket stands up to the US Wings Quality and durability, I'm sold.

Honestly, between to two there is no comparison. Granted there are a few backing the guy in the other corner

I own one USW and it's my pride and joy. I can't imagine looking elsewhere unless it's for a Nowak and even then the cost is giving me pause... but if I won the lottery

I can give you my word you will not be disappointed with a USW jacket. Hack knows his stuff and his quality is top notch!!!

You can take your chance with the other guys but I do recommend doing a thread search before you commit...

-TS

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun May 30, 2010 7:18 pm

Now what TS is talking about is just the reason I ordered one, other than the "not as SA" thing, and the sizes run big, I've never heard a bad word about a Wings. I just wanted a jacket that fits and is well made. The price kinda had something to do with it too.

John

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sun May 30, 2010 7:35 pm

John Vaughan wrote:Now what TS is talking about is just the reason I ordered one, other than the "not as SA" thing, and the sizes run big, I've never heard a bad word about a Wings. I just wanted a jacket that fits and is well made. The price kinda had something to do with it too.

John

Thats funny about the sizes running big as they state that its a "normal" fit. and with my chest size and jacket size M, I should be under 155 pounds....which I think I'm sitting at 170......

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun May 30, 2010 7:41 pm

backstagejack wrote:
John Vaughan wrote:Now what TS is talking about is just the reason I ordered one, other than the "not as SA" thing, and the sizes run big, I've never heard a bad word about a Wings. I just wanted a jacket that fits and is well made. The price kinda had something to do with it too.

John
Thats funny about the sizes running big as they state that its a "normal" fit. and with my chest size and jacket size M, I should be under 155 pounds....which I think I'm sitting at 170......

My last jacket was a Medium. I'm 210 and 5'11" but I wear my weight truly proportionately. It fit me perfectly.

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sun May 30, 2010 8:02 pm

Tennessee Smith wrote:
backstagejack wrote:
John Vaughan wrote:Now what TS is talking about is just the reason I ordered one, other than the "not as SA" thing, and the sizes run big, I've never heard a bad word about a Wings. I just wanted a jacket that fits and is well made. The price kinda had something to do with it too.

John
Thats funny about the sizes running big as they state that its a "normal" fit. and with my chest size and jacket size M, I should be under 155 pounds....which I think I'm sitting at 170......
My last jacket was a Medium. I'm 210 and 5'11" but I wear my weight truly proportionately. It fit me perfectly.

Hm. I'm 5'8, 170 and my jacket size is generally a 38-40. Makes me wonder if a M will be too big......I mean, according to their website I should order a M, which is what I wear in almost everything except a few shirts where my arms are too long....

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sun May 30, 2010 8:14 pm

Just posted an update in the vendor section, guys....should be shipping to you in the next ten days....

And, just as a thought on this Memorial Day eve....I don't think Sarge would mind if I shared this with you...he and I think enough alike about this that I might as well be posting my own thoughts...

You know I really don’t know what SA really is because we make jackets to not only feel and look good but hold up to the test of time! It is a stone fact that Disney for the past 20 years have been buying our Cow Indy Jackets and giving them to their major stock holders.. You have to ask yourself a very simple question.. Why ? Most are aware I am a business man and to me that is smart business. I and Neil think a like when it comes to all the back and forward who made what.. Bottom line is.. What you see on the screen and what is in the real world is not the same thing.. Today I put up a link on my main page today and that link is the Wall.. Those that gave their all so we as Americans can be free and we all should never forget that.
Now back to the Indy Hero Jacket.. They will be sent to all that wish to receive them in the next ten days.

I've got some thoughts about this SA thing lately...and I'm trying to figure a tactful way to present them...but I don't know how tactful it's going to come out. But, regardless, know this-when you're buying Wings...you are buying a REAL Indy jacket. About the only other jacket that I have ANY personal experience with, that I would also put up against a Wings jacket, is Gibson and Barnes' Expedition.

Just a few thoughts, guys...don't mean to offend anyone who is completely into the analyzing of screen accuracy when it comes to the jackets-I was there myself, once upon a time. But guys-let me leave you with this thought....if your Indy jacket is sitting around in your closet, or (heaven forbid) on a mannequin somewhere in your study (yes, I had one that I had JUST for my mannequin once, too)....are you living a life worthy of the man who wore that jacket?

I believe we've heard it enough in the last couple of months..."It's just a fu$%in' jacket!!!!" What's important are the adventures you have in life. Get out there with that jacket and get it some REAL distressing! Get in a bar fight in it and get thrown against a brick wall (did that once); get thrown off a horse wearing it (yep, did that, too), heck..just go walking through the woods in it, let the tree branches rub against the leather, scratch it up some...then Pecard the dang thing and get back out there for more!!!

Live your lives, gentlemen!!! We only get to do this thing once....but, if we do it right, once should be enough!!!!

Highest Regards!
Indydawg

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sun May 30, 2010 8:27 pm

Indydawg wrote:

Just a few thoughts, guys...don't mean to offend anyone who is completely into the analyzing of screen accuracy when it comes to the jackets-I was there myself, once upon a time. But guys-let me leave you with this thought....if your Indy jacket is sitting around in your closet, or (heaven forbid) on a mannequin somewhere in your study (yes, I had one that I had JUST for my mannequin once, too)....are you living a life worthy of the man who wore that jacket?

I believe we've heard it enough in the last couple of months..."It's just a fu$%in' jacket!!!!" What's important are the adventures you have in life. Get out there with that jacket and get it some REAL distressing! Get in a bar fight in it and get thrown against a brick wall (did that once); get thrown off a horse wearing it (yep, did that, too), heck..just go walking through the woods in it, let the tree branches rub against the leather, scratch it up some...then Pecard the dang thing and get back out there for more!!!

Live your lives, gentlemen!!! We only get to do this thing once....but, if we do it right, once should be enough!!!!

Highest Regards!
Indydawg

AMEN!!! I completely agree and thats specifically why I've been drawn to your product. I need a jacket that can hold up and look Indy not necessarily SA as thats not as important to me.

As the great late Sergei (whom sadly I never knew but have read much about on COW) said -

"...Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" —Sergei

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sun May 30, 2010 8:33 pm

Hooyah!!!

Oh...and, my apologies to the ladies that are out there, too...I was NOT trying to exclude you with my inadvertent (and likely sexist) "gentlemen" designation for the message....

I'll go back to my guitar and mojito, now...

Indydawg

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Sun May 30, 2010 9:02 pm

IndyOriginal wrote:Just got mine.....post pics later today.

Sooooo, how did you get yours then IO?

Travis

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun May 30, 2010 9:06 pm

I couldn't agree more, and well said Dawg! I just wanted a good jacket that fits, in the Indy style of course. SA really isn't such a big deal for me. I live in the armpit of Kansas, and don't have to many cons near by to wear full gear. This is my first jacket from USW and the "runs big" thing is just what I've been told by other COW members, like I said, From my perspective it's just all hearsay. I've just been told if you order a L 42" to 44" chest the jacket comes in a 44". I think the word roomy was used also. So I guess we'll see when it gets here, I had no intention of starting a freak out on the size thing. Sorry guys if I did. If in doubt call them up. The one thing I can tell ya is their costomer service is top notch and that I know from first hand experience.

John

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun May 30, 2010 9:44 pm

Indydawg wrote:Hooyah!!!

Oh...and, my apologies to the ladies that are out there, too...I was NOT trying to exclude you with my inadvertent (and likely sexist) "gentlemen" designation for the message....

I'll go back to my guitar and mojito, now...

Indydawg

Dude that was uncalled for.... but it reminds me...

Why do women have small feet?

So they can stand closer to the kitchen sink.

Sorry, I had to go there...
-TS

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun May 30, 2010 10:11 pm

As are we...as are we...

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon May 31, 2010 12:19 am

"...Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" —Sergei

Oh, I needed that laugh tonight! My, my. The man had a way with words, but he's right. What's the point of living if you can't enjoy life. Maybe jumping off of bridges and rolling down hills isn't for everyone, but find what you enjoy and do it!

Indydawg, you (and Sarge) hit squarely on why I never hesitate about a USW jacket over screen accuracy or quality concerns. For somebody like myself, SA would probably survive very well. I'm not a knock-down-drag-around type. But I would still rather have something of quality rather than a perfect replica of a movie prop. It would probably look dreadful on me, anyway.

I have even defended USW jackets with similar language to the Sarge, so it makes it even sweeter to know that my priorities are also his.

Indakin · Post by **Indakin** » Mon May 31, 2010 12:26 am

started wearing my jacket again and being in Los Angeles now, my todds jacket is much nicer to use. MY goat from wested is great, but also over time i was a bit unhappy with the fit because of my own working on. That goat doesnt hang and well to my body because of my chest and back area. The todds is great but its a bit small on me as well. Im thinking to get the Lightweight New Zealand Antique Lambskin Indy-style Jacket USW has now too, because the price is great and the jacket looks great too. What do you guys think about it?

I havent been on the boards in a while, just wanted some opinions. IF the material is like the Todds, then im cool with that, i just want a better fitting jacket, which would be a bit larger in length and overall fit. I currently have a XXL in todds, and was planning on getting the XL in the USW. Does this seem like the right fit? Im about 200 lbs 46 chest. I have a 48 in my wested, and its got some room still.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon May 31, 2010 12:42 am

Indakin wrote: I havent been on the boards in a while, just wanted some opinions. IF the material is like the Todds, then im cool with that, i just want a better fitting jacket, which would be a bit larger in length and overall fit. I currently have a XXL in todds, and was planning on getting the XL in the USW. Does this seem like the right fit? Im about 200 lbs 46 chest. I have a 48 in my wested, and its got some room still.

You might be an XL, but if you're unsure, contact Sgt. Hack and get his input. Also, re-measure your chest to make sure you are still a 46. The right size USW will give you plenty of room to move.

If you have the ability to wait, the Lightweight NZ's should start reaching customers the first week of July. I'm sure reviews will pop up like crazy! But based on the Sarge's description, I think we'll be getting a hide very similar to Todds.

CM · Post by CM » Mon May 31, 2010 1:10 am

Indakin wrote:started wearing my jacket again and being in Los Angeles now, my todds jacket is much nicer to use. MY goat from wested is great, but also over time i was a bit unhappy with the fit because of my own working on. That goat doesnt hang and well to my body because of my chest and back area. The todds is great but its a bit small on me as well. Im thinking to get the Lightweight New Zealand Antique Lambskin Indy-style Jacket USW has now too, because the price is great and the jacket looks great too. What do you guys think about it?

I havent been on the boards in a while, just wanted some opinions. IF the material is like the Todds, then im cool with that, i just want a better fitting jacket, which would be a bit larger in length and overall fit. I currently have a XXL in todds, and was planning on getting the XL in the USW. Does this seem like the right fit? Im about 200 lbs 46 chest. I have a 48 in my wested, and its got some room still.

I woudln't think the material is like Todds - they are made to a budget and are of a thin leather. The Wings lamb everyone says is robust and substantial. Edit: I appear to be wrong here - it'll be interesting to see just how light the leather ends up being.

Indakin · Post by **Indakin** » Mon May 31, 2010 1:37 am

awesome if thats the case sounds like a better leather from USW, hopefully. I mostly want things like the sleeves and such to fit better. Would mind a jacket as big as my 48 wested, as long as it fit a bit longer and such, and being lamb it should lay better. Thinking to start rocking a TOD costume , been doing raiders and i love it, but wanna try a new look this year.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Mon May 31, 2010 1:23 pm

CM wrote: I woudln't think the material is like Todds - they are made to a budget and are of a thin leather. The Wings lamb everyone says is robust and substantial.

Substantial, I don't doubt. But Sgt. Hack has really emphasized the thin, light aspects of this particular lambskin, versus the one he's been selling for years. I think that each of these new offerings, from the new Naked Cowhide forward, are really going to stand out from the USW pack. Rules are going to get bent, broken, and rewritten, I think. Except that real-world sturdiness. The Sarge seems to be quite firm that he won't sacrifice that for any reason, and I believe him.

Oh, and when it comes to length, the USW is much more generous than Wested.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Mon May 31, 2010 1:37 pm

27" is what I was told about the back length, in a reg that is, don't know about a long. Come to think of it I can't recall where or who told me that

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon May 31, 2010 2:28 pm

Chewbacca Jones wrote:Substantial, I don't doubt. But Sgt. Hack has really emphasized the thin, light aspects of this particular lambskin, versus the one he's been selling for years. I think that each of these new offerings, from the new Naked Cowhide forward, are really going to stand out from the USW pack. Rules are going to get bent, broken, and rewritten, I think. Except that real-world sturdiness. The Sarge seems to be quite firm that he won't sacrifice that for any reason, and I believe him.

It is definitely a VERY light weight lambskin in comparison to any lambskin I've handled to date. Perfect for rolling up and packing in a suitcase, but not something I'd ever want to get drug behind a truck wearing. The perfect jacket for the 'urban archaeologist' who likes to wear a classy LIGHT WEIGHT jacket in an urban setting.

Regards! Michaelson

191145 · Post by **191145** » Mon May 31, 2010 3:24 pm

'Oh, and when it comes to length, the USW is much more generous than Wested'

Man, that's what I hope is true. I'm definitely not tall (5-8, 175), but the Wested is just too short in front - I'm sure that the problem is my 'barrel' chest more than the jacket. If the sleeves turn out too long, it's simple to take them up - any tailor shop can do it. Also, I'm looking for a smaller collar - the one in the picture looks great. I ordered a Medium so I have every hope of not having to exchange it for a Small. As far as card charges, USW like most on-line or mail order merchants do not charge your card until they ship. Since I can view my card account on-line, I'll be checking every night for that posting. Plus, I imagine we will all get an email when they ship. It's been years since I ordered anything from USW so I really don't remember if they email or not. When I bought the Wested five years ago I was almost 200 lbs, and it still had right much overlap in front - you can imagine what it's like now - probably 8" total overlap - it really is like a tent on me.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Mon May 31, 2010 4:45 pm

191145 wrote:
As far as card charges, USW like most on-line or mail order merchants do not charge your card until they ship.

Ok now This statment is starting to bug me. ( not that you are saying it "191145") but the fact IS my card has already been charged for this jacket! I have the card statment, both online and a hard copy, and I have the account info from Paypal. The only thing thats buggin' me is from the time I've ordered I've taken my card off the paypal account, the last charge as it were, and broke out the shreader. So I would like to know whats going on here, I want the jacket and would hate it if all of a sudden won't be able to get it due to a misunderstanding. That, and I don't want to get charged twice for the same jacket.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Mon May 31, 2010 4:48 pm

Just call them tomorrow. I'm sure they'll get it squared away with you in no time.

191145 · Post by **191145** » Mon May 31, 2010 6:21 pm

If you used PayPal they had to follow-through. The merchant has no way of delaying the posting of the charge as they do on a regular card purchase. In other words, PayPal basically takes the money from your bank and pays the merchant (minus fees), so the charge would be posted to your card account very shortly thereafter. I'm sure USW has your order marked as 'pre-paid' and you most likely will be among the first recipients.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Mon May 31, 2010 6:55 pm

191145 wrote:If you used PayPal they had to follow-through. The merchant has no way of delaying the posting of the charge as they do on a regular card purchase. In other words, PayPal basically takes the money from your bank and pays the merchant (minus fees), so the charge would be posted to your card account very shortly thereafter. I'm sure USW has your order marked as 'pre-paid' and you most likely will be among the first recipients.

Sounds good, and it would explain whats going on, problem with calling is I work 10 hour days at a place where cell phone use is a fast ticket home. can't call untill friday. Hope by then I don't have to, and I'll be sporting a new jacket, or at least lookin' at an email sayin' I'll be sportin' it soon,

Thanks

John