U.S. Wings Antique Cowhide 'Hero Jacket'

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 10:03 pm

True...very true!

But at least my agent won't get upset if I take pics in the jacket...when it FINALLY gets here!

Regards!
Indydawg

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 10:12 pm

Indydawg wrote:True...very true!

But at least my agent won't get upset if I take pics in the jacket...when it FINALLY gets here!

Regards!
Indydawg

.... Um Dawg, that would be your travel agent right?

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 10:38 pm

Ummmmmm......yeah, sure....

Indydawg

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 11:03 pm

Indydawg wrote:Sorry...NO disrespect to those other makers in this pic, scot, but...that Wings on the left has them beat by a country mile!

High Regards!
Indydawg

I am digging the Wings jacket as well Dawg! I hope the small I recieve next week gives me a better fit, and NO disrespect to you, but Todd and Wested make some fine jackets as well.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 11:07 pm

I can't personally speak to Todd's...and I haven't owned a Wested for longer than a week in about ten years, so...I'll just have to take your word for it, scot

!

Me? I don't have enough discretionary funds to get into all I want to....having to pick and choose these days!

I think you're going to be very happy with your jacket situation, though!

Regards!
Indydawg

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 11:16 pm

Indydawg wrote:I can't personally speak to Todd's...and I haven't owned a Wested for longer than a week in about ten years, so...I'll just have to take your word for it, scot !

Me? I don't have enough discretionary funds to get into all I want to....having to pick and choose these days!

I think you're going to be very happy with your jacket situation, though!

Regards!
Indydawg

I agree.

Bemo · Post by **Bemo** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 12:21 am

Sarge, first you have great staff there. I've ordered several products from your company over the last couple years and I always hang up with a smile on my face.

Second, would it be possible in the future to produce jackets with two inside pockets?

Lastly, thanks for your continued support of the Indy faithful!

Forrest For the Trees · Sat Jun 19, 2010 12:36 am

No jacket yet, maybe tomorrow. Let that be a lesson: UPS is faster than USPS! Now I know for the future. I really hope the Medium is a good fit, but we shall see.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 8:11 am

Forrest For the Trees wrote:No jacket yet, maybe tomorrow. Let that be a lesson: UPS is faster than USPS! Now I know for the future. I really hope the Medium is a good fit, but we shall see.

Just depends where ya live Bro.

John

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 11:00 am

Forrest For the Trees wrote:No jacket yet, maybe tomorrow. Let that be a lesson: UPS is faster than USPS! Now I know for the future. I really hope the Medium is a good fit, but we shall see.

And, generally, more reliable in my experience.

Flyderf · Post by **Flyderf** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 12:21 pm

Got the jacket yesterday. It is a very lightweight hide. A perfect fall, early winter jacket. The liner is very soft, almost satin. In my opinion much nicer and less "course" than my Wings CE. As a note, this leather will distress easily on it's own. I had a small spot of what looked like glue on the front panel of the jacket. I could rub it off with a little finger pressure and a wet towel. The leather lightened up where the spot was. I took a tiny amount Pecards to darken that area back up. It worked great. (Michaelson: don't worry, I will not artificially distress this jacket.)

Nice jacket, it will be a go-to favorite. Great job Sarge and Wings staff. Your customer service is second to none!

191145 · Post by **191145** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 2:30 pm

Mine came in - and will go back on Monday. The medium is basically too big. I would get a small, but I also did not like the collar which is thick and big. The back vents bellowed out more than the Wested. The sleeves were naturally too long but also too big at the cuffs, with not much of a taper. I switched back and forth at the mirror many times, and the Wested always won out even though it also is too big.
Things I liked; the leather is superb! This jacket will get a beautiful patina. The longer length and RH zipper are exactly what I was looking for. The lining seems to be a heavier sateen than the Wested and will probably last longer. Someone will love this jacket.
Maybe I will try a small after all - only a few bucks shipping to find out. BTW, I'm 5'-8" and 180, but I'm planning on being down to 170 by summer's end.

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 2:53 pm

I'm 5'9" 180lb and the large fits me perfectly. I can't believe the medium is too big on you.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 3:59 pm

191145-

You just MIGHT have a mis-tagged jacket. I'm 5'11" and 145lbs during the summer...up to around 150 during the fall and winter (just can't bring myself to stop drinking a daily beer, but I'm also not working out as much during those months...my mileage tapers off to less than 50 miles per week, etc....so, I gain a little)...but even at 145 the mediums fit ME perfectly....I just can't see with your height and weight a medium not working. So, yeah, I'd call Sarge on Monday and arrange something. I can't say with any certainty, but it just COULD be that your jacket is mis-tagged. It does happen sometimes....

Let me know if I can help with the transition.

Regards!
Indydawg

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 4:53 pm

Indakin wrote:
backstagejack wrote:Darn it! Looks like I waited too long to order....mine is backordered!! Oh well, thats what I get for waiting....
what size did you order, i ordered a large tonight.. wonder if im in that boat now too. Wasnt sure if those extra they have for exchanges might be one id get or not.

I ordered a medium....can't wait as these pics are looking great!!Finally a LC close enough that I can wear for years!!!

crismans wrote:
That just brings fall that much closer.

True, true...as I can't ever wear these in south Texas during the summer...not unless its a really good rain and its cooled and its night......

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 7:58 pm

As an update...1911...got this from Sarge for ya!

Thanks.. Sure sounds like He got the wrong Jacket.. This is a first but you
never know.. One thing for sure as soon as we get the jacket back we will
all know and US Wings will make right.
Thanks,
Sarge

Regards!
Indydawg

191145 · Post by **191145** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 9:52 pm

I wear a 16/2 shirt and a 42 coat. I have tried a USW Indy medium several years ago that was also big. I was hoping this time it was a better/different pattern, but no luck. The subject of 'fit' is highly subjective - some want room for layering in cold weather and some want a tailored fit. Right there you could go from a medium to a small on certain men. One good thing about this jacket, the armpits do not hang from halfway down the arm. I can raise my arm in it without having the 'cape' effect. I have already packed it but am going to take it back out tomorrow and take another look at it. I'm confident it's not mis-marked and is a medium.
I take it 'Indydawg' is with USW?

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 10:01 pm

No. Dawg is not connected with Wings.

Sarge, or Sgt as registered here at COW, IS David Hack, owner of U. S. Wings.

David contacted Dawg and myself to help post items regarding Wings jackets of late, as he has lost his vision in one eye, and has extremely limited vision in the other. We were more than happy to help.

If you wish to handle your situation alone, 'we' will be more than happy to leave you to handle your situation by yourself, 1911. There was no intent of interference in Dawg's posting of Sarge's message, or of Dawg's offer to help you, or with anyone else who has experienced any problems with these transactions. We have only been a conduit between USW and this site, and to help post timely responses to problems posted here by members and seen by Wings in real time.

Speaking for myself, if I get any more offers for help via email from David, I will send it privately via PM rather than posting it publically in a thread. If those individuals want to say anything publically after that, it's their call. Otherwise, I'll only post announcements regarding general information from Wings, and keep the individual emails private and sent strictly the individual involved.

If you think about it, this is a rare event to have a vendor as large as USW actively watching a thread and taking care of problems AS they're reported, rather than days later. They're a MULTI Million dollar company that have HUGE accounts and ongoing projects around the world. The fact the owner has taken a personal interest in us and our little problems/concerns/interests simply because he IS one of us, and has been since the beginning of this website, never ceases to amaze me.

Regards! Michaelson

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 11:12 pm

I agree, Michaelson...it is impressive that USWings is reading this thread. Thanks Myke and David for a great jacket!

I made a comment about my jacket shipping to the wrong address here on this thread and got an email from Myke apologizing. These guys are really top notch. I'm uber-impressed!!!!

Dan

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 11:44 pm

I'm sure he has told Michaelson and others this as well, but Sarge likes to read the board when he gets home to "decompress" from work. He's a fan of the site and likes to help us out (such as giving us the first crack at reserving the cowhide jacket and the discount on the CE).

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 12:18 am

I concur with Maboot and Michaelson!

The reason I decided to exchange my jacket for a smaller size, I called US Wings and they had viewed the pictures I posted here and the consensus was the jacket looked big on me. After confirmation of the sleeve length between the medium and small my decision was easy.

US Wings truly cares about the customer and "the COW freaks."

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 8:59 am

Can't add anything here that Michaelson didn't already say. I completely agree.

Regards.
Indydawg

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:09 am

scot2525 wrote: "the COW freaks."

Yep, that about sums us up!

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:10 am

Ok...here are my pics

Look at how flat that back lays!!!!

This is the grain detail on the collar that I thought was very reminiscent of TN's 747 (based only on pics I have seen here...I've never seen one for reals). There are other areas on this jacket that exhibit this, but this is the most pronounced

LOVE THIS JACKET!!!!!! Come on fall!

Travis

Georgia Steve · Post by **Georgia Steve** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:15 am

Well I waited all day Friday on this and it was worth the wait.
This is the jacket I have been searching for. I have a couple other Indy jackets, but this is my first US Wings jacket, and it is what I have been looking for in an Indy jacket.I ordered the large. I am 5’11 190 lbs. The leather is soft and supple, and it has great looking color and texture. This will be my go to jacket when the weather gets cooler. I can find no fault in this jacket. It is the finest off the rack jacket I have seen and, the workmanship is top notch. Sarge you have made one heck of a jacket.I plan to wear this for many years to come.

Thanks,
Steve

backstagejack · Post by **backstagejack** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 12:55 pm

I'm loving the collar and the jacket in general.....I think it'll make a perfect LC jacket. It looks great on everyone

taikoubou · Post by **taikoubou** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 2:21 pm

All these jackets look fantastic! I can't wait to get mine in the mail. I'm just hoping it won't be too big on me like some of the others are saying so much so that I'd have to send it back for a smaller size.

John Vaughan · Post by **John Vaughan** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 3:21 pm

Just got back from moving my Mom nearer. Wow miss a few days. All the jackets look great, only one more day!!

John

Spatterdash · Post by **Spatterdash** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 4:17 pm

My earlier questions about color have been put to rest - I've followed jacket threads for years and the comparison shots, as well as the various shots from you guys indoors and out, show this may be the best color for an Indy Jacket I've ever seen.

Mine arrives tomorrow, a valiant show of defiance in the middle of a heat wave.

For those of you with leather gear experience, I'm led to understand that getting a leather jacket wet and wearing it as it dries accomplishes two goals.
One, it helps the jacket form more to your particular body shape.
Two, if you push the sleeves up to the elbow, you can get some natural rumpling in the sleeves as they dry, so that the cuffs end up sitting at the break in the wrist.
It seems you want a bit of length in the sleeves in a new jacket because the sleeves will ride up with time anyway.

Is this correct?

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 4:22 pm

Spatterdash wrote:
Is this correct?

Yup.

Travis

Indakin · Post by **Indakin** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 10:48 pm

HOLLOWPOND Thanks so much for the side shot! Really happy to see those results .

Shrinking info:

keeep in mind though.... i recently did this again with my Todds Standard, and wetting the jacket had the effects i wanted, but it also stiffened a bit ( which has slowly softened with wearing) . I also dried mine for about 15 mins at one point on low... which was maybe too much for some areas that were more dry than others. At first my sleeves shrunk up doing the perfect wrinkle texture in the arms, but as a result they were a bit too short, which was the reason i bought a new one anyways. After wetting again and stuffing the sleeves as it hang dried, they stretched back out retaining most of the texture still. IT annoyed me mostly because the lining would pop out somewhat unless i laid it right in my sleeves.

So basically, just be careful, do it a bit at a time if u need to.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 7:57 am

Well, keep in mind, if you do this wetting of your jacket, and if things do not go the way you want, USW will NOT take it back for exchange or refund.

Once you perform any of the 'black magic' of wetting or otherwise, the jacket is yours. Period.

Of course, they're your jackets to do with what you want, but just keep this in mind before doing the deed. Once you pass the 'point of no return', you're actually there...'no return'.

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 8:57 am

Some food for thought, from David Hack:

Yes Leather can get wet but must be dried in a room in their home over night by just hanging it over a chair.. Anything else will harm the leather.. But here is something new for the Fans.. Their Leather in the Hero Indy is not just normal leather.. All of the hides have already been hand aged by rubbing oils into the leather and then hung out in the sun to bake in.. Again this is not normal leather that is why you don’t have the same color! This is an old world country practice to give it a rich aged look!

Regards! Michaelson

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:30 am

Yeah, my jacket will probably eventually get wet. It will be because of a rain during the course of normal wear though.

Travis

Rick Deckard · Post by **Rick Deckard** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:52 am

Quick question. Out of the box, the side straps go through both D rings and point toward the back. Has anyone looped the strap up and over the back D ring and through the first D ring so the strap points toward the front? (Sort of like a football belt for people who have worn those.) I tried to loop it back through but it didn't seem like the strap would fit, or was I babying it too much?

Sgt. · Post by **Sgt.** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:58 am

For all of those who posted pitcures in your jackets, they look awesome! Hope you all had a great Father's Day!

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:06 am

Rick...I don't know, man...If I was a bettin' man, I'd bet you were being a bit gentle with it....but, that said, I haven't seen what you're talking about in person, so don't take MY word for it. Like Michaelson said above about these "dark arts" of extreme staged distressing situations for your jackets, once it's broke, it's broke....and, it's yours!

And yep, Sarge...they sure DO look great! And thanks...I DID have a very nice Father's Day..hope you did as well!

Regards!
Indydawg

Prescott · Post by **Prescott** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:09 am

Rick,
The side straps come unadjusted from Wings. So yes, you have to run them over the back ring and through the front. The straps will then be pointing to the front.

Regards,
-P-

sharkboy · Post by **sharkboy** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:29 am

I just got mine about an hour ago, I love the leather, it has a matte feel to it and already looks like a washed leather. I wouldnt dare soak mine. I think this is THE best leather I have seen on an Indy jacket yet, and a small fits perfect for a 40R.

Regards,

SB

Sgt. · Post by **Sgt.** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:36 am

WOW!! That is the best photo I've seen of the Hero Jacket!! It looks great! It captures every detail! You must be a photographer. That picture is perfect. Do you mind sending me the pic in my e-mail so I can share with with some friends? Great job, blew me away!!

Sarge

P.S., What is you height and weight.

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:41 am

Sgt. wrote:WOW!! That is the best photo I've seen of the Hero Jacket!! It looks great! It captures every detail! You must be a photographer. That picture is perfect. Do you mind sending me the pic in my e-mail so I can share with with some friends? Great job, blew me away!!

Sarge

P.S., What is you height and weight.

If he WAS a photographer, he probably would have known better than to take the shot with the bath faucet in the background!!!

The lighting in the WC is pretty great though!

sharkboy · Post by **sharkboy** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:44 am

absolutely Sarge,

I can send the whole batch I just made. just tell me what address to send it to.

And yes, the background does lack a bit of artistic integrity.

SB

Sgt. · Post by **Sgt.** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:52 am

Please send it to info@uswings.com along with your height and weight.

I really appreciate it. We can crop out the background and send it to some of my friends.

Sarge

Prescott · Post by **Prescott** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:00 pm

You’ve heard that it’s soft and that the construction is top notch and that the people at Wings are great to deal with. But what does that mean?

I’ve owned Westeds and currently have a TN and G&B and I will put this jacket on par with those worthy’s in terms of quality and construction. This is not a leather shirt but a true piece of outdoor gear. The jacket fits comfortably, the pockets are functional and easy to reach, the side straps are sturdy and the collar takes on that characteristic roll we all love with minimal effort. The leather has slight variations in grain and color across the jacket that give it overall character without pulling the eye to one particular spot. This in itself is an art form that few ever manage to pull off and is done so brilliantly with the Hero. For those looking to pull off the ultimate LC out of the box, this is your jacket. 20 minutes and some sanding of the seams and you’re done. Personally I subscribe to the Michaelson school of jacket care so I’ll leave this to others. So, what can you take from these ramblings? I’ve spent a lot on jackets over the years and I’ve never come across a deal this good. Never. The old adage “you get what you pay for” does not apply. Sarge is giving us a gift here, plain and simple. If you’ve ever had the inkling to get an Indy jacket, jump on this offer now before Sarge comes to his senses. I almost feel guilty but I do love this jacket. Now to crank up the AC so I can get some wear time.

Regards,
-P-

Sgt. · Post by **Sgt.** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:16 pm

P,

I and the rest of the crew at US Wings are speechless and humbled by your review of our HERO jakcet! You not only made my day, you put a smile on this old mans face!

Regards,
Sarge

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:19 pm

Prescott wrote:You’ve heard that it’s soft and that the construction is top notch and that the people at Wings are great to deal with. But what does that mean?

I’ve owned Westeds and currently have a TN and G&B and I will put this jacket on par with those worthy’s in terms of quality and construction. This is not a leather shirt but a true piece of outdoor gear. The jacket fits comfortably, the pockets are functional and easy to reach, the side straps are sturdy and the collar takes on that characteristic roll we all love with minimal effort. The leather has slight variations in grain and color across the jacket that give it overall character without pulling the eye to one particular spot. This in itself is an art form that few ever manage to pull off and is done so brilliantly with the Hero. For those looking to pull off the ultimate LC out of the box, this is your jacket. 20 minutes and some sanding of the seams and you’re done. Personally I subscribe to the Michaelson school of jacket care so I’ll leave this to others. So, what can you take from these ramblings? I’ve spent a lot on jackets over the years and I’ve never come across a deal this good. Never. The old adage “you get what you pay for” does not apply. Sarge is giving us a gift here, plain and simple. If you’ve ever had the inkling to get an Indy jacket, jump on this offer now before Sarge comes to his senses. I almost feel guilty but I do love this jacket. Now to crank up the AC so I can get some wear time.

Regards,
-P-

+1!

Travis

Prescott · Post by **Prescott** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:21 pm

Sarge, if I can convince just a few more people to buy your jacket, I will have put a smile on each and every one of those faces. My work here will be done.

High Regards,
Prescott

FLATHEAD · Post by **FLATHEAD** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:22 pm

Michaelson wrote:Well, there you have it folks, this new jacket has been directly compared to an original Cooper from 2001, and it's a match. It also helps confirm that Wings HAS been using Neil Coopers pattern all along, or at least since 2001, as they've claimed all these years.

Neil Cooper got out of the manufacturing of jackets in 1985, turning the keys over to David Hack and U. S. Wings in 1986. Your jacket, FLATHEAD, HAD to be one of those original old stock Cooper jackets they sold with the Wings tag we've heard so much about. The infamous 'lost' original Coopers that were sold off from dead stock, which would actually date your jacket to at least pre 1986!

Thanks for that confirmation FLATHEAD! That is VERY important information!

Regards! Michaelson

I will have to dig up the paperwork for my 2001 jacket.

When I first ordered it from Wings, the first one was not to my liking, so I asked to send it back for
a replacement, and Wings gave me the address that I needed to send it too for replacing. That address
was for Neil Cooper. I have the paperwork to show this.

The jacket I sent back had the US Wings red/white/blue logo inside the jacket near the collar.

The replacement jacket I received, which is the one I still have, has the Cooper logo inside. The Cooper
logo is more of an orange/yellow/brown type logo, like the ones you find in the old Cooper A-2 jackets.

I really didn't think much of it at the time, but when I had to get the sleeves shortened a bit, I asked Wings
about where I should send it to get that done. That's when I was told to send the jacket to the original
maker, and the name and addess again was for Neil Cooper, as I was told Wings could not actually do
any alterations on their products, as they did not actually make them.

So, if Neil Cooper himself was not making the jackets in 2001, then at least the factory still had his
name attached to it as a manufactuing facility at that time, as my paperwork for the replacement jacket
and the alterations all have "Neil Cooper" on them as to where the jacket was made/altered.

As a matter of fact, I live in New Jersey, not very far from the original Cooper jacket factory, which is where Wings had
their Indy jackets made for them. I think they still might be using this place, but Dawg or Michaelson
can verify that.

So, I agree, I must have an older jacket that was made by Cooper when they were selling them, and then
Wings bought these leftovers, and sold them as NOS with a new Wings logo stitched inside. Mine is just
one they forgot to replace the logo with their own.

For the right price, I might be perswaded to part with this original Cooper Indy jacket that started it all!
Its a size large, in what was called Vintage Cowhide.

I'll have to post up some pics.

Flathead

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:30 pm

I could add that when you put the thing on, you really feel like you are putting on an extremely expensive piece of quality handmade craftsmanship. The fact that I paid what I paid...well, even I forget it when I'm wearing it because it just FEELS like something I would have saved up for all year!

My only complaint is that David really should have timed the release of this jacket better. Summer starts today, so the jackets won't get any good wear for the next few months!!!!!!

I'm loving the collar, and the strange combination of fit and function that make this jacket feel firm and sturdy, yet soft and supple at the same time.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jun 21, 2010 12:34 pm

FLATHEAD wrote: For the right price, I might be perswaded to part with this original Cooper Indy jacket that started it all!
Its a size large, in what was called Vintage Cowhide.

I'll have to post up some pics.

Flathead

Definitely do that, FH, as if you are thinking about selling it. Start a new thread so it doesn't get buried in this one.

Occasionally I see 'wanted' ads posted by individuals trying to find one of these rare original Coopers. If you can also provide the paperwork with the jacket, I think you would have a VERY good opportunity to sell it.

HIGH regards !Michaelson