Differences between "Legend", "Hero" and "Adventurer"?

[ron521]

Anyone own any two, or all three of these?
Looking at the USW website, I gather that, when compared with the standard "Adventurer" jacket:

the "Legend" jacket is a little shorter in overall length
has a narrower shoulder yoke
rectangular sliders instead of D rings
a little trimmer fit through the body and sleeves
(if there are other differences, feel free to point them out)

So...what distinguishes the "Hero" jacket from the other two?
Is it merely a different hide used? Some subtle difference in the cut or construction details?

[Michaelson]

My understanding has been that the 'hero' and 'adventurer' are essentially the same jacket and same new pattern.

The 'legend' is supposed be a more tapered fit.

The D rings and rectangular slides seem to factor in and out of the jackets. I've seen both used. The prototype New Zealand 'hero' I have has the rectangular slide.

The hides seem to vary too between the names. The Legend is supposed to be horsehide, calfskin and lambskin. I think it's also naked cowhide, but I haven't kept up with it for the past week.

Anyone else heard anything different?

Regards! Michaelson

[JC1972]

I don't know if this was discussed already but I see the Legend (was the 30th Anniversary Raiders) no longer mentions Neil Cooper.

[singsingjohnny]

I don't know if this was discussed already but I see the Legend (was the 30th Anniversary Raiders) no longer mentions Neil Cooper.

Hmmmmmm...wasn't the whole point of this project that the jacket is based on the "original" Cooper pattern?

[Dragonlady Jones]

Mother of God !

Somebody needs to do a little thread searching/reading.

[JC1972]

Mother of God !

Somebody needs to do a little thread searching/reading.

I assume you're referring to me. Yes I should've looked first but with all the changes with USW, who can keep count? Yes, Forrest for the Trees on the 12th was the first one to post this in Weston's Raider#1 thread:

Okay, obviously Wings has changed some of the particulars surrounding this release. I don't know anything, except what I can infer from their updated listing on the web, so here goes:

-Neil Cooper's name is no longer associated with this project
-The name has changed to the Legend jacket
-It is only available in antique cowhide or striated lamb
-The price is now $295 for everyone, not just COW members
-It is available now???

Like I said, I know nothing except what is now on the Wings site. Correct me if I am wrong...

[binkmeisterRick]

At this point, I would only go with what is listed on the Wings site. It has been mentioned numerous times in multiple threads that if you have a question, to contact Wings directly. If Wings doesn't have a clue, then certainly no one else does. There have been so many people with their fingers in the pot (reluctantly or otherwise) that it's no wonder nobody can keep things straight, even by trying to comb through the threads. If you get direct e-mails from Wings (not hearsay or second, third, and fourth hand information) feel free to copy it here, otherwise, contact Wings directly. That's the only bit of advise we know how to give regarding these jackets anymore.

[JC1972]

I assume you're referring to me.

JC - Don't let him get to you. He's literally plugged in... Under "don't ask, don't tell" do they get left-handed zippers?

Thanks Bink, and Todd. I feel better for not doing a search first. BTW Todd, I just figured out what FIIK means

[Rundquist]

It's interesting that Wings went from a company that sold what it sold (in regards to Indy jackets), to a company that is offering a bunch of different jackets (patterns). It does seem like financial gain is the main motivating factor. First you had Indy 4, and now you've got the connection to Raiders. That was enough for them to get on it. They need to make a living, and I'm not saying that they haven't been nice to COW members with the deals and discounts. But it's a good idea to understand their mode of operation. If you don't need to be one of the "firsts" with one of their new offerings, you might be better off waiting until the dust settles. Don't be afraid that you are going to miss out on a "special offer". It's still a production jacket.

PS- I just looked at the site and it says that the jacket is following the original specs to the letter. As far as the general public is concerned, that's the truth. Of course you all know different. The jacket is geared for the general public, not COW.

[Forrest For the Trees]

If I were a new customer with no knowledge of the Indy jacket, and I just visited the Wings site, I would have no idea how to choose from their current offerings. I think they will eventually have to streamline the Adventurer line-up.

[RaidersBash]

Don't know how much this helps, but I just recieved this email:

"The Legend Jacket on the website is one price $295.00. It is for Cowhide, and will have the facing, right hand brass zipper. It will be shipping within 1 to 2 weeks.

The Horsehide, Striated Lambskin, Calfskin Raiders Jackets will be named the Legends also. This jacket will not have facing, brass right handed zipper. It will be at $399.00 online. COW members with prior orders will receive these jackets for $295.00. This will be available November 1st. (all new orders after September 1st, will be charged the $399.00

We will put the left handed zipper on the three jackets available in November under the following conditions (this is for COW members only) :

1. There has to be at least 100 COW members that want this,
2. On those with the changes there will not be refunds or exchanges due to their customization.
These jackets are being made here in the USA.

Thank You,

Myke Redpath"

[ron521]

Here are some of the pertinent dimensions from my VIP Adventurer, size M Regular, which I purchased in 12-2009:

All measurements taken zipped up and lying flat

Back length, base of collar to bottom: 26 3/4" (In my review I stated 27 1/4, so I either just quoted the length which I had read from the specification sheet sent by US Wings, or my jacket has shrunk 1/2")

Front length, storm flap top to bottom: 23"

Shoulder width, seam to seam: 19"

Chest width, pit to pit: 22"

Sleeve length, top of shoulder seam to cuff: 25"

Sleeve width at seam joining body: 11"

Sleeve width at cuff: 5 1/2"

[Weston]

I haven't had a chance to make the comparisons I promised. This is the last week of archery season and I'm still trying to fill the freezer. There will be pics though. I think the visual approach will be more helpful than measurements. Mine are all size L.

Weston

[John Vaughan]

I give up. Computer took a powder, and now US WINGs has a different jacket?.....Ya know what, nevermind guys. It aint worth it..I'm going to go on a dig through the threads and try to figure out what the heck happened. I love my Hero Jacket, and I'll just leave it at that for now. Wish me luck.


John

[Michaelson]

I love my Hero Jacket, and I'll just leave it at that for now. Wish me luck.


John

Then that's all you need, John.

Regards !Michaelson

[John Vaughan]

I love my Hero Jacket, and I'll just leave it at that for now. Wish me luck.


John

Then that's all you need, John.

Regards !Michaelson

[ron521]

US Wings has updated their Indy-jackets page...and their changes actually clarify the relationship between the various offerings.

In their own words:

Signature Series (what I called Adventurer, which is not correct. ALL US Wings Jackets are " Indy-style Adventurer" jackets)

"Our classic standard pattern Indy-style jackets. All US Wings Signature Series™ jackets are made in the USA."


Hero Jackets

"Classic Indy-style jackets updated with new leather choices, including our popular Lightweight Antique Lambskin."


Legend Jackets

"Our Original Pattern Indy-style "Legend" Jackets are based on the specs of the original movie jacket from three decades ago, painstakingly recreated in a variety of leathers. USA-made or imported."


What I get from this is that Signature Series and Hero jackets are from essentially the same pattern, a reasonable LC/KOTCS jacket, just made of different leathers.

The Legend is actually cut from a different pattern, shorter, trimmer fitting, intentionally closer to ROTLA than to LC/KOTCS.

I don't know if they made these changes/clarifications in response to my post, but I appreciate it just as if they did.

Thanks US Wings.

[John Vaughan]

All that diggin' and all I had to do is wait. Will I ever learn?

Thanks for the update

John

[Michaelson]

Yep, wait 5 minutes then look again. Usually never fails.

Regards! Michaelson

[ron521]

Which gives rise to the question:

When might we see a Legend in Goat?

[John Vaughan]

Yep, wait 5 minutes then look again. Usually never fails.

Regards! Michaelson

Yep, but hey, I like the diggin'.You learn a lot with the diggin'.


John

[Flyderf]

Watching the evolution of this project is like watching mid-western weather. Sunny one moment, then cloudy and cold, followed by down pours, severe weather, then sunny again. Good thing most of us are all-weather equipped. Carry on.

[Forrest For the Trees]

I'm just glad we're all getting along again.

[binkmeisterRick]

Richard? Keep an eye on him?

Yes, Ma'am!

[Pitfall Harry]

Are there any other shots floating around of the US Wings "Legend" jacket besides what is posted on their site? Just kind wondered how "worn in" the antique brown color looked in different lighting plus I'd love to see a shot of someone wearing it zipped up slightly in the front. It says it's a slimmer fit and I'm wondering how MUCH of a "V" shape the jacket has, meaning broader shoulders and a tapered waist? I'm really digging this new offering and the price is very reasonable.

[Indiana Jeff]

The pictures at the begining of this thread have the shot you are looking for.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48449

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Pitfall Harry]

The pictures at the begining of this thread have the shot you are looking for.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48449

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Thanks for the link, Jeff.

Just checked it out and that's what I was hoping it looked like zipped up.

[Weston]

For anyone still checking in on this one, I compared all three in the following thread:

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48972

Weston