Show us your US Wings Antique COW Hero jackets

[Mitch LaRue]

Yep... that IS a wide gap... no doubt.
As others have said, DoubleOhSeven... you might want to think about sending it back and having them make it right IF it's an issue for you...
but there IS something else that bears repeating:

Wow, you sure picked the right size and skin for yourself!
That fit of that jacket look fantastic on you!


Whatever step you decide to take -or not take- next, you're gonna come out of it with an Indy jacket that looks AMAZING onya, friend!


CHEERS!

[Holt]

that's almost a challenge to see if anyone at COW really notices details like that.

Bingo! those words were running thru my head aswell...

[Mitch LaRue]

I know this'll read like I'm just making a joke -or being a smart"donkey"- but I think in the future I'll refer to this fluxuating space on a Wings jacket as the "credibility gap"

[Kokopelli]

Gap haters!

...ok, even I, the Wings gap-lover admits that's a bit much!

[Dragonlady Jones]

Agreed... Send her back ASAP...

2.

[Flyderf]

This comes to mind.

[ron521]

That jacket sure fits you well...up to you if you think the gap is too much, I suppose. On my VIP Adventurer, the gap is about 1 1/8", which I can live with happily.

[Michaelson]

Thing it, the 'Hero' is supposed to have been created under the influence of Neil Cooper and his original patterns. Our VIP's were not, but are supposed to be tweaked versions of those patterns.

That's why it's called a 'Hero' jacket, as it's supposed to be as close to the original patterns as possible, short of being the 30th anniversery version.

Regards! Michaelson

[Indiana Jeff]

That's why it's called a 'Hero' jacket, as it's supposed to be as close to the original patterns as possible, short of being the 30th anniversery version.

Regards! Michaelson

Which I never quite understood. Why introduce in close succession two patterns based on 'original' patterns, one being closer to the original than what's been offered in the past (Hero) and the other being (as we know now, not really but...) exact to the original (Anniversary)?

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Michaelson]

Your guess is as good as mine, but in theory, the 30th is supposed to be even MORE tapered in fit than the 'Hero', but like I said, that's nothing but theory on my part.

Regards! Michaelson

[ron521]

This was what I was trying to sort out on my other thread regarding the specific differences between the tailoring of the Adventurer, Hero, and Legend.

[Michaelson]

Ah. Well, like I tried to answer in that one, Adventurer and Hero are essentially the same jackets as far as I know with the exception of the fit being a bit better the further down the line you go, and the 30th supposed to be the most tapered....that and it's SUPPOSED to be the closest to the original pattern of the 3.

That's about it.

Regards! Michaelson

[Indiana Jeff]

So what you're saying is the LFL license deal has gone through and Uncle George's philosophy of "extended," "modified," "collectors," "ultimate until the next one" releases has been applied to the jacket world.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Indiana Jeff]

Yeah, I know this isn't LFL driven.

It has the same flavor of "buy this brand new (2% different) product" seen too often in multiple releases of movie titles.

Hey, it's up to the consumer to be savvy about their buying dollar. Especially when all of these options were announced at one time. The "Buy now!" lost it's urgency for me when simultaneously it was announced a newer, and supposedly better, product was coming soon.

OK, I feel like I'm dragging this off the rails so back to looking at jackets.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[DoubleOhSeven]

I probably should send it back, but....

The gap really isn't an issue for me. The jacket fits very well, and the gap doesn't impede the performance of it. I'd rather just keep what I have than get into a long waiting period for another jacket, or have to go through multiple returns to get the right one.

I think I will echo what someone said earlier, and let this be my last US Wings jacket.

[Michaelson]

You're the one who has to be happy. If you are, then it doesn't matter what 'we' say...your opinion is the final say.

Glad you are pleased with your purchase!

Regards !Michaelson

[Weston]

This was what I was trying to sort out on my other thread regarding the specific differences between the tailoring of the Adventurer, Hero, and Legend.

I have all three, and if I have a chance to do it tonight, I can take some measurement, make some comparisons, and maybe take some pics. The Adventurer jacket I have may not be the best to go on; it's an older jacket with small cargo pockets, and may no longer be true to size. I'll post the info on your other thread.

I'm glad you're keeping it DoubleOHSeven, if for no other reason than how great it fits. I think smaller gaps are better, but I think the function of the action back is already compromised by a really low yoke. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that.

Weston

[ron521]

This was what I was trying to sort out on my other thread regarding the specific differences between the tailoring of the Adventurer, Hero, and Legend.

I have all three, and if I have a chance to do it tonight, I can take some measurement, make some comparisons, and maybe take some pics. The Adventurer jacket I have may not be the best to go on; it's an older jacket with small cargo pockets, and may no longer be true to size. I'll post the info on your other thread.

I'm glad you're keeping it DoubleOHSeven, if for no other reason than how great it fits. I think smaller gaps are better, but I think the function of the action back is already compromised by a really low yoke. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that.

Weston

If your jackets are M, then I'll provide measurements from my Adventurer purchased 12/09, which should provide a good standard of comparison.

[Kentucky Blues]

This was what I was trying to sort out on my other thread regarding the specific differences between the tailoring of the Adventurer, Hero, and Legend.

I have all three, and if I have a chance to do it tonight, I can take some measurement, make some comparisons, and maybe take some pics. The Adventurer jacket I have may not be the best to go on; it's an older jacket with small cargo pockets, and may no longer be true to size. I'll post the info on your other thread.

I don't know about ron521... but I for one would love to see some measurements and comparisons regarding all three of these jackets

-KB

[JC1972]

I'm patiently waiting for mine XL long AC; as you may know it was supposed to go out 2 weeks ago. Instead I got the striped lamb on the grill-marks NZ, which they received Monday AM. How long should an exchange take? When I spoke to Sarge Monday afternoon, he said it would go out next day. And its Wed. and no word when the AC will go out, today hopefully?

[gladd96]

OK the pictures I promised can be viewed here:

http://gallery.me.com/sggladden/100128

Feel free to download full res versions.

Here are some measurements from my Large Long Jacket:

Pit to pit width- 26"
Bottom hem width- 23" (pulls cinched about half way)
Back length- 27-1/2"
Front length (storm flap)- 25-1/4"
Sleeve length (from shoulder seam down)- 25-1/2"
shoulder length- 7"
Total sleeve length- approx 36-1/2"
Top Sleeve circumference- 24"
Mid sleeve circumference- 17"
cuff circumference- 12"
Pockets- 6-3/4" x 8-3/4"
Pocket flap heigth center- 3"
Pocket flap height edge- 2"

Great jacket for the price! I strongly recommend it as a second jacket but if you are looking for your one and only Indy jacket I'd say give it a pass and go with a true custom made jacket- I do not believe a true screen accurate version can be achieved any other way... perhaps the 30th anniversary version if you fall perfectly in the Wings size range but I'll reserve judgement on the accuracy of that until I see some jackets hit the street.

[Weston]

OK the pictures I promised can be viewed here:

http://gallery.me.sggladden/100128

Feel free to download full res versions.

Here are some measurements from my Large Long Jacket:

Pit to pit width- 26"
Bottom hem width- 23" (pulls cinched about half way)
Back length- 27-1/2"
Front length (storm flap)- 25-1/4"
Sleeve length (from shoulder seam down)- 25-1/2"
shoulder length- 7"
Total sleeve length- approx 36-1/2"
Top Sleeve circumference- 24"
Mid sleeve circumference- 17"
cuff circumference- 12"
Pockets- 6-3/4" x 8-3/4"
Pocket flap heigth center- 3"
Pocket flap height edge- 2"

Great jacket for the price! I strongly recommend it as a second jacket but if you are looking for your one and only Indy jacket I'd say give it a pass and go with a true custom made jacket- I do not believe a true screen accurate version can be achieved any other way... perhaps the 30th anniversary version if you fall perfectly in the Wings size range but I'll reserve judgement on the accuracy of that until I see some jackets hit the street.

Well said. I think so much of the SA pursuit is in the eye of the beholder. If that's what you have got to have, go custom.

The link doesn't work for some reason.

Weston

[gladd96]

OK the pictures I promised can be viewed here:

http://gallery.me.sggladden/100128

Feel free to download full res versions.

Here are some measurements from my Large Long Jacket:

Pit to pit width- 26"
Bottom hem width- 23" (pulls cinched about half way)
Back length- 27-1/2"
Front length (storm flap)- 25-1/4"
Sleeve length (from shoulder seam down)- 25-1/2"
shoulder length- 7"
Total sleeve length- approx 36-1/2"
Top Sleeve circumference- 24"
Mid sleeve circumference- 17"
cuff circumference- 12"
Pockets- 6-3/4" x 8-3/4"
Pocket flap heigth center- 3"
Pocket flap height edge- 2"

Great jacket for the price! I strongly recommend it as a second jacket but if you are looking for your one and only Indy jacket I'd say give it a pass and go with a true custom made jacket- I do not believe a true screen accurate version can be achieved any other way... perhaps the 30th anniversary version if you fall perfectly in the Wings size range but I'll reserve judgement on the accuracy of that until I see some jackets hit the street.

Well said. I think so much of the SA pursuit is in the eye of the beholder. If that's what you have got to have, go custom.

The link doesn't work for some reason.

Weston

Sorry I missed a dot com after the me in the link... I've edited the link so it should work now.

Yeah chasing after that perfect SA jacket can really take you down the rabit hole ; ) Chances are if you are on here then the small details about the Wings hero pattern are going to have you after another jacket sooner rather than later. Of course that's half the fun. To me this jacket hits a nice place between what I like on screen and what works in the real world.

BTW Weston I must say your Wings jackets look awesome!

[damieneo]

Well, I ordered the Antique COW Hero Jacket 2 days ago. The anticipation is killing me now that I have read and seen the pics posted here. It would be interesting see the fit on an Asian. After a few email exchanges with Sarge, he and Myke picked a size Small for me. I am hoping that it will fit well. Never did own a US Wings before but do have a few leather jackets. It's a little bit hot here in Malaysia but if the Jacket is as light as what's been described here,I could wear it for night outings and for bike-riding.

BTW, was there a free web belt with the orders or it it over now?

[DoubleOhSeven]

Well, I ordered the Antique COW Hero Jacket 2 days ago. The anticipation is killing me now that I have read and seen the pics posted here. It would be interesting see the fit on an Asian. After a few email exchanges with Sarge, he and Myke picked a size Small for me. I am hoping that it will fit well. Never did own a US Wings before but do have a few leather jackets. It's a little bit hot here in Malaysia but if the Jacket is as light as what's been described here,I could wear it for night outings and for bike-riding.

BTW, was there a free web belt with the orders or it it over now?

I think the web belt promotion is over now. I just got mine last week and I received a really nice US Wings ball cap with it.

[damieneo]

It's not that important about the web belt promotion. I am thinking of the sizing after having read on a number of threads here about how the sizes varies. Based on my measurements, Sarge said a Size Small will fit me well. On the other hand, IndyDawg seems to have two different sizing of the same Jacket - one is a CowHide size M, the other is NZ Lambskin Size Small. Both measured the same. I wish I seen his ad earlier as his jackets measurements are the exact size which fits me well. Would have taken both

IndyDawg's Measurements
Chest-21" from armpit to armpit
Shoulders-19" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam
Sleeve-24.5" from shoulder seam to cuff end

My requirements taken off on a jacket that fits me well.
Shoulder to shoulder: 18 1/2 inch
Armpit to armpit: 21 inch
Shoulder seam to cuff: 25 inch
Length of jacket: 25 inch

My height: 5 feet 8 inches, weight: 138 lbs (63kg). I'm Asian, with a
slender built.

[JC1972]

Here is my XL long AC jacket I received today. The back has some white marks on it (which Sarge told me to use Joy or Dawn, or Pecard's to try to take it out) and the left sleeve has 2 different variations of color/leather but I want to try to keep it. What do you guys think? Size seems okay which is why I want to keep it and I don't want to be picky. Is the back and sleeve dealbreakers? Thanks!

Left sleeve (the top part is lighter colored than the bottom as you look at it)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4908.jpg

Back w/white marks:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4897.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4922.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4920.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4919.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4918.jpg

[Indyzane]

Nice jacket! The sleeves look fine even though the leather is shaded differently. The only thing is the jacket looks a little big on you when I look at the back picture? Maybe it's just me! But I like it and enjoy!

[Kt Templar]

The pockets look REALLY far away from the storm flap.

And the chest looks too big for you.

[Indyzane]

Look at the pics in the beginning if this thread all the pockets seem to be far away from the storm flap? Is this normal on Wings jackets?

[sharkboy]

I think the pockets are wide on this model in general but those seem wider than usual. I used Pecards on my AC a couple days ago and it darkened it up considerably. I think it would definitely even out the leather variations. As for the white spots, that's a new one to me.

SB

[PsychicsAndSwords]

Anyone have a large long that they can measure the sleeve length on? Sleeve itself and from CB? The look of that leather just impresses me so much that I'm half tempted to order one even though the money's incredibly tight right now...

[Texan Scott]

JC,

I keep hoping you will get just the jacket you want. Since you are a tall slim guy, I think you should go for a more slim fit jacket, with a thinner yoke, like in a Raiders style? jmo.

[Kokopelli]

+1 it looks a little big...

[JC1972]

JC,

I keep hoping you will get just the jacket you want. Since you are a tall slim guy, I think you should go for a more slim fit jacket, with a thinner yoke, like in a Raiders style? jmo.

Thanks TS. I am thinking of getting the Legend, which would up my alley for being thin. And thanks everyone for the comments. I know its a little big as I had mentioned in the "acceptable timeframe..." thread; I meant to put that in here but I was running out. But I wonder if a large long would be a bit too tight as I have been going to the gym; I'm 6'3", 210 lbs. whereas gladd96 is 6'1", 195 lbs. So I'd rather have a jacket to grow into than grow out of. I'll have to compare the measurements of this jacket to those that gladd96 put in. And in the above pics, I didn't have the straps cinched if that matters. I did not get the ballcap though, not that it matters even though I was sent one with the erroneous NZ which I returned the cap with.

[RaidersBash]

JC,

I keep hoping you will get just the jacket you want. Since you are a tall slim guy, I think you should go for a more slim fit jacket, with a thinner yoke, like in a Raiders style? jmo.

I'd 2nd that.

Obviously pictures don't tell the complete story, but what I see on my screen is nearly a 2-tone jacket.

Personally, I'd have no problem calling them, emailing those pictures, and saying flat out that that is not a jacket you would have bought if you were in the store, and doubtful they would either.

Unless you're stoked on it and if you saw it on the rack you would say "YEP! This is it...2-tone sleeves and white spots and all...I GOTTA HAVE IT!!!"

Then in that case, Cheers and wear it in good health.

[gladd96]

Personally I think the variation and even the spots add character and don't look out of line from others I've seen. Obviously if it bothers you then you will be better served to send it back. The color of your jacket reminds me of my Nowak CS a little. The good thing about Wings is their return policy. I'd say that you could probably fit into the large long but that it may be a tad bit close fitting here or there depending on your measurments. If you aren't 100% sure about your XL long I'd suggest ordering the other size and returning the one that you don't prefer the fit on. You'll only be out the return postage and I think piece of mind is worth postage.

[Forrest For the Trees]

You make a good point. If you saw it in a store, would you still buy it? As simple a question as it is, it is an important one we should ask ourselves every time we receive merchandise like this after buying it sight unseen.

Also, I will offer my opinion that the jacket does indeed look too big.

[sharkboy]

It seems on this jacket that the back panel has almost no gap.... am I correct or is this an optical illusion?

SB

[Mark Raats]

JC - Just my two cents. I think it looks terrific on you. As to being oversized? Yeah - I think your between a large and that (XL right?). That's a tough one. But it's easy to take half a size off with a washing - and I've not met a wings jacket that only looked better after some hot water, low/no heat tumble drying to about 90% dry then wearing it the rest if the way. You have a really good build for that cut and I'd go with that size, give her a wash, and work the shoulders and back/traps. I think you'll be pleased.

Again, just my opinion. But you're fortunate I think with your build. Oh - and cinch up the ride straps. It looks terrific. A lot of character.

I have to agree with _ (great constructive post BTW).. What is needed is for the jacket to be worn in and for the leather to hang properly. Interesting view on the washing T, I didn't know about the tumble drying!

I thought the front looked fine (if a little large) but where it shows is in the back and shoulders. Widen your back as _ mentioned and get those traps standing out. A good rounded deltoid will also move it wide over your shoulders and up your body - which would be great…

Good luck with your gym mate. At over 200lbs and a shade over 6ft tall you're well on the way…

Kind regards

MARK

[FLATHEAD]

The back has some white marks on it (which Sarge told me to use Joy or Dawn, or Pecard's to try to take it out) and the left sleeve has 2 different variations of color/leather

If you put ANYTHING on that jacket to try to clean it, you will NOT be able to return it! Even if it was Sarge who
told you that. They will NOT accept it as a return, and you will be out the money, and have to live with it.

I think it looks too big on you. Your jacket is a size XL, which should mean that the armpit to armpit is somewhere
around 27 inches or so, which means the actual chest measurement of the jacket is about 54 inches right?

What is your actual chest measurement? If your chest is around 48 inches, then that would give you a good
6 inches of movement room for the jacket. If your chest is more like 44 or 46, you need to go down a size.

The size large armpit to armpit is about 26 inches, which comes out to 52 inches total for the chest.
That might give you a better fit.

As stated before, if you were out shopping for a leather jacket, and you saw that one hanging in a store,
and you pulled it down, and it looked like this, and right next to it was another one, without any marks
or flaws, which would you buy? Would you say to yourself, I want the one that has the white stuff on it, and
that has two different colors of leather? Or would you say, I want the nice one with no flaws and its
all the same color?

Be honest with yourself. You have to live with your purchase. If you don't like it, its going to be a
very expensive hanger orniment in your closet.

There are MANY more Wings jackets available that do NOT have these flaws. Send it back and
get Sarge to send you a good one.

Flathead

[JC1972]

Thanks again all for the comments and for the suggestions on how to shrink it, _. Again I'll see what to do but here are the pics after cinching the straps. Please excuse my tired look as it was 1am :

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4927.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4928.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4929.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4930.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/J ... G_4931.jpg

[Holt]

I think it looks cool!

[Hollowpond]

I think it looks cool!

+1

[Indyzane]

Looks much better! Maybe that's all your jacket needed? I'm glad you have found one that fits! Remember if you need to sell it give me a buzz!

Also when it gets a little water and forms to your body it will fit even better!

[Michaelson]

I have to agree. I really wasn't impressed at the first round of photos....but the second round was a VAST improvement. I believe with some wear and use, that one is going to form fit to you perfectly! It looks good now, but I can see potential there, and you rarely see that with some of the 'out of the box' photos folks post.

I think you got a winner this time.

HIGH regards! Michaelson

[Rick Deckard]

I too think it looks better since you cinched up the side straps. You mentioned that you were doing strength training, right? If so, I'd definitely keep the one you have b/c as your shoulders get bigger, you'll fill out that jacket in no time. I wouldn't want to go down to a "perfect" fit only to find out a few months later that the shoulders and chest areas are now snug.

For guys that work out, there is no such thing as a perfect fit for long. Either you're getting bigger or focusing on cardio to try and get leaner, which is what I'm doing now. But then in the near future I'll hit the strength training again and then I'll start to fill out the clothes that got a little loose on me when I focused on cardio. So it goes... . Working out is really a form of body modification...I know, that's kind of obvious, but I don't think people that don't work out realize that.

And if I start playing rugby again, look out...I'll really get lean then. Non-stop cardio, rugby is!

Anyway, you have a lean frame right now, which means you're going to be able to fill it out rather easily. Keep the bigger size!

[Kentucky Blues]

Here's Indydawg's former jacket, which I recently purchased from him









It's not quite the same as my wested lamb it's intended to replace... but I think this jacket will serve me for a long time

-KB

[Indydawg]

Heck, man! That jacket looks better on YOU than it did on me! Perfect sleeve and good body length, too!

Right on!

Wear it well!

Regards!
Indydawg

[Kentucky Blues]

Will do, man, and thanks for the compliment!

-KB