UDATE: Wings Striated Lamb—now with BISON SAMPLE

[Mike]

Myke at US Wings asked me to post this.

Here is the Striated lambskin Indy Legend Jacket...US Made

This is the one along with the one Weston is wearing that will be at the showing.

Here are the first set of pics.

[RaidersBash]

That's looks really nice.

The ST. Lamb on the website hero jacket looks more textured though...

What hide is Weston wearing? Is that the cowhide?

Does ANYONE have any shots of the calfskin yet?!?!!

[that_dog]

Anyone else struck by how wide the USW collar stands are? Not just here on the striated lamb, but on all the recent USW jackets I've seen posted. It's kind of strange design detail to me. I'll have to check the stand on my TN to see how it compares, but I'm pretty sure it's significantly narrower.

Just an observation....

Edited to add this shot from the USW web site showing the collar stand from the inside; I can't remember seeing another jacket with this type of collar construction. Also, it doesn't appear that the USW collar stands extend over the storm flap; there is thus a "step down" from the point where the collar attaches to the storm flap. This looks a little odd to my eye and prevents the collar from extending to the center of the storm flap, which at least one of the screen-used jackets had (and is a detail that has received some attention here over the years)....

[soulman]

I am really digging the pocket flaps. The deep scallop is really nice. I also like how the adjustment straps have the stitching around the edge. Just a really cool detail. I can't wait for my HH to arrive.

[Indydawg]

Guys...I'm sorry....I am HONESTLY not trying to "pooh-pooh" on anybody's love of this jacket...and I think those pocket flaps are the way they should be done on ALL Indy jackets, too...just fantastic! But....

I just can't bring myself to like that slider buckle....

It's a deal breaker for me...

Ok...I've said my peace...

As you were...

[Kentucky Blues]

that_dog, it's important to note that that isn't a picture of the actual jacket at hand... I'm pretty sure that's a standard wings jacket, or maybe the "hero" cut.


And Indydawg, I agree wholeheartedly about the buckle, though that's not a dealbreaker for me. Additionally though, does anyone else look at that first picture and think "naugahyde?"

-KB

[Indydawg]

Yeah, KB-THAT jacket "that-dog" has posted as pictured there is, in fact, the New Zealand lamb Hero pattern..good call!

Regards!
Indydawg

[Baldwyn]

No facings!! YAY! Looks gorgeous. Yeah, not into the slider buckle, but it's not the end of the world, it can be swapped out. Really love the pockets, too!

[binkmeisterRick]

I thought you liked Lucky Charms, Dawg! The pictures make the leather look like the antique lambskin on my Wings G-2. Honestly, just looking at it now, the leather on my G-2 jacket has more "Indy" character and stirations to it than what I'm seeing here. Just my opinion. Still, if Wings would abandon all their other patterns and stick to just this one, they would have one pretty good jacket offering.

[Tennessee Smith]

Hopefully, we'll get pics of the calf soon.



-TS

[Indydawg]

Yeah, Bink...I do...and I like Irish Springs soap, too, but that doesn't mean I want to be shown the Hills of Killarney.

And I'm like you on this lambskin....I've seen it on the Avirex A-2s from the late 80s/early 90s....good leather...distresses all by itself really well...it'll end up looking really good after a couple of years.

I think the pics of the calfskin will tell a nice tale, too, TS....don't know what the genre will be...but it'll be entertaining!

Regards!
Indydawg

[kwad]

The ST. Lamb on the website hero jacket looks more textured though...

I don't know if it's the pics, but, I just don't see ANY striation in that jacket.
It looks very smooth to me. Not what I expect when I think of Striated Lamb.

I also agree about the sliders. They are kind of clunky and 1970's looking.
But, at least they are easy to swap out.

[sharkboy]

I would agree that the leather is not as textured as I hoped it would be. I wonder if it would come out more over time/wear..etc.
Lamb was the only choice for me but I agree it's time to see what's up with the calf.




SB

[Bemo]

That slider would look at home on the bag strap.

[Forrest For the Trees]

Bison?

Seriously, just checked the Wings site again (I swear the listing for this jacket changes at least once a week) and they are now offering it in Bison.

I'm holding out for Yak.

[Indydawg]

Forrest-seriously? If so, that's got to be some special acquisition they are just testing out....that won't be a regular run option unless it's just a grand-slam homerun...

JMO...

As to the lack of graininess and/or striations on the leather....they'll pop out after about a day of wear...I've seen it happen. My brother's Avirex A-2 in this leather looked JUST like this when it was new...two days later, it looked like he'd owned it for five years!!! They age fast...

[sharkboy]

I'm having trouble deciding between Lion and Shark.

SB

[Indydawg]

Ummm......

Sharkboy?

How could YOU be having trouble with THAT call

Me....I am going to hold out for the naugahyde.....

Indydawg

[sharkboy]

you know, I think I would feel like a traitor wearing shark. Lion it is.

SB

[Indydawg]

Simba will be very disappointed....

Do whatcha gotta do, man...
Indydawg

[sharkboy]

for what it's worth, the bison leather example I saw through a google search looks more Striated and grainy than the striated lamb.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=1K42

SB

[Weston]

These pics were e-mailed to me earlier today, and I was just looking at them in full-screen. I can very definitely see the striations extending from the shoulder to the pocket flap, and on the sleeve as well. I really think it's the quality of the pictures that are the issue.

Hey Indydawg, I know that slider buckle pokes you in the eye, but don't Magnoli, and Todd's jackets have the same thing?

Weston

[that_dog]

Yeah, KB-THAT jacket "that-dog" has posted as pictured there is, in fact, the New Zealand lamb Hero pattern..good call!

Regards!
Indydawg

Yes... two different Wings offerings... both with the same collar stand construction. The point is, why is Wings making the collars like this?

[Weston]

Yeah, KB-THAT jacket "that-dog" has posted as pictured there is, in fact, the New Zealand lamb Hero pattern..good call!

Regards!
Indydawg

Yes... two different Wings offerings... both with the same collar stand construction. The point is, why is Wings making the collars like this?

I think they have always been like that. The first one I bought was in 04 or 05, and it has that stepped down collar stand. Why they've done it that way I have no idea, but it's been that way for a long time. This new offering is different, more like what your used to seeing from other vendors, or the film for that matter.

Here's a shot I posted in another thread, the Hero on the left, Legend in the middle.


Here's what I was talking about with the slider:

Magnoli, from the website.

The Wings Legend


And that's all the dead horses I'm going to beat, and all the cheerleading I'll do tonight.

Weston

[Gorak]

can`t really tell from the pic but it looks like the side vents are kinda small....The 'temple' jacket had very obvious large side vents as is very evident as Indy climbs the hillside to the temple entrance. It is just a personal thing but that has always been one of my things...I think the side-vent, strap configuration is one of the things that TOTALLY made Indy`s jacket unique..even today everyone still only has a small low strip that snaps at the hips. Next to my Indy jackets, makes em look cheap. My wings NZ lamb had avery small vent. awkwardly enough my Leather Consessionaries jacket I had years ago also had that small vent but I think it was patterned after the stuntman`s jacket which, as Terry Leaonard is talking on video about going under the truck, we can see the small vent. Wow, how many times have I used VENT in this post?
Too early in the morning, gotta get to work...
vent you guys later-

[Mitch LaRue]

Here's where I am with this:
Credit where credit is due...
But I think that's an overall (and all things considered) darn good-looking Raiders jacket (and a very good-looking offering from Wings) IMO - though I'll agree with Dawg that the slider looks a little somethingsomething... can't quite put my finger on it, though...


I've also gotta say:
I have no doubt that the leather we're seeing here will likely age -and gain character- quite nicely and quite quickly (again, as Dawg said)... I hope that's the case. I'd really like to see the C.O.W. Members here who choose to buy be happy with - and feel rewarded by - their purchase.

This looks like a nice offering to me... just one that I won't be taking advantage of... this time around, anyway.
Can't wait to see this jacket on the backs of some (hopefully) happy customers.

[RaidersBash]

Hey Indydawg, I know that slider buckle pokes you in the eye, but don't Magnoli, and Todd's jackets have the same thing?

Weston

I know Todd's sliders are BLACK and really coool looking because of it....

but i'm not hating these one bit

can't wait to see the CALF!!!

anyone have an opinion on the HH? Is it more of a fall/winter jacket....?

NOT TO HIJACK THIS THREAD, but in comparison to my Todd's and it being a year rounder....light enough to wear in warm weather, works well in spring and fall, and can be layered with sweaters for colder weather...I wonder how the Calf, ST. Lamb and HH fair (the 3 hides I find myself torn between....although I'm on the list for a calf due to the info we had at the time....

[Michaelson]

I've owned various types of all three.

Calf and lambskin (ANY lambskin) are equal in physical weight. The only real difference is calf will be stronger in tensile strength due to being cowhide.

HH is heaviest, and works better in colder weather.

Regards! Michaelson

[RaidersBash]

Thanks Michaelson!

With that said, I reiterate what i said before...


I CAN"T WAIT TO SEE THE CALF!!!!

[Indydawg]

Hey Indydawg, I know that slider buckle pokes you in the eye, but don't Magnoli, and Todd's jackets have the same thing?

Yeah, I think they do, Weston....although, I'm not sure the sliders they use are the same size/material....

Either way...I think it's just the slider in general...I just don't really like it. It just sticks out there....

JMO is all...I am just partial to the D-rings and/or the rectangular rings that G&B uses...

Regards!
Indydawg

[Hatch]

Maybe 'natural' or 'antique' lamb would be a better description.......to me it just seems like a selling point and trying to attempt to grab on to the Nowak pedigree coat tails.....personally the Nowak is only lamb jacket I've seen I would call 'Striated'.....jmo ...

[soulman]

I see what you are saying Dawg. Having owned a G&B before I can say that I am partial to the sliders that they employ. That said I am also not too offended by the sliders in the above pics. Either way I do hope that those of us who have an order in will be pleased by what we get. I am however tempted to opt out for the Left handed zip and go for the Right handed one. That would make the jacket a "non custom" item and therefore returnable (if needed). Just a thought.

[Michaelson]

I'll only say that if those are what Indy Magnoli is using, I have such confidence in HIS stuff, there has to be provenance behind the use of them, so they're good enough for me.

Regards! Michaelson

[RaidersBash]

Bison?

Seriously, just checked the Wings site again (I swear the listing for this jacket changes at least once a week) and they are now offering it in Bison.

I just checked for myself, and aside from the new BISON offering (I really wonder what that's like...I know buffalo hide boots are rattlesnake proof)...

...but now it says "imported" behind all the (i guess) cooper jackets....

[TheExit148]

Does anybody know what the size chart is for these jackets? Its not listed on their site, it just says "Fit: Normal". I would want to see sizing before purchasing anything.

[binkmeisterRick]

Call and ask them to directly measure a jacket, if they'll do it. That is the ONLY way you'll know how the sizes really are. That's been my personal experience with Wings jackets, anyway.

[Kubrik]

Bison?

Seriously, just checked the Wings site again (I swear the listing for this jacket changes at least once a week) and they are now offering it in Bison.

I just checked for myself, and aside from the new BISON offering (I really wonder what that's like...I know buffalo hide boots are rattlesnake proof)...

...but now it says "imported" behind all the (i guess) cooper jackets....

What's Bison leather like? Isn't Buffalo leather even thicker and stiffer than HH?

[Michaelson]

Some I've seen reminds me a fairly thick but soft cowhide....like the Wings belly cowhide used on their VIP jackets.

I examined a jacket in a clothing store in Jackson Hole, WY several years ago made from the material, and was quite surprised, and impressed.

Regards! Michaelson

[that_dog]

I think they have always been like that. The first one I bought was in 04 or 05, and it has that stepped down collar stand. Why they've done it that way I have no idea, but it's been that way for a long time. This new offering is different, more like what your used to seeing from other vendors, or the film for that matter.

Weston

Thanks for the response. This pic shows perfectly how weird the USW collar construction is.

I had no idea they had been doing it like this for so long. Between this detail and the infamous "gaps" on the back of the jacket, it seems to me that USW is not exactly living up to a very high standard of "screen accuracy." And WRT the collar itself, I just think it's a bizarre and not very attractive way to build a jacket. I can't recall seeing any other jacket -- Indy, A-2, what have you -- with this type of collar stand.

And I agree the strap hardware is not great, either. Oh well. I might have been tempted by the USW offerings as initially pitched (true original Cooper design! possibly numerical sizing! etc.), but it seems as though it's just another iteration of the same old USW Indy jackets. (That's not necessarily a bad thing, as I've heard lots of positive comments about USW build quality, but it ain't exactly what this project was promoted to be in the beginning.)

[Kentucky Blues]

Well, that_dog, while it does seem that this jacket isn't EVERYTHING we were hoping for, it's more than just a standard wings jacket from what I can tell. Closer fit, more accurate pocket flaps... much more screen accurate than the jackets they've always made.

-KB

[RaidersBash]

Aside from the collar stand maybe being a bit larger than the one on the right in that photo, I don't see the issue.

My Todd's has a similiar stand, as did my Wested.

Maybe I'm just not seeing what you're seeing...

[that_dog]

Here is a shot of a typical A-2 collar stand. (A new Good Wear Dubow 20960, in case anyone was wondering.) This is about the width of the collar stands on my prior Wested, G&Bs, and current Nowak.

The USW are 2-3 times as wide. This steps the collar up farther from the body of the jacket, giving it an odd gap, and making the USW collar sit a little strangely to my eye.

[Holt]

that collarstand is identical to my westeds.

[that_dog]

Which collar stand, Holt? The USW or the A-2 I posted?

Can anyone post a shot of a non-USW collar stand that is comparable in size to the USW version?

Edited to add these shots... not the best for looking at the collar stands, but you get a sense of proportion. The TN and G&B both have narrow collar stands (not much wider than the leather hangers), and both are direct copies of Raiders jackets.

My TN:


G&B:

[Michaelson]

Here's a photo of IndyBlues Nowak jacket, pulled from the nowak owners thread. That collar stand looks pretty wide to me as well. Eyeballing it, it appears to be about as wide as the storm flap, just like the USW jacket.

Regards! Michaelson

[Chewbacca Jones]

Yes... two different Wings offerings... both with the same collar stand construction. The point is, why is Wings making the collars like this?

Look more closely at the first pic. The collar stand reaches the end of the storm flap. The US Wings standard design is more like the Last Crusade (and now, the Crystal Skull) collar stand. These new jackets now have the extended collar stand to reflect the Raiders design. Unfortunately, the width of the collar stand has not been fixed.

[Chewbacca Jones]

Here's a photo of IndyBlues Nowak jacket, pulled from the nowak owners thread. That collar stand looks pretty wide to me as well. Eyeballing it, it appears to be about as wide as the storm flap, just like the USW jacket.

Regards! Michaelson

I think that's an LC or CS, Michaelson. You can tell by the cross-sec... I mean snap.

[Michaelson]

Could be, chewy.

Here's an old G&B, and it's collar stand appears to be half the width of the storm flap.



Regards! Michaelson

[that_dog]

Thanks Michaelson, food for thought. But I think it's pretty clear that for a true Raiders clone, a narrow collar stand is in order. Both offerings copied from actual Raiders jackets (TN and G&B) have the narrow stand.

Anyway, sorry to derail the thread... I'm interested in some of the details of the jacket construction, and for some reason the USW collar stands jumped out at me the last few days. The photos in Mike's post just crystalized it for me.

[that_dog]

Yes... two different Wings offerings... both with the same collar stand construction. The point is, why is Wings making the collars like this?

Look more closely at the first pic. The collar stand reaches the end of the storm flap. The US Wings standard design is more like the Last Crusade (and now, the Crystal Skull) collar stand. These new jackets now have the extended collar stand to reflect the Raiders design. Unfortunately, the width of the collar stand has not been fixed.

Right, it's the width of the collar stand I'm focused on. Extending it out to the top of the storm flap is a whole other issue, as is the extension of the collar to the center of the storm flap. Apparently, for a true Raiders jacket, the collar stand should be narrow and extend to the top of the storm flap, with the collar reaching the storm flap's center.