US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Discuss all of the intricacies of the jacket in full detail

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ron521
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US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by ron521 »

I ordered my US Wings VIP Indy-style "Adventurer" jacket on Monday, Dec 14.
On Dec 18, just four days later, a big box arrived with the US Wings logo all over it.

Inside, I found the jacket, in a protective plastic wrapper, a nice wide hanger, plus a
promotional T shirt and a gift card for $10 toward future purchases.

I’m 5’ 10”, and weigh about 175 lbs. My normal size is a 40 regular. I had read a lot of posts
regarding the fits of jackets from various makers, some are said to run large, others small. I had
emailed US Wings and requested actual dimensions for the various sizes because I had been a
little concerned about their “blended” sizing, i.e. “M” is said to be fine for 38-40.
One very helpful post from a forum member had informed me that US Wings sizes tend to run
toward the upper end of the range, so a “M” (in regular, not tall) should hypothetically be dead-on for a 40.....and it
was.

I would not have expected this jacket to fit better if I had been measured by a tailor and the
jacket customized to my frame. The fit around my chest, width across my shoulders, and length
of the sleeves is absolutely perfect, roomy enough to allow a sweater or fleece if desired, without being
so roomy as to swallow me. Shoulder seams are right out to the edge of my own shoulders, and sleeves reach to the backs
of my hands, but not down to my knuckles. Back length on my jacket is 27 1/4”, so slightly longer than a
motorcycle jacket, and perhaps longer than a "Raiders" jacket. Perhaps this is “Last Crusade” length.
In the photos I'm wearing twill slacks with a slightly higher waist than most jeans, which makes the jacket appear longer than it really is.
Wearing regular jeans, the jacket reaches to an inch or so below the tops of the jeans front pockets, and about halfway down the back pockets.
The bottom edge of the jacket pocket is almost exactly over the top of the jeans front pockets.

Image

I examined the jacket very closely for any irregularities which might warrant a return, actually
checking for things I’ve never thought to check any previous jacket for, such as matching sleeve
length and pocket placement, and can report that no defect of any kind was found, not even any
loose threads poking out. Seams run true, and where they meet other seams on adjacent panels,
line up with perfection.

The jacket is a rich, dark “chocolate” brown. I would not describe the finish as “glossy” but as
“satin”, with a soft, luxurious shine (at least for the time being). There is a subtle texture which I
will try to show in photos.

Image

This is precisely what I was hoping for, something like what Indy’s jacket would have looked
when new, waiting for my own adventures to personalize.
It is quite soft throughout, no “breaking in” required in order to achieve comfort.
No one will EVER mistake this garment for a windbreaker, as the leather is quite thick, similar
to some cowhide motorcycle jackets I own. As a result, the jacket has “presence”, which
somehow promotes a sense of security when wearing it.
It is almost as if the jacket is reminding you on a subconscious level “Hey, I’m here for you, I
won’t let you down”....

This sturdy outer shell is closed with a brass YKK zipper which has an dark bronze color.
A 1 1/2” storm flap covers the zipper, and facings 1.5” wide extend from the stiching which
secures the zipper to the very thick nylon liner.
The liner appears to be exactly the same weight and color as in my old Navy-issue G1, of
sufficient thickness to make a windbreaker all by itself, so should last essentially forever inside
the leather outer shell.
Nylon is in many ways an ideal fabric for a liner, it simply glides over whatever shirt one may be
wearing with almost no friction, not bunching up and restricting motion. It doesn’t absorb
significant amounts of moisture, and dries quickly if it is wetted.
There is a inside pocket on the left side, slightly less than 6” wide, bound with leather.

Image

On the outside, sleeves are about 11” wide where they attach to the body, and taper to a 5 1/5”
barrel cuff, with no gussets in the armpits.
The two patch pockets await grail diaries or whatever else one may wish to cram into them.
The hidden handwarmers do not go through the shell of the jacket, so your palms are against the
leather jacket shell, while the backs of your hands are against the fabric back lining of the
pocket.
The pockets themselves are 8” tall and 6 3/4” wide, so I can get my entire hand into the
handwarmer, and spread my fingers a little bit.
The pockets are closed with flaps (with concealed snaps) whose lower edge has a very minimal
radius which lends a “clean” look I find pleasing to the eye.

The bi-swing back, with it’s 1 1/2” wide pleat, extends from the hem upwards to the yoke, which
means that the bi-swing ends essentially over my scapula. This appears to be part of the design,
observed to a greater or lesser degree in the movie jackets, and replicas from every maker as well.
This particular feature is not the very best for complete freedom of movement, but as a compromise
to obtain a degree of screen accuracy, it is certainly acceptable.
It would work a little better to extend the bi-swing all the way to the top of the shoulder, as on a G1,
or a Schott 141, however this would be probably be seen as so great a deviation with regard to screen
accuracy that most people would no longer consider it an “Indy” jacket.
However, it wouldn’t hurt if the yoke seam were a couple of inches higher, which would allow
the bi-swing to work a little better, and perhaps still look “right”.

The "gap" between the edge of the bi-swing back and the sleeve seam is just about 1 1/8".

About four inches up from the hem, and so, exactly at my beltline, are leather straps, 1” wide,
with antique finish D-rings for adjusting the fit. Below the straps, the bi-swing becomes a vent,
which enhances flexibility, especially when crouching or sitting.

Image

Taken as a whole, I’m extremely pleased with my jacket. It is US made, and appears to have
absolutely flawless workmanship and materials.
It looks good and feels good, exuding an aura of
quality throughout.
Those design features which deviate from one or another screen incarnation
of the jacket are, to my mind, minor issues.
The only things I can think of which would improve the jacket would be to extend the bi-swing a little bit
higher up the back, and to add ventilated gussets under the arms to increase the range of
motion. And maybe offer this premium cowhide leather in black? I'd certainly be happy to own one.
In sum, an excellent product at any price, and given the price, an outstanding value.
Last edited by ron521 on Wed Sep 22, 2010 7:00 pm, edited 9 times in total.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Texan Scott »

Ron, this jacket looks to be made like a LC jacket, with large pockets and wider yoke. Now the only thing let to do is to give it a good breaking in! :tup:

Best wishes.
Last edited by Texan Scott on Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Forrest For the Trees »

That looks really great. Enjoy it!
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Michaelson »

U. S. Wings VIP Indy...one of my personal favorites. You did well, and it will SERVE you well.

I know. I own one too.
:M: :tup:
Regards! Michaelson
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Weston »

Superb! The richness of that leather and the quality of craftsmanship really come through in your pictures. If you were only ever going to own just one Indy jacket, I think you picked a good one. I also like the length. Well done!

Weston
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by knibs7 »

Good looking jacket!

Kyle
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Tennessee Smith »

Good Looking Jacket Ron!!! USW makes an awesome piece to wear.

Enjoy wearing it :TOH:

-TS
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by crismans »

Great looking jacket and you wear it well.

Thanks for the review!
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by WConly »

That is one smart -- looking jacket! Enjoy! W>
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Long John Tinfoil »

Nice jacket! GREAT review!!! :TOH:

LJ
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Corvairfan »

Thanks for the photos and the great review. Great fit on you for sure. I had toyed with the idea over a US Wings before the used G+B I bought...seems like the Medium like you have...would have been right for me. But I am 5'7" with short legs and that 27.25+" back length would put the jacket at the bottom of my bottom and I don't think it would look right. 26" is my limit visually from previous jackets and the G+B is 24".

But you did fantastic there, it is a keeper and I hope you continue to enjoy it.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by ron521 »

If US Wings did decide to offer a jacket made with the same materials and workmanship of this VIP, but cut to the shorter "Raiders" specs, I'd very likely buy one just to have both styles. I REALLY love this jacket.
There does seem to be a different vibe from the different lengths.
I've ridden my Sportster wearing the VIP, and it worked well enough at medium speeds.
I noticed that the vent doesn't flip up while riding, although the collar can flap at higher speeds...it needs to snap down to be a good motorcycle jacket.
The cuffs are narrow enough to not capture a lot of wind and make the jacket balloon up.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by tym »

Lovely jacket!

One word of caution, though. I have a US Wings A2-2000, and the stitching for the inner pocket is prone to strain. The pocket corner closest to the zipper started to come undone on mine after 8-10 months of light use; the stitching started to tear away from the lining. I reinforced it with additional stitching and a small tweed patch in matching color and that has solved the unraveling.

I might recommend having a tailor reinforce those inner pocket corners so you don't face the same problem I did with that beautiful new jacket. :)
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by backstagejack »

Congrats on a great looking jacket!!!!!

This is EXACTLY the review I've been looking for!!!! I've been eying the US Wings VIP Indy for a while as a good/decent LC jacket, as I've really only heard good things about it. The pics help ALOt as I'm also a 40 R...

It may not be completely SA but I can deal with that if its good workmanship and quality.

The only thing I'd want which may come with time...is the great way the collar in LC kinda swooped down
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Garzo »

I have US Wings' Vintage Cowhide and love it. Great jacket. It's the only US Wings I've ever seen so I can't compare to the VIP, but my guess is that aside from the leather, they are all the same cut?

Anyone know for sure?
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Michaelson »

Yes, pretty much the same cut.

Regards! Michaelson
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by ron521 »

The descriptions on the US Wings website don't mention any differences in cut or fit for their Indy-style jackets. And I've never seen any other US Wings jacket up close, so in the absence of information to the contrary, would assume that current production is all made to the same pattern.

I view this as a positive thing, in that if you get one that fits, you should be able to buy another in a different skin and have the same fit.

I believe some have commented that earlier production from years ago, when they still carried the Cooper label, varied in some small details, and may fit differently, than current production. Also don't know anything about how their imported jackets fit compared to their US made jackets, which may be a moot point as I don't see any imported Indy jackets currently listed.

Update: I dug around and found a sheet which US Wings had sent me on Dec 9, 2009, showing dimensions of their Indy-style jackets. These dimensions which apply to my jacket (IJVIP) also apply to jackets IJG (goatskin), IJLM (lambskin) and IJOC (distressed cowhide?)
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by sharkboy »

This jacket looks to be the perfect length for me. I like my jackets slightly longer. Is this a regular length or did you order a Long. I was considering ordering a Long but your jacket appears to be long enough.

Regards,

Sharkboy :twisted:
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by crismans »

I'll let ron and others chime in to confirm/correct me, but it's my understanding the Wings jacket run a little on the long side.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by RCSignals »

sharkboy, USWings regulars are already quite long. Unless you are very tall or very long in the torso a regular should do for most people.

There should be posts around here with specific measurements of lengths if you look around for US Wings threads.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by backstagejack »

RCSignals wrote:sharkboy, USWings regulars are already quite long. Unless you are very tall or very long in the torso a regular should do for most people.

There should be posts around here with specific measurements of lengths if you look around for US Wings threads.
Yeah, I mean look how long it seems on ron521....

That jacket seems plenty long to me....got a good CS feel to me.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by CM »

It's a great one. The sleeves sit really well, while on G&B's (which I have) they seem a bit puffy or, awkward, it's hard to describe. I'm awfully tempted to get a Wings now.

Cheers
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by JC1972 »

That's a really nice jacket; I love the look of it. Wear it well! :TOH:
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by ron521 »

My VIP jacket is the "regular" length for this style, not the "long" or "tall".
Also, the "gap" between the edge of the bi-swing back and the sleeve seam is just about 1 1/8".
I've edited the original review to reflect this information.
Last edited by ron521 on Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:40 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Michaelson »

Finally got mine relined and will be picking it up tomorrow. I've enjoyed mine for years, and they just get better with wear.

Regards! Michaelson
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Dragonlady Jones »

'Bout time. :)
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Michaelson »

Yeah :oops:
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Kokopelli »

Michaelson wrote:Finally got mine relined and will be picking it up tomorrow. I've enjoyed mine for years, and they just get better with wear.

Regards! Michaelson
We NEED to see some pics of an older, worn VIP!! How's the leather looking after a few years?
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Michaelson »

Still looks great. The shine is gone.

Regards! Michaelson
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by sharkboy »

Got my VIP in the spring, and finally ready to break it in. Loving it so far.

SB
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Kokopelli »

sharkboy wrote:Got my VIP in the spring, and finally ready to break it in. Loving it so far.

SB
...and the pics are where?
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by sharkboy »

good point kokopelli.... I'm on the case.

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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by ron521 »

Here are a few, more recent photos of my Signature Series VIP. In my original review, I'm wearing slacks with a higher waist, which makes the jacket appear longer.
In these, I'm wearing regular Wrangler jeans, which give an better impression of the actual "just right" length of the Signature Series.

Generally, the jacket is beginning to look "lived in", not quite so glossy.

Image

Image

Image

Hey! Are you looking at my bum? Bum Looker!

Image

Image
Last edited by ron521 on Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Dr. Nebraska S. »

Great looking jacket! :clap:
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Holt »

those look SO much better then the first set of pictures. love it! ad some snaps on the stormflap and you have a dead ringer for LC.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by beaverlid »

I really like the obvious brown color this jacket has. Many of the jackets offered could really be mistaken for a dull black in the wrong light. There is no mistaking it with this jacket. I love the look and color. A great purchase in my opinion.

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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Holt »

Hey Ron.

when you got the time. could you do me a favor and measure the chest width, full shoulders, half shoulder and bottom waist when zipped?

thanks :TOH:
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Rick Deckard »

That would be appreciated by me, too, Ron. I'm looking for another Indy style jacket in addition to my Hero, and the more LC looking the better. Plus this one is US made and I'm looking for a Wings or Schott made jacket for my next purchase. I'll probably need an XL with a 46" chest, but the medium measurements will give me an idea of how much bigger a L and XL most likely are.

PS - Does anyone know offhand whether US Wings will add snaps to a jacket like this one?

Edit: Just noticed on the Wings site that a spec. chart is listed for each size.
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by ron521 »

Here are the dimensions requested taken from my Signature Series VIP size M, zipped all the way up and laying flat:

Overall shoulder width taken at highest point of sleeve, straight line across back =19 1/2"

1/2 shoulder width taken along top seam from collar base to sleeve seam = 6 3/4"

Chest width across body from pit to pit = 22 1/2"

Bottom width = 22"

Also:

Overall length, collar base to bottom = 26 1/2"

Sleeve length from top of shoulder to cuff, while on hanger = 25"
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Re: US Wings VIP Adventurers Jacket

Post by Holt »

Thanks :TOH:
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