It finally arrived! I'm sitting here typing in my new US Wings VIP and am lovin' it. If you've seen my earlier post (http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6226) then you know that I've been waiting for an exchange on the Vintage since Christmas. The delay in exchanging was due to the VIP being out of stock until last week. All in all my US Wings experience went pretty well. The jacket: I have the VIP new cow in dark brown. It is very soft and comfortable.
- Zipper = heavy-duty brass, it goes from the collar to the bottom of the storm flap completely
- Lining = Silky, coppery-brown 50% Nylon/50% Acetate (no thinsulate)
- Inside pockets = two, one on each side. Leather "collar" at opening and top of inside with dark brown cotton (flannel) below.
- Outside pockets = standard top entry with side entry handwarmer pockets behind. Both are lined with the same dark brown cotton flannel
- No storm flap snap
- 2 brass D-rings on each side of back, closer to the front that the straps and sewed into the seam
- Back straps are attached to the outside of the back panel (not in seam) with the "box and X" stitch pattern. Seems very sturdy to me.
For cow this is a pretty light-weight jacket in my opinion. This is certainly lighter than the US Wings Vintage cow that I checked out last month.
Oops, just about forgot sizing. These jackets are commonly described as running at least one size larger than indicated by the US Wings chart and I would agree. I am a pretty big guy (5'11'' and ~230lbs.) that is husky on the upper half (i.e., carry my weight consistently throughout rather than a big gut or barrel chest or what-have-you). Anyway, I have the XL and it fits me perfectly. I can't imagine Peter would have done a better sizing job with my measurements, but I hope to find out in a year or two
. Another take on it is that I am normally a perfect size 48 regular sport coat. I would say the XL is about a size 47. The jacket is a bit snug with a heavy shirt for winter, but not overly so.Well, that's my report for now. Over all I give this jacket two thumbs up. I know most folks here much prefer the Wested, and no doubt with good reason, but the US Wings jacket is certainly a good first jacket for me and especially so since it was a X-mas present from my wife.
Sorry to be long-winded, but I know there is limited detailed information about the USW jacket on this site so I wanted to provide more for those looking. I'm planning on getting a digital camera this week and will try to post some pictures then.
Tailwinds,
TreasureHunter
