Want a new goatskin jacket. Who from?

[Mountaineer Lasher]

So I've got a Todd's custom lambskin that is nice and broken in (I've even worn out the sleeve liners), but I'm hesitant to wear it anywhere it might take a little abuse because of the lambskin. That being said, I think I need a new goatskin for durability. Who seems to be the "go to" for getting one in goatskin? I'm jumping back and forth between a Raiders and a Crystal Skull style.

[Michaelson]

Gibson and Barnes Expedition is always my vote when it comes to goatskin jackets....or the soft goatskin from Wested.

Regards! Michaelson

[Dr. Nebraska S.]

I would second Michaelson. I've really enjoyed my Gibson & Barnes Expedition, and you can see several photos of various members' G&B's over in this thread (my most recent photos of my jacket are at the end of the thread):
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48537

I think someone posted some good looking photos of a Wested washed goatskin recently, which looks quite good. Also, I believe there's still a really good sale on U.S. Wings in goatskin right now. I can't really speak from personal experience about anything other than the G&B Expedition, but all seem like good options.

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

[Michaelson]

Very true, Nebraska. I didn't mention Wings as they've discontinued carrying the goatskin Indy, and what ever they have in stock is all that's available...so you might get a good deal if they still have your size .

Regards! Michaelson

[Mountaineer Lasher]

Gibson and Barnes Expedition is always my vote when it comes to goatskin jackets....or the soft goatskin from Wested.

Regards! Michaelson

Gibson and Barnes, huh? I'll have to call them to make sure I get the right size for me. I normally wear a 40, but I've got long arms and broad shoulders.

[Michaelson]

Contact Dave Marshall when you do.

Regards! Michaelson

[Mountaineer Lasher]

Contact Dave Marshall when you do.

Regards! Michaelson

Will do! All I see on their site is a general phone number, though. I guess I'll just ask for him...

[Michaelson]

...or....

Dave Marshall (dave@gibson-barnes.com)

Regards! Michaelson

[Mountaineer Lasher]

...or....

Dave Marshall (dave@gibson-barnes.com)

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson, you're a scholar among men!

[Michaelson]

Nah. I just know..............things.

[Indydawg]

I can also attest to the longevity and extremely high-quality of the goatskin G&B uses.

One of the two Indy jackets currently in my closet...and one that I absolutley intend to stay there...is one of the first goatskin Expos that came out. It used to be Mike's....then it was mine....then it was Michaelson's for awhile....then mine again....then Mike's again....then Michaelson's AGAIN....and now mine....

Again....

We've perfected the method of "distressing by postal travel!"

At any rate...if I HAD to get down to one Indy jacket in my closet...well...the goatskin is the one I'd keep....for reasons not the least of which is the sentimental value, of course, but...in all honesty, I've never seen its equal in a goatskin.

So...for what it's worth...there it is.
Regards!
Indydawg

[Dr. Nebraska S.]

Indydawg, you should share photos of that jacket over in the G&B thread--I'd sure be interested in seeing it!
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=48537

It'd be a great example of "distressed goatskin via postal". Does that count as natural or artificial distressing?

Best wishes,
NS

[Indydawg]

If it weren't dark already here, I'd snap some right now, NBS....afraid the flash would wash the highlights...as soon as good daylight shows its face again, I'll get on it!

Oh...and I think it absolutely counts for "natural" distressing...if I remember correctly, Mike took it on a cross-country motorcyle trip to put it through its first round of "real world" distressing!

The jacket definitely has a history....although, nothing like tekors' jacket absorbing bullets lately!!

Yeah..if I was going goatskin, it'd be G&B....

Regards!
Indydawg

[Chewbacca Jones]

If you have the money for the G&B, I say go for it. I have seen several in person, and they are great jackets. Built like tanks, and beautiful. However, if you're aiming for a budget jacket, the US Wings brown goatskin (which will soon be extinct) is a solid jacket that has details that are very Crystal Skull/Last Crusade.

[Canasta]

I have a GB and have always loved it. Tough like a tank. It has always seemed like a real working man's jacket.
The only thing that I don't like, is the collar. It seems just a little small to me.
The collar has become a bit "cracked" from lots of wear and I am thinking of having
them replace it sometime.

To me ... the perfect jacket would be this:
The US Wings Imported Cowhide pattern like KWADs. I love the collar on that jacket
with the G@B goat in dark brown.
If I could get that ... I'd never buy another Indy jacket ... except another one just like it.

C

[Mountaineer Lasher]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I think I'm looking at the G&B jacket as the main contender right now. How do Magnoli's offerings play into this?

[Michaelson]

Magnoli's are absolutely fantastic jackets, but are ALL custom made.

Regards! Michaelson

[Mountaineer Lasher]

Magnoli's are absolutely fantastic jackets, but are ALL custom made.

Regards! Michaelson

His are also the same price as the G&B, give or take a few bucks. If I'm paying the same amount, shouldn't I go custom?

[Michaelson]

Absolutely! If you have a choice at spending the same monies, always go custom if the quality is equal. In this case, you are talking apples to apples comparison in quality and craftsmanship.

Regards! Michaelson

[mimesis]

Is Magnoli's goatskin as tough as the G&B's? Does anyone have both to compare?

[Michaelson]

Goatskin is goatskin.

The weak link on many ackets is the seam, not necessarily the leather.

In the case of goatskin, it is the same tensile strength, no matter who makes the jackets, so yes, one is as strong as the other in that regard.

Regards! Michaelson

[Chewbacca Jones]

...and as one who owns a couple of Magnoli jackets, I don't think the seams will be a problem.