Bantu Wind-ish, Todd's jacket thread...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue May 10, 2011 9:58 pm

Just in case you may be wondering, an XL measures: 25" across the pits, 25 1/2" sleeves and 26" back length.

Illinois James · Post by **Illinois James** » Tue May 10, 2011 10:53 pm

Sounds like the measurements I'd order a custom with! Mine's set to arrive Thursday!

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed May 11, 2011 9:42 am

3 pages, and still only one jacket has been seen.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 11, 2011 9:48 am

Yeah, we've been in the process of moving, so I'm overdue, but I'll surely make it a point to....

Post 'em UP!

...if I could just find that darn camera....

manpurse · Post by **manpurse** » Wed May 11, 2011 1:16 pm

can you guys explain the pocket issue to me

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 11, 2011 1:33 pm

please elaborate?

tex1272 · Post by **tex1272** » Wed May 11, 2011 4:27 pm

Pocket issue?

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Wed May 11, 2011 4:37 pm

read here

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=51409" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 11, 2011 4:43 pm

Obviously, 1st quality jackets will generally have fewer issues than the latter, but mine really has no issues. In fact it is screaming for me to put it on and go get drug by a truck as we speak! Stopping for traffic lights are heck in a handbasket, let me tell you...

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Wed May 11, 2011 5:02 pm

man, I'm getting bored with this thread.

I mean come on. sure there are more jackets out there then one or two right?

CanadianRaider · Post by **CanadianRaider** » Wed May 11, 2011 5:41 pm

I can't believe mine hasn't shown up yet. I thought for sure it would arrive yesterday. And than today. And now I'm hoping for tomorrow. My tracking info hasn't updated beyond "parcel accepted" from May 4th. But from previous experiences I know USPS can be a little slow to Canada for reasons I have no idea of. Oh well. Whenever I do get it though I plan on doing a pretty thorough comparison with my OTR Wested I bought 4 months ago. While it's Last Crusade style, it's more the Wested stitching/seam quality and leather I'm interested in comparing. And yes, I'll post a ton of pictures...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 11, 2011 5:44 pm

It's worth the wait. I should have some pics up tonight...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed May 11, 2011 8:09 pm

The box arrived complete with that ol' familiar beef jerkey smell, so I knew it must have been sent from Toddus Maximus Coyleus! The package was larger this time, though, and how many of you know THAT was a good thing!

"Bantu Wind", "PoS" call it what you will....THIS SNAFU turned out to be stupendous!

Yet, it got me ta' thinkin'....

...hmmm....in light of Arnie's recent turn of events....

....WHAT IF.....Indy was a body builder? What would THAT look like?

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Wed May 11, 2011 8:23 pm

Actually...You pull off the twisting back double biceps rather well!

Jacket looks great...No surprise! Thanks for the photos!

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Wed May 11, 2011 8:52 pm

I'm so envious, this snafus only for L or larger, is making me

A large would just be to wide in the shoulder and the sleeve length, oy.
Come on Todd, screw up some Mediums. Kiddin.

You lucky dogs. Lovin the pic's so far.

Croft

oh and for the heck of it, who has a L that they can maesure across the back and from the shoulder seam to the cuff, in inches please.

PsychicsAndSwords · Post by **PsychicsAndSwords** » Wed May 11, 2011 9:47 pm

Indiana Croft wrote:Come on Todd, screw up some Mediums. Kiddin.

Forget the mediums, how about if some long sizes "accidentally" get made for us tall folk?

indydude18 · Post by **indydude18** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:00 pm

I couldn't get any shots of me wearing the jacket today, but I managed to snap these between classes!

Like I said, the grain is amazing, it's just the lining that makes the jacket hot! Looks like I found my Raiders jacket! $\:D/$

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:06 pm

Croft

Should be a smiley crying, cause I'm crying inside. I want to buy one but if it didn't fit, what then, have another jacket with sleeves down to the middle of my hand. So sad.

HDRnR · Post by **HDRnR** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:23 pm

Croft, get a large and shrink it, some people have done a soaking and the lamb shrunk quite a bit.

indydude18 · Post by **indydude18** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:52 pm

HDRnR wrote:Croft, get a large and shrink it, some people have done a soaking and the lamb shrunk quite a bit.

+1

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Wed May 11, 2011 11:08 pm

yeah Croft, it will shrink I'm sure...and if not, and if you're not happy with the regular fit and not wanting to risk it...take some pics and throw it up in the bazaar...I'm sure someone will buy it especially once they see the pictures, grains etc, etc. I seriously doubt you would be out anything other than some time, and you might end up with a SUPER jacket. The large didn't look crazy big on Todd in the original pics, and he should really be a size med.

just my 2 cents.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu May 12, 2011 5:43 am

well, that was about time new pictures started to show up here and especially by the thread starter. GREAT photos Tex. yours is XL right?

anyways, the jacket looks amazing. it looks like the climbing up to the tmeple jacket or the well of souls jacket. looks amazing. the shoulder seam moved forward makes the jacket not in any way BAntu looking. IMO. in my eyes it looks the raiders jacket

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:15 am

Thanks for the lining photos! Much appreciated!

Hmm..Maybe too hot for summer, but come winter that's going to be THE jacket...I figured since I had the cowhide Wested that I'd be covered, but....But.....I'm still thinking about that one!

Good stuff...

And yeah, Holt, agreed...I was re-watching Raiders again and especially the starting scene....Since that was mentioned by you...There's a LOT of similarity..The shoulder seam is a very small point to pick up on, and is rather hard to see in a "normal" viewing... But the temple scene and yes, perhaps Well of Souls seem to fit this jacket spot on...Very good to see for this price!

Keep the photos coming!

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu May 12, 2011 8:30 am

Indiana Croft wrote:Croft
Should be a smiley crying, cause I'm crying inside. I want to buy one but if it didn't fit, what then, have another jacket with sleeves down to the middle of my hand. So sad.

stop crying! you can just take in the sleeves and as for the shoulder width. well, the real raiders jacket was droopy at the shoulders.

Adirondack Jones · Post by **Adirondack Jones** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:23 am

that's what I'm looking for, the kind of Raidersy 'droopy' shoulders, the way the jacket hangs in the back in the temple scene. Looking forward to this Bantu Wind jacket. I ordered an XL thinking that I'll give it the cold water wash treatment if need be. Unfortunately when I ordered mine last week I just went for standard shipping, so it hasn't made it across the continent yet.

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:31 am

Just want to another note about sizing:

I just got this jacket in size XL yesterday. I mistakenly thought that this jacket's sizing would be similar to my Todd's standard XL which fit me perfectly. But the Bantu's way too big, esp. in the waist area. I'm going to try a cold water soak to see if it shrinks a little bit, but I'm not sure how successful that will be. Other than that, this jacket is another winner from Todds. The grain, texture and other details are superb! And of course, it's an incredible value!

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:40 am

I think we need more pics of guys wearing 'em, but not trying to pose

That way maybe we can get a better feel for the details? How low the yoke is, etc, etc?

Just a thought. But as a FAN, I like any and all pics

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:48 am

the yoke is not low. it is at 5inch which is perfect. the yoke looks bigger at the sides is because the top shoulder seam is moved on top of the shoulder and not pushed back like Todd does them. thats the difference. the yoke itself is where it should be.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:49 am

Adirondack Jones wrote:. Unfortunately when I ordered mine last week I just went for standard shipping, so it hasn't made it across the continent yet.

I went for usps international shipping and it's not here yet either. when I track it only says it left LA on May 6.

Puppetboy · Post by **Puppetboy** » Thu May 12, 2011 11:00 am

I'm glad you guys like the jackets so much! I'll be curious to see how that leather breaks in. There are a few spots that got a little crispy in the shrinking process. The tannery they use is trying and trying to get the leather the way I want it. I like the grain, very uneven, but it should be a lot softer. And a few rib marks here and there wouldn't hurt.

Shrinking is definitely possible. I did one like this: Dipped it in luke warm water, rolled it up and let it penetrate really good for a few hours. Then I tumbled it in the dryer on LOW heat for a few hours. Check it every now and then, slip it on (yuck) and stretch out any seams that are getting too puckered. Continue this way until the jacket is dry, or until it is the size you want. Just keep stretching those seams back into shape.

Make sure you don't use any heat higher than a warm day. Heat will stiffen leather. Tumbling while it is drying will keep the leather flexing so it doesn't dry stiff (it also helps bring out a little more natural grain for a broken in look).

To stretch a jacket - the same procedure applies, but only tumble it about 75% dry. Then you have to take it out and wear it, flexing and stretching as much as you can. Pull the jacket down at the hem. You'll be limited by the liner. The sleeves can be lengthened by pulling, which relaxes the shoulders and stretches the sleeves. Oh, and pull that collar really good to make it snug on the back of your neck.

gmarthe · Post by **gmarthe** » Thu May 12, 2011 11:05 am

You guys are killing me with these jackets!

Todd, how much would you say you were able to shrink it? Everyone else - if you have any US wings jackets - how do the fits compare? I have a Large US Wings Signature which is a little roomy. If I get a Large BAntu do you think I could get more of a medium fit?

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Thu May 12, 2011 12:48 pm

one thing I really like about this thread is how some people had misgivings about Todd`s jackets and now that they are temporarily at a steal folks are buying them and realizing what an awesome product Todd is putting out. May not have the "built like a tank" rep like Nowak`s but definitely the top of the line in Screen Accuracy appearance.
You go, Todd!

raider 57 · Post by **raider 57** » Thu May 12, 2011 3:26 pm

Got my size large yesterday. Fits good....to compare,I wear a 38 T G&B Expo.
The Todd's could be a bit longer in the body tho.

Will post pics this weekend......

Adirondack Jones · Post by **Adirondack Jones** » Thu May 12, 2011 3:55 pm

you've got me nervous now Bindy. I also have a Todd's standard in XL that fits really well. I was hoping maybe the Bantu might be just a touch bigger in the shoulders. I dunno 'cause Raiders57 says his G&B is a 38 and a Bantu L fits him fine. I'll just have to wait and see. Anyway, I'm still awaiting mine and I figure I'll give it the _ wash regardless, so hopefully it'll shrink just enough to be a little droopy.

raider 57 · Post by **raider 57** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:04 pm

AJ....The Bantu seems bigger in the body than my GB goat. But I also think the thinner softer lamb hangs closer .

gmarthe · Post by **gmarthe** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:07 pm

I don't know G&B for reference of sizing. I have a Large US Wings (which is a little large) and wear a 40R suit. Do you guys think I could shrink it down so I wasn't swimming in it? I know Todd's are supposed to be a slimmer fit anyway - does that hold true with the Bantu wind? (and I know you all secretly hate me for asking

)

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:30 pm

Indiana Croft wrote:
Croft
Should be a smiley crying, cause I'm crying inside. I want to buy one but if it didn't fit, what then, have another jacket with sleeves down to the middle of my hand. So sad.

Indiana holt

stop crying! you can just take in the sleeves and as for the shoulder width. well, the real raiders jacket was droopy at the shoulders.

Ouch............................ Ya I probably try it, gotta save some more though. Hey anyone looking for a close enough shirt, check out my bizzar sale. Harmless plug. Can't hurt.

Croft

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:34 pm

these jackets ain't a ''bantu wind'' cut. Todd only said they LOOK like the bantu jacket cuz of the ''lower'' yoke which was a mess up from the factory.( Correct me if I am wrong here Todd.) the rest of the jacket is normal standard todd's Raiders fit.

this message goes also to all people who pm me about it.

Adirondack Jones · Post by **Adirondack Jones** » Thu May 12, 2011 6:38 pm

yeah, I know, but calling it the "bantu Wind" jacket just makes it easier for everyone to know which jacket we're referring to. From what I understand the jacket Ford wore in the Bantu Wind shots wasn't as screen accurate as these jackets are...

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:14 pm

AJ, no offense, but that was one of the most puzzling remarks I've read in a LONG time.

ANYTHING Ford wore on screen HAS to be considered 'screen accurate'....INCLUDING the jacket he wore in the 'Bantu Wind' scenes.

These Todd's Costume jacket patterns were not, nor anything LIKE these patterns....so wouldn't it actually be the other way round?

Regards! Michaelson

HDRnR · Post by **HDRnR** » Thu May 12, 2011 8:31 pm

Indiana Holt wrote:
Adirondack Jones wrote:. Unfortunately when I ordered mine last week I just went for standard shipping, so it hasn't made it across the continent yet.
I went for usps international shipping and it's not here yet either. when I track it only says it left LA on May 6.

I got a delivery est of 1-3 days, still waiting. I guess to the usps 1-3 days is another way of saying 4 or more.

Indiana Jake · Post by **Indiana Jake** » Thu May 12, 2011 8:48 pm

Wow, I just got my unlined XL Bantu Wind Jacket. The grain pattern looks great. The zipper might need something like Vaseline to make it pull a little smoother? Also there are some creases as we have been told. Not sure how to get them out without soaking. Also I have a PRO garment steamer. Not sure if I should use that on the creases? I'm looking forward to wearing this lighter jacket during warmer temps. My other jackets are heavier cowhide. Maybe I can get some pics this weekend.

I haven't bought any new gear in months, so I'm enjoying this new acquisition.

Indiana Jake

gmarthe · Post by **gmarthe** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:08 pm

You whipped me into submission.

I pulled the trigger and got one. $\:D/$ With the money I saved not buying a US Wings I'm going to put aside for my LC Wested or a new pair of Aldens. Post pictures when I get it, but everyone else keep posting them so I can live vicariously through you.

Dunross76 · Post by **Dunross76** » Thu May 12, 2011 9:56 pm

It rained while I was wearing my jacket last night. It got soaked quite a bit and this morning the jacket was a little stiff and started breaking in

) also, it's no longer as shiny which makes me happy, of course. I think it will distress naturally and fast too.

darthbish · Post by **darthbish** » Thu May 12, 2011 11:46 pm

Ordered..
Confirmed..

Happy Bish..

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Thu May 12, 2011 11:59 pm

Well I took my XL and gave it a good soak and left it for 6 hours to dry in the hot sun. Afterwards, the jacket definately shrank some.....the sleeves are shorter now by about 1 in., the back length shorter by almost 2 inches!...the chest shrank about 1 inch and the waist shrank by about 2 inches. The fit is now much better, although it's still roomy. The leather is stiffer but the shine is almost gone. One thing that is a little disconcerting is that some loose threads are starting to appear here and there.

Fitch · Post by **Fitch** » Fri May 13, 2011 8:42 am

Can anyone confirm the armpit/armpit measurement on a Large?

Thanks!

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Fri May 13, 2011 8:55 am

Armpit seam to armpit seam on my large is 60cm....

Gusset seam to gusset seam is 64cm...

Arca Perdida · Post by **Arca Perdida** » Fri May 13, 2011 9:41 am

fifthchamber wrote:Armpit seam to armpit seam on my large is 60cm....

Gusset seam to gusset seam is 64cm...

What about sleeve length and back length? Thanks in advance!

indyhan · Post by **indyhan** » Fri May 13, 2011 10:32 am

hey everyone

just a question that's been nagging me these past days : does the insulated lining make the jacket fit a little more snug (er...snugger) than a regular one ?

coz i'm a M size guy, but the L bantu wind might do for me in tha

t case...