Wested's HERO jacket...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 4:00 pm

Bdgsi11 wrote:I need a little bit of help deciding here. I want to place an order for the hero jacket, but I am stuck on which leather to select, for they both look really good. Which leather, do you think, will give a much more SA look between the crispe lambskin and shrunken lamb? Whats the difference between the two in terms of durability and thickness? Also, is it necessary to add an extra 1/2 in the back? Furthermore, does anyone know if this pattern comes standard with the misaligned arm and yoke seam?

-Bdgsi11

Can't tell you which call to make, but if I were trying to decide, I might be tempted to go SL? SL is a little darker it appears, from the photos, and the texture obviously differs from Crispe. Since you are this close to ordering, it may be best to contact them directly, but I did not have to add extra length to the back. The seams are mis-aligned.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:00 pm

Hey Gorak, all I can say is........gagagooo drool, drool, gaaaagaaga phtttttttttttttttttttt. Me wants this I do.
Come on, some one buy my Wested Auth goat in the bazzar.

Croft

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:39 pm

I'd like to see one of these in person, myself, Croft...give it my objective analysis (with emphasis on the anal

), but, _'s right in what he's intending....good out of the gate is one thing...good five or ten years from now, that's something else...

If the patterns are all solid, there shouldn't be an issue...

But, that's where tempers get flared, and where it seems the rubber does not always meet the road, eh?

And...to some degree, I like the idea of being pleased at the moment, hopeful for the future, but, vigilant about demanding consistent QC and customer service...

Peter....I'm still hoping to square away my own order with you....contact me so we can work out the details.

To paraphrase my dad, and sum up..."If you always tell the truth, you don't have to try to remember what you said."

I think we just all want the truth to be out and here...that way, we don't have to wonder.

Just my .02..

Indydawg

IndyBrit · Post by **IndyBrit** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:41 pm

Looks like the tread is drifting back into snipes at Wested again. Is it possible to stay on the matter at hand?

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:59 pm

That IS our goal, Brit....

The "matter at hand," though, is not as cut and dry as we'd like all the time....

For the moment, and from what I've seen from the Wested site, this looks like a very promising offering!

Post by **Holt** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:02 pm

sigh.....

guys, get yourself a vanson X jacket and be done with it.

never need another jacket in life.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:18 pm

Ah, well that's something else altogether. For the time being I'd like to pick up one or two of these nice Indy jackets from Wested.

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:24 pm

Love to see the Jacket Holt! I have a Vanson from 88 and I do agree with you that they are made to a "T".

Dawg, your Dad was right(Did i just say that before today?)!

I have to agree with "P", is there a new COA now???

Where were these Hero patterns back in the 90's when I ordered my real Indy jacket? Aside from that, I am glad the newer(and older) fans now have this option. It's never to late to make things right!!(or a little better)
Cheers

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:32 pm

You got that right, Gringo...there ain't no shelf-life on the truth!

Indydawg

raider7 · Post by **raider7** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:38 pm

Hi, I'm new to the forum and about to purchase my first jacket, I had visited Wested awhile back and was very impressed with the quality in the store - but did not purchase a jacket, (more to do with finances at the time), this was many, many, years ago. I have re-kindled ny interest in getting the jacket(and other stuff eventually) and have started to look at the options. I was looking at the 'Hero' jacket and came across this thread.

Wow, I have to say that I am really taken aback by some of the personal comments made here - I read some of the posts before they were removed. Not so shocked that I would run out the door - nor, I hope, would I be expected too!

As a newbie I fully understand that there is probably ALOT of history behind all this and there is undoubtedly TWO sides to every story and I don't intend to add fuel to this fire by asking for the details of said history.

I don't want anyone to take this personnally or feel they have to defend themselves, I am not judging, all I am saying is that when I opened this thread that is not what I expected to see - keep that stuff private - it just does not look good.

Anyway, I am looking for advice from anyone that has the new jacket - I am wanting one for everyday use, do you think the cut on the jacket lends itself to that - since it was originally tailored for HF for that particular screen look and not necessarily for general wear. I would I be better going for LC or CS cut? Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Many Thanks

Raider7

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:38 pm

to that my Dawg friend!!!

Bdgsi11 · Post by **Bdgsi11** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:43 pm

Texan Scott wrote:
Bdgsi11 wrote:I need a little bit of help deciding here. I want to place an order for the hero jacket, but I am stuck on which leather to select, for they both look really good. Which leather, do you think, will give a much more SA look between the crispe lambskin and shrunken lamb? Whats the difference between the two in terms of durability and thickness? Also, is it necessary to add an extra 1/2 in the back? Furthermore, does anyone know if this pattern comes standard with the misaligned arm and yoke seam?

-Bdgsi11
Can't tell you which call to make, but if I were trying to decide, I might be tempted to go SL? SL is a little darker it appears, from the photos, and the texture obviously differs from Crispe. Since you are this close to ordering, it may be best to contact them directly, but I did not have to add extra length to the back. The seams are mis-aligned.

Thanks. I was leaning towards the shrunken lamb route, but just wasn't sure if it would pull off the look well enough.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:55 pm

I don't want anyone to take this personnally or feel they have to defend themselves, I am not judging, all I am saying is that when I opened this thread that is not what I expected to see - keep that stuff private - it just does not look good.

If it all stayed private, then buyers would be "ignorant" of the realities...

Welcome to the fray, raider....beware the boody-traps!

raider7 · Post by **raider7** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:02 pm

Indydawg wrote:
I don't want anyone to take this personnally or feel they have to defend themselves, I am not judging, all I am saying is that when I opened this thread that is not what I expected to see - keep that stuff private - it just does not look good.
If it all stayed private, then buyers would be "ignorant" of the realities...

Welcome to the fray, raider....beware the boody-traps!

So be it...just 1st impressions that's all.

Thanks for the welcome Indydawg.

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:04 pm

I agree..If you want it safe and sound, stay home and hide under the bed....COW takes no prisoners and gives no quarter!

raider7 · Post by **raider7** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:09 pm

Gringo wrote:I agree..If you want it safe and sound, stay home and hide under the bed....COW takes no prisoners and gives no quarter!

I never said that I wanted it safe and sound - I think buyers can be made aware of all the pitfalls - but you don't have to turn to trading personal insults to do it.!!!

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:15 pm

No insults at all Raider7! Welcome aboard. I was just being funny for the old timers, nothing against you AT ALL. You have very good questions and I hope they get answered. Take care and enjoy the hobby

raider7 · Post by **raider7** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:21 pm

No insults taken Gringo - I was referring to my earlier post.

Many thanks for your welcome !

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:22 pm

Cheers to you

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:35 pm

Gringo wrote:
I agree..If you want it safe and sound, stay home and hide under the bed....COW takes no prisoners and gives no quarter!

I never said that I wanted it safe and sound - I think buyers can be made aware of all the pitfalls - but you don't have to turn to trading personal insults to do it.!!!

Well said, Raider....unfortunately, when stronger egos clash...

Ever been in a bar fight?

We TRY to keep it civil around the place....but, I guess if everyone always played nicely, the "bouncers" wouldn't be necessary

Welcome again!

Regards!

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:39 pm

Well put Dawg!! We all have been

from time to time...

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:55 pm

Indiana Holt wrote:sigh.....

guys, get yourself a vanson X jacket and be done with it.

never need another jacket in life.

I got $500 saying you can't keep for under 3 months

(that's like 90 days in Swede h)

Post by **Holt** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:03 pm

shut your mouth!

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:21 pm

I apologize but I don't have an ikea catalogue close by so I can't translate what you just wrote,
Sjorry Djude!!!!

But was that righjt?

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:27 pm

Post by **Holt** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:35 pm

Ha! jokes on you cuz I'm Norse

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:40 pm

"Naaaa, Naaaaa, Naaaa"

Thats How Norses talk right?

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:02 pm

Tennessee Smith wrote:"Naaaa, Naaaaa, Naaaa"

Thats How Norses talk right?

A Norse is a norse of course of course...

Sorry, Holt. Couldn't resist ...

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 11:41 pm

Plus I'm old and cranky...

It's not the years, P....it's the mileage

Quindy · Post by **Quindy** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 7:14 am

My question to the owners of this jacket. Where'd you measure the length of your sleeves? Wested states that you should do it from the shoulder to the cuff, but due to the oversized shoulder I'm unsure if you may end up with a longer sleeve than you actually need.

jkeene71 · Post by **jkeene71** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 7:39 am

Just ordered one in original dark brown goat...can't wait!

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 8:18 am

Quindy wrote:My question to the owners of this jacket. Where'd you measure the length of your sleeves? Wested states that you should do it from the shoulder to the cuff, but due to the oversized shoulder I'm unsure if you may end up with a longer sleeve than you actually need.

Better a longer sleeve than a shorter one, no? Besides won't you lose some of the length once the creases set in?

PETER · Post by **PETER** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 8:42 am

_ sorry to contradict you but with respect
'The worst case of pirating was when USW, Todd, TN, Magnoli and others copied my originals in the first place without permission'
Over the years I have been given most of these copies for appraisal and I dont deny taking on board the difference in construction
of each of the jackets. You can always learn and improve, however it is the method on contruction that matters more than the pattern.
So if I have and I am not saying i have taken on board some of these features at the end of the day the worst I can be accused of is
copying a copy of the original made by ME.
Also as a point of interest those originals were made by me for Bermans & Nathans, who contract hired the costumes to Lucas Films.
They had no objections to me replicating the jacket and indeed pointed people in my direction including Lee Kepler.
Had the jacket belonged to Lucas Films I can assure you that the jacket could have only been made by the people they licenced and no others
(Lucas films anti piracy is very active) so you would not have had the variety of vendors you have today and good luck to them.
Harrison Fords original was a size 41" chest all the other sizes are grades up and down from a size 40+Block so cannot be exact the same but in proportion so bear that in mind when ordering.

Point of interest: Written when sober (joke)

The Numenorean · Post by **The Numenorean** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 9:02 am

Thanks for the update Pete. Some interesting points there.
Coming down to your shop tomorrow to get measured and sort out a shrunken lamb Hero.. can't wait!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 10:00 am

_ wrote:My hope is that they make those gussets work across different sizes. My concern is over Tex's difficulty with sleeve size. Tells me they really are just cloning one jacket well and the whole thing will blow-up when different sizes are required.

As I told another member via pm, this jacket is made to fit a tall slim guy, just like the movie jacket. If you are 6' or so and 185 lbs. there about, the jacket will fit very well. Of course there were some minor issues that I did not take into account when I first placed the order. Mainly, the off the shoulders feature makes the sleeves slightly longer than expected. I mentioned when I first received the jacket that a person should take that into consideration and reduce their usual sleeve length by as much as 1/2". That is a pretty good ballpark estimate. The other is the diameter of the sleeves and armholes, as this feature also benefits a slender guy. If I had it to do over, I would have ordered this jacket with sleeves configured from the RoLA pattern, as it is slim fit but not too much. If you are a medium to stocky guy, or more, then you should no doubt attempt to configure the sleeves and arm holes accordingly. This pattern is broad enough in the shoulders already, so you should not have to in essence, go up a size. Based on what I know, the sleeve config. descends in width from Raiders Standard pattern, then RoLA, then the Hero. Lastly, I had originally ordered the Hero with a 26" back length, wanting to go a bit longer than usual, and I'm glad I received the jacket with a 25.5" back length, as if it was 26" it might have been too long. Due to the way the jacket is configured and 'hangs', it is made longer in the torso, if that is of any help. Order your usual back length, or even reduce the BL by 1/2". This is a different pattern altogether than the usual jacket we are used to ordering from the barn. fyi.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 10:52 am

Point of interest: Written when sober (joke

Peter-question-

Are you saying that there is necessarily ALWAYS going to be something lost in translation when sizing a jacket up or down from, as you put it, a "block" size like what we're dealing with here? Are you saying that if someone wants a jacket that looks and fits lime For's that it MUST be the 41, otherwise it will always look off?

That doesn't seem right...seems like adjustments could be made for sizing up or down.

Either way, at right around a 42"chest, I am one of the lucky ones who could wear this jacket well without too much concern over sizing differences...

I'm looking forward to seeing one in person as soon as I can!

Regards!
Indydawg

PETER · Post by **PETER** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:33 am

No that's not exactly what I mean.
What I mean is that the original base pattern or block, has positioning for various apendagies such as pockets,collar etc
When you make the pattern bigger for say a size 44, these items have to change and may be repositioned slightly to retain
the look or balance. For instance you would not have the same size collar on a size 38 as a 44.
So the jacket may not look exactly the same as our heroes, similar but bigger or smaller.
Imagine I made a jacket for a man 5ft tall with 48" chest and short arms the jacket would be made to fit him
but he would not look the same as HF. just similar.
Thats all I am saying. Make sense?

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:38 am

Texan Scott wrote:
_ wrote:My hope is that they make those gussets work across different sizes. My concern is over Tex's difficulty with sleeve size. Tells me they really are just cloning one jacket well and the whole thing will blow-up when different sizes are required.
As I told another member via pm, this jacket is made to fit a tall slim guy, just like the movie jacket. If you are 6' or so and 185 lbs. there about, the jacket will fit very well. Of course there were some minor issues that I did not take into account when I first placed the order. Mainly, the off the shoulders feature makes the sleeves slightly longer than expected. I mentioned when I first received the jacket that a person should take that into consideration and reduce their usual sleeve length by as much as 1/2". That is a pretty good ballpark estimate. The other is the diameter of the sleeves and armholes, as this feature also benefits a slender guy. If I had it to do over, I would have ordered this jacket with sleeves configured from the RoLA pattern, as it is slim fit but not too much. If you are a medium to stocky guy, or more, then you should no doubt attempt to configure the sleeves and arm holes accordingly. This pattern is broad enough in the shoulders already, so you should not have to in essence, go up a size. Based on what I know, the sleeve config. descends in width from Raiders Standard pattern, then RoLA, then the Hero. Lastly, I had originally ordered the Hero with a 26" back length, wanting to go a bit longer than usual, and I'm glad I received the jacket with a 25.5" back length, as if it was 26" it might have been too long. Due to the way the jacket is configured and 'hangs', it is made longer in the torso, if that is of any help. Order your usual back length, or even reduce the BL by 1/2". This is a different pattern altogether than the usual jacket we are used to ordering from the barn. fyi.

All of this makes ordering the 'Hero' pointless... No wonder so many changes have been made over the years and the pattern has become so 'diluted'.
It either fits you or it doesn't.
I like what Wested did with the Temple of Doom jacket. Just a straight copy, with no changes. They got it very right for sizes close enough to the original,
but perhaps dropped the ball a bit on much smaller or much larger sizes. Wrong proportions, that sort of thing..
I hope they do the same with the Hero. If you're lucky enough to have the frame to fit it, great. Otherwise, just order the regular jacket they've sold
for years and customize it, even though it'll never look quite right. Just my opinion, sorry if I sounded snappy at you Texan Scott.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:48 am

None taken. I was just trying to give the best advice I could give to members, from going through it.

61ButteMT · Post by **61ButteMT** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:05 pm

My experience with custom jackets has been (initially) surprise when I was informed that maker "x" could not just upsize a pattern to build me a 52L. After talking with some of the top makers, I got to understanding it better. I'd offer a challenge to anyone who thinks it's simple: make one yourself! It's not just cutting bigger patches of hides. A jacket designed around a 6"+ slender frame doesn't translate well to some fireplug body, and vice-versa.
I know nothing about the Indy jackets other than what I'm picking up here, but the general concepts likely are the same for anything from an Indy to a G1 or D1. You can't polish a Buttercup. That's why I lost 30 pounds. I can't expect even a $1500 jacket to make me look good if I'm outta shape

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:23 pm

No doubt, this jacket was made to mimic the Raiders Hero as closely as possible, but a heavier guy can't necessarily wear something that a slim guy can wear, and vice versa. Same thing with jeans. The exception is that with the jacket, if you add your own tweaks, it can fit, for the bold adventurer willing to give it a try....

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:37 pm

I think one problem is the distinctive (to us) features of the Indy jacket, mainly the pockets, straps and possibly the collar, start to look a little odd
whenever the size starts to deviate too much from the size of the screen jacket we're trying to replicate.
The larger (46+) sized jackets I've seen just lose the Indy look; to me, they just look like big leather jackets.
Not so noticeable on smaller (36/38) jackets perhaps, but the proportions still often look off; over-large pockets or side straps that are placed too high on
a shorter back length etc.
I'm lucky enough to be slim enough, though I'm certainly not as tall as Ford. I have to be happy wearing a jacket slightly too long for me, or shorten
it a tad and have it look not quite the same as the screen jacket.
My Nowak CS was pretty much Ford measurements except for 1" shorter on the sleeves, and I think I pulled it off ok!

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:26 pm

Everyone needs to stop worrying about trying to get the exact look and fit like the "movie" jacket. It won't look or fit the same unless you are the same measurements or very close to the same as Ford or whatever other celebrity/movie jacket you are looking at. Its all about the proportions. With clothing, it always is.

Get a jacket that FITS YOU! That's the best you can do, EVER when ordering any type of jacket, and especially other pieces of clothing. It will end up looking much better if it fits your measurements and everything is in proportion to those measurements. Stick to that rule, and you can't go wrong (at least mostly)

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:35 pm

No that's not exactly what I mean.
What I mean is that the original base pattern or block, has positioning for various apendagies such as pockets,collar etc
When you make the pattern bigger for say a size 44, these items have to change and may be repositioned slightly to retain
the look or balance. For instance you would not have the same size collar on a size 38 as a 44.
So the jacket may not look exactly the same as our heroes, similar but bigger or smaller.
Imagine I made a jacket for a man 5ft tall with 48" chest and short arms the jacket would be made to fit him
but he would not look the same as HF. just similar.
Thats all I am saying. Make sense?

Perfectly!

Indydawg

PETER · Post by **PETER** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 2:48 pm

Kevin, Maybe you can understand why as now i have only offered the 'Hero' in sizes 36' to 44'.
That is two sizes up and two sizes down of the 40+ pattern within which the look can be spot on or as near as.
I can make bigger but it may lose the look and I find myself under the cosh again.
It seems I am ###### if I do and ###### if I dont.
Peter

Still sober but looking at the bottle in frustration.

61ButteMT · Post by **61ButteMT** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:01 pm

I have a USW Hero in (imported) cow. It fits me well, but it does not convey "Indy" to me. Which is OK, as I just liked the casual style. But a perfect example of it not scaling to a much bigger guy.

Gringo · Post by **Gringo** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:21 pm

Exit is right on the mark...Mirrors lie to us but photos never do! I would like to wear a nice $2000.00 suit like James Bond, but I will never be his size...so what do I do? Have the tailor make it for me and just enjoy it(while the mirror still lies to me). I like to just call it Indy style now and not SA. That way it still puts me in the groove and I smile more for it!

Adventure Dog · Post by **Adventure Dog** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:44 pm

As an amateur sewer, I can understand differences in patterns due to sizes. Thanks Peter for the explanation!
While I am sorry to hear that the jacket won't "work" like it does for Indy depending on the sizes, I am rather happy that I am in the size category to make the Jacket look the way I want it to on me.
This has been an incredibly informative thread, and when in the future I have money and can afford to buy this jacket, I'll be sure to take into account the shoulder width and the arm sleeve size! I've always wanted a jacket that has a tight waist and tall arm holes.... I guess the wait is over now! Or... The wait for THE jacket.... has just begun.

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 4:06 pm

Still sober but looking at the bottle in frustration

Ohhhhh, do I EVER know that feeling...

Ya know, I really do need to get over to England....you've been to my place, but...

We'll have to see what Shatner can come up with for me...

The jackets really do look fantastic, Peter....got to get myself one! Any hide you particularly recommend? You know I'm partial to the "harder wearing" leathers, now..

Cheers, all...it's nearing 5:00 and I've got a Terrapin Rye waiting for me! It's the weekend...go out and do something cool tonight!

Indydawg

Post by **Holt** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 5:14 pm

if you fly to engalnd let me know my friend