USW Striated Lamb Legend, US Made

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:23 am

They fairly common in your neck of the woods?

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:27 am

Cool beans! $\:D/$

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 1:44 pm

VERY nice Croft!

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 9:04 pm

Thank's every one, and just so no one thinks I went over board on distressing, that just plain ol sand from the pit.

And all I'm sayin about is, while there not common in the woods of NH, we'll see.

And Tundrarider, glad to hear I'm not the only who has fun with the ol timer.
and thank Mitch, I come in far behind in the picture area, compared to your beautiful shots, timer or the misses.

Croft

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:02 pm

Here is a unique jacket and maybe a one of a kind, I don't know. As you can see from the photos, it has two inside pockets and it is insulated:

Bogie1943 · Post by **Bogie1943** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:16 pm

My imported Legend has two inside pockets

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:18 pm

Insulated?

Bogie1943 · Post by **Bogie1943** » Sun Sep 04, 2011 12:21 pm

I was wondering it about that. When I first tried it on I felt like the lining was the tiniest bit thicker than what I am used to. It's as if there is a very thin layer of insulation under there. What does this mean Indy Jacket gods??

Post by **Holt** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 6:28 am

the jacket above is not US made.

dirtyepic129 · Post by **dirtyepic129** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 5:17 am

How have the US lambs been holding up durability wise with those that've had them this long? I'm kicking myslef for not seeing the rollback deal in June.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:36 am

Mines holding up nicely. Not overly changed since I posted my pics back in when I got it in Feb.
Ian

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ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 5:05 pm

Well, I bit the bullet and placed an order for a large striated US made Legend last week and just received the tracking number. Thanks to CRB, Indiana Jeff, Weston, and IndyDawg for help determing the right size.

I will of course post pics when it arrives.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Wed Oct 12, 2011 11:36 pm

It has arrived! This is only my second Indy jacket. My first was a Wested goatskin that I ordered in 2004.
I know that I am a bit late on this one, but I thought I'd go ahead and share my thoughts on this jacket.

First of all, the hide is absolutely gorgeous. Lots of great striations already and it looks like it will only gain more character as it is worn and used. I also really like the finish of the jacket. If you look at it closesly it appears cracked in places which looks very nice in my opinion. I wonder if this is why it fades so much when it is washed in some areas. It doesn't feel that heavy to me compared to my Wested goat, but it does feel fairly thick. This is not a thin leather, as has been said before it feels substantial. It also feels very stiff, although I imagine that it will loosen up with time. I'm not sure if I care for the thickness of the hide in an Indy jacket but that may just be because I am so accustomed to my Wested. Speaking of Wested, it's going to take some time to get used to the zipper being reversed on the Legend!

One thing that I really don't care for is the buckles on the back. I just don't like their appearance or the way they feel. I'm not that fond of the overly lenghty straps either.

When I first put it on I really felt like it was too big, but after taking some photos of it and my Wested and comparing them, I'm not sure anymore. I'm still thinking about returning or exchanging it. If I exchange it I will probably pay extra and try a Medium Long. This one is a Large and I think a regular Medium would be too small. What do you guys think, is it too big? Here are some photos of it and my Wested taken in my garage, sorry! The Wested is on the left and the Wings is on the right.

EDIT

New comparison photos between US Wings Legend Medium and Large will follow below.

Here's a link to the original photos comparing the Legend to a circa 2004 Wested goatskin Raiders.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68374985@N ... 882008534/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 12:01 am

Hey Shanghijack!

Let me start by saying that the comparison pics are very good! Your old Wested looks every inch an Indy jacket, and your Wings looks, well...spanking new. It will take time for it to break in as you well know.

I think your jacket fits very well. In fact, if you go back and look at my pics at the beginning of this thread I think you will see that your jacket fits very much the same way mine does. Notice the sleeves on your Wested. They look a couple inches short now, and I'm sure they weren't that way when you first received it. These jackets conform to the body, and the sleeves ride up eventually. If you have a little extra room, you will be glad for it down the road.

The buckles can be easily swapped out. I don't remember which thread discussed that, but either a search, or an alert an generous member may point you to a place to buy hardware to replace the slider.

That's a good looking jacket, both of them in fact! Thanks for posting them!

Weston

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 2:10 am

Sh-Jack, Weston is right, that Wings jacket looks PERFECT ! It's brand new so will look unworn, but those arms will wrinkle a bit and you'll develop striations on the body where you wear it more. I definitely would not change it for a Medium, no way. There's always the shrinkage that will occur over time too. Your sleeve length is fantastic, I'm very envious of that.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 2:20 am

Nice looking jacket!!...It just looks like it needs breaking in a little and time to form to your body...JMO.

The long straps will crease and wrinkle up after a while and then they don't seem so long...That's what's happened to mine anyway.....Just wear it, let nature take it's course and be amazed by that awesome spontaneous grain ..

Ian

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:38 am

Good to see you in your jacket. I know you worried about the sizing and I was actually a little nervous when you said you went with a large instead of a medium-long. IMO don't exchange it. The large looks good and I'm sure the medium would feel too snug. As it breaks in it'll only feel better. The grain is really nice.

I know what you mean about getting used to the zipper. I'm so used to my Wested that having the pull on the other side feels really awkward.

Lots of people have changed out the buckles. In one thread there's a concern that some members have had their car seats ripped by the buckles. I ordered replacements, but I don't remember from where. IIRC Texas Scott was the member that posted a link to a site for replacement hardware. You can also look online for sliders/buckles. Even a local sewing store would probably have something that would fit the bill.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:09 am

Thanks everybody. When I look at the photos it looks alright to me, but when I put it on it just feels too big. I think it might be that I am just so used to how my Wested fits and the fact that the Wings still needs to be broken in that makes it feel too big

Weston,
Thanks. That Wested has been through a lot over the last seven years, including a recent trip to the washer and dryer–which is why the sleeves are a wee bit short–and I absolutely love it. I debated and obsessed over my Wested for months before I even decided to place an order, but with the Wings Legend I knew as soon as I saw those pics you posted that I had to have it!

CRB,
Thanks man. I think I'll give it another night's sleep before cutting off the tag, but I don't think I can bring myself to send this one back. The grain that is already present is just too great. I'll have to try and get some photos that show it off better.

Ian,
Thanks. I think I'll probably have a local leather worker replace those buckles so I might just have them shorten the straps too at the same time.

Jeff,
I was a little worried too. I always have a tough time finding a good fit with off the rack clothes. I think you're right about the medium feeling too snug. The photos show that the Wings is not that much larger than my Wested, which is already broken in. I measured them both last night and the measurements were fairly close with the Wings being slightly larger in most areas, but not by much other than the sleeves and the chest. I saw that thread about the buckles and I'm sure if I do a search I can find it again. Thanks.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:21 am

Indiana Jeff wrote:Lots of people have changed out the buckles. In one thread there's a concern that some members have had their car seats ripped by the buckles. I ordered replacements, but I don't remember from where. IIRC Texas Scott was the member that posted a link to a site for replacement hardware. You can also look online for sliders/buckles. Even a local sewing store would probably have something that would fit the bill.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Not ripped, but the sharp corners actually puncture seats, car or otherwise, so a change out is recommended.

Regards! Michaelson

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:38 am

Michaelson wrote:
Not ripped, but the sharp corners actually puncture seats, car or otherwise, so a change out is recommended.

Regards! Michaelson

I never had a problem with mine. I guess my buckles were made when the press tool was still sharp. Just sharing.

Ian

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 9:42 am

ShanghaiJack, jacket looks nice overall, but I don't think it fits you like it should. Personally, I'd go down a size. The arms look too wide on your, especially in the bicep area. But again, its up to you. Leather usually stretches and shrinks with wear, and I think you'd find a jacket one size down may be better for you. Or, return it and go the custom route with a Wested Hero jacket or something like that.

And I'm sorry, but to me, every USW Legend jacket's pockets look too big for the jacket. They need to be smaller by about an inch each way.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:11 am

Ian wrote:
Michaelson wrote:
Not ripped, but the sharp corners actually puncture seats, car or otherwise, so a change out is recommended.

Regards! Michaelson
I never had a problem with mine. I guess my buckles were made when the press tool was still sharp. Just sharing.

Ian

You're lucky.

A sharp press tool wouldn't have any thing to do with it, though, as it's the corners of the buckles that are sharply shaped, and if angled against a seat as you get out, you effectively, though not by choice, use the buckle corner as a hole punch.

Regards! Michaelson

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:28 am

Ouch! Especially if its leather upholstery. :$

Ian

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 10:54 am

In Dawg's case, it was....and in his car no less.

Mine was car related too, but mine was cloth.

Regards! Michaelson

Indydawg · Post by **Indydawg** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 12:43 pm

Yep...wanna watch those sharp corners on this buckles....my car's seats are the kind that really support your whole back...they kind of come up around your shoulders, even...providing lots of support...but, when getting in and out, and those sharp corners made contact with those wrap-around seats, it gouged a hole.

Swapped to the rectangular loops and pulled the straps forward instead of towards the back, and NO more problems!

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:01 pm

Shanghai Jack - the jacket looks great, regardless of the sizing issues. I do think you could go with something featuring smaller arms (as long as chest won't be too tight).

New pics of all of these beautiful jackets keeps pulling me this way and that. Wings SL? Or Expedition? Wings SL or Expedition? Wings SL....you get the idea. I guess we shouldn't complain about having so many great options. I remember back in like 97 Wested was pretty much it.

Alex

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:06 pm

IndyOriginal wrote:New pics of all of these beautiful jackets keeps pulling me this way and that. Wings SL? Or Expedition? Wings SL or Expedition? Wings SL....you get the idea. I guess we shouldn't complain about having so many great options. I remember back in like 97 Wested was pretty much it.

Alex

Well, it SEEMED that way, but Wings has been around selling Indy jackets since 1985, and Cooper before that. They just weren't talked about much.

Regards! Michaelson

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:15 pm

The arms are big, especially in the upper arm. I am really torn on this jacket. It is such a gorgeous jacket, and I love the grain on this particular jacket that I really don't want to send it back. Maybe I'll give Wings a call tomorrow and see what the measurements are on a medium long though. Then I can decide on whether I could get a better fit in this jacket. I sure wish I could get this in a custom fit though. That would be amazing.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:19 pm

SJ, you been through a Northern KY winter yet?

You MAY want to consider holding ONTO that jacket for layering sweaters and the like underneath within the extra room of that jacket.

Trust me.

Just a thought......

Regards! Michaelson

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:35 pm

Too true. We had a cold one last year and a lot of snow to go with it. In fact I didn't get to wear my Wested much because it was too hot in the fall and then all of a sudden winter hit and it was dang cold. I wound up wearing an old North Face jacket most of the time. I'm still on the fence, so I think I'll give Wings a call and see what they say about that medium long and then I can think on it over the weekend.

Regards,
SJ

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:37 pm

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 2:11 pm

ShanghaiJack wrote:The arms are big, especially in the upper arm. I am really torn on this jacket. It is such a gorgeous jacket, and I love the grain on this particular jacket that I really don't want to send it back. Maybe I'll give Wings a call tomorrow and see what the measurements are on a medium long though. Then I can decide on whether I could get a better fit in this jacket. I sure wish I could get this in a custom fit though. That would be amazing.

How tall are you? If you are 6 FT or under, you probably don't need a LONG. What does your chest measure? That will also help you determine a size.

IndyOriginal · Post by **IndyOriginal** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:10 pm

Well, it SEEMED that way, but Wings has been around selling Indy jackets since 1985, and Cooper before that. They just weren't talked about much.

Well...I was only 10 at the time of my first Indy jacket purchase. $300 was a lot to pony up in those days, now it feels like I sneeze that out in my sleep. Now my shopping and wanting skills are in excellent condition. I'm aware of no less than 4 or 5 Indy jackets (roughly $1k-2K) I wouldn't mind owning.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:14 pm

Years ago Steve Delk and I used to talk about cringing at the thought of shelling out $200 for an HJ Poet.

We BOTH agreed we'd never pay THAT much for a hat that could easily be blown off our head and us have to chase down in a windy Southern spring. The Poet was THE Holy Grail at the time......

Heck, $200 will just get you an entry level fedora now!

Regards! Michaelson

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 3:41 pm

TheExit148,

I am 6'1" and wear a 39-40 jacket. I run into this sizing problem frequently. The medium would probably be too short in the sleeves, but the medium long might be just right.

Anybody out there with a US made Legend in a medium who could give me a measurement of the width of the arms uparound the biceps and maybe the armhole too?

Arca Perdida · Post by **Arca Perdida** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 4:30 pm

I like the sleeve length and agree with others that you'll be glad later on when they wrinkle.
As for the overall fit, from the photos it doesn't look as big as it probably feels to you. But I know the feeling. I have a USW Hero antique cow and it feels baggy on me, while the sleeves could stand to be an inch longer (sound familiar?). Guess where it's been since I bought it? In the box it shipped in. No pictures or people's comments are gonna get you to wear it if it doesn't feel right to you. Keep that in mind before it's too late to return it.
I'm curious about the medium long measurements as well. We're the same build.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 5:44 pm

Arca Perdida wrote:I like the sleeve length and agree with others that you'll be glad later on when they wrinkle.
As for the overall fit, from the photos it doesn't look as big as it probably feels to you. But I know the feeling. I have a USW Hero antique cow and it feels baggy on me, while the sleeves could stand to be an inch longer (sound familiar?). Guess where it's been since I bought it? In the box it shipped in. No pictures or people's comments are gonna get you to wear it if it doesn't feel right to you. Keep that in mind before it's too late to return it.
I'm curious about the medium long measurements as well. We're the same build.

Arca's right on the money. We all have different opinions on how it should fit, but you're the one paying for it, you're the only one who has to like it so make sure you do. That's the bottom line.

Weston

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Oct 13, 2011 7:04 pm

ShanghaiJack wrote:TheExit148,

I am 6'1" and wear a 39-40 jacket. I run into this sizing problem frequently. The medium would probably be too short in the sleeves, but the medium long might be just right.

Anybody out there with a US made Legend in a medium who could give me a measurement of the width of the arms uparound the biceps and maybe the armhole too?

I am right around the same size as you; 6 FT, 38-40 jacket depending. Personally I wanted to go with a small jacket with the USW Legend, but the arm length would be too short, but the overall body would be good in width and length. That's why I passed. I didn't want to go to a long, to have body that didn't look right on me, but have proper sleeves. I know it sounds kinda of weird, but the only off the rack jackets I can wear or a few slim fitted blazers, and a Levi's Slim Trucker jacket in size medium. All my other jackets are custom because of the arm problem, and the shoulder width problem I have. That's why I have 2 leather jackets (one for spring/fall and one for fall/winter), and one cotton jacket that are custom, and then the Levi's jacket.

And like Arca said, he's right. If you feel any bit at all strange in it, you won't wear it no matter what. If you're slightly unhappy, I'd send it back, and put my money elsewhere.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 11:23 am

I've had a bit of luck fellas. My wife needs to go to Ohio this weekend for business and she won't be that far from Wings's retail shop. I'm planning on driving her up and then swinging by the shop to try on the medium and medium long.

I talked to Rita today, and she was very helpful. She told me the sleeves on the medium measured 26 inches which is the same size I measured on the large. I'll take a tape measure with me tomorrow and get some more measurements if they'll let me.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 11:31 am

If you see David Hack, tell him I said HOWDY!

Regards! Michaelson

Arca Perdida · Post by **Arca Perdida** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 12:16 pm

Excellent! Nothing like seeing it in person and trying it on. Also? The thing about not letting others' opinions dictate how you feel about it also applies to anyone at the shop. They can be very helpful and know what they're doing, but in the end it's your jacket. I say this only because I let my high regards for the people influence how I thought I felt about the fit of my jacket while there.
Good luck and write those measurements down, if you get a chance. At least the sleeves one.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Fri Oct 14, 2011 1:23 pm

Will do Michaelson

Arca Perdida,
Thanks for the advice. I will keep it in mind, and I will do my best to get some measurements.

Indiana Croft · Post by **Indiana Croft** » Sat Oct 15, 2011 6:14 pm

First off, nice lookin jacket and once those sleeves crinkle they'll be perfect, and ya for some reason the pockets do seem a tad big. Weathers getting cooler out in Cow Hampshire

so I was able to wear mine the other night. Since I got mine seriusly drenched and put in the dryer (which I don't recomend unless your serious, and are willing to take the chance of ruining your jacket). But my sleevs shrunk up perfectly, the body of the jacket has shaped nicely.

Yours will to, it just takes time.

Croft

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:12 pm

I drove up to Hudson, OH on Saturday and just barely made it before Wings closed at three o'clock thanks to more road construction and detours than I care to remember. I wound up exchanging the large Legend for a medium. I tried on a medium long while I was there too, but was unable to take measurements due to a lack of time. I will say that anyone with similar measurements to me– 6'1", 165 pounds, 38-40 jacket–would do well to not get a medium long if you want a jacket that looks like a raiders jacket. While the sleeves on the medium long were perfect, the length of the jacket itself was too long for someone of my size. If, on the other hand, you would prefer a TOD look by all means go for the long.

Here are some comparison photos of the two legends, the medium, on the left, and the large, on the right. I've also made a chart comparing the measurements between the two Wings jackets and my circa 2004 Wested raiders in goat. I was surprised at how close most of the measurements are.

I think that given some time to loosen up, the medium is even stiffer than the large was, I will really like the medium better. It comes very close to matching my Wested on sizing, which is a good thing in my opinion. I wish the large had fitted better. It had a really great grain to it that the medium unfortunately doesn't, at least not yet.

There are a few more photos here if you'd like to take a look.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68374985@N05/sets/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **Holt** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:19 pm

well, I lik'em both on you and I think you can pull them both off.

so either way your good my friend.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:35 pm

Thanks Holt.

If the large's sleeves were just a little narrower I think I'd have gone with it instead.

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:37 pm

Medium looks a lot better then the large. I can't believe the medium is "22" across the chest.

ShanghaiJack · Post by **ShanghaiJack** » Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:42 pm

I know what you mean. The differences in the measurements between the large and the medium were very small. I think that the two inches in the chest, the inch across the back, and the two inches in the shoulders combined is what makes the large so much larger

I really do wish that they had something in between the large and the medium. I think that would be perfect.

You might want to consider the medium though, I think you might just like it.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 2:06 am

I thought the large worked for you, but the medium does look better. It's great when you can actually get into the store and try on the product before purchase.

Glad this worked out for you.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Tue Oct 18, 2011 2:08 am

It would be very interesting to see the USW place in real life, well done on getting there.
I personally still think the L looks better, once its worn in , your M fits you well as a jacket, but the other one looks more like the loose Indy jacket look I see on screen.

My 30th Legends lamb and goat have lost an inch in sleeve in just 3-4 days once I wet the sleeves and wrinkled them a bit. Such a shame they don't do a long arm option.