Wested Horsehide vs Novapelle

[alban]

Hello everyone ! I bought a wested dark brown lambskin ROLA jacket some years ago, and I am planning on ordering a new one, because I find my lambskin jacket too thin and fragile.

What would be the tougher/heavier between Horsehide and Novapelle, does anyone own the two of them ?

Thanks in advance for your help, it's been a while that I come here and read your precious posts, but it's the first time I write something down...

[Texan Scott]

Novapelle is duatone (two-tone) cowhide, and you have two options: a very dark brown-almost black, or copper novapelle. Cowhide is durable, but not as tough as HH. Depends on how tough you want it, but HH is among the toughest hides out there. If you like the novapelle look, copper novapelle is really a nice hide. Also, I think it is possible to order a heavier weight HH.

[alban]

That's exactly my problem, I really like the Novapelle look, but I am really looking for a tough jacket, especially concerning the sewing: I don't want my pockets to tear up like they did on my lambskin one...

Unless someone tells me that Novapelle is a super durable and tough hide, making a very strong Indy jacket, I might go for the HH...

Thanks for your answer !

[Texan Scott]

If you want a super tough jacket, especially the stitching, then G&B goat is the way to go.

[alban]

Well... that would make me think about too many new options, I'm kind of attached to Wested. I just need to make my decision concerning the hide, as I already know all of the other specs I want...

[coronado3]

If going with Wested, get it in Goat!!!! It really is the perfect hide. Drapier and lighter than Horse and Cow, but waaaay tougher than lamb. My two cents....

[Indydawg]

The horsehide will be tougher.....no question.

But, of you want a hide that's going to LOOK like Indy's jacket in a reasonable amount of time (a years of hard wear, maybe), you'd do well to go with the novapelle....

[raider7]

I recently bought a Wested HH and a novapelle - I much prefer the novapelle, may not be as tough as HH but I find it tough enough, it's a substantial jacket and I wear it alot along with my Nowak, USwings and other jackets which are all cowhide. I used to have an Aero which was FQHH. I hardly wear the Wested HH now and will likely sell it shortly - just my preference, I really find the others way more comfortable.

If I had the patience or was inclined to artificially distress it then it would probably be a keeper, can't speak for earlier HH from them but this one was pretty stiff and is just starting to soften up. It has a substantial coating which makes rain just roll off it, it will take ages to distress naturally and is definitely heavier than novapelle. I used to ride alot and am used to heavy bike jackets so the weight didnt bother me - but it's there.

My Aero HH softened up alot faster and was very comfortable, biggest regret was selling it - if I buy another HH it will definitely be another Aero, its alot more expensive - but was definitely worth it.

Decision is yours in the end, but if the look of the hide is a factor as well then take into consideration that Wested coating on the HH - the novapelle does not have it and in my opinion is all the better for it.

[alban]

Thank you all for your answers. Wested confirmed me that HH is the toughest leather they have, and that Novapelle is slightly thinner.

So compared to lambskin: do you guys know if Novapelle is really tougher ? Do you think there is more difference in thickness between lambskin and novapelle or between novapelle and horsehide ?

So many leathers, so many options, ordering a wested jacket: that's an adventure...

[Michaelson]

In terms of 'toughness', ANYTHING is tougher than lambskin, so the answer is a loud YES!

Cowhide is a very tough material. The next in terms of tensile strength is goatskin closely followed by HH.

In terms of weight, lambskin is at the bottom of the scale, and HH at the top. Cowhide can move up and down as it depends on how thin the hide is shaved. Goatskin is usually lighter than cowhide, and can be almost the weight of lambskin.

So, you will be well served with any cowhide jacket of the weight of the Novepelle cowhide, or what ever it's being called this year.

Regard! Michaelson

[Texan Scott]

I didn't feel it deserved creating another thread fr one question, but I was wondering if pre-distressed hide is as heavy or as thick as novapelle, same, lighter or heavier? Anyone?

[donovan]

i own the pre-distressed and the novapelle, the pre-distressed (worn look ) is a lighter weight and thinner hide than the novapelle.my wested horse from 2005 is heavier still, but to me the down side of this thick, tougher horsehide is in the stitching holding it altogether.the thick tough leather of the horse has caused some seems to unravel and stitches to break . the thread /stitching used doesnt seem strong enough to hold the jacket together like i said my horse was from 2005 so this problem may have since been recitified by wested or may be its just a fault with my jacket.i haven't had problems with my westeds in other hides.

[Texan Scott]

Thanks for the info., Donovan. I'm looking for a good, durable hide for a LC jacket that would hold up well over time. If you are having problems with the seams on the HH, are you considering sending it back for some work?

[donovan]

texan scott- no i haven't considered sending it back, the wested horsehide is a great super tough leather and would make a durable LC jacket, but like i mentioned the thickness of the hide seems to cause a weaker stitch, for example certain parts of the jacket have like three layers of thick leather on top of each being held together by thread that is not up to the job .any jacket is only as strong as its weakest link.having said that my horsehide was my first indy jacket (purchased 2005) and since then ive aquired other wested jackets in the more distressed hides which i prefer for the indy look (worn look,novapelle,washed goat) and i've had no problems with them.

[Mr. T]

Hello. I own Wested Jacekts in washed goat, horsehide, pre-distressed hide, and Novapelle. The Novapelle is thick, substantial, and has some pretty good weight to it. It's comfortable in that it stretches a little bit. I've seen pictures of Novapelle that is worn in and has had leather dressing applied to it. It's beautiful. Mine is stull pretty new. I look forward to developing its patina with time. I've seen the copper novapelle in person. I personal don't like its caramel color.

Horsehide doesn't stretch. The Wested horsehide has an extremely thick finish on it. It also can have a plum undertone to it, not very Indy. I personally don't like the horsehide one bit, to be completely honest. Mine has not naturally distressed at all. Distressing it turned out to be a nightmare, as the jacket has some sort of red layer underneath the thick top coat. I covered it with black and brown shoe polish. When the leather does start to crease, it doesn't really look that appealing. Horsehides from other manufacturers are a lot better. That finish on the Wested is just so thick that I don't think it allows the natural grain of the leath to ever appear. I've seen other horsehides made by other companies. The Wested Horsehide is not even in the ballpark with those jackets. I say go with Novapelle. I really like it and find that it is much nicer than my washed goat.