Wested's HERO jacket...

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 10:29 pm

They do take some getting used to. They don't fit like any other jacket (well, except for maybe a Nowak).

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 11:44 pm

I dont know..the leather just has that "crinkly" look with a sheen that doesnt look..."natural" i guess is how i would describe. Definitely not what we see in the film although the texture seems to be getting there. Best looking wested i've seen so far but there is, IMO, a long ways still to go.

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 1:30 am

ReturningSon wrote:I dont know..the leather just has that "crinkly" look with a sheen that doesnt look..."natural" i guess is how i would describe. Definitely not what we see in the film although the texture seems to be getting there. Best looking wested i've seen so far but there is, IMO, a long ways still to go.

Yep, kind of looks like textured vinyl.

Whipartist · Post by **Whipartist** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 1:39 am

Yeah it has too much shine. That was my first impression of it. And once I do get the jacket I will be keeping, I'll be working on dulling that in whatever way looks best. I'm sure it won't be hard to do. But the leather itself feels and looks up close like anything other than fake or plastic. It's really beautiful good feeling stuff. It's just the shine that definitely throws it off. The texture and stiffness is definitely variable throughout the jacket.

The crinkle and wrinkle is there too but it's nice to see it hold shape compared to the regular sheepskin which won't hold a wrinkle for anything.

Ben

Post by **Holt** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 8:30 am

top shoulder seams are suppose top fall ''off the shoulders'' lol. isnt this what we want in the jacket.

haha.

try soaking your jacket and twist it up let dry to about 80% and start wearing. you'll get a completley different jacket.

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Mon Mar 19, 2012 3:07 pm

What back length would you suggest for me ( I'm 6ft 3.5" tall )? My ROTLA has 27" back (without collarstand) and 25" front (with collarstand). Back could be shorter, I think. 26" would be ok?

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:51 am

Ok, my quest for the Raiders Jacket is done! Many of you saw pics of my seal brown lambskin HERO jacket, but just a couple days ago, I tried doing what others (Holt among them, iirc) have done, and got the jacket soaked. Now that it's dry (man it took a while), it looks PERFECT. Lots of striations, it hangs off the shoulders, the whole deal. I'll try to post some pics tonight.

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:28 pm

If you could measure chest and front and back length it would be great. I'm gathering some info and it can help me.

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:43 pm

Does anyone know what is really with those back/front lengths? There is a Hero at ebay and the measurements differs by 2 inches, there are photos with measuring tape.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Thu Mar 22, 2012 9:43 pm

Ok, here are the pics. I hope they convey the change.

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 5:57 am

Finally got some shots of me wearing my seal brown soft goat.
Sorry about the quality. Just couldn't get the lighting right in the house and had to lighten them up in photobucket.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:20 am

SUPER COOL! I especially love the first pic. You look like you ARE Indiana Jones.

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 3:15 pm

Gorak wrote:SUPER COOL! I especially love the first pic. You look like you ARE Indiana Jones.

WOW! Thank you, Gorak!

Michael,
Coming from you, that is high praise indeed!
Also, I couldn't agree more. Gear looks best when it's being worn!!

-Kevin

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:54 am

So Peter advised me to get 27" back as my usual length. But if front is as long as the back then the front bottom will cover my crotch completely. And I'm confused now

What would you advise me to do?

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 11:09 am

I would guess the best way is to tell Wested how long you need the front - i.e. to match the back when laid flat or to be longer than the back. That way, as long as they cut the jacket to the measurements, it would turn out exactly how you like your crotch to be seen

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sat Mar 24, 2012 11:14 am

GREAT lookin' photos, kwad! (and poses and overall outfit and attitude and ...oh yeah, AND jacket!)

I couldn't agree more with what's been said that ya just can't beat actually wearing the jacket for a photo that really shows it off right!
Add to that, the fact that - as Gorak and Michael mentioned - you've definitely got the "INDY-vibe" down and the result is a really impressive Gear post!

NICE job!

Zoltar · Post by **Zoltar** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 3:39 am

Now the shrunken lamb's back on the menu, thinking of ordering another one of these. Mine was one of the early examples before they hit Westeds website. I specifically requested silver pocket hardware and K-stitching. As there's no request box on these just wondering what comes as standard. What's everyones turning up with?

Cheers
ZOLTAR

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:42 am

Mine should ship today!

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 3:11 pm

Zoltar wrote:Now the shrunken lamb's back on the menu, thinking of ordering another one of these. Mine was one of the early examples before they hit Westeds website. I specifically requested silver pocket hardware and K-stitching. As there's no request box on these just wondering what comes as standard. What's everyones turning up with?

Cheers
ZOLTAR

The K stitches came standard (on both the strap and buckle side) and the pockets are equipped with antique brass poppers/snaps.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 3:32 pm

Is the shrunken lamb only in small sizes?

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 3:40 pm

BendingOak wrote:Is the shrunken lamb only in small sizes?

I just checked the site and it looks like it only goes up to a 46.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 4:06 pm

jnicktem wrote:
BendingOak wrote:Is the shrunken lamb only in small sizes?
I just checked the site and it looks like it only goes up to a 46.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 5:19 pm

But does it include the size 46 and for some strange reason. I can't find it on there site?

jnicktem · Post by **jnicktem** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:47 pm

I see it on the scroll down for their different sizes.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:56 pm

Kwad, everything about that jacket looks dead on to me. Raiders perfection, all the way!

Weston

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:03 pm

Have any of us complimented him on the "demon roll" yet?

'Cuz if not, I'M doin' it:

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 11:19 am

Weston,
I agree! Peter and the gang down at the barn really nailed it with this one.

Mitch,

Thank you!
This is the only Raiders jacket I've ever owned where I could get it to do the "Demon Roll" correctly.
Funny thing is, when I first saw these jackets, I thought how big and wrong the collar looked.
After getting mine and spending some time training the collar, I realized just how wrong I was.

MARQ · Post by **MARQ** » Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:42 am

Let´s suppose that "someone" with 44" chest,6´1" stature,wants to get a "HERO" (in seal brown lamb) what should one take in consideration when making the specs...?

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:34 am

Can anyone with a Hero Wested show some pics from the side to show the feature of back/front length ratio when on and off shoulders like Adam did here: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53399" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

?

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 8:55 am

On my way to Italy on Monday, I managed to intercept the DHL driver and get my Wested Hero in shrunken lamb. I have been eagerly anticipaing this jacket ever since seeing CBR's jacket and had high hopes for it. My other Hero jacket in dark goat is wonderful, but I wanted an extra inch in length and I wanted the inside pocket lowered for ease of use.
Anyway, 3 hours later in Italy I was able to open the package. I have to say I'm rather disappointed. Firstly I was expecting a leather with more character. This shrunken lamb doesn't so much have grain or character, rather it looks like a jacket that was wet and screwed up and left to dry. It's not so much textured as crumpled. In places it'S very stiff - the arms for example - and overall it has a somewhat plasticy feel rather like some of the previous goatskin that was used for the OTR Rola jackets. On the plus side it'S very well made and feels tough, and the colour is rather richer and with a little more depth than the usual authentic brown. Also the colour variations are niceUnfortunately for me, the jacket jut doesn't have the vibe of my goatskin Hero. In fact the pattern seems a bit different. For one thing the arm seams and yoke seams almost meet up instead of being much more off-set. I think in giving me an extra inch in the back length, Wested have simply dropped the yoke section rather than have a longer back panel. Also, this jacket simply won't hang with a demon roll like my other jacket -something that is almost essential for the Raiders look and which I assumed was a quirk of the Hero pattern. All in all, I don't get a Raiders vibe from this jacket - more like a TOD. In fact the stiffness, colour and fit remind me in many ways of the Noel Howerd TOD jacket I tried on many years ago. Any way, here are some pics. To me it looks more like a ROLA than a Hero. Expect it to show up in the classifieds soon. Oh yes, out of interest, it weights slightly more than the goat. The goat feels and drapes like tough lamb, the shrunken lamb feels and drapes like stiff goat
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/p ... CN3609.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/p ... CN3610.jpg
And my dark brown goat Hero for comparison:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/pagey1512/4.jpg

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:48 am

Hi whiskyman, I've been curious to see what you thought of it myself, so am sorry to read you are initially dissappointed like I was.

Yours looks exactly what mine used to look like, i.e. when I took it out the back. I'm not so bothered about SA designs as others (I actually really like the Hero fit), for me it's always been about the look, feel and quality of the leather. Mine is definitely looking better these days and softer, but it does make you wonder why we buy jackets that we change from the the first minute we get them - surely they should arrive in a perfect state ? Anyway I digress - it may be worth a coat of some lotion to soften it up or give it some good wear ?

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:54 am

It's interesting to note though that Whiskyman already has a (very nice) Wested Hero, and finds the pattern (and the fit?) on this new jacket different.
Is the quality of the Hero slipping already? Will they eventually just morph into Wested's usual ROLA/ROTLA/LC/CS hybrid we've been seeing for years?
I think it's a legitimate concern, for potential customers at least.
Keep the goat Hero, Whiskyman, it was one of the first, I believe, and still the best looking Raiders replica around. I'd buy it if it were a bit smaller.
What is the chest-width of your goat Hero btw?

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:15 am

The leather looks different from the first batch for sure. And why the long side straps?!? I do not understand.

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:21 am

Believe me the straps are a good deal shorter than my first Novak raiders!

The thing is there is nothing wrong with this jacket - it's well made and it fits me perfectly. It just doesn't do it as a Raiders jacket for me and part of that is the way the front panels hang so straight.

I will see about getting some measurements made for those folk who like such things. The new one is a size 40 and the old one a 42. I asked for an extra inch in length and slightly shorter arms on the newer one.

Kevin Anderson · Post by **Kevin Anderson** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:29 am

whiskyman wrote:Believe me the straps are a good deal shorter than my first Novak raiders!

The thing is there is nothing wrong with this jacket - it's well made and it fits me perfectly. It just doesn't do it as a Raiders jacket for me and part of that is the way the front panels hang so straight.

I will see about getting some measurements made for those folk who like such things. The new one is a size 40 and the old one a 42. I asked for an extra inch in length and slightly shorter arms on the newer one.

But in your ad for the goat Hero you said you wanted to order a bigger size because you were' growing'! Why the down-size?

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:53 am

I never intended to get a lager size - just a little extra length as my "growing" gut means I can' really get away with ultra short jackets any more.

I have couple more pics in this thread;
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=55257

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:12 pm

Please, measure tha back and front too

PSBIndy · Post by **PSBIndy** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 6:47 pm

I just got my SL Hero jacket today and overall, I agree with Whiskyman's assessment. The jacket, although constructed very nicely, simply looks odd. The texture is a mish-mash of plasticky, glossy, and bare leather. On my top back panel, it's a bizarre combination of brown and black spots that looks almost hyena-like. It's like somebody took some discarded bad leather and made a jacket out of it. The fit is not Hero-like at all....it's more like Wested's regular ROTLA.

Wested really dropped the ball with this one.

For anyone thinking about ordering a Wested Hero, avoid the SL and go for the goat. It's MUCH better (in look and fit).

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 7:17 pm

PSBIndy wrote:I just got my SL Hero jacket today and overall, I agree with Whiskyman's assessment. The jacket, although constructed very nicely, simply looks odd. The texture is a mish-mash of plasticky, glossy, and bare leather. On my top back panel, it's a bizarre combination of brown and black spots that looks almost hyena-like. It's like somebody took some discarded bad leather and made a jacket out of it. The fit is not Hero-like at all....it's more like Wested's regular ROTLA.

Wested really dropped the ball with this one.

For anyone thinking about ordering a Wested Hero, avoid the SL and go for the goat. It's MUCH better (in look and fit).

not suprised...i cant believe you guys pay nearly $400 for this jacket. I dont even know why Wested is still around

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:51 am

What exactly make you guys feel that this is ROLA pattern and not Hero?

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 4:17 am

The lower placement of the yoke, straight front panels and something about how the collar is placed. It'S hard to put a finger on.
I have managed to train mine a bit to have a demon roll so now it looks more like my other jacket. But, it'S still going for sale as it is heavier than I want. I already have a goat jacket, I don't need another of the same weight - I'd rather have a lighter weight jacket for warmer weather.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 5:29 am

I think the way the collar spreads is a big part of the look.

I have it on both a thin leather and thick, I don't know what makes it do it tho!

I haven't yet seen the new batch of shrunken lamb in person, but one of the important features of that is it's rustic colour and texture isn't it?

Post by **Holt** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 5:33 am

yep! I agree with Kt!

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 6:03 am

I think the collar is influenced by the shoulder seams. With the Hero pattern, the way the sholder seams are in relation to the collar, pulls the jacket back off the shoulders and spreads the collar. On my SL, in order to get the extra back length, the shoulder seams and yoke section seem to have been slightly set back so that the seams are naturally off the shoulder and as a result the jacket doesn't get pulled back and the collar isn't spread. Hard to describe really. Put it this way, the yoke is lower on my SL - the seams almost meet the sleeve seams - but the yoke section itself isn't larger.

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 8:14 am

How about the gussets? Do they do the trick?

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 8:26 am

What trick? Both my Heros do have gussets.

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 8:33 am

Sorry, I haven't precised my question. Do they really work?

What about those measurements?

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:12 am

I guess the gussets work -not sure what exactly they are for.

Here are some measurements - unfortunately I can't find my tape measure with inches so these are in cm

Wested Hero size 42 goat:
pit to pit - 55cm
storm flap (with collar stand) 57cm
sleeve - 63cm
back (not including collar stand) - 59cm

Wested Hero size 40 shrunken lamb:
pit to pit - 55cm
storm flap (with collar stand) - 57cm
sleeve - 61cm
back (not including collar stand) - 61cm

Interesting that the size 42 and 40 are the same from pit to pit! Also of interest, I asked for the longer back length on the second jacket, but this obviously doesn't mean the front will equally be extended. The shorter sleeves were requested by me for the second jacket.

tomek9210 · Post by **tomek9210** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:30 am

55cm is 21,65", so doubled 43,3". If your goat is 42, that's 1,3" of room. Kinda like second skin for person with true 42 chest. For 40 size jacket that's ok.
I don't get one thing - why the front and back lengths are different for different jackets? One Hero owner gets them equal, another one not. What's going on with that?

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 10:19 am

Here'S a video of both jackets to show how thex hang and move. Actually the SL is looking better. You can see why I ordered it a little longer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwXOTjBa ... e=youtu.be