....so which Indy jacket is your favorite?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:07 am

My problem is...I'm partial to every stinkin' one of 'um..!

Nevertheless, which Indy jacket, past or present, that was or is in your possession is your favorite?

Inquiring minds wanna' know...?

indyexpat · Post by **indyexpat** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:16 am

I'm holding out for an answer here as Todd's doesn't fit me very well (regrettably). I think some look a bit thick/heavy or stiff (cow-hide, pigskin etc). Then there's the originality issue. I'd love to know the verdict here (so I can order one). I'm part tempted to buy one of everything and sell off the ones I don't keep in the Bazaar!

Aragorn658 · Post by **Aragorn658** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:08 am

Temple Of Doom hands down.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:11 am

Aragorn658 wrote:Temple Of Doom hands down.

...made by?

I think he's talking about manufacture, not film.

Regards! Michaelson

tmurph · Post by **tmurph** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:30 am

G&B is my favorite for comfort and durability and Nowak is my favorite in the look department.

trdaggers · Post by **trdaggers** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:53 am

My vote goes to Nowak.

Gailen

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:02 am

_ wrote:
Aragorn658 wrote:Temple Of Doom hands down.
Agreed - on a stand-alone basis (i.e. uncoupled from the movie) the Temple jacket had the best look. Go Cooper!

Yep, Temple all the way!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:44 am

Yep, which one of your Indy jackets is your favorite, past or present, and why? Post pics if you got 'em! Brits please excuse the vernacular....

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:13 am

Gotcha, little slow on the uptake this morning... 10 days cigarette free, which means no coffee either

My favorite is my USW Striated lamb (after wash). From the texture to the way it fits me, it fills the niche... Kind off

It is thick so I still want a lighter/thinner jacket for the cool months.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:16 am

No COFFEE!!????

I'm staying away from the 'boro for a while......

Aragorn658 · Post by **Aragorn658** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:30 am

Oh! Haha I think wested looks the best!

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:54 am

NOWAK RAIDERS IN SHRUNKEN LAMB. All the way. Stone Cold. Forever!!!

Oildale Jones · Post by **Oildale Jones** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:11 pm

Todd's 2008 Standard.

Man, what is up with that crown?

My mind—if not my wallet—is still open to a Wested Hero and/or G&B Expedition in the future, though.

Kubrik · Post by **Kubrik** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:29 pm

It's taken me a few years and I've had a dozen of them to finally get "the jacket" for me. My favourite is the US Wings Legend Raiders 30th Anniversary Lambskin . The goat version is a close second. Just awesome.

I've never had a Nowak Raiders

from the photos I've seen they look amazing.

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:35 pm

The second Nowak that I had in my hands was like the Holy Grail of jackets to me in terms of screen accuracy but above all, I keep going back to my Custom Wested that is far from SA. it just fits so darn comfortable that I literally forget its on. It is made of the dark brown super thin lambskin. Second place is my Wested Hero. both have just become extensions of me somehow...
next?

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:39 pm

Like everyone here I've tried loads of manufacturers and styles but my best two that I know I can not beat are:

a) my TNO Raiders (bought recently from a fellow board member), and
b) my Belstaff CS (just a great fit and quality of leather)

All the others are no where near at all.

indyexpat · Post by **indyexpat** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:43 pm

Temple in lamb? Made by who? Is it still available?

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:48 pm

Michaelson wrote:No COFFEE!!????

I'm staying away from the 'boro for a while......

I wouldn't blame you one bit

...and my favorite from the boards is Orb's Nowak in that grainy goat. That was my dream jacket.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:54 pm

Nowak CS. It's the one I wear most of the time now. It's like a old friend from the first day I put it on. I did have a Wested Raiders lamb that I sold I wish I had back.

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 3:57 pm

G&B Expedition in goat. IMHO, the highest-quality OTR Indy jacket out there.

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

indyexpat · Post by **indyexpat** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:13 pm

I wouldn't expect photos in every post but links would be nice. Credit card on stand by..

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:22 pm

None of the many jackets I've owned has ever really done it for me.

Arca Perdida · Post by **Arca Perdida** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:36 pm

whiskyman wrote:None of the many jackets I've owned has ever really done it for me.

The Indy pattern isn't for everyone, despite our love for the movies. Maybe your favorite jacket will be something non-Indy?
In any case, good luck. Don't they have a saying about something to do with the thrill of the chase...

kwad · Post by **kwad** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:43 pm

My Wested Soft Goat Hero.

Seems like all the planets and stars just aligned perfectly for that one particular jacket.

Ravenswood · Post by **Ravenswood** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:43 pm

I'm a Wested fan, and I absolutely adore my authentic brown lambskin Hero.
I'm with Whiskyman in that the pattern is generally so "off" that I can't really seem to get the "look". It's a wonky jacket for sure, and it almost takes an "Indy Build" to make it look right.

I will submit that if I had the bucks, I'd have thrown down for a Nowak Raiders. That might have been the favorite, but I guess I'll never know

Dr._J · Post by **Dr._J** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:45 pm

whiskyman wrote:None of the many jackets I've owned has ever really done it for me.

Really? Your Nowak 747 is still one of my favorite looking jackets on this forum. For the record, my Todd's Standard is my favorite of all the jackets I've owned. It just looks and feels right, right out of the box! Though, ordering Westeds was always a fun activity. I loved the custom aspect of it (choosing the leather, hardware, etc.).

Regards, Dr. J

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:52 pm

I love the Raiders jacket and have bought so many variations over the years. And each time I thought I thought I had it, only to then find fault and see greener grass over the next fence. I haven't regretted selling a single jacket - none of the Westeds Todds or Novaks. Each was perfectly fine, but each failed to be THE Raiders jacket - which is kind of obvious really. I think part of the problem is that the Raiders jacket just isn't as great in reality as it is on film. As for the 747, that was quite low on my list of favouritism. Even my latest Wested in shrunken lamb - in many ways it really fits the bill. Tough, grainy, looks ancient, drapes well, is pretty SA, great colour- but there's just something about it.. On film the Raiders jacket looks sharp and cool. Somehow the in the real world it feels like a shapeless sack.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:57 pm

Not to jump the rails to far, but I honestly could see whiskeyman in one of these myself:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=55462" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just say'n.....

Now, back to our reguliarly scheduled program, already in progress.......

Regards! Michaelson

paulroberts · Post by **paulroberts** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:09 pm

Not being a big screen accurate person, and quite happy to just wear the arse and destroy the #### out of my hats and jackets, I'd have to say my favourite jacket would be an off the peg 38" wested Last crusade in goatskin.

Lucky enough to be 6' and it fit just right, and drapes fine. It's never off my back and considering the torrential rain we've been having in London, it's been needed.

However my Christie's fed has taken some serious battering. Truly worn in now.

By the way, love that jacket Michealson posted. Reminds me of the fantastic snake plissken jacket Magnoli does.

Peace, y'all.

Tibor · Post by **Tibor** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:11 pm

I'd have to say Nowak goat Raiders finished under Riley. Great look, but it doesn't move like the original. For that, I'd say a Wested seal brown lamb hero, but Wested can't get the darn yoke and back the way I want it, so the look is off. It moves like the film jacket, though.

indyexpat · Post by **indyexpat** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 6:15 pm

We should run a poll, or three:

Which movie
Which leather
Which model/manufacturer

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:17 pm

whiskyman wrote:I love the Raiders jacket and have bought so many variations over the years. And each time I thought I thought I had it, only to then find fault and see greener grass over the next fence. I haven't regretted selling a single jacket - none of the Westeds Todds or Novaks. Each was perfectly fine, but each failed to be THE Raiders jacket - which is kind of obvious really. I think part of the problem is that the Raiders jacket just isn't as great in reality as it is on film. As for the 747, that was quite low on my list of favouritism. Even my latest Wested in shrunken lamb - in many ways it really fits the bill. Tough, grainy, looks ancient, drapes well, is pretty SA, great colour- but there's just something about it.. On film the Raiders jacket looks sharp and cool. Somehow the in the real world it feels like a shapeless sack.

I think you hit the nail on the head. The raiders costume was just that. A great costume that looked great on film but when you have it in your hands or take it to the real world you end up disappointed.

Long John Tinfoil · Post by **Long John Tinfoil** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:30 pm

I was very happy with my Todd's std. in lamb, but I sold that one on and kept my G&B goat. That gets pretty much daily wear just about year-round.

LJ

indyexpat · Post by **indyexpat** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:33 pm

_ wrote:
Aragorn658 wrote:Temple Of Doom hands down.
Agreed - on a stand-alone basis (i.e. uncoupled from the movie) the Temple jacket had the best look. Go Cooper!

The ToD Jacket is made by Cooper? In what leather, shrunken lamb? Where is the vendor link please, love to check them out.

Also curses.. I'm now compelled to watch ToD again ;-)

Oildale Jones · Post by **Oildale Jones** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:47 pm

indyexpat wrote:
_ wrote:
Aragorn658 wrote:Temple Of Doom hands down.
Agreed - on a stand-alone basis (i.e. uncoupled from the movie) the Temple jacket had the best look. Go Cooper!
The ToD Jacket is made by Cooper? In what leather, shrunken lamb? Where is the vendor link please, love to check them out.

Also curses.. I'm now compelled to watch ToD again ;-)

And didn't I just read that HF refused to wear the Coopers and ended up wearing jackets from Raiders?

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:50 pm

BendingOak wrote:
whiskyman wrote:I love the Raiders jacket and have bought so many variations over the years. And each time I thought I thought I had it, only to then find fault and see greener grass over the next fence. I haven't regretted selling a single jacket - none of the Westeds Todds or Novaks. Each was perfectly fine, but each failed to be THE Raiders jacket - which is kind of obvious really. I think part of the problem is that the Raiders jacket just isn't as great in reality as it is on film. As for the 747, that was quite low on my list of favouritism. Even my latest Wested in shrunken lamb - in many ways it really fits the bill. Tough, grainy, looks ancient, drapes well, is pretty SA, great colour- but there's just something about it.. On film the Raiders jacket looks sharp and cool. Somehow the in the real world it feels like a shapeless sack.

I think you hit the nail on the head. The raiders costume was just that. A great costume that looked great on film but when you have it in your hands or take it to the real world you end up disappointed.

The more I watch Raiders and look at photos from it, the more flimsy and costume-like the jacket looks to me. Personally, that's why I enjoy the G&B Expedition: it's very reminiscent of the overall look of the Raider's jacket, but a real-world toughness without the flimsiness. But I realize that leaves out some of the features like drape and the worn-in look that the costume had which many people find essential to their own jacket quest. To each his or her own! Fortunately, there are so many options through our various jacket vendors.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

PsychicsAndSwords · Post by **PsychicsAndSwords** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:29 pm

Of all the ones I've had...? I think as far as a "real world" jacket (in regards to durability, comfort, and fit) my fave is the steerhide Schott-made Legend jacket I have now (especially after a good deal of breaking in, and a coat of Pecards to soften and darken it up). I was also very fond of my Wested ToD until the goat shrank so dramatically and I had to sell it for being too short... Actually I'd really like to get one in lamb, I'm thinking that could be a wonderful thing.

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:42 pm

My Wested Hero in Seal brown is my favourite....I love it...In general, I prefer the Raiders jacket to the rest, since on film it looks the best, but I think from a practical standpoint I'd probably end up going with something closer to the LC/Crystal Skulls jacket...

If my finances allow this weekend I may pop down to Ueno to visit Ameyokocho (a street market/vendor area in Eastern Tokyo) and check out the only place close to me that sells the G&B.... They're expensive, but I'd like a look at the very least... And may end up with some more leather to wear...

Until then at least, the Hero is my favourite though...It's a bloody lovely jacket, and the hang off the shoulders means it really suits jeans and a tee shirt as well, which will come in useful for Spring and Autumn as well....

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:36 pm

Can't settle on my favorite, so I'll make it a favorite three;

Todd's Standard (2008)
US Wings Hero, Antique Cowhide
US Wings Legend, Bison

I love the Todd's jacket for it's fit, details, weight, and suprising toughness. The Wings Hero is a great CS jacket, the leather is light, strong, and loaded with character. The Bison Legend fits like a custom made jacket, is incredibly well made, and the Rolls Royce of leathers in my opinion.

Weston

CM · Post by CM » Thu Apr 26, 2012 5:33 am

G&B goat for looks and strength. I wish Indy had worn one in the last film - not that it would have helped the film...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:46 am

I suppose I have become a collector of these Indy jackets of sorts, Raiders in particular. There have been times when I sold a few and later regretted it, like Todd's 2008 run. At first, I would think that since I had some just hanging in the closet, with no particular place to go...then it was time for a sale; but as the months turned into years, I learned to appreciate what each maker brings to the table, and the subtle nuances that only a member would notice and appreciate. For instance, in my opinion, Todd's Standard run of jackets from 2008 has nearly been the closest reproduction to film; while G&B is the best made, and still is very faithful to the original; many swear by their TNO jackets for many of the same reasons; and when Wested/LC brings it, they can produce a very nice jacket as well. His formitable buffet, plethora of skins and hides always makes a new jacket purchase very tempting.

If I had to choose between them, it would be too difficult, but for 'the look', I'd have to side with Todd; while if I wanted the jacket to last the rest of my life and probably outlive me, ie yesteryear, throwback style & craftsmanship, I'd reach for the G&B goat..exceptionally well made. Hitch your whip to a dusty, desert convoy truck, gentlemen....and you too, Tundy!

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:04 am

Sometimes you don't want to catch yourself 'overthinking' something like this.

I, too, have several jackets, and can give you a reason for why each and every one is a favorite and why it's allows a spot in my closet....but bottom line? Which one do you reach into the closet and grab when headed out the door, and do so without even thinking?

That would be, to my way of thinking, 'the favorite', as it just naturally 'comes to hand' without thought.

Regards! Michaelson

Adirondack Jones · Post by **Adirondack Jones** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:33 am

if the criteria is which one you grab when you go out the door, then I'm gonna go on record as voting for my Todd's Bantu Wind. May not be the most screen accurate, but it's comfy and well broken in.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:47 am

Then, that's your actual 'favorite'.

What do we wear them for? Don't know about you guys, but comfort has been forefront to me from the get-go. If it isn't comfortable, why wear it....THEN you can look at the details, if you're into that.

Regards! Michaelson

fifthchamber · Post by **fifthchamber** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:54 am

Heheh..._, I think they're still looking for "Favourite Indy jackets" though eh?

I agree with you about the Vanson jackets though...My X-1 is the best jacket I own...Not Indy related, but the nicest jacket to wear, and the best made jacket I own...

The easiest and nicest (Indy) to wear is my Hero...Screen accurate value doesn't really mean that much to me...It's more important to have a general feel and be a nice jacket at the same time....So the Hero does it for me...But I'd like to see the G&B's too...

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:54 am

Using my own criteria, I guess mine must be my 2001 G&B vegetable tanned goatskin Expedition. That's the one I always grab if I'm not thinking about it as I walk out the door.

As a matter of fact, it's the one I grabbed off the hanger and laid on the chair by the front door this morning with my hat, and from what I've seen of the weather, I don't even NEED a jacket today!

Regards! Michaelson

PS: Update: just picked up my 30th anniversery USW lambskin after having it relined with cotton (got rid of that awful satin lining. HATE that stuff!) and I'm very pleased with the final result. I'll be interested in seeing how it fairs against my G&B in being grabbed heading out the door this fall.

UPDATE: it's replaced the G&B as my 'grab and go' jacket this winter!

sargorn · Post by **sargorn** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:27 am

fifthchamber wrote: If my finances allow this weekend I may pop down to Ueno to visit Ameyokocho (a street market/vendor area in Eastern Tokyo) and check out the only place close to me that sells the G&B.... They're expensive, but I'd like a look at the very least... And may end up with some more leather to wear...

Huh. There's a place in Tokyo with G&B jackets? How'd you find that? I've been wanting a 'Raiders G&B' (not indy style) for a while but wondering if I could slip down a size in it (compared to the Expedition). Might be worth a trip there if I'm in Tokyo again, or seeing if there's something similar in Osaka.

Looks like G&B's had a bit of a price hike too. Everything's +$40 from when I ordered my expedition last year.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:31 am

Yep, just about all the leather jacket manufacturers raised prices in the past year or so.

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:43 pm

Michael, I hate to be a wet blanket too....but sometimes you don't NEED a reason for a jacket to be your favorite, other than.....it just is.

In a general question type thread like this one, I don't believe we NEED to overthink the reasons like we do in other threads.

The question posed is, '....which is your favorite'....not '....which is your favorite, and what can you tell me to convince me it should be mine as well....'

At least that's just my opinon. Carry on as you all feel it should proceed.....

Sometimes these type threads are a nice refreshing change of pace from the other stitch counting threads we see EACH and EVERY day around here. If someone sees something mentioned that peaks their interest, they can punch it into the search function and find all KINDS of details along the lines you suggest able. I just see this as a fun discussion myself, but then that's just me and my read of the thread....

Regards! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:58 pm

Well, just to repeat the line I wrote above:

If someone sees something mentioned that peaks their interest, they can punch it into the search function and find all KINDS of details along the lines you suggest.

If folks don't have a jacket, then, they don't HAVE a favorite jacket in their closet yet.

Now, what jacket do you like again, Michael? I couldn't hear you.

Regards! Michaelson

Which movie jacket and leather is your favorite?