Wested's HERO jacket...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Feb 26, 2015 3:49 pm

No, I just meant that each person needs to decide what they want. Some will some won't. It's a choice.

Prodigal Son · Post by **Prodigal Son** » Thu Feb 26, 2015 5:42 pm

I see. In addition to that, I'd also have to say that the Hero doesn't look good on some people whose pictures I've seen and who were also complaining about the fit. Mine fits my body shape really well and looks awesome. I got it in the goat, by the way. I don't remember the ones I saw in person about six years ago looking like this, but I only saw them fleetingly. I was blown away when I pulled mine out of that bag. Washed goat is no longer my Wested favorite.

Leigh · Post by **Leigh** » Thu Feb 26, 2015 5:58 pm

Personally, I find how you wear the jacket impacts the fit a fair bit. Back on the previous page, I posted a few images of me wearing it 'in costume', and I find it sits like the Hero jacket is meant to, you can see the seams of the arms are a fair bit lower than they would be on a regular jacket, and it's 'falling' off my back a bit (not a complaint by the way; I like it looking like that, to me, that's how a Raiders jacket should look).

But when I wear it day to day, I tend to wear it forwards a bit more, and usually have an additional layer underneath (at least at the moment in the winter), like a hoodie or something. When wearing it like this, it fits much more 'traditionally', which again is ideal for day to day wear. So it may simply be a build thing, as when I'm a bit bulkier with additional layers, it fits more regularly.

Forrest For the Trees · Thu Feb 26, 2015 7:17 pm

Prodigal Son wrote:I see. In addition to that, I'd also have to say that the Hero doesn't look good on some people whose pictures I've seen and who were also complaining about the fit. Mine fits my body shape really well and looks awesome. I got it in the goat, by the way. I don't remember the ones I saw in person about six years ago looking like this, but I only saw them fleetingly. I was blown away when I pulled mine out of that bag. Washed goat is no longer my Wested favorite.

Got any photos? I had a Wested Goatskin from '08 and wasn't crazy about it, but heard the softer goat they replaced it with was much better.

Prodigal Son · Post by **Prodigal Son** » Fri Feb 27, 2015 5:33 pm

Sorry. No pictures and I never could find an easy way to post them here years ago. Besides, I don't have a good camera that would capture the details anyway. No, that new goat is amazing. It really is. Lets put it this way, I told my wife, "i'm not touching this with alcohol or anything." It's amazing. Seriously. Just take my word for it. I want it to just stay looking the way it does now, and I've never said that about chrome-tanned leathers. It has all sorts of different areas with unique grain. In some parts, the finish is worn off a bit and the undertone is a bit warm, not just fleshy-gray. It's pliable and just a little bit stretchy, but you can tell it's solid, just like goat. The finish seems like it could be easily distressed with some alcohol.

By the way, Forest, do you still have that Hercules? That thing was nice.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Feb 27, 2015 6:38 pm

To members....

Many times we have questions as to what a new batch of leather actually looks like from the barn. If you receive a new jacket and want to post photos, could you also include a close up of the particular hide or skin in daylight? Certainly it would take much of the guesswork out of it. thanks!

Forrest For the Trees · Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:24 pm

Prodigal Son wrote:Sorry. No pictures and I never could find an easy way to post them here years ago. Besides, I don't have a good camera that would capture the details anyway. No, that new goat is amazing. It really is. Lets put it this way, I told my wife, "i'm not touching this with alcohol or anything." It's amazing. Seriously. Just take my word for it. I want it to just stay looking the way it does now, and I've never said that about chrome-tanned leathers. It has all sorts of different areas with unique grain. In some parts, the finish is worn off a bit and the undertone is a bit warm, not just fleshy-gray. It's pliable and just a little bit stretchy, but you can tell it's solid, just like goat. The finish seems like it could be easily distressed with some alcohol.

By the way, Forest, do you still have that Hercules? That thing was nice.

Thanks for the description. That does sound good. As to the Hercules, no, I sold that last year. Sadly, it fit me too big in the chest and I just didn't feel comfortable wearing it. Always on the lookout for a replacement, though...

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Fri Feb 27, 2015 11:06 pm

It's been AGES!! Very busy with work!

Anyways, here is my very well broken in wested hero. I think it's 4 years old. yep, got it when I was 31, now 35.

It's starting to get very nice wear. You actually can't notice it much but it's there. Thought I contribute to the thread since it's been like, forever now!

moses · Post by **moses** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:14 am

Nice - is that lamb?

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 2:37 pm

auth. lamb. spotted grainy batch

rbxb · Post by **rbxb** » Sun Mar 08, 2015 1:18 pm

Leigh wrote:Thank you all for the kind words regarding my situation, and the jacket advice. I can now finally share some images! Sorry it's been a while, but I've obviously had a lot on.

Having had the jacket for a while now, I love the cut and the leather, to me it really does have that 'lived in' Indy look, even without artificial distressing (all I've done is run it in the shower). I do think I ordered perhaps an inch too short, particularly in the back, and the pockets to me look oversized (this was an old problem with Wested when I was getting in to this hobby seven years ago, surprised to see it still around), but in general, I love the look of the jacket. Particularly given its sentimental value due to my various recent issues, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Today, to see what it looked like, I did a few 'full gear' shots (I'm aware my gear pales in comparison to some people's on here by the way!). I might share some more gear shots later on in the Scrapbook if people like them, but for now, I thought it was a good way to show off the general cut and look of the Shrunken Lamb jacket.

This one was a bit of fun, but I think shows off the side of the jacket quite well (although we were losing a lot of light by then):

Great looking Jacket!

rbxb · Post by **rbxb** » Sun Mar 08, 2015 3:07 pm

Gorak wrote:WESTED HERO IN SHURUNKEN LAMB!
An AMAZING leather I have to say! In person, it appeared very grainy and my first thought was that it was that Veg Tanned in heavy grain. It was very soft and lightweight. It wasn`t until I began to photograph it that I was absolutely sure it was their fabled Shrunken Lamb.
Color wise? It is exactly the same as my Relic Hunter.
Softness? Same as Relic Hunter
Weight? Same as the Relic Hunter
The only difference aside from the obvious individual vender productions is that Hero is very grainy looking in the hand. I do not mean to compare the two specifically but my Relic Hunter is the only jacket in my collection that this particular Hero measures up to. But the best part was when I put it in the washing machine and ran it for half a cycle under Cold/ Delicate. Then took it out dripping wet and hung it(sleeves spread) on the fence outside in the sun. After awhile I then wrung it out and wore it a while, then layed it flat on the concrete in the sun. It as it was nearing complete dryness, it felt as if it was starting to stiffen up. I planned on getting some leather conditioner on it but wore it the rest of the evening and by nightfall, it was as soft as it was when it arrived.
The edges were crumbling a bit but I just flattened and stretched them by hand. The only part that it giving me a little problem is the pockets but I am gently working on them and they are responding well.
The really interesting part is that some areas are beggining to smooth out and, even from the beggining, you could see how, in pictures and on film, it appears smooth in some parts. I will let the pictures speak for themselves so without further ado......
Here it is before the wash.....in the bottom left hand pic is my Relic Hunter
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... x0uizz.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Also notice how in different pics the color changes from light to dark....just like the RH.

Here are pure sunlight pics taken after the wash and wear with some action shots so you can see how fluid the jacket moves....

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... aebqa3.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... xgyqmf.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... 0y93yu.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h304/ ... adsppg.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is truly a leather to experience if you are searching for a screen accurate look. Even if you just borrow someones to look at, I think you will be convinced. And I think it is only going to get better in the coming day. I am going to hit it with some sandpaper tomorrow and will post results. I was going to wait until then to show you guys but I was so smitten with today pictures that I just had to share.

exellent . where can we learn more about your washer technique?

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Sun Mar 08, 2015 11:48 pm

There's not much to learn. You wash the jacket and let it sit out to dry. Or you throw it in the shower.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Mar 23, 2015 11:30 am

Here are some better pcitures of my 4 year old Hero in Seal brown lambskin. I love it. You can clearly see it is a dead ringer for the well of souls jacket.

All natural distressing and keeping it that way. This is going to be torn up!

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Mon Mar 23, 2015 12:05 pm

Looks great!

Good choice losing the beard too

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Mar 23, 2015 12:30 pm

Hehe. Thanks! It was a work beard

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Sun Apr 05, 2015 8:32 pm

It's taken me 9 months to remember to post pictures of the Heros I now own. These are still inside shots, but I had a little time before all the natural light died, and I wanted to get some comparison photos.

Up first, a Hero in (dark?) novapelle, purchased from the bazaar.

The other Hero, a chestnut brown nappa, was purchased from Wested's Clearance Section.

The novapelle is about an inch longer in back/sleeve length than the nappa, and I think it's about perfect for me. Truthfully, if I were to ever buy a new/custom jacket from Wested, I'd be tempted to send the novapelle back so they could measure and copy it because I like it so much. Being cow, it's a heavier jacket; 3 lb, 14 oz, the heaviest I own. As the weather is becoming warmer and more Spring-like, I've taken to wearing it daily. It's not overly warm, even with its weight.

The nappa is very light in weight; 1 lb, 12 oz, and is very pliable. Nappa is usually used in car seats, so I guess it's pretty tough stuff for the weight. I've worn it around the house most of this winter, and when I want a 'dressier' leather jacket. It also feels like it's cut more trim in the body, even though it's labeled the same size. Only reason I haven't worn it more, it's got the big, black HERO JACKET panel under the interior pocket, and I've not been able to bring myself to remove it yet.

I'll admit I'm tempted to maybe try one of these in goat, but I need to thin my herd of a G&B, my oldest Todd's, and a new barnstormer-ish jacket before I do. Still, I watch the bazaar and Wested's clearance section just in case.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Sun Apr 05, 2015 9:47 pm

Both are very nice, allthough I lean towards the NP.

I know they have a lightweigth NP. Or they call it a pre-distressed lambtouch cowhide.

Very curious about that one!

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Sun Apr 05, 2015 10:30 pm

I forgot about the lamb-touch cow. That's another option I'd consider.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 8:41 am

any outside shots of the nappa?

dark or medium brown in color? How does it age? have you rubbed it with sandaper on a piece that is not visible?

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 10:15 am

No outside shots yet. I've been under the weather this weekend, but maybe later today. It's nice out and I've got to do a little bit outside. We'll see.

I purchased it from forum-member 'Moses', he may recall which novapelle it is specifically, but I'd go with dark.

After purchasing it, I showered in it and wore it until dry to break it in and crease it to me. I may have thrown it in the dryer; I can't totally recall. I applied a good coating of Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner, which had the combined effect of taking down the light, suede-like nap and rejuvenating the dried leather.

Wearing it this Spring is the first solid amount of wearing I've given it. It's very soft to the touch but feels very substantial. I don't see applying any sandpaper to it, I'm happy to let it age on its own.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 10:28 am

what I ment was applying sandpaper to the nappa to see how the underbelly is on the inside pocket or under the collar. Not artificially distressing the jacket.

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 11:56 am

Oh, sorry. I misunderstood.

No, I've not done that. Based on how it is showing wear in the high spots, I'm assuming it will be a grayish tone.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 12:37 pm

As allways!

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 5:42 pm

Are you talking about the nappa or the novapelle?
I have a dark novapelle and I would say the undertones are more tan than grey - although really the leather seems almost dyed through.

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 6:47 pm

My question was about the nappa.

Mountaineer · Post by **Mountaineer** » Mon Apr 06, 2015 9:44 pm

Holt wrote:My question was about the nappa.

I'm very sorry because I totally misread your earlier question. I flipped nappa and novapelle.

Clarification:

The novapelle looks like it would be gray in some light, tan in others; but like whiskyman said, it looks dyed through. Basically it just gets lighter where roughed up.

The nappa, if it follows what traditionally defines 'nappa leather' probably means it also is a dyed-through leather. Who knows? I'm guessing it's chome-tanned and will be grayish as well.

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 6:12 pm

I just got a used, BEAUTIFUL Wested Novapelle Raiders and the natural distressing it has gotten over the years shows through as brown. Very LC looking actually. Fantastic.

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Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 6:57 pm

Words are not worth anything in this hobby. You should know that by now dude!

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 7:21 pm

Bad lighting but here is a hastily taken one. It's a Raiders pattern but I think it looks more like a LC/CS

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Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:02 pm

Very Nice!

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 12:12 am

Wested Raiders in Novapelle I recently got in the classifieds. LOVE it. Wore it out fishing today.

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Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 12:54 pm

wow Chris..that looks really beautiful in the sunlight. Love the tones and texture...Good find!

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:44 pm

Gorak wrote:wow Chris..that looks really beautiful in the sunlight. Love the tones and texture...Good find!

Thanks! I LOVE this jacket. Now I have 3 costuming jackets and one real wear jacket. However my magnoli plays both rolls as of right now. I need to slim down so I can fit into my Wings jackets better though. The extra length of the bigger size on this one REALLY comes in handy. It was crazy windy yesterday and this jacket really helped keep my warm. I plan to have it accompany me as frequently as weather and weight not being an issue allow.

The color and feel of this jacket give it a very WW2 look and feel. I am absolutely a fan. It scratches a lot of itches all at once!

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Holt · Post by **Holt** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 6:25 pm

Very nice bud!

rbxb · Post by **rbxb** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 12:19 am

Texan Scott wrote:Here's that Quality Dawg in action....

Love the jacket! Just the right weight and thickness for a Raiders cowhide in lambtouch, save for these mutant straps that will reach up and do a person bodily harm. They almost touch, kinda like una straps. I've been using mine for a replacement bag strap..hehe. A snip or two by leather alterations will bring balance back to the universe once again. Hightly recommended!

Sometimes, you receive a jacket and you know from the first moment you try it on that it could not be any better. This one is a perect fit, and the leather sort of retains that dusty novapelle look as well.

Tex. That's it !! I had a Lambtouch before and always liked it. Durability of goat & drape of Lamb..Yours looks terrific..

ShadowX81 · Post by **ShadowX81** » Thu Apr 30, 2015 11:39 am

Hey guys, newbie here. Been a long time lurker on this board (I remember visiting it back when I was in high school over 10 years ago) and somehow the web led me back here a few days ago. Just wanted to say that I've loved reading through this thread so much that I finally pulled the trigger on my first wested. Dark brown lambskin hero should be here in a few weeks! (Along with a satchel and pair of Alden 403's from ebay)

Why do I have the feeling ive been pulled into a very expensive hobby?

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Thu Apr 30, 2015 4:22 pm

Because you have!!!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Mon Jun 22, 2015 2:07 pm

The old stock SL had a few things going for it. It was slightly thicker, was veg tanned and stiff, as Peter described the original. My only knock against it is that it was a shade on the light side, although I bet if you greased it and put it in the sun for awhile, it would darken? Anyway, several weeks back, I got an email from Wested saying that they had one last batch of old stock, stiffer darker brown SL, so I jumped on it. It made a fine jacket, really more than I expected! Added some specs and we were good to go! This will probably be my last Raiders jacket, although I may hold out for a LC from Diego.

pics to follow hopefully soon.

ltfoley · Post by **ltfoley** » Wed Jun 24, 2015 4:49 pm

Do you guys know how they are sized compared to a Kelso Relic Hunter? I've owned a 40 Kelso which i sold because it was too short. Should i order a 40 for a hero? I'm between 40 and 42 chest size.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Jun 24, 2015 4:53 pm

Take a tape measure and give them the exact measurement.

ltfoley · Post by **ltfoley** » Wed Jun 24, 2015 5:03 pm

Tried that before but i've problems having them answering my size concerns. Should i give them MY measurements or of one jacket i have?

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jun 25, 2015 9:12 am

What are your specific concerns? Ordering with slightly more room than not, is a better way to go, especially since most guys put on weight and fill out as they get older, so I'd allow for that. If you care to, place the order, and enter your particulars in the 'special requests' portion of the order form. This is found when you "custom" order. The Hero's specs are standardized, so they do not offer 'special requests' on the order form for the Hero. Then send them an email, referring to the order. If I were you, and you have a real concern about chest/torso, get someone to use a tape measure, and then give your actual measurements, then tell how much slack you want built in, 2" or 4" to the chest, whatever you prefer. This last jacket is probably the best Wested has ever made for me. Give your particulars and concerns and I'm sure they will address them before they begin work. Leave nothing to chance and don't assume they will know what you want, if you don't expressly state it.

There are some specs that really define the Raiders jacket, and its better to list them, and they will tell you what they can do, or can't do.

ltfoley · Post by **ltfoley** » Thu Jun 25, 2015 10:42 am

Thanks Texas, your advices are precious!

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:55 am

A jacket is precious when you get just the one you want.

Anduril · Post by **Anduril** » Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:35 pm

Just ordered myself a Hero jacket! Was just perusing through the site as I often do and saw one in Shrunken Lamb in their clearance section in my size so bought it on impulse, saving about $100aud on a new custom order

I'm very confident it should fit, though the only worry is the sleeves might be 1-0.5 inches too long after reading about how it sits off the shoulders. I'm fine to take them up myself if needed but I'll wait and see.

I already own a Wested LC and ToD so it will be great to finally own all three jackets!

Will post up pics when it arrives.

Ravenswood · Post by **Ravenswood** » Thu Aug 27, 2015 8:50 pm

Welp, 15 years of searching and collecting, and this is the end of the line for me. $\:D/$ After having chewed through my last hero jacket, which I modified in the original order to include a longer back and sleeves, I decided to take the plunge and order a standard size 38, with no modifications or additions. I think I nailed it this time

I have to say, in the long run, the extra inch and a half in the back, and two inches extra in the sleeves that my prior Hero sported (although I eventually had the sleeves trimmed about an inch or so), had not really proved too be too beneficial. It's been my experience that an extra inch or two here and there, and you knock that fabled Screen Accuracy right off the table, not to mention heavily compromising the functionality of the jacket with extra leather inevitably getting in the way and quite often getting snagged on door handles and the like...

So this is a Special Raiders Hero Jacket in standard lambskin, sized 38 with 23 inch back and 24 inch sleeves.
The hat is an Akubra Federation IV Deluxe

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Aug 27, 2015 10:10 pm

Sweet jacket there, RW! I like the grain on it too. Looks like you snagged a winner.

Ravenswood · Post by **Ravenswood** » Thu Aug 27, 2015 10:24 pm

Thanks Texan Scott!

Ravenswood · Post by **Ravenswood** » Fri Aug 28, 2015 12:24 pm

One more for the road

...