US WINGS KANGAROO INDY STYLE LEGEND JACKET

[chenricy]

I am looking to buy the best Indy Jacket I can and was just wondering if anyone has any feedback on us wings kangaroo jacket? Has to be the most expensive I have seen and am dying to know if it is actually worth it.

[backstagejack]

I don't own one myself, but everything I've heard is that it's incredible and tough as nails... or tougher.

[Indiana Jeff]

I have one. I haven't had it long enough to comment on it's long-term durability, but seeing as kangaroo hide has the highest tensile strength of any leather and these particular jackets are made by the fine people as Schott; I have no concerns about it outlasting me.

Taken from Held Rider Equipment http://heldbikegear.blogspot.qa/2012/11 ... ained.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kangaroo hide is far more abrasion resistant than cowhide of the same thickness. This is because, unlike cows, kangaroos only sweat through their tail and therefore there are no pores in the hide. Kangaroo garments can therefore be lighter and provide more ‘feel’. Special tanning and drying methods mean kangaroo hide is resistant to moisture and so is less likely to loose its shape or degrade over time.

As for look, as with all USW jackets there are jackets out there that are more screen accurate, but the Legend is the best to SA USW offers. It is a slimmer cut jacket than their other Indy lines. The color is more russet in tone so again, isn't the most SA, but I like having the variety in my closet.

I wore mine recently and over a three day period received over a dozen compliments. These are people who appreciated the jacket itself with no awareness it is an Indy jacket.

Now, to your question of a 'best Indy jacket' that's completely subjective. What is 'best' to you?

Regards,

Indianan Jeff

[chenricy]

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys!

Perfect for me would be exact screen replica. I live in Florida so the thinner the lighter the better. Started with Wested which I know is a good company but because of problems with the size and spending so much money on shipping ( both receiving and returning ) that it wasn't worth it for me to try again.

This experience really kind of soured me on getting anything overseas and US wings seems to be the best in the US. And since they're kangaroo hide is the thinnest and obviously the most durable it sounds like that would be my choice. It just seems by the pictures that it doesn't have that soft hanging on the shoulders look that indy wears. And for that money it should look perfect! I don't live in the cold, ride a motorcycle or go hiking; i'm getting an adventurebuilt hat and a David Morgan whip and I want to complete the perfect look ( #### I even bought the J.Crew boots ). Looking for expert guidance

[Tibor]

You sound very committed to SA details, and I have to suggest you contact Bill Kelso Mfg. They offer any of the three styles used in Raiders Hawaii, Cairo and Prototype and between their leather, quality and SA cut, they still set the standard. Steele and Jones are right up there with accuracy too, and frankly, cut-wise, so is Todd's. The disadvantage with Todd's is there is no customization so you have to fit the off-the-rack sizes. In my experience, the fit is as important with an Indy jacket as anything else to get the look.

Since you're looking at high-end jackets, definitely give Kelso a look: http://www.billkelsomfg.com/store/en.php?p=home" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It's under "Civilian Jackets" - and called "Relic Hunter"

If you want to spend less, check with Steele and Jones:
http://www.steele-jones.com.ar/en/home.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Outstanding customer service as well.

Good luck in you quest!

[chenricy]

Outstanding reply man thanks for taking the time!
What happen with Wested was I ordered the custom fit, sent all my additional measurements and even pictures of myself to make sure it would've been the right fit. It was not. The problem was spending $90 to receive it then another 150 to send it back to them. At that point they might have fixed it and I wouod have got the exact coat I wanted but I chose the refund to cut my losses. Have the shipping been free it would not have been a problem and they did try to help.

I checked those websites you mentioned and they do look exactly what I'm looking for but I'm sure you can understand my extreme hesitation of going the overseas route again. Any other suggestions you might have so I can prevent losing money again would be greatly appreciated.

[ChrisMD]

Outstanding reply man thanks for taking the time!
What happen with Wested was I ordered the custom fit, sent all my additional measurements and even pictures of myself to make sure it would've been the right fit. It was not. The problem was spending $90 to receive it then another 150 to send it back to them. At that point they might have fixed it and I wouod have got the exact coat I wanted but I chose the refund to cut my losses. Have the shipping been free it would not have been a problem and they did try to help.

I checked those websites you mentioned and they do look exactly what I'm looking for but I'm sure you can understand my extreme hesitation of going the overseas route again. Any other suggestions you might have so I can prevent losing money again would be greatly appreciated.

If you want "exact screen accuracy" Kelso or S&J as others have mentioned. You might have to go overseas. The trick is, have a tailor measure you so you know your true measurements. Don't leave anything to chance and you should be fine.

[Tibor]

Outstanding reply man thanks for taking the time!
What happen with Wested was I ordered the custom fit, sent all my additional measurements and even pictures of myself to make sure it would've been the right fit. It was not. The problem was spending $90 to receive it then another 150 to send it back to them. At that point they might have fixed it and I wouod have got the exact coat I wanted but I chose the refund to cut my losses. Have the shipping been free it would not have been a problem and they did try to help.

I checked those websites you mentioned and they do look exactly what I'm looking for but I'm sure you can understand my extreme hesitation of going the overseas route again. Any other suggestions you might have so I can prevent losing money again would be greatly appreciated.

Go ahead and go "overseas". Both have exceptional service that would not resemble your experience with Wested. Generally I've found that Kelso doesn't respond to many questions until you place an order online, but thereafter they're very responsive and work through all the details.

Steele and Jones represent the best customer service I've had in the Indy jacket world - you won't be disappointed. They will respond from your first email on and stay connected through the the whole process.

[Michaelson]

You may want to start a brand new thread, as this went from your original question about wanting feedback on the 'roo USW jacket, to wanting a SA jacket and other vendor suggestions.

If you're still wanting any 'roo info, you may find this thread of interest, as it HAS the info regarding that particular jacket by owners.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60466" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regard! Michaelson