Wested Hero vs. Todd's

[kozmoedave]

Maybe an odd title for a thread, but...

I have a Todd's medium and it fits like a glove. I WANT a bulletproof jacket that's at least passably SA, although I'm not obsessive about minor things. So, I'm considering a Hero in goat. (Or maybe an LC in horsehide. Yes, I realize they're night and day, but I want one of each. You understand.)

Thing is, when I measure the Todd's, the measurements don't line up with Wested's. Example: the back of my Todd's only measures at 24", but for Wested's standard measurements, that's WAY too short for an 38-40 jacket, which is the smallest back measurement they give, at 26". I realize it would be a custom and made to order, but isn't that a little odd?

Second question: Should I go with a 38 or a 40, based on how the Todd's fits? I'm basing this off of other sites that state that a "medium" is a 38-40.

I'm not opposed to spending money (when I have it, which is rare), so I've considered getting an OTR Wested in either size. This would not only give me another jacket, but give me something to base a custom off of. I'm hesitant to contact them and ask for a copy of a Todd's, if you know what I mean.

Holt, feel free to chime in on this. I have a serious love for the LC jacket, and I'm on the fence about which way to go.

[Holt]

Hey,

First lesson, no jackets form any wendor are the same. They all are different.

You cannot even compare Todds Jacket with a wested standard. Its says it all right there. Standard. Whilst the Todds is highly patterned after the quirky Raiders jacket even tho they are made for of the rack.

I would save my money and buy a custom. You want custom over standards. Trust me

[kozmoedave]

That, I do.

So, as far as the discrepancy in back sizing... If I go custom, should I just give the measurements of my Todd's all the way around? The whole "they are all different" thing is what makes them great, but also scares me.

[Holt]

You can use it as a guide line yes but do you want a custom raiders jacket or a custom hero jacket? Those two jacket are two different animals as well.

The custom raiders is basicly the standard you get in of the rack only with your choice of specs.

The Hero is based of the Tony Nowak with the quirky specs like the of the shoulder feature and higher of set armholes.

[kozmoedave]

The fact that I like the Todd's so much leads me to think the Hero is the way to go. I'm mostly just worried I'd order the back too short.

Another question: Should I consider a double stitch for durability, or is that something I don't really need to bother with? I won't be rock climbing with it or anything; probably the most likelihood of damage will be due to lugging equipment made of wood and metal, or maybe rolling around with my kids. I just want it to last.

[Cajunkraut]

I love my Todd's too. His OTR sizing happens to fit me perfectly, and the texture and color are often identical to the coveted Kelso RH in my opinion.

From experience, just don't refer to Todd's jackets when chatting with Wested. Simply mention measurements from "another" Hero jacket clone you have. Trust me on this.

[kozmoedave]

Haha, good to know. That's kind of the impression I've gotten.

[Holt]

the hero is a different animal from the todds.

when ordering the hero DON'T order it with the size you want it to hang as it will hang lower due to the ''of the shoulder''. Order 1 to 1.5'' shorter then your preffered length.

this is tricky, I know.

[whiskyman]

I've had several Wested Heros in size 40 - usually with 24"back and 25" sleeves. MY Todds Medium fits almost exactly the same but with slightly shorter sleeves


Todds medium


Wested Hero size 40

[kozmoedave]

Yes! Whiskyman, your Todd's is the same size and fits you the same as mine. That clears up a LOT for me. Thank you!

[whiskyman]

Body-wise it's the same. I would have liked an extra inch on the sleeves to match my Westeds, but that's not an option. They're just long enough though

[kozmoedave]

Your arms must be just slightly longer than mine; the Todd's sleeves are just right for me.

[whiskyman]

Well then you might want to oder a Hero with 24" sleeves

[kozmoedave]

Indeed.

[davyjones007]

Sleeve length always seems to be the jacket maker or jacket killer. Measure twice, order once