Flightsuits Jackets--are they worth it?

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Tue May 11, 2004 2:49 pm

I've had a Wested pre-distressed cowhide for about 3 years and year it almost everyday I wear a jacket. I'm very happy with it but have a urge to get another Indy-style jacket. I have no problem ordering another Wested--probably a goat skin--but I was wondering if the Flighsuits jacket was actually worthy or not?

I'm now beyond the whole, 'screen authenticity' thing and simply want a well-made jacket of this style.

Any comments?

IndianaGuybrush · Post by **IndianaGuybrush** » Tue May 11, 2004 3:04 pm

Falstaff, there are a whole slew of posts on this topic, so let me condense them for you

I think the general consensus is... there is no consensus. Seriously, all three of the makers of the Indy jacket (Flightsuits, USWings and Wested) have their critics and their champions. For more in-depth info than that I suggest a search.

For my money, I think getting the jacket done by Wested is the way to go, but I only say that because the only Indy jacket I've ever owned is a Wested. I do know that US Wings only sells in sizes like M, L, and XL, and they don't do custom tailoring. FS jackets, at least the expo, seems to run in even suit sizes 36-48 regular or tall, and I'm not sure if they do extra tailoring. I don't know the customer service policies with either of the other two companies, but Wested's is top notch. If you have any problem with your jacket they will be more than happy to accomodate you. Also, a Wested will run you about $100 less than a FS.

If it's an option for you I suggest checking out the jacket's yourself. Maybe wait until there is a summit you can attend to check them out.

Hope this helped, best of luck in your jacket quest.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 11, 2004 3:10 pm

I was working on a reply when I was interrupted by a phone call. When I came back, I read the post above, and can't add a word to it.

Your definitive question was 'is it worth it'. Sure.

Stay away from 'is it better than such and such'. You'll NEVER get an answer you'll want with that one. But worth it? Absolutely. So is the Wested, and the Wings.

Regards. Michaelson

Minnesota Jones · Post by **Minnesota Jones** » Tue May 11, 2004 3:36 pm

I have a FS. Do I love it? Yes I do. My favorite jacket. I also have two USWings. A goat and a cow. Do I love them? Again, yes I do. Each jacket is a little different color/weight and I use them for different things.

So yes, a Flightsuit is worth the money. But since I don't own a Wested, I can't make that statement about them. But I'm sure from everything I've read, I'd probably love that too...

Heck, even some of the Disney jackets aren't too bad either. So any of these jackets should suit a gearhead's purpose. They all have action pleats, side adjustment straps, bucket cuffs (all your "Indy" features of a leather Indy Jacket), but different leathers, different small details (gussets for example), and different construction. So it's a Ford/Chevy/Mopar choice for most people. Good luck!

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Tue May 11, 2004 4:24 pm

I think what I'm really looking for is another Indy jacket that's really well made and a bit different than my Wested. I've wanted another leather jacket for a while, but couldn't settle on a style I liked other than this one. No matter what kind of jacket I looked at I always kept coming back to Indy's jacket. I like it, not becasue I love the character and movies, but because I think its one heck of a nice jacket. Now that I've decided to another one, I just can't make up my mind on which one to order. Wested will always be my first choice, but I'm curious about the Flightsuits offering.

There're some things that I hope turn out different on my next jacket. I want the collar to be smaller, the entire jacket to fit a bit moe snug, and the leather to be softer than my cowhide. I know Wested will happily do whatever I want, I just want to consider going completely different.

Minnesota Jones · Post by **Minnesota Jones** » Tue May 11, 2004 4:38 pm

I know since the A-2 Leather Jacket was part of the basic of Indy's Jacket style, a lot of Gearheads have turned into A-2 fans as well. Maybe you'd want to try an A-2 for something different....

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:20 am

Falstaff wrote:I think what I'm really looking for is another Indy jacket that's really well made and a bit different than my Wested. I've wanted another leather jacket for a while, but couldn't settle on a style I liked other than this one.... Wested will always be my first choice, but I'm curious about the Flightsuits offering.

There're some things that I hope turn out different on my next jacket. I want the collar to be smaller, the entire jacket to fit a bit moe snug, and the leather to be softer than my cowhide. I know Wested will happily do whatever I want, I just want to consider going completely different.

Minnesota Jones wrote:I have a FS. Do I love it? Yes I do. My favorite jacket. I also have two USWings. A goat and a cow. Do I love them? Again, yes I do. Each jacket is a little different color/weight and I use them for different things.

So yes, a Flightsuit is worth the money. But since I don't own a Wested, I can't make that statement about them. But I'm sure from everything I've read, I'd probably love that too...

At this time I own a pre-distressed Wested cowhide as well as a pre-distressed cowhide Expedition. I love them both and wear them on different occasions. Although the Wested is definitely a quality jacket, the Expo surpasses it with its top grade leather and military spec stitching.
As for your comment regarding a snug fit, my Wested fits more snugly but that may be b/c I ordered the smaller 80's pattern. The great thing about the extra room in the Expo is that I can wear a sweatshirt or sweater underneath it and still have mobility.
Also keep in mind that mods to your G & B will cost quite a bit. Flightsuits wanted an additional $200 just to extend the zipper (like the film jacket) so I said forget it. Peter charged me nothing to extend the zipper on my Wested.
Hope this helps,
I.J.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Wed May 12, 2004 8:14 am

If money was no object, I would spread it around a bit to all of our vendors. Heck... If I won powerball I would be buying Akubras and Westeds for all who didn't have one of each.

If you have the money, get an FS... support the vendors that have been so good to us. All of them.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed May 12, 2004 10:33 am

Well said, Ren. Regards. Michaelson

junior · Post by **junior** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:23 pm

If you have the means, get one. If you don't like it you can return it at no cost. But you won't be doing that.

After you put it on, you'll never look back.

junior

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed May 12, 2004 1:44 pm

junior wrote:If you have the means, get one. If you don't like it you can return it at no cost. But you won't be doing that.

After you put it on, you'll never look back.

junior

That’s right. If you get a standard expedition, you can send it right back if you don’t like it. Is it worth the money? No question. I agree, if you can afford it, get it. Cheers

Captain D · Post by **Captain D** » Wed May 12, 2004 11:46 pm

Having personally seen and worn a Flighstuits jacket in person, I can vouch by saying that Flighsuits is worth the $$ investment.

However, as a few gearheads and I have discovered just the other day, Wested has perfected their jackets, (especially the "Raiders" style jacket), to the point that they are virtually exact to the Flightsuits. Yes, the Flightsuits stitching is military spec, and the interior/inside straps are placed in the interior, where Wested places them on the exterior. So, Westeds' are also worth the $$ investment as well.

Either jacket you choose will be worth your $$ investment my friend!

Kind Regards,
Capt. D

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Thu May 13, 2004 10:24 am

Thanks for all you advice, guys! I've been reading through previous posts and snooping around on the internet and have come to the conclusion that I will indeed buy a Flightsuits Expedition sometime within the next 6 months. I love my Wested and really respect the company and everything they've done for us gearheads, but agree that we should all spread our business around. The Expedition will be darker and of a different leather than my Wested, and I'll wear it for different occasions. I'm sure I'll enjoy it as much as my faithful old Wested.

Now, which leather?

If anyone has any advice, please give it. I think I'm rather partial to the goatskin becasue I want the jacket to be tough and last for many, many adventures. Any preferences?

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu May 13, 2004 10:59 am

I chose goatskin for my Wested for the simple fact of it's durability and natural water repelant properties. (I Pecarded my jacket, nonetheless.) My thinking was that if I could only ever have one good leather jacket, it should be tough enough to last my lifetime. With proper care, I don't see why the goatskin shouldn't do just that.

bink

junior · Post by **junior** » Thu May 13, 2004 11:00 am

When mine was made they had two goatskin offerings: dark brown and seal brown with the seal being more of a milk chocolate color. I chose the seal because it, too me, seemed more of the shade of brown you see on screen.

Currently, in goat, they offer two colors: light seal brown and dark seal brown. The light seal they have is the same as the old "seal brown" that I chose. The dark seak is the old "dark brown" that many people like as well.

At somepoint I am getting another one and will probably go with lamb just so I have some options as the weather dictates. Currently, the lamb only comes in dark brown (dark seal) - wish they had it in the light seal.

BTW - if I'm not mistaken, the shade of brown that Peter has for the "authentic brown" are, too me, the same as the light seal Flightsuits is using. Glad to hear that Wested's Raiders jacket has kinks worked out of it.

Enjoy,

junior

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Thu May 13, 2004 11:20 am

You really have only two choices as far as type of leather. The lambskin is their darkest color and very light weight and drapes extremely well but which may or may not be suitable for you Canadian climate, and can be prone to snags; and then their is the goatskin. The goat is like you say tougher, slightly heavier, and the drape would be better than your cow and a close second to the lambskin and a good compromise especially since you’re leaning that way anyway. So it comes down to color; their Dark Seal Goatskin which is a bit lighter in color than their lambskin (and would be my personal choice) or the Seal Goatskin which is a lighter color still and some would say closest to Wested’s Authentic lamb/goat and I suppose depending on who you talk to, more screen accurate in color, but for my money not as rich a color as Wested’s Authentic hides.

So if you like a darker leather (which also looks dressier than a lighter color I’d say), I’d personally go for the Dark Seal goat, but if you want a so called “Authentic” color, I’d take the richer color of the Wested over the rather drab, lack luster color of the G&B Seal I’ve seen, IMO.

Good luck on your choice.

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Thu May 13, 2004 12:00 pm

Rixter wrote:
So if you like a darker leather (which also looks dressier than a lighter color I’d say), I’d personally go for the Dark Seal goat, but if you want a so called “Authentic” color, I’d take the richer color of the Wested over the rather drab, lack luster color of the G&B Seal I’ve seen, IMO.

Good luck on your choice.

Thanks for all the info on the colours. I'll go with the darker goat because my pre-distressed cow from Wested is a nice chocolate brown and I want my new jacket to be as different as possible. Plus, I do agree that the darker colour is more dressy.

I was hoping to wait until the summer was almost over before ordering the new jacket, but suddenly my credit-card is starting to speak to me!

Shishak · Post by **Shishak** » Thu May 13, 2004 12:47 pm

I've got the dark brown goat skin G&B and I love it! Before I ordered, I asked for leather samples and made my choice that way. I couldn't be happier. I'm glad you decided to go with the G&B - you won't be sorry. It's a tough jacket that will last you a lifetime of adventures.

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Fri May 14, 2004 5:35 pm

I just got myself all sized-up--looks like I'm a 44 regular. So unless there's a major change in things at home, I think I'll order a dark brown goatskin from Flightsuits within a two to three months. It's come down to a choice between a second Indy jacket that I won't wear all that much in the hot summer sun, and a new barbaque.

Mmmmmmm... Barbaque....

I think my stomach wins this round.

Thanks for all the help, gang!

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Fri May 14, 2004 6:41 pm

Ah, yes barbecue season. The only thing is the way I use a grill, I wonder if they make a flame retardant Indy jacket or if Kevlar-lined Indy would work just as well. ...hmm.

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Sat May 15, 2004 1:30 am

Falstaff wrote:I just got myself all sized-up--looks like I'm a 44 regular.

Interestingly, I've been sized at two men's stores in the past month---an off-the-rack 42R. However, my Expedition fits "the same" and it's a 40R. I'm not saying you should get a 42R Expo; I'm just sharing my experience.

Regards,

I.J.

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Sat May 15, 2004 1:43 am

I’ve also found that the shoulders and chest run larger than you would normally expect from your size as it is, particularly in the chest or body of the jacket and under the arms. But the difference between even sizes in Chest, shoulders, hips are as you would expect, two inches, while the sleeve length and overall length are both 1/2”. My advice would be to order both sizes and try them if you can swing it. They are more than willing to have you compare and will arrange for UPS pickup, return shipping paid I understand, for the one you decide against if you do not take more than a few days in making your decision. It's worth the extra effort for a jacket that will last you years and years.

SHARPETOYS · Post by **SHARPETOYS** » Sun May 16, 2004 12:33 pm

[quote]Interestingly, I've been sized at two men's stores in the past month---an off-the-rack 42R. However, my Expedition fits "the same" and it's a 40R. I'm not saying you should get a 42R Expo; I'm just sharing my experience.

Regards,

I.J.

I'm saying get the one size smaller. I wear a size 48R and the size 46R fits like its a Custom Made Jacket on me. I also ordered both sizes and i sent the larger size back. They are great jackets!

Lao Feng · Post by **Lao Feng** » Sun May 16, 2004 8:14 pm

Hi--I am currently going thru the sizing issue with the Expo. It is clear to me that the Expo runs a bit big. My chest size is 41. My 1987 Aivirex had to be size 42 because the WW 2 patters run small. My Wested Size 42 was too small. I ordered the Expo size 42 and it was way too big--I returned it and am waiting for the size 40 R.

I think I have broken the code on their sizing. If you read their sizing chart carefully, they ask for actual body measurements...then fit yourself into a size jacket on their chart (ie., all under Size 40 or size 42 regular are YOUR actual body measurements...not the jacket's finished measurements). The chart at top also tells you that they allow "extra material" in their standard size for a comfortable fit.

Then..I asked for finished measurements...there seems to be plenty of room!

For example..

Size 40 Reg Chest : 51 inch
Size 42 Reg Chest: 53 inch

If y'all are interested in the whole list of 40R, 40L, 42R "finsihed" measurements just let me know on this forum.

Bottom line: These run a bit big..but the comfort level is great. The ample arm pit holes really make a difference in movement and comfort.

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Mon May 17, 2004 10:24 am

Wow, what great sizing info guys!

I want this jacket to fit a bit more snug than my Wested because its going to be a spring/summer/fall jacket, not a cool fall/winter/cool spring one. I am 5'10" with an average weight, but broad shoulders and a big chest. I'll give it much thought before I order, but I'm inclined to try a size smaller.

The_Edge · Post by **The_Edge** » Mon May 17, 2004 7:34 pm

Word to the wise; be patient. It seems that some folks expect their Indy jacket to look perfect right out of the box. This may not be the case with the Expedition. I say this because when you first receive your G&B Expedition it will be stiff, clean, shiny and smooth. The front will probably look flat like a board, the sleaves will be straight tubes and the collar will look like the lower fins on a Lambda class Imperial shuttle. The G&B jacket requires wear and over time it will actually form around your body, develop unique folds and become very supple.

The G&B Expedition is the most perfect Indy jacket around. Nothing else comes close.

SHARPETOYS · Post by **SHARPETOYS** » Wed May 19, 2004 10:59 am

Quote

The G&B jacket requires wear and over time it will actually form around your body, develop unique folds and become very supple.

Mine is brand new. Look at my avatar picture still new and has a shine.

Falstaff · Post by **Falstaff** » Wed May 19, 2004 3:46 pm

I think most leathers require a break-in period--except maybe for lamb. My Wested pre-distrssed hide took lost of wear and a whole lot of Pecards to become soft and hang just right. The collar is still stiff, but the rest of the jacket would probably surprise a lot of people.

I have no trouble with beaking it in, I'm just looking forward to getting my hot little hands on the thing!

T.E. Lawrence · Post by **T.E. Lawrence** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 7:09 pm

No shortage of opinions here. I have an FS goat and I have tried to destroy it but to no avail. Finally soaked it in accetone and took out my aggression on it with a rocke and a wire brush. After 3 countries and slithering over boulders in the desert with hardly a scratch it finally no longer looks like I just bought it. I am looking into a Wested just for the name so I'll reserve further comment until I make my purchase. But I'm with you - The Raider jacket is a great look.

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Fri Jul 02, 2004 1:28 am

T.E. Lawrence wrote:I have an FS goat and I have tried to destroy it but to no avail. Finally soaked it in accetone and took out my aggression on it with a rocke and a wire brush. After 3 countries and slithering over boulders in the desert with hardly a scratch it finally no longer looks like I just bought it.

That's why I chose to get the pre-distressed cowhide Expedition. I just didn't want to abuse my FS goatskin jacket and have it come out looking as pristine as when I first bought it. At least this cowhide is distressing nicely.

I.J.

Michigan Smith · Post by **Michigan Smith** » Sat Jul 03, 2004 8:48 am

Well, I don't know about the Expedition, cause I've never found one on their clearance page that would fit me, but I just got my second goatskin A2 from them for $200 bucks and think it was a steal.

Axel · Post by **Axel** » Tue Jul 06, 2004 11:29 pm

Michigan Smith,

I got very lucky with G&B's clearance sale. I wear a 40 short jacket. I saw a 40R with slight grain mismatch ($299) and a 40L torso with 40 short sleeves ($249) on their clearance sale page. I called about the jackets. Unfortunately, they had been sold, but they told me they had a dark seal, goatskin Expedition that was made-to-measure with a 40R torso and 40S sleeves for $249. I couldn't believe my good fortune. I snapped it up. It fits perfectly. Although, I'm a little puzzled as to how they had a made-to-measure jacket for sale. I thought they did not allow returns on made-to-measure jackets. I didn't think to ask at the time because I was so excited to hear about the jacket.

Hopefully, you will get lucky with the clearance sale someday.

Axel