Final checks on my Wested Raiders
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Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Alright, the time has finally come. I'm going to be placing an order for my first Wested jacket, a custom Raiders. For those of you with more experience, could you please review my specs and tell me if you think they look roughly correct.
I am 5'7 (170cm) in height.
Measurements:
Chest: 41 (drop down box on the site doesn't have 41 as an option so I'm presuming I should go 42?)
Back: 25 (I like my jacket to sit a little below the belt)
Sleeve: 23
Shoulder: 7.5
Skin: Authentic brown Goatskin/Shrunken lamb (still can't decide, I've asked to see pictures of the current batches to compare colours). I really want a nice dark/chocolate brown, not light or so dark it's nearly black.
Lining: Cotton body with satin sleeves
Side Straps: D rings with X-box stitch
Extras:
Gussets: Yes
Extra inside pocket: Yes
Special Requests:
Elastic bands in the back to stop the action pleats from sticking out as much.
If there's anything that you guys think needs to be changed or added, please let me know.
Cheers!
I am 5'7 (170cm) in height.
Measurements:
Chest: 41 (drop down box on the site doesn't have 41 as an option so I'm presuming I should go 42?)
Back: 25 (I like my jacket to sit a little below the belt)
Sleeve: 23
Shoulder: 7.5
Skin: Authentic brown Goatskin/Shrunken lamb (still can't decide, I've asked to see pictures of the current batches to compare colours). I really want a nice dark/chocolate brown, not light or so dark it's nearly black.
Lining: Cotton body with satin sleeves
Side Straps: D rings with X-box stitch
Extras:
Gussets: Yes
Extra inside pocket: Yes
Special Requests:
Elastic bands in the back to stop the action pleats from sticking out as much.
If there's anything that you guys think needs to be changed or added, please let me know.
Cheers!
Last edited by Pris on Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Why D-rings instead of the buckles? The latter are accurate to Raiders.
Also, is there a reason you went for the custom instead of the Hero jacket? That's generally agreed to be about as close as you can get from Wested.
regarding the satin sleeves, not a bad choice, but before you decide, consider what you'll likely be wearing under the jacket: if it's a t-shirt, cotton sleeves will be more comfortable. If a long sleeve shirt, then you made the right choice.
Also, congrats on your first jacket.
Also, is there a reason you went for the custom instead of the Hero jacket? That's generally agreed to be about as close as you can get from Wested.
regarding the satin sleeves, not a bad choice, but before you decide, consider what you'll likely be wearing under the jacket: if it's a t-shirt, cotton sleeves will be more comfortable. If a long sleeve shirt, then you made the right choice.
Also, congrats on your first jacket.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
I just saw more people go with D rings. Never really considered buckles but nowMulceber wrote:Why D-rings instead of the buckles? The latter are accurate to Raiders.
Also, is there a reason you went for the custom instead of the Hero jacket? That's generally agreed to be about as close as you can get from Wested.
Also, congrats on your first jacket.
I went for a custom, because I can get it made to (hopefully) fit exactly to my measurements and because I've read that it's made to be more durable and functional than a Hero jacket. I'm going more for functionality than SA.
Thank you! I'm hoping the stars will align, there'll be no serious mishaps, and it'll be a jacket that I can wear for years to come.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Yep, they're the more accurate ones. The only hang up is that Wested makes the straps too long for the buckles, so people typically request that they make the straps 6.5" long (if I recall correctly - if someone else could confirm that would be great - I'd hate to give bad advice).Pris wrote:I just saw more people go with D rings. Never really considered buckles but now
Sounds like you've got good reasons and you've thought it through.I went for a custom, because I can get it made to (hopefully) fit exactly to my measurements and because I've read that it's made to be more durable and functional than a Hero jacket. I'm going more for functionality than SA.
You might also give some thought to what type of use you're going to put it through and what type of hide you should order. Lambskin isn't a very tough leather. Goatskin, Cowhide or even Horsehide would be tougher. But if it's just everyday wear, lamb should be fine.
- Cajunkraut
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Any idea when Wested plans to resume operations?
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Well their website is up and running again, so...maybe now? It seems a bit early, but I don't know why they'd put the site back up if they weren't ready to take orders.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
I got an email from them the other day, quote "The new company will be trading as of Monday 6th November, so you will be able to address any enquiries that can’t be found on the website and place orders from the same website address from this date onward"
So hopefully that's still the case.
So hopefully that's still the case.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
You might also give some thought to what type of use you're going to put it through and what type of hide you should order. Lambskin isn't a very tough leather. Goatskin, Cowhide or even Horsehide would be tougher. But if it's just everyday wear, lamb should be fine.[/quote]
I'm getting so hung up on the leather haha. I think Goat is the perfect medium between weight and durability. Anything heavier and I wouldn't be able to wear it as often, as Perth weather never gets cold. I'm originally from Ireland so am used to much colder conditions. But I plan on travelling a fair bit. Heading to Peru next year, so I want something that can take a beating too, which is why I'm a bit wary about lamb. Plus the colour is the other big thing. I want that dark brown.
I'm getting so hung up on the leather haha. I think Goat is the perfect medium between weight and durability. Anything heavier and I wouldn't be able to wear it as often, as Perth weather never gets cold. I'm originally from Ireland so am used to much colder conditions. But I plan on travelling a fair bit. Heading to Peru next year, so I want something that can take a beating too, which is why I'm a bit wary about lamb. Plus the colour is the other big thing. I want that dark brown.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Sounds like goat is the hide for you.
- yellowduke
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
I would certainly recommend the goat. The lamb is so thin I could see my nipples poking through! It was a bit chilly in the shop that day.
The novapelle is a gorgeous feeling leather though and looks great in copper. That’s why I ended up with two jackets when I visited. I also got the chance to chat with Peter now sadly passed.
The novapelle is a gorgeous feeling leather though and looks great in copper. That’s why I ended up with two jackets when I visited. I also got the chance to chat with Peter now sadly passed.
- Indiana Joosse
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
How well has it distressed and what's the colour like? I've seen some that look almost black. I want my jacket to age well and not still look brand new in a few years.Indiana Joosse wrote:I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
My experience has been that goat doesn't weather very much unless you're really abusing it. If you're looking for something that will weather but still be tough, cow might be worth considering.
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Goat has lanolins in it which help contribute to keeping it more supple. It’s tough for its weight too. Nothing ages like good veg tanned cow though.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Yeah, I think cowhide (especially if you can get a thin cowhide, like what Magnoli has) is a good way to have your cake and eat it too - tough enough that you can wear it hard, but it'll still age beautifully.
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
It hasn't distressed a lot, but I never intentionally distressed it. Just some normal wear and tear.Pris wrote:How well has it distressed and what's the colour like? I've seen some that look almost black. I want my jacket to age well and not still look brand new in a few years.Indiana Joosse wrote:I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.
If you distress it on purpose I am sure it will distress more. I just wanted a jacket to wear.
And yes, it is dark and looks almost black in some pictures. Exactly like the one Ford was wearing in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
I have a recent picture of me wearing it in my thread about my new Everyman. If you like I can take more pictures for you.
Cheers,
Joosse
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
That'd be appreciated, if you have the time to spare.Indiana Joosse wrote:It hasn't distressed a lot, but I never intentionally distressed it. Just some normal wear and tear.Pris wrote:How well has it distressed and what's the colour like? I've seen some that look almost black. I want my jacket to age well and not still look brand new in a few years.Indiana Joosse wrote:I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.
If you distress it on purpose I am sure it will distress more. I just wanted a jacket to wear.
And yes, it is dark and looks almost black in some pictures. Exactly like the one Ford was wearing in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
I have a recent picture of me wearing it in my thread about my new Everyman. If you like I can take more pictures for you.
Cheers,
Joosse
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Was just having a look at some older forum posts and that shrunken lambskin colour is absolutely perfect. The goat seems a tad too dark for my liking. If only there was a skin that had the shrunken lamb colour and was able to distress nicely whilst also being durable. I think I'm going to go with the shrunken lamb you guys. That colour is exactly what I want.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Unless you have very short arms I'd say 23" sleeve isn't long enough. You need to measure down to the first knuckle remember. The off the rack jackets in your size have a 24-25 inch sleeve.
Also, yes if your chest measurement falls between sizing, order the size up.
In my opinion for the right colour you want the authentic lamb. Yes it does have a brand new shine to it, but it distresses well and is fairly durable. The shrunken lamb has a good surface texture, but unless you get a batch that is quite dark brown it just doesn't look right in my opinion. I recently got a hero jacket in brown cowhide, it's a thicker heavier skin but is comparable in colour to the authentic lamb. Mine was anyway. Lightweight skin options though, you've got Goat (too dark) or lamb/shrunken lamb. They might be offering the correct new Zealand lamb shortly, but nothing on the website yet. You could ask them about it. Mine's being delivered tomorrow.
Also, yes if your chest measurement falls between sizing, order the size up.
In my opinion for the right colour you want the authentic lamb. Yes it does have a brand new shine to it, but it distresses well and is fairly durable. The shrunken lamb has a good surface texture, but unless you get a batch that is quite dark brown it just doesn't look right in my opinion. I recently got a hero jacket in brown cowhide, it's a thicker heavier skin but is comparable in colour to the authentic lamb. Mine was anyway. Lightweight skin options though, you've got Goat (too dark) or lamb/shrunken lamb. They might be offering the correct new Zealand lamb shortly, but nothing on the website yet. You could ask them about it. Mine's being delivered tomorrow.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Please post some pictures when it arrives! I'll double check my arm measurements. I'd also love to see how your brown cowhide looks too.xmasters wrote:Unless you have very short arms I'd say 23" sleeve isn't long enough. The off the rack jackets in your size have a 24-25 inch sleeve.
Also, yes if your chest measurement falls between sizing, order the size up.
In my opinion for the right colour you want the authentic lamb. Yes it does have a brand new shine to it, but it distresses well and is fairly durable. The shrunken lamb has a good surface texture, but unless you get a batch that is quite dark brown it just doesn't look right in my opinion. I recently got a hero jacket in brown cowhide, it's a thicker heavier skin but is comparable in colour to the authentic lamb. Mine was anyway. Lightweight skin options though, you've got Goat (too dark) or lamb/shrunken lamb. They might be offering the correct new Zealand lamb shortly, but nothing on the website yet. You could ask them about it. Mine's being delivered tomorrow.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Remember to measure down to your first knuckle for the sleeves, and you have to allow for losing about half an inch in length as it crumples and folds up your arm.
Pictures of my cowhide jacket. Just a day old here, so not broken in at all.
https://imgur.com/a/rZtVy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Pictures of my cowhide jacket. Just a day old here, so not broken in at all.
https://imgur.com/a/rZtVy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
congrats on a great jacket, xmasters. It has a lovely grain to it.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
That looks amazing. Great fit too from the look of things.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Thanks guys, I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered it (the skin), but it's working out well in the colder weather. I still favour the lighter weight skins, for mild weather conditions, but if you want something that feels substantial then brown cowhide it's an option to consider.
Off the rack Raiders jacket in Authentic Lamb:
https://imgur.com/gallery/l9tfP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Off the rack Raiders jacket in Authentic Lamb:
https://imgur.com/gallery/l9tfP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Nice! Did the off the rack jacket have a cotton sleeve lining or satin?xmasters wrote:Thanks guys, I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered it (the skin), but it's working out well in the colder weather. I still favour the lighter weight skins, for mild weather conditions, but if you want something that feels substantial then brown cowhide it's an option to consider.
Off the rack Raiders jacket in Authentic Lamb:
https://imgur.com/gallery/l9tfP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Cheers! I've got an old Wested Lamb, with the cotton sleeves, but was thinking of getting an off the rack goat. Will go custom though, as I hate the satin sleeves over a t-shirt.
Last edited by michaeljcr on Tue Nov 07, 2017 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Satin sleeves. All the off the rack Indy jackets do, if you order a custom or hero jacket you have the option of cotton. Hero is cotton by default, but Satin can be chosen. I actually chose Satin sleeves for that Cowhide Hero jacket above.If you want to layer more than one garment under the the jacket, I just prefer Satin in that regard. Although cotton sleeves do give a bit more of a warm feeling in the arms.
I recieved the New Zealand lamb jacket today. My instant opinion is that it's definitely the skin you want for a Raiders jacket, if screen accuracy is important. It's probably a bit lighter in weight than the Authentic Lamb, very slightly. Has a matt finish. I would only select that skin for the Raiders jacket though. I would select Authentic Lamb for the Last Crusade jacket.
I recieved the New Zealand lamb jacket today. My instant opinion is that it's definitely the skin you want for a Raiders jacket, if screen accuracy is important. It's probably a bit lighter in weight than the Authentic Lamb, very slightly. Has a matt finish. I would only select that skin for the Raiders jacket though. I would select Authentic Lamb for the Last Crusade jacket.
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Mine is a goat leather and I love it ...
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Picture of my Raiders jacket in the NZ Washed Lamb. Only just started wearing it yesterday and today. I like it.
https://imgur.com/a/y14PG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://imgur.com/a/y14PG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Order placed! Finally went with shrunken lambskin as I do spend the majority of my time in Australia which doesn't have very cold weather. If the jacket turns out nicely then I'll probably buy a heavier skin for travelling overseas.
Thanks for everyone's help
Thanks for everyone's help
- Kt Templar
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
That's the ticket. Enjoy! The grain will get better and better as it pops out.xmasters wrote:Picture of my Raiders jacket in the NZ Washed Lamb. Only just started wearing it yesterday and today. I like it.
https://imgur.com/a/y14PG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Yup! I'm loving it. Another pic indoors. https://imgur.com/a/S0AVP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Indiana Joosse
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Sorry it took so long.
Pictures here of my Wested ROLA in goat. That's the dark jacket and it is almost ten years old now. Worn it quite a bit.
The other jacket is my new Wested Last Crusade in preparation distressed hide. I got that a few weeks ago, just before Peter passed away.
http://i.imgur.com/sowMwyY.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i.imgur.com/PCKpD7B.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i.imgur.com/R6Iv3KM.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If it's a distressed looking jacket you want, that might be a better option for you.
Cheers,
Joosse
Pictures here of my Wested ROLA in goat. That's the dark jacket and it is almost ten years old now. Worn it quite a bit.
The other jacket is my new Wested Last Crusade in preparation distressed hide. I got that a few weeks ago, just before Peter passed away.
http://i.imgur.com/sowMwyY.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i.imgur.com/PCKpD7B.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://i.imgur.com/R6Iv3KM.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If it's a distressed looking jacket you want, that might be a better option for you.
Cheers,
Joosse
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
I’m about to order a HERO and I’m a little nervous about my measurements. I’ve recently lost 30lbs (the Jacket is my reward for hitting my first goal) but I’m currently between sizes. My XL US Wings just fits me but my XXL off the rack Levi jacket is a little big on me. I’m a wide framed person.
So here’s the puzzle that’s got me confused:
5.10/11
262lbs
Chest: 50inch
Sleeve: 24.5inch (measuring to first knuckle in thumb)
Back: 25inch
My US Wings (that’s a bit small) is
Chest: 48
Sleeve: 23 inch (sits a bit short on me but not much)
Back: 27inch (also a bit short but fine)
Levi’s off the rack leather jacket
Chest: lots of room but not sure
Sleeve: 28 (goes to my second knuckles)
Back: 28 (sits fine)
I’m heading to the tailor to have them measure me as well. Any Hero vets have any advice for me given the info I’ve provided?
So here’s the puzzle that’s got me confused:
5.10/11
262lbs
Chest: 50inch
Sleeve: 24.5inch (measuring to first knuckle in thumb)
Back: 25inch
My US Wings (that’s a bit small) is
Chest: 48
Sleeve: 23 inch (sits a bit short on me but not much)
Back: 27inch (also a bit short but fine)
Levi’s off the rack leather jacket
Chest: lots of room but not sure
Sleeve: 28 (goes to my second knuckles)
Back: 28 (sits fine)
I’m heading to the tailor to have them measure me as well. Any Hero vets have any advice for me given the info I’ve provided?
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
If your chest measures between a size then Size up, not down. Your back and arm measurments sound about right for a Hero jacket.
You can email them before if you have specific concerns.
You can email them before if you have specific concerns.
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Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Wested's new distressed hide still looks as same as before, too bad.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
It's not the same, and it's much softer.
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Figured I'd post some pictures of the jacket now that I've finally got it. Please excuse the horrible mirror photgraphy, I had nobody around to take a picture of me in it. Very happy with it so far, it sits the tiniest bit off my shoulder and the sleeves are ever so slightly too long but I figure they'll come up a bit after I've worn it for a while. Other than that I think I nailed my measurements. Particularly happy with the length.
https://flic.kr/p/229UQk7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/21Sng3z" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/DzKnk2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/DzJQVe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/229UQk7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/21Sng3z" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/DzKnk2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/DzJQVe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Yeah it looks good I'd say. Is that the goatskin?
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Nah I ended up going with shrunken lamb which I'm glad I did, I think goat would've been to heavy for where I live. I'll get more use out of it this way, plus I got it when I was in Ireland and wore it around with a jumper underneath while it was snowing and I was nice and warm so best of both worlds in that respect.xmasters wrote:Yeah it looks good I'd say. Is that the goatskin?
Re: Final checks on my Wested Raiders
Yep good choice, looks great, good colour.