Club Obi Wan

Chris, I wasn't going to say anything until you did, but I am honoured that my jacket made you take a second look and inspired you to purchase one. After all our conversations, I truly hope this ends up being the jacket you hope for.

Likewise, I've had a number of folks PM me about my jacket. All I can say is that I believe this jacket sells itself. I have no claim at stake with any vendor or piece of gear and I am FAR from being a "stitch nazi." (I was an early proponent of "close enough" and budget Indys, and still am.) I just do my best to present things as I see them and to give as honest an opinion as I can based off what I know first hand.

The reason I speak highly of this jacket and of Tony has everything to do with meeting the man and in owning this jacket. I have owned or still have Westeds and US Wings Indy jackets. I have handled and inspected up close various other Wested, Wings, Flightsuits/G&B as well as an early Keppler fan club jacket. I cannot say with certainty if I have seen a Todd's, though there may have been one at the QM Summit.

Each jacket is a good jacket in its own right and has a place in this hobby.

The fact that folks like Chris and Rundquist (who got to see it in person) have changed opinions regarding Tony's Indy I has everything to do with the jacket itself. The only credit I take is that the pictures shown are of the jacket I own.

As I have shared before, I have every reason to believe this IS the real deal. I also believe that this jacket will not be for everybody and that some wouldn't be happy even owning a screen used jacket. I also believe that pictures to not do this jacket or the leather justice, but apparently images of my jacket seem to contradict that in the eyes of some. I will still enjoy wear my Westeds and US Wings jackets (especially since it's raining today and goat is my raincoat of choice) but that if I want a true Raiders jacket, I'll reach for the Nowak every time.

I may have said this earlier, but I seriously haven't been this giddy over a piece of gear since I got into this hobby, and I'm more of a hat man that a jacket guy. There's a certain magic to this jacket in the way it feels and fits that I haven't gotten with any other jacket. My hope is that everyone who gets the Indy I will feel the same way.

Forget the jackets for a second and think of service. Tony is without question the best person I've ever dealt with in my life in that regard. He is doing something for me that is so generous I can't even write about it in detail, for fear others will take advantage of him.

He is class personified. He'll take good care of you and make sure you are happy with your purchase.

Jack

Kevin Anderson wrote: Where does this leave the rest of us, in other parts of the world?
I'd like a TN CS. Or a TN ROLA. What TN ordering experiences can other non-US COW members share?

I still don't have the jacket (even though Tony send me a mail telling me it won't be long ) But being in France don't stop me to make an order.
And Tony call you a lot if he need a confirmation or to re-check measurement.
So I'm sure I'll get what I want, I'll confirm this to you when I'll get the jacket!!!

"Dittos" to Bink and Easy......Hatch

I haven't been following too closely, but I see you ordered a jacket Speed, and you're in France? Exactly the sort of experience I'd like to hear about! Sounds all good so far; let us know (like you wouldn't!) how the jacket turns out!

Kevin Anderson wrote:I haven't been following too closely, but I see you ordered a jacket Speed, and you're in France? Exactly the sort of experience I'd like to hear about! Sounds all good so far; let us know (like you wouldn't!) how the jacket turns out!

Promise!!! and even post photos when I get it

eazybox wrote:Forget the jackets for a second and think of service. Tony is without question the best person I've ever dealt with in my life in that regard. He is doing something for me that is so generous I can't even write about it in detail, for fear others will take advantage of him.

He is class personified. He'll take good care of you and make sure you are happy with your purchase.

Jack

You are so right, Jack. Again, he insisted I have the jacket before the QM, even though I could've waited until then. He took time out of his own schedule to drive down and meet us with my jacket. He had also called me to get my measurements when ordering the jacket.

On a side note, he really is interested in what the fans have to say. Initially, he was scheduled to come to the QM Summit just on Saturday for Fort Mac and dinner that evening. When he found out the event started on Friday, he asked if he could come to that, too. "If you're going to attend an event like this, why not do it right and come for the whole thing?" Tony's already planning for next year. That alone speaks volumes.

binkmeisterRick wrote:

eazybox wrote:Forget the jackets for a second and think of service. Tony is without question the best person I've ever dealt with in my life in that regard. He is doing something for me that is so generous I can't even write about it in detail, for fear others will take advantage of him.

He is class personified. He'll take good care of you and make sure you are happy with your purchase.

Jack

You are so right, Jack. Again, he insisted I have the jacket before the QM, even though I could've waited until then. He took time out of his own schedule to drive down and meet us with my jacket. He had also called me to get my measurements when ordering the jacket.

On a side note, he really is interested in what the fans have to say. Initially, he was scheduled to come to the QM Summit just on Saturday for Fort Mac and dinner that evening. When he found out the event started on Friday, he asked if he could come to that, too. "If you're going to attend an event like this, why not do it right and come for the whole thing?" We were stunned that he took such an interest. Tony's already planning for next year. That alone speaks volumes.

You said it, Bink. It is also amazing to me to see how quickly he is turning this initially very skeptical crowd around. He must be some kind of magician! But seriously, he has earned all the success he's receiving.

Jack

Couldn't Tony be more vocal here, on what is without doubt the internet's largest and best Indy Gear site?
I mean, it's certainly the best way to attract new customers in his line of work. How did it happen in the past? Word of mouth, I guess, and this is the same, only on a much larger scale!
It's 2008. The internet is not as scary as it was. Even my Parents can email!
So talk to us Tony! I think you kind of look like Gene Hackman, and he's awesome, so get online, when you can, and say hello!

Kevin Anderson wrote:Couldn't Tony be more vocal here, on what is without doubt the internet's largest and best Indy Gear site?
I mean, it's certainly the best way to attract new customers in his line of work. How did it happen in the past? Word of mouth, I guess, and this is the same, only on a much larger scale!
It's 2008. The internet is not as scary as it was. Even my Parents can email!
So talk to us Tony! I think you kind of look like Gene Hackman, and he's awesome, so get online, when you can, and say hello!

Well, he has said that he prefers to let his work speak for itself; but I'd love to see him post here as well.

Jack

And his work does speak for itself, from the pics I've seen.
Maybe I'm just hoping for a personal message from Tony himself, to tip me over the edge and make me order ANOTHER Indy jacket!
Seriously, it's an illness, but a darn fun one!

Kevin Anderson wrote:And his work does speak for itself, from the pics I've seen.
Maybe I'm just hoping for a personal message from Tony himself, to tip me over the edge and make me order ANOTHER Indy jacket!
Seriously, it's an illness, but a darn fun one!

Ask Bink to convince you, he is really good at that ;-)
He convinced me even without trying!!!

Holy COW! What more do you need? If all that we've said hasn't convinced you to give the guy a try, what ever will? CALL HIM!

Jack

Kevin Anderson wrote:I can't help but feel these jackets from Tony require a visit to the man himself. Or at least, to be on the same continent!
Where does this leave the rest of us, in other parts of the world?
I'd like a TN CS. Or a TN ROLA. What TN ordering experiences can other non-US COW members share?

Kevin, I ordered from him without visiting him, I don't think it's a big deal.

However, when I get my Indy I jacket, I'll make the trip down (he's only about 500 miles away). I think the fit of my CS jacket could be a little better (binds a bit with movement, and my pleats lay open a bit too much, which I think has something to do with the slope of my shoulders, as all the Indy jackets I've worn do this; it was funny to search the Indyfan vault a couple of days ago to see my previous whining about this on my Wested and G&B and it'd be nice to finally nail it down).

Heck man, come on up, I'll meet you there.

Wouldn't I love that. I love the US, and I don't even live there.
But we're great allies, Australia and the US of A. Only difference is, you've got a leader (soon) who looks and acts like a leader, and we've got a Muppet without a puppeteer.
I envy you folks over there. Truly a beautiful country.
I'll be quiet now, and order a TN, in either CS or Indy 1, when finances allow. Have you seen what the Aussie dollar is worth now? Leaves on trees are worth more here!

The Akubra Fed IV was made to exacting specifications, by die-hard fans, that not too many people disagree that it's a pretty good (if not precise) representation of everything that the Indy fedora SHOULD be.

Right?

And it was made and designed to be affordable.

Right?

I know good quality leather is more expensive than rabbit fur, but... I don't mean to sound like a cheapskate, but I'd be willing to forgoe the hand-holding of the customer service, if this jacket were to be made a bit more affordable.

Does Mr. Nowak take trades?


And I second the bid for Mr. Nowak to chime in here. I'd love to see if he's in need of any cabinets or something I could make for him, in trade. My wife'll evacuate herself, if I spent that much on ANOTHER Indy item.

Echo, I appreciate where you're coming from, but I don't believe Tony would EVER consider forgoing his customer service in order to make a "cheap" jacket. I wouldn't want him to, either. Besides, not many vendors go out of their way to work with you like this. It's a dying art, right there, and one I truly appreciate. There are plenty of other viable options for those who want a good, low budget Indy jacket and they fit that niche nicely. The Indy I is priced due to the shrunken lamb he uses which is hard to source. He is looking into another option for those who don't mind an alternative leather, but if you want the closest thing to butter outside the animal it came from, you gotta pay for the real thing. Tony knows his jacket won't be for everybody, and he's fine with that.

As for the Akubra comparison, if they were made with beaver fur, they wouldn't be so affordable. And yes, they are close to the real deal, but they are not a duplicate of the real deal like this jacket is. It's like asking for champaign for the price of beer. I know Tony's Raider I is pricey, but I think this jacket is worth it. When he settles on a leather alternative for a less expensive version of the Indy I, it'll probably be the same price as his usual CS jackets.

SpeedRcrX wrote:Ask Bink to convince you, he is really good at that ;-)
He convinced me even without trying!!!

Thanks for the flattery, Speed, but all I will do is share my opinions based off my personal experience with Tony and the jacket. It's 1000% up to the individual to make that decision. Heck, if it would've been somebody else's jacket, you'd be asking that person! ;-)

Should be here in approx 10 days so I will be sure to post some pics and my initial thoughts about what arrives in that FedEx package!

Chris, yours is the review I've been waiting for. I know it will be unbiased and as always I trust your judgement since we think so much alike.

binkmeisterRick wrote: Thanks for the flattery, Speed, but all I will do is share my opinions based off my personal experience with Tony and the jacket. It's 1000% up to the individual to make that decision. Heck, if it would've been somebody else's jacket, you'd be asking that person! ;-)

It's your experience with Tony that convince me to take the plunge that's why I said you convince people even without trying.

Of course I could have ask someone else but I know you to be honest and unbiased.

So when you told me about you order and exchange with Tony, I was convince.

For now, I can tell you I have the same experience with Tony like you and certainly many others who own a TN's Jacket.

agent5 wrote:

Should be here in approx 10 days so I will be sure to post some pics and my initial thoughts about what arrives in that FedEx package!

Chris, yours is the review I've been waiting for. I know it will be unbiased and as always I trust your judgement since we think so much alike.

I have no doubts whatsoever that you will be buying one. From what I've seen (with the two new hides), he can cover any jacket in the movie. I opted for number "22" (as in catch-22).

Oh, I've been looking since day one, but there is one thing standing between me and the jacket.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I am liking what I see so far, especially the vast choices of leathers. We all like choices. It seems that even if you don't like the dino-hide, thats okay. Like you said, it's a very personal decision and there are plenty of choices to go around. From what I've heard there is bound to be something you will love. Everyone I know with an Indy4 is more than pleased with it and the more Raiders jackets I see the more I like. I've not heard one single shred of negativity about Tony or his product. He just seems to want to please. It's just a win-win for the whole community.

agent5 wrote:Oh, I've been looking since day one, but there is one thing standing between me and the jacket.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I am liking what I see so far, especially the vast choices of leathers. We all like choices. It seems that even if you don't like the dino-hide, thats okay. Like you said, it's a very personal decision and there are plenty of choices to go around. From what I've heard there is bound to be something you will love. Everyone I know with an Indy4 is more than pleased with it and the more Raiders jackets I see the more I like. I've not heard one single shred of negativity about Tony or his product. He just seems to want to please. It's just a win-win for the whole community.

It's a MOD EDIT lot of money. I guess my point is that he's got something on the horizon that even the dino-hide detractors will like (not that I'm calling you a detractor). Cheers

(not that I'm calling you a detractor).

I honestly think thats a fair call on me. I really didn't like what I saw in the photos and I think it's okay to have an opinion on the that alone, but I still haven't seen it in person. I know that makes all the difference. Then it will be a more informed opinion. I look forward to it.

I am wearing 'THE' jacket Fed Ex just dropped off my Nowak. Man It seems like a totally different jacket. Even though I know Ive worn this thing before Its like a whole different ball of wax. I would post pics but theres allready the pics I posted before. As far as the pics, Man I was floored when I saw them. A couple of them are from 'Desert Chase' scenes and the other two are Tony and Terry at his shop. Three of them are personalized to Tony from Terry and the other has a message to all of us. I will try to post these momentarily. All I can say about this jacket is I have found the holy grail. I could never buy another Indy jacket in my life and I would be happy and content.
Best Regards,
Joe

Indiana Williams wrote:I am wearing 'THE' jacket Fed Ex just dropped off my Nowak. Man It seems like a totally different jacket. Even though I know Ive worn this thing before Its like a whole different ball of wax. I would post pics but theres allready the pics I posted before. As far as the pics, Man I was floored when I saw them. A couple of them are from 'Desert Chase' scenes and the other two are Tony and Terry at his shop. Three of them are personalized to Tony from Terry and the other has a message to all of us. I will try to post these momentarily. All I can say about this jacket is I have found the holy grail. I could never buy another Indy jacket in my life and I would be happy and content.
Best Regards,
Joe

i am very happy that you own one now. i did a double take when i first read that you were not going to purchase a TN1.......she has a good home with a true gearhead ;-)

congratulations my friend

Indiana G wrote:
i am very happy that you own one now. i did a double take when i first read that you were not going to purchase a TN1.......she has a good home with a true gearhead ;-)

congratulations my friend

I'm not going to buy a TN1.

<waits for someone to offer theirs for sale, cheap>

Here are the Terry Leonard pics. Enjoy!




[/img]

Indiana G wrote:

Indiana Williams wrote:I am wearing 'THE' jacket Fed Ex just dropped off my Nowak. Man It seems like a totally different jacket. Even though I know Ive worn this thing before Its like a whole different ball of wax. I would post pics but theres allready the pics I posted before. As far as the pics, Man I was floored when I saw them. A couple of them are from 'Desert Chase' scenes and the other two are Tony and Terry at his shop. Three of them are personalized to Tony from Terry and the other has a message to all of us. I will try to post these momentarily. All I can say about this jacket is I have found the holy grail. I could never buy another Indy jacket in my life and I would be happy and content.
Best Regards,
Joe

i am very happy that you own one now. i did a double take when i first read that you were not going to purchase a TN1.......she has a good home with a true gearhead ;-)

congratulations my friend

Only because of you, G I still cant believe Im wearing this jacket. Its like a dream. Words cant describe. Thank you my friend.
Highest Regards,
Joe

Indiana Williams wrote:I am wearing 'THE' jacket Fed Ex just dropped off my Nowak. Man It seems like a totally different jacket. Even though I know Ive worn this thing before Its like a whole different ball of wax. I would post pics but theres allready the pics I posted before. As far as the pics, Man I was floored when I saw them. A couple of them are from 'Desert Chase' scenes and the other two are Tony and Terry at his shop. Three of them are personalized to Tony from Terry and the other has a message to all of us. I will try to post these momentarily. All I can say about this jacket is I have found the holy grail. I could never buy another Indy jacket in my life and I would be happy and content.
Best Regards,
Joe

With all due respect (to anyone that likes the Crystal Skull jacket or had anything to do with its creation), it just is not as cool as the Raider jacket that TN is offering (in my opinion). The CS jacket is a better-designed jacket for sure, but it just doesn’t have the swashbuckling mystique of that Raider jacket. That jacket is the A-bomb.

but IW is talking about a TN Indy 1 jacket rundquist...............

Indiana G wrote:but IW is talking about a TN Indy 1 jacket rundquist...............

Me and my big mouth. This is a TN "Raiders" thread, so I just assumed.

I need to read more carefully.

Edit- Upon further review, I read it right. My post was pretty much agreeing that the Raiders (Indy 1) is great. Beyond the fact that I really like Tony, what maters to me is his Raiders jacket (not that he built the Indy 4 jacket). I guess that's my point.

Rundquist wrote:

Indiana G wrote:but IW is talking about a TN Indy 1 jacket rundquist...............

Me and my big mouth. This is a TN "Raiders" thread, so I just assumed.

I need to read more carefully.

Edit- Upon further review, I read it right. My post was pretty much agreeing that the Raiders (Indy 1) is great.

no its not.................

Indiana G wrote:

Rundquist wrote:

Indiana G wrote:but IW is talking about a TN Indy 1 jacket rundquist...............

Me and my big mouth. This is a TN "Raiders" thread, so I just assumed.

I need to read more carefully.

Edit- Upon further review, I read it right. My post was pretty much agreeing that the Raiders (Indy 1) is great.

no its not.................

I thought that an "Indy 1" was a Raider jacket. That's what I remember on the inside of Tony's own Raiders jacket.

Indiana G wrote:

Rundquist wrote:

Indiana G wrote:but IW is talking about a TN Indy 1 jacket rundquist...............

Me and my big mouth. This is a TN "Raiders" thread, so I just assumed.

I need to read more carefully.

Edit- Upon further review, I read it right. My post was pretty much agreeing that the Raiders (Indy 1) is great.

no its not.................

Duh! You're joking.

Doughheads! (There, MJ, I got to use it!) Yes, the Indy I is the Raiders jacket.

binkmeisterRick wrote:Doughheads! (There, MJ, I got to use it!) Yes, the Indy I is the Raiders jacket.

"Love? That word is unknown here. I'm simply looking for a female swollen with eggs to accept my genetic material." ;-)

Well, I buckled like a belt, folded like a wallet, caved like a spelunker. #328 (shrunken lamb and all) is mine. I told Tony that I wanted a dead on replica of the "jacket that matters", gauged to my size, of course. I specifically mentioned Rick's name and jacket as my breaking point (also mentioning Castor, Hatch's, et al).


My wallet thanks you guys!

If you guys hate your jackets, you are not allowed to blame me!

binkmeisterRick wrote:If you guys hate your jackets, you are not allowed to blame me!

The only thing is, that some guys are going to opt for one of the two new hides down the line after they see it. Good things come to those that wait. The "dino hide" is really great for the Hawaii jacket. But that's the only place you really see the jacket in the movie. I still decided that the dino hide was the way to go just because it's "cooler". But the screen accuracy Nazi’s are going to have an embolism when they get a load of those new hides. Cheers

Wow, not one comment about the photos I posted I gotta say folks Im really suprised. Tony was very adamant that I get these posted ASAP so you all could see.

Indiana Williams wrote:Wow, not one comment about the photos I posted I gotta say folks Im really suprised. Tony was very adamant that I get these posted ASAP so you all could see.

I'm sure no slight was intended, Indy W. Speaking for myself I was delighted when I saw the photos earlier, but didn't think any comment from me was necessary or could add anything to their obvious significance. I didn't realize trhat Tony meant it as a special gesture to us, so let me correct the oversight now by extending a big Thank You to Tony, Terry, and YOU for sharing them with us!

Jack

It was fate I suppose. Tony recieved these yesterday and my jacket was ready to ship. Thats how I got them. I just though it was strange that not atleast one person even commented about them. i agree no slight was intended. Never the less, I was asked to share and share I did. I especially like the last one. Mostly because Tony hand wrote that message so it has a little more meaning to me.
Best Regards,
Joe

Indiana Williams wrote:It was fate I suppose. Tony recieved these yesterday and my jacket was ready to ship. Thats how I got them. I just though it was strange that not atleast one person even commented about them. i agree no slight was intended. Never the less, I was asked to share and share I did. I especially like the last one. Mostly because Tony hand wrote that message so it has a little more meaning to me.
Best Regards,
Joe

Yes, I suffer from poor eyesight and did not read that message the first time I saw the photo. Great job, and I know you'll love the jacket.

Jack

Indiana Williams wrote:Here are the Terry Leonard pics. Enjoy!

Is it just me, or is that Terry Leonard's as well on the 'World Gym' poster behind them (to Tony's right)? I remember wondering who that person on the poster was the first time I saw it...

Looks like Terry got an Indy IV to replace his Indy-I "Authentic" (in EVERY sense of the word), eh? I for one hope I get these pictures when my upcoming jackets ship, talk about coming full circle!

So, does this perhaps mean that Tony may have used Terry Leonard's stunt jacket as a base as well? Well, one things for sure: Tony's found at least one other "gearhead" who shares his taste for the flipped-up collar look!

Indiana Williams wrote:Wow, not one comment about the photos I posted I gotta say folks Im really suprised. Tony was very adamant that I get these posted ASAP so you all could see.

i did appreciate you posting those IW....i think they are great. i was quite busy tonite on another computer so i didn't log in. my apologies. i'm sure that many of us are greatful that big tony shared these

Castor Dioscuri wrote:Is it just me, or is that Terry Leonard's as well on the 'World Gym' poster behind them (to Tony's right)? I remember wondering who that person on the poster was the first time I saw it...

I think it is Joe Gold.

Castor:

The Terry Leonard jacket was auctioned off... he could not have copied that too.

Edit, I'm not quite sure but WAS the leonard Jacket auctioned off? I was always under the impression that _ took measurements of it at an auction house? or where it was about to be auctioned off?

Any clarity on the subject would be nice

No slight was meant by me either. I thought the pictures were terrific and loved them, but it didn't occur to me to post on them.

I really need to work on the narcissim.