Some big US Wings Indy jacket news

[ProfessorHenryWJonesJr]

Thank you for sharing the email along with the additional information, "JC1972". Much appreciated.
Great U.S. Wings Indy-style adventurer jackets in store for all of us in the not too distant future.

Well, time to send Sgt. Hack birthday wishes.

[Texan Scott]

One thing about the old pattern that you can consider. The pockets will be placed further from the storm flap and the straps will be close to the hand warmer entry. Not everyone is a fan of that config., but to each...just an fyi.

[Weston]

Wouldn't a 25 year old pattern by Niel Cooper be as close to the orginal Tod jacket as we can get?

Weston

[JC1972]

One thing about the old pattern that you can consider. The pockets will be placed further from the storm flap and the straps will be close to the hand warmer entry. Not everyone is a fan of that config., but to each...just an fyi.

Actually Sarge had this to say about that:

...I’m not crazy about the way the straps went into the side pockets but that is the way it was made.

[Kevin Anderson]

Does anyone have any pics of a jacket with that configuration? Not that I'm too fussed by it, it wouldn't bother me at all, just curious.

[crismans]

I would probably be helpful to look up the old Blue Label threads. I'm not saying that this jacket will follow that pattern, as I don't know, but the strap configuration sounds like it would be similar.

[RCSignals]

Wings is keeping a list for the Cowhide jackets. Are they keeping a list yet for the striated lamb jackets? Just asking before I 'bother' the Sgt with it.

I wonder if they also have Neil Cooper's patterns for the ToD jacket somewhere?

[bigrex]

Sgt. Hack said that he will be making 100 of these in his Hong Kong factory for $295. They will be in Neil Cooper's old pattern that he used 25 years ago (meaning the side straps go into the side entry pockets like on the Blue Label). So you are getting a leather that is very close to at least one screen used jacket used in Raiders (think Flying Wing scenes) in a pattern from Neil Cooper that made one of the Raiders jackets. Pretty cool stuff here!

$295? He told me $195 just a few days ago.

It was my understanding (and I've checked with a few people and they think that I'm on the right track) that we are talking about two different jackets here. There will be a "light" lambskin jacket (a true lambskin jacket as opposed to sheepskin) that will debut at $195, same as the antique cowhide has. This lambskin is the one that Sgt. Hack said was incredibly soft. He said you wouldn't want to take it to the woods but if you went out on the town, you'd have the nicest jacket around. The normal weight of a US Wings jacket is around 5 pounds. This new lambskin will weight around 2 pounds.

In addition to this jacket, there will be a limited run of 100 jackets available in the striated lamb (like the picture I've posted a couple of times). This jacket will feature a lambskin similar to that of at least one Raiders jacket (again, look at the jacket during the Flying Wing scenes and others) and will be made in Neil Cooper's old pattern (straps going next to the handwarmers ala the Blue Label jacket). This jacket will sell for $295.

So, if you're like me and like a grain to your jackets (I'm salivating over the striated lamb) or like a "buttery-soft" jacket that will look great on the town, you are covered!

Heh, he ought to make the light lamb the limited run, can't have too much of that sheepskin lumpy stuff, but with the pricing difference I suppose it would make sense to do more limited runs since maybe the smooth stuff would have more appeal to a broader audience. I'll admit the $295 lamb does have me fidgeting and looking at the wallet. Anyone have an old photo they can dust off, or a handy link?

[crismans]

I've posted a pic of an old Wings jacket that features the striated lamb in this thread.

[Texan Scott]

One thing about the old pattern that you can consider. The pockets will be placed further from the storm flap and the straps will be close to the hand warmer entry. Not everyone is a fan of that config., but to each...just an fyi.

Actually Sarge had this to say about that:

...I’m not crazy about the way the straps went into the side pockets but that is the way it was made.

About two years ago, we had a conversation and he basically repeated that line, so I felt comfortable posting it. Somewhere between the time the first one was made and the third run, the jackets that were made for the stuntmen, they modified the strap placement.

[Indydawg]

He said the same thing to me just a few days ago-but, I disagree....that's the strap config that Wested USED to use back in the 90s, and I actually PREFER that strap configuration....I think it makes the strap attachment stronger and more secure than having the attachment more "exposed" out in the middle of the jacket's side where it can more easily get hung on things and torn off....

But-that's just ME

Indydawg

[Texan Scott]

This is the email I received from Sgt Hack early this morning.

"I will be making two new Lambskin Indy Jackets.. One will be the same leather as our A-2 and G-1 Lightweight and yes the 1st will have a button on the top and bottom of the storm flap! The 2nd will be the same style and leather I made 25 years ago from Neil Coopers Pattern.. This Jacket was and will be made from my other Factory in Hong Kong.. Same Factory.. same people! Now for the time line.. the lightweight 60 days ETA lambskin Striations.. 90 days. The Cowhide we just put up on our main page 45 days.

Regards,

Sgt. Hack"

Thank you, Sir! That clears up a lot of the confusion I think.

Do they have a proto. yet on either or both jackets? If so, can we get some pics?

[Indydawg]

Not that I am aware of....Michaelson? Crismans?

[Texan Scott]

They made 50 Blue Labels last year based on the old pattern, and I found that the pockets were placed a little far back and the strap placement was a hindrance, jmo. Good jackets, fine leather, but not everyone is a fan of this config.

[Michaelson]

Do they have a proto. yet on either or both jackets? If so, can we get some pics?

He was supposed to get some in last Friday, but I have not heard any confirmation on that.

Regards! Michaelson

[Michaelson]

News regarding length of availabilty for the new cowhide jacket at the $195 price, direct from David Hack verbatim:

Hello COW members…
I think in all honesty the question should be how long will we have them!! I will hold the price for COW as long as I have them!! I do not want any member buying our jackets that cannot afford them nor do I want any member doing business with me that is out of work…. If I find that out I will not sell to them and I mean it. These are hard times and if the truth be known that is the reason for the $ 195.00.

Sarge

Regards! Michaelson

[binkmeisterRick]

I like Sarge's thinking.

[Indiana Jeff]

Forgive me if this has been answered, but I've read through the thread and all the talk of different jackets being introduced has me confused.

Are the new $195 cowhide jackets being produced overseas or in the US?

Thanks,

Indiana Jeff

[Michaelson]

Second paragraph, opening post....

crisman wrote: "US Wings has a couple of new factories overseas and are going to start producing some of their Indy jackets there. Same jacket specs, same leather, same quality, same everything, but produced at a lower overhead and they're passing on their savings. So, in the next little bit, they are going to start offering a new line of Indy jackets."

Regards! Michaelson

[Indiana Jeff]

Thanks. That's what I thought, but with all the muddle over this jacket and that jacket and which leather will be offered when my brain got to spinning a bit.

Hudson is only a 30 minute drive from my ancestral home in Cleveland so I may have to take a drive down to see the Sarge in person while I'm home visiting this summer.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Texan Scott]

Hong Kong, I think?

[Michaelson]

Hong Kong, I think?

[bigrex]

I've posted a pic of an old Wings jacket that features the striated lamb in this thread.

I've seen close up's of the lamb before, hence my anticipation. I was just curious about the old pattern.

[Texan Scott]

From the size chart, does "Chest (in half)" equal what we often call "pit to pit"? In other words, does a medium that measures 24", make it 48" inches total?

That's basically what I was getting from it, the pit measurement.

[RCSignals]

From the size chart, does "Chest (in half)" equal what we often call "pit to pit"? In other words, does a medium that measures 24", make it 48" inches total?

That's basically what I was getting from it, the pit measurement.

Yes it means it is sized as 42 with 6" of free movement or a 44 with 4" of free movement.

[Tibor]

Or in my case, a size 43 with 5 inches of movement. Actually sounds about perfect. I wrote to USWings today to confirm that is the way they measure, but I haven't heard back yet. I'm pretty sure that's right, but if I hear differently I pass it along.

[Texan Scott]

I don't normally wear a 'M', but the sizing is right.

[RCSignals]

Or in my case, a size 43 with 5 inches of movement. Actually sounds about perfect. I wrote to USWings today to confirm that is the way they measure, but I haven't heard back yet. I'm pretty sure that's right, but if I hear differently I pass it along.

From previous experience asking about their sizing it is, however this chart does say it's just for that one jacket. I can't see them measuring differently though

[Solent MKIII]

My tax refund can't come fast enough.

[damian della morte]

i fit pretty well into a wested 44r, my wings is a large and that fits about the same

[Forrest For the Trees]

Well, I just e-mailed Wings, and they replied very quickly. I gave Sgt. Hack my measurements and he still suggests a size Medium. So, I guess l'll go with a Medium.

I'm still concerned, because according to their detailed chart of measurements, a size Small would be much more appropriate. So should I go with Sgt. Hack's advice, or go by my reading of their chart?

Any thoughts?

[binkmeisterRick]

I guess the question is how roomy do you want your jacket. Did you mention that to him? The average person might prefer a little extra room in their jacket versus those who prefer a more fitted jacket. Keep in mind you can always exchange it if it's not the fit you want.

[Indydawg]

Yeah-I'm with bink....your desired fit should be taken into consideration. He's probably right on recommending a medium-I'm 5'11" and 150 lbs, wear a 40-42 (depending on the cut of the garment), and I wear a medium Wings...BUT, I like room to layer and don't particularly relish a tight-fitting jacket...it feels constricting. So-if you want a tight fit, then maybe a small will be the right size for you....depends on what you want.

Regards!
Indydawg

[Indydawg]

BTW-

For those interested in customer reaction to the lightweight (non-striated) lambskin that will be available in the Indy jacket soon from Wings....this came in today!

"Sgt. Hack,

Today I received the lambskin A-2 jacket I ordered. It exceedes my expectation in every respect - the leather is flawless and beautiful and the fit is perfect. I don't often find things that so clearly go over the top. Your Jacket does. I would, and will, recommend U.S.Wings to everyone. Satisfied customer?... You bet."

Sounds like this is one REALLY cool leather!
Later, y'all!
Indydawg

[Tennessee Smith]

Thanks for the info on these new jackets. I really want the striated lamb but I'd like a good pic of the Blue label. I've been a member here for a while and know about the "search" option... most of the images have been removed.... and the 3 I saw didn’t help any.

So, if anyone can post a pick of their Blue Wings, particularly the side straps and collar width I’d appreciate it. Is the collar as wide as the current offering or smaller? I have a Wings CE and I love it but I'd prefer a smaller collar... a much smaller collar.

[Indydawg]

Also, from Sarge this morning-just so you all know that he's going to hold this price as long as he can for COW members, but leather went up this weekend, and is expected to continue to go up, perhaps as much as another 50%, over the summer. Here's what he says:

Leather just went up over the weekend and from what I understand will also go up before fall ! How much I honestly don’t know but that jacket is a giveaway price and when we do our reorder it will be at least another $ 100.00 plus. Lambskin went up over
the weekend and the talk is that leather could very well go up 50 %. Do not order anything from US Wings if you cannot afford it Please.



So-again, even though this price is great, y'all, he's serious about times being hard-this is no time to be spending money we don't have.

At any rate-the info has now been passed!
Regards!
Indydawg

[crismans]

Is this leather increase across the board? What I mean is, is this just in North America or is it going to be affecting all of our jacket vendors? This would be good to know for anyone planning on getting a jacket in the next little bit.

And I'm certainly glad I've got my antique cowhide reserved. I'm reserving the striated lamb as soon as its available as well. We might never see these prices again.

[Texan Scott]

Thought I'd post this here since the other thread was locked:

[Indydawg]

As Sarge tells it, the price of leather is going up worldwide due to demand from overseas to meet the coming fall fashion season. He cited China as a major purchaser which makes sense given the number of clothiers all over the globe who have their lines manufactured there. And it is for sure that this coming fall features a huge emphasis on leather jackets (A-2 and Indy-style to be precise) in most major fashion retailers' lines. So-it's simply supply and demand.

Regards,
Indydawg

[Flyderf]

Great!, 1.5 billion people "#### bent for leather". Not a good time to be a cow.

"You're one in a million......that means in China, there are 1,500 people just like you."

[ProfessorHenryWJonesJr]

COW member "Flyderf"... Love that quote.

Besides US Wings' prices increasing, guess it is safe to assume Gibson and Barnes, Magnoli Clothiers, Todd's Costumes, and Wested Leather will follow suit.

Getting back to the post at hand, I hope US Wings is soon going provide additional pictures of the Antique Cowhide jacket such as the back of jacket. May contact them concerning that.

Man, everytime I look at that picture of the Antique Cowhide jacket, June 1st cannot come soon enough.
And I eagerly await the pictures of the two new lambskin jackets.

[JC1972]

COW member "Flyderf"... Love that quote.

Besides US Wings' prices increasing, guess it is safe to assume Gibson and Barnes, Magnoli Clothiers, Todd's Costumes, and Wested Leather will follow suit.

Getting back to the post at hand, I hope US Wings is soon going provide additional pictures of the Antique Cowhide jacket such as the back of jacket. May contact them concerning that.

Man, everytime I look at that picture of the Antique Cowhide jacket, June 1st cannot come soon enough.
And I eagerly await the pictures of the two new lambskin jackets.

The back of the jacket can be seen in this album Sarge gave Indydawg, hope this helps!

http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll59 ... %20jacket/

[scot2525]

I want this jacket, no I need this jacket. This would be MY LC jacket and if the $200.00 price point expires before June 1st then I am SOL. The jacket is the one peice of gear that I wear or use on a regular basis, however I don't want to sell other items to acquire this jacket.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

[ProfessorHenryWJonesJr]

I want this jacket, no I need this jacket. This would be MY LC jacket and if the $200.00 price point expires before June 1st then I am SOL. The jacket is the one peice of gear that I wear or use on a regular basis, however I don't want to sell other items to acquire this jacket.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

Hang in there, COW member "scot2525". When I saw the picutres of the new jacket, fortunately, I was able to immediately reserve one. To paraphrase you, I needed this jacket. Especially when the jacket was described as with the toughness of cowhide but as supple as lambskin. And at $195?!? Man, how can you NOT reserve one.

COW member "JC1972", thank you for the link to the pictures. I've seen those pictures before courtesy of "Indydawg", which I thank him again also. As COW member "Crismans" pointed out, on the pictures posted on "Indydawg's" link, the back panel on the new jacket looks much wider now as compared to their other Indy style adventurer jackets such as my CE SS Indy-style jacket. Just would like to see at least one more picture to verify that was the case and was hoping that US Wings was going to provide "professional quality" pictures of the back of the new offering as they do with their other Indy-style adventurer jackets. I should have clarified that. My bad.

[Indydawg]

COW member "JC1972", thank you for the link to the pictures. I've seen those pictures before courtesy of "Indydawg", which I thank him again also. As COW member "Crismans" pointed out, on the pictures posted on "Indydawg's" link, the back panel on the new jacket looks much wider now as compared to their other Indy style adventurer jackets such as my CE SS Indy-style jacket. Just would like to see at least one more picture to verify that was the case and was hoping that US Wings was going to provide "professional quality" pictures of the back of the new offering as they do with their other Indy-style adventurer jackets. I should have clarified that. My bad.

I do believe they are working on adding a pic of the back, but haven't gotten confirmation on that yet.

And yes, I believe it's safe to assume that due to the coming fall fashion season hinging heavily on the flight jacket (you can probably look for a lot of throwbacks to the aviation heydays in the early to mid 1900s in clothing....lots of khaki...the Gap and JCrew crowds will certainly be happy!), if leather is already going up, it's going to cause a price increase across the board. But, I think this first run of 100 jackets is already a done deal. The big question is whether or not he'll be able to hold the price for a second 100 jacket run AND turn out the lightweight lamb AND striated lamb in the older Cooper patterns and maintain enough cost-effectiveness to make it work. These first jackets are truly what they seem....a gift! There is NO money being made on these jackets; or at least I can't figure with any math I know of how he could be making any money on them.

So, Scot-just get your jacket reserved, and you'll be ok! Then, it's just playing the waiting game!

But one thing Sarge has made ABUNDANTLY clear (and I admire him for it), is that he does NOT want any fan, nor anyone else for that matter, buying anything from him who is out of work and cannot afford a jacket!

Stay tuned, all....more as it comes down the pipe...
Regards!
Indydawg

[Band Director Jones]

Dang it! I was looking to buy an A-2 in the fall. It looks like I may need to move up that time line if the prices are to be going up.

[Indydawg]

Well, either that, or plan on picking up a cool "vintage" one (think Banana Republic, Schott, LL Bean, or maybe even a nice old Flightsuits Ltd-I bought one of those once for 50 bucks in lambskin...didn't keep it, but...) in good shape off eBay.

I think I'm gonna start trying to find a good G-1....an old USN, vietnam era one, maybe....something that's seen some action.

Later!
Indydawg

[crismans]

The big question is whether or not he'll be able to hold the price for a second 100 jacket run AND turn out the lightweight lamb AND striated lamb in the older Cooper patterns and maintain enough cost-effectiveness to make it work.

Now don't start scaring me that the striated lamb might not become a reality! I don't think that's what you're saying here but I'm paranoid about that jacket.

It's price point is a little more, $295, but I'm sure that the leather sourced is more as well. Since it's a limited run, I hope that it will be a reality. I'm really looking forward to it.

[Indydawg]

I believe it's already in the works, so...that would mean the source is already secured, crismans....

I think we're safe
Indydawg

[ProfessorHenryWJonesJr]

Just in case...

Again, thanks for the info, "Indydawg". Much appreciated.