Club Obi Wan

Mountaineer: thanks for the reassurance, I feel a whole lot better now about wearing it out.

Fox Harrison: happy to hear that you picked up one of Todd's jackets. Your first jacket from him? By the way, looking forward to viewing the pictures.

Bdgsi11

No problem. I think these are truly great jackets for the money and I'm always willing to pass on the good and/or bad experiences I've had with them.

I'm a big-time jacket wearer (meaning I wear lots of various types and usually long after others have stopped for the season) and I've always been impressed with the durability of these jackets.

Enjoy wearing yours.

I had need to post this response on another forum and couldn't remember ever posting this info here, so...

Amazingly I find this cheapest of jackets one of the most accurate Raiders pattern jackets available, second only to the Nowak. I even checked it against a Nowak when I had the two together and much of the important stuff was similar between the two.
They look a little "plasticy" out of the box new, but man do they distress and fit to you nice, and rather quickly. Very lightweight and thin, great for windbreaker weather.
I had one for a while, gave it my distress treatment, and then passed it on to Adam Savage who wears it on his show MythBusters in a few episodes over the past year... just keeps looking better!
The only reason I even let it go was because I thought it could use a tad more sleeve length, which Todd spec'd into the basic pattern on the next revision.

I'd suggest calling up or emailing Todd directly and checking what jacket batch he has available there now... as he had one batch at the end of last year that had some errors in some very minor details, that all should have been corrected on the following batch. Still great jackets, but much closer to perfect when everything is as Todd has them spec'd.

I will say the one week point of the jacket is the stitching... I have seen similar issues with stitches coming loose on these around the handwarmer entries after a bit of use, much like quite a few Westeds I have seen with the same affliction. But many don't even use the handwarmers, making it a non-issue.

Here are some pics of my old one...
http://a.imageshack.us/img180/1338/rolafront.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img406/2047/rolaback.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img169/3237/myrola2.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img405/7407/myrola3.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img405/4906/myrola4.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img704/4774/myrola5.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img169/521/myrola6.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img543/1959/myrolaback.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img704/5184/myrolafront.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img704/3228/myrola.jpg

A visit to Todd's!

Greetings all! Finally got some time after landing back in sunny London to write about my trip to Todd's. Whilst out in Cali for some work commitments I decided to drive out of LA and head to Pine Mountain Club, Frazier Park and try me on some leather jackets! I tried on three and found the perfect one for me (it was a larger 'Medium'). Zoom in for a closer look at the leather. I don't know what's changed but WOWZER.

http://img6.imageshack.us/i/picture172mk.jpg/

http://img512.imageshack.us/i/picture173u.jpg/

http://img291.imageshack.us/i/picture174s.jpg/

http://img28.imageshack.us/i/picture175c.jpg/

http://img26.imageshack.us/i/picture176js.jpg/

and finaly, jacket out and about....

http://img255.imageshack.us/f/picture160g.jpg/

I LOVE this new leather. It looks so much more rugged and durable than the last Todd's I owned, yet retains that light soft feel. It's more flexible too, and has moulded to me quicker than my previous one (and far quicker than my Wested ever did!)

Todd is a lovely guy, and was very helpful and patient. I also bought a shirt (which I love) and a hat (which I'll detail elsewhere). If you're ever in Cali, go see him. It's so worthwhile to find that perfect fit.

Thanks again, Todd!



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

That's the worst picture I've ever taken! We even did it twice, and both were as bad. I've corrected the picture. Oh, and the left side of my face is not paralyzed.



It was really nice to meet you. I hope things went well with your "business" later on!

Todd

(Before coffee... AFTER coffee)


Fox, you got yourself a HONEY of a jacket from the looks of those photos... Really GREAT looking leather, Todd!
My compliments to you both, gentlemen!

.

Does Todd's still offer the custom jacket option? I don't see it on their site anymore.

Very nice looking jacket you've got Harrison Fox!!!

Also nice jacket and pics TheMan...

Excellent Fox! It will serve you well. I've had mine for over 2 years and it hasn't let me down yet.

Weston

COW Member "Fox Harrison", thank you for sharing the pictures of your jacket. That leather looks great. Seriously thinking of purchasing one myself.

Puppetboy wrote:That's the worst picture I've ever taken! We even did it twice, and both were as bad. I've corrected the picture. Oh, and the left side of my face is not paralyzed.

Todd,

I was looking at this thread earlier today at work when a co-worker walked up behind me.
He took a quick look at my screen then said "What the #### is wrong with that guy's eyes?"

I can't wait for the QM summit so that I can take a look at one of your jackets in person.
If they look as good in person as they do on my monitor, I have a feeling I'll end up getting one.

I'm not trying to add "fuel to the fire", but after everything that's transpired with that "other jacket project", I appreciate my Todd's even more than before. Todd Coyles is a vendor who listens to his customers and it shows in his products. I am a Raiders purist and my standard Todd's jacket (the least expensive of Indy jackets) has ALL the screen accurate specs I could ask for: gussets, no leather facings, slit inside pocket, rectangular sliders, and scalloped pocket flaps. Oh, and best of all? A shiny, sturdy, YKK #5 nickel zipper on the left side (where it's supposed to be).

Now THAT's a Raiders jacket to me! Cheers Todd.

Regards, Dr. J

I'll second that, Dr. J. After all the crud that hit the fan over yonder, and my itch for an accurate jacket still not being scratched, I think I'll be ordering one of these.

Forrest For the Trees wrote:I'll second that, Dr. J. After all the crud that hit the fan over yonder, and my itch for an accurate jacket still not being scratched, I think I'll be ordering one of these.

You won't be sorry.

Regards, Dr. J

quick question on this pic:

http://img291.imageshack.us/i/picture174s.jpg/

why do the sleeve and yoke seams line up?......and why is there a larger gap on the back panel, ala us wings pattern? is there a 'bantu wind' influence on the latest design?.....i'm just curious. my old todd's standard didn't have these features.

Hmmm... I didn't catch that, G. Good eyes. The yoke looks like the right size, but the sleeve seams look like they have moved. Curious about this as well...

Lol

For me Todd and magnoli are the two best vendors when it comes to giving us 'difficult' people what we ask for....

I've heard that the last batch of jackets came from the factory with the seams lined up.
Seems they made a little mistake at the factory.

I hope he runs out of this batch before I get one. I'd really like to have the mis-aligned seams....

Forrest For the Trees wrote:Hmmm... I didn't catch that, G. Good eyes. The yoke looks like the right size, but the sleeve seams look like they have moved. Curious about this as well...

Marc, G.

there where some ''misstake'' jackets shipped out to Todd. thats the reason.

_ wrote:Great jackets... I enjoy my Todds that's now a little I've 4 years old. I've been Leary to sing her praises as my posts seem to be the kiss of death around here - and these are, to me, the sweet spot for the fan jacket. Fair price, strong accuracy, and my favorite weight in SA leather. He listens and tells you what they are and there's never been any bs.

I'll stop before I jinx the man.

OK, see now that's interesting coming from you (and I mean that in a great way).

I've got two, beat up old Westeds pre-2000 and was in the market for a new jacket. I was gung-ho on US Wings until the recent unpleasantness left me with a bad taste.

I've seen Adam Savage's on Mythbusters (was actually shocked to find out it was a Todd's) and loved the way it was flapping around in the desert wind - just like Indy's.

Now that _ says this - and I usually hold him as the gold standard for good product - I'm definitely nibbling on the hook, so to speak...

Yes, this is true. The factory messed up on these things. I was very disappointed, because my pattern and specs are screen accurate. Next run, these WILL be corrected. Out of four orders, this is the first one they have messed up that detail.

If it is a problem to the customer, of course, we offer a refund. We've only had one or two returned.

I hate it that the factory's mistake can hurt my reputation for screen accurate products, but once the shipment hits the dock - I'm stuck with it. I'm having a conversation with the factory to make sure these are perfect each time.

Thanks for the update Todd. you have an awesome product and I still enjoy my XXL-a jacket.

cant wait to see the new poducts

been wearing my standard for a year and a half still holding up well

Bdgsi11 wrote:Thanks everyone for all the comments, I appreciate it. I have a question though, for those who have owned this jacket way longer than I. How durable is it? I like this jacket a lot, but the leather seems just way too thin to stand up against anything. I am almost afraid to wear it out like I did my wested in fear of it ripping or the stitching popping.


Fox Harrison:Did you end up getting one of Todd's jackets? If so, how do you like it?

Oh, and we're thinking about doing the custom jackets again. We hadn't had an order for one for a year or so, so I just took them off the menu. Is there an interest in custom jackets? I'm thinking about some heavier leather choices - soft cow and bullhide. Sorry, I don't have a source for goat or horse. I'm also thinking of offering insulation.

We might have to raise the price - we have to devote a lot of space and keep a lot of supplies on hand to be set up for jackets - and ordering custom leather choices leads to a lot of waste - left-overs and all that. Probably the $550 range. Comments?

Todd,

The older pattern XXL-A fit us 44's really well, and was wondering if you could bring that sizing scheme back into the mix?

Possibly a light weight (distressed) lamb and light weight, distressed cow, light weight and soft, distressed goat might make great options.

Puppetboy wrote:Yes, this is true. The factory messed up on these things. I was very disappointed, because my pattern and specs are screen accurate. Next run, these WILL be corrected. Out of four orders, this is the first one they have messed up that detail.

If it is a problem to the customer, of course, we offer a refund. We've only had one or two returned.

I hate it that the factory's mistake can hurt my reputation for screen accurate products, but once the shipment hits the dock - I'm stuck with it. I'm having a conversation with the factory to make sure these are perfect each time.

Do you know when the next run will be?

_ wrote:Bullhide would be a cool option.

_, that's one of the shortest posts I've seen you write in a while!
I agree, bull would be darn cool.

_ wrote:Yep, Marc...

Dang it. Did you actually go look that up?

_ wrote:Great jackets... I enjoy my Todds that's now a little I've 4 years old. I've been Leary to sing her praises as my posts seem to be the kiss of death around here - and these are, to me, the sweet spot for the fan jacket. Fair price, strong accuracy, and my favorite weight in SA leather. He listens and tells you what they are and there's never been any bs.

I'll stop before I jinx the man.

I doubt you'll jinx him. If you have a moderately thick skin, and can handle a little honesty, your well considered posts contain some of the best information around. You really shouldn't let one bad exchange keep you from being forthright. (butt kissing complete)

Sorry, on topic...I agree, my Todd's has a special place in the closet. Well made, the right weight, and it gets better with age...all for $150. That's just sick.

What's my point? Well, I don't think you need to offer the "Custom" (my opinion on a bullhide jacket aside). You found a niche with your standard and I would just try to improve upon that, if it's possible.

Sorry, I'm all over the place. I've been hanging around with my friend Martin I. this evening.

_ wrote:Been awhile since I've been through Fremont...

How about Grass Valley?

Hey Puppetboy,

What I'd really love to get is a custom made (and custom fit) in the same leather used in your Standard. My only complaint is the fit. I love the look of the leather you use.

Could someone(Todd) clarify a point on the seam placement on the jacket.

I know the latest batch has the incorrect arm/yoke seam placement,but are the medium A and medium B sizes from different batches?

If so wich one has the seam error and wich one is correct?

Texan Scott wrote:

Puppetboy wrote:Yes, this is true. The factory messed up on these things. I was very disappointed, because my pattern and specs are screen accurate. Next run, these WILL be corrected. Out of four orders, this is the first one they have messed up that detail.

If it is a problem to the customer, of course, we offer a refund. We've only had one or two returned.

I hate it that the factory's mistake can hurt my reputation for screen accurate products, but once the shipment hits the dock - I'm stuck with it. I'm having a conversation with the factory to make sure these are perfect each time.

Do you know when the next run will be?

I, too, would like to know when the next run will be. However, I must be the odd man out, as I would PREFER the current "incorrect" seams. I just like my seams lined up. Anyway.. I may have to make a decision about whether or not to get a Todd's Standard jacket, and I don't know when my deadline is, but I know I don't want to miss out on the current batch...

-KB

Old sizing? No, we won't be going back to that. The grading scale was all wrong and it was a nightmare. What we have now fits 95% of people very well. I have guys try to fit into these with bodies all the way from Danny Divito to Lurch, but there's no way I can fit them all. The only change for the next time is 1) get ALL the detail correct 2) add an inch in the back. After Tony's jacket came out, I took an inch off the back to be more "screen accurate", but it looks better on most people to have the extra inch, so I'm going back.

Oh, and you'll love the new leather... Or manufacturer tans their own leather. They have some raw hides available that, well, they had no idea I was interested in...

But anyway, that's why our leather has always improved. The factory keeps experimenting with the tanning to get closer to my "ideal" leather.

New run? Probably the end of the year (if I'm still in business, that is). Of course, I'll let our internet friends specify the new batch if they order one. I'll have one at the QM for display.

Puppetboy wrote: (if I'm still in business, that is).

I'm gonna go buy SOMETHING from you right now, to do my part so that that does not happen!!!

Travis

todd, if you ever get to that point....i will have to buy something from your shop (again ) based on principle. you are definitely one of the best vendors for indygear out there bar none imo.

+1

Thanks, guys. This bad economy is finally hitting us and sales have been about 1/3 of normal this year. But I have hope - maybe now people will buy the things they've put off. - not you guys - you've already spent more with me than you probably should have! I'm talking about new customers who've been watching my website all year, and now they have an excuse to buy (Halloween, of course! "Yeah, that's the ticket! I need a new jacket for Halloween!")

We're also entering some other marketing venues, and I hope it makes the difference we need. I'm not out of the fight yet...

"Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East..."

"Whoa, Aragorn, Dude! We're getting creamed! Hey, what's that bright light up on the hill? It looks like..."

"Yes. They are trousers. They came, just as they promised."

Sorry, I'm listening to "Return of the King" soundtrack right now.

I'm waiting for the next run to spend my money asap on one of the jackets... and to bother you with one or two questions regarding the size.

Indiana G wrote:todd, if you ever get to that point....i will have to buy something from your shop (again ) based on principle. you are definitely one of the best vendors for indygear out there bar none imo.

Could not agree more with Indy G, the majority of my gear is from Todd's. I have a jacket, 2 shirt, web belt, gun belt, bag w/ strap, holster, pocket knife, and 2 pair of adventurer boots. I have also purchased fullers earth, hat brush, Idol bank, and hat stand from Todd. I have also purchased a couple of Todd's whips but no longer own those items. Still need to pick up a Raiders sand bag and possibly a Downtowner hat but the last time I checked he didn't have one small enough for my noggin.

I have had many transactions with Todd's Costumes as you can see and every one was handled to my complete satisfaction even if there may have been a small problem with the gear I recieved. Communication has always been great and the gear top notch especially considering the pricepoints.

Scott

Thanks to those who commented on my sweet Todd's standard...aligned seams or no!

I love the look and fit of this jacket so the SA issue is...not an issue! Also, as many have observed, the leather is so darn good I'm wearing this in all weather, just cos it's so comfortable. I must say though, a heavier weight Todd's for winter sounds lush. Or even an insulated standard for the winter months.

For now I'll just go with layers. Lots of layers.


I'm glad people are responding well to the jackets, I'd like to see Todd's prosper.

And btw Todd, those eyes are epic. You should put some on a pair of shades

Thanks all!

Fox

Pants!?!?

Travis

PANTS!

Just another item to add the list!

those eyes are epic. You should put some on a pair of shades

Great idea!



We could both wear them!

Or were you talking about the fake eyes?

Puppetboy wrote:

those eyes are epic. You should put some on a pair of shades

Great idea!



We could both wear them!

Or were you talking about the fake eyes?

That just made my morning. I'm so saving that picture.

I'll add my voice to the ones praising Todd. I've got three jackets, bag and shirt from Todd and all are top shelf. I've been wearing my Todd's standard jacket pretty much daily for the past year (well, maybe not so much this summer when it was 98 degrees and humid), and Its held up very well and weathered beautifully.
I vote we all do whatever we can to keep ole Puppetboy in business....

Like many others on here, I too, have made numerous purchases from Todd. And as many others have also experienced, I too, have experienced great customer support, communication, and just all around good business dealing swith Todd's Costumes. I have a Standard Jacket, a Raiders shirt, two bag straps, two web belts, a holster, gun belt, whip holder, fuller's earth, and boots from him, and I'm hoping to add a 2nd shirt sometime in the near future. I would be very saddened to see Todd have to close shop, so let's hope that never happens.

Best of luck to you, Todd!

-Bogart