Club Obi Wan

Ah, CM and Dutch. Seems like you guys just can't stop with the Nowak bashing. When G&B offers a complete custom jacket let me know - I have plenty of cash to buy one of those as well. In the meantime, I'll be loving my unique, one-of-a-kind Nowak and maybe even a second top-of-the-line Nowak. Sorry you don't know what your missing.

Hey Raider S.

What's the color like in person? It looks almost like a vintage black, or charcoal color. Does it highlight brown in the sunlight? Did Tony think he'd try to get some leather like it for future envious people???

Raider S wrote:Ah, CM and Dutch. Seems like you guys just can't stop with the Nowak bashing. When G&B offers a complete custom jacket let me know - I have plenty of cash to buy one of those as well. In the meantime, I'll be loving my unique, one-of-a-kind Nowak and maybe even a second top-of-the-line Nowak. Sorry you don't know what your missing.

you said it pal!


I dont have one, but I would love one of those.

Raider S wrote:Ah, CM and Dutch. Seems like you guys just can't stop with the Nowak bashing. When G&B offers a complete custom jacket let me know - I have plenty of cash to buy one of those as well. In the meantime, I'll be loving my unique, one-of-a-kind Nowak and maybe even a second top-of-the-line Nowak. Sorry you don't know what your missing.

Didn't seem like a "bash" to me, just an observation and opinion. Everyone buy whatever you want.

Tibor, I chose the leather soley based on the color of the sample; beautiful brown undertones in the light. As far as getting more of a similar leather, I'd bet Tony will be getting all kinds of things in. His other goat is beautiful too and I'd take one of those in a heartbeat. Hey, I'm envious of the shrunken lamb and matte lamb - those must be completely awesome.

Holt, with your growing collection I thought you'd have a few by now!

Rundquist wrote: Didn't seem like a "bash" to me, just an observation and opinion. Everyone buy whatever you want.

If it wasn't the same story from multiple threads, it would be just an observation. It's been said a dozen times Nowak and G&B look similar; after all they're both based on jackets that are nearly the same - one was worn by Ford, one by a stuntman.

hey man.

yep very true, I spend lots of lots of time researching and doing lots of home work, Kinda like you do with the shrunken lamb...

to be honest I had the money for a nowak not long ago, but sorry to say for my part I had something else that was more important to use the money on... but in time I WILL get the nowak. Raiders and CS.

next question... yeah true again.. I am specing the TofD jacket.. I gues Mcfly isnt around anymore....I guess maby he did pass on .Shane talk to me man!

anyways...there is just something about the jacket that come out of wested that looks kinda different then I'd want them to be. mainly pockets. yolk. sleeves. and the most important (for me) the shoulders. if you look at the jacket ford is wearing the shoulders are to big for him. it causes a puffyness of some kind at the top sleeve were the sleeve is attached on the armhole.. check it.


edit: oh.. yes... I have gotten lots of jacket in the past..many of them arnt with me anymore..friends and family have taken them over..the ''Holt'' jacket is only a couple months old...



ok.. sorry to get your thread of rails RaiderS, but I had to explain since he asked...

Neut, hopefully the photo below illustrates the color better against the black lining.

Holt, I think threads should go in the direction they happen to go in, wherever that is! And your comments are always useful.

What is tiresome are the same arguments over and over. If it's a Wested thread someone starts saying a Todd's is even cheaper and more SA. If it's a Nowak thread someone will say you can get three Wested's for the same price, etc. ad nauseum.

man I love that flag.I just cant get over it.. its so original and uniqe.

What leather is the facing? Lamb?

Raider S,

Again, great-looking jacket! Any chance of seeing how it fits? I'm right on the edge of ordering one of these!!

~Jace

It's all goat. Funny how some of it looks so different in the photo - looks like three or more different color leathers!

Tryloch, I'll only post a photo wearing something when I'm someplace cool and not in the bathroom! But about the fit because I was thinking of this today; by simply giving Tony a few measurements and describing my body shape he came up with the best fitting item of clothing I've ever had. Period.

I have a bigger upper body and this is the most comfortable jacket I own. The fit in the arms is superb and with the gusset and the action pleat (you actually realize it works) the range of movement is wonderful. There's no flying squirrel either. When I drive, the sleeves move from just over my hand and stay right at the end of my wrists. They don't go up halfway to the elbow like happens with other jackets.

But I'm sure I'm not the fist person to say this about Tony's work. I'm 100% sure people wouldn't be buying four of them if the fit was less than what I describe.

Raider S,

Do you find that it's the gussett that is giving the superior range of motion, or is it the angle that the sleeve is sewn to the body of the jacket? I've noticed that the "squirrel-effect" jackets have their sleeves sewn to the body at about a 45 degree angle. Now if they were attached at closer to a right angle to the body, I think that, along with a properly fitted torso, there would be zero "squirrelage". So what angle do the sleeves come off the body of the jacket?

~Jace

Tyrloch wrote:Raider S,

I've noticed that the "squirrel-effect" jackets have their sleeves sewn to the body at about a 45 degree angle. Now if they were attached at closer to a right angle to the body, I think that, along with a properly fitted torso, there would be zero "squirrelage".

~Jace

right and right!

I keep forgetting, did nowak get the original jacket from the Skywalker ranch?

Good question. To my eyeball it's a more of a right angle. Something I haven't thought of before. And I do think the gusset contributes somewhat as well.

I think you should give Tony a call and ask him about fit. He'll probably say "don't worry, no problem, it will be fine" and you'll be thinking he's a mad man, but he has a genuine gift for putting things together with what I'd think is limited info. But this isn't something I'm at all expert about so that's why I say to call, he has no problem giving his opinion or suggestion and his big concern is that you feel good in his jacket. That's what he wants to know as soon as he calls once it arrives - how's it feel?

Dutch_jones wrote:I keep forgetting, did nowak get the original jacket from the Skywalker ranch?

I don't think it's been said. So you really haven't forgotten.

Yeah Sorry I meant, did he get it from the Ranch? I forgot i it was asked before or not.

Dutch_jones wrote:Yeah Sorry I meant, did he get it from the Ranch? I forgot I it was asked before or not.

I believe it was asked way at the beginning. The source of the jacket cannot be revealed, unless it's owner and Tony agree to reveal it.

hmm ok. BTW my comment on the GB was An observation NOT a bash.

Is that flag something Tony stiched right into the lining? I thought it was a flag patch but it is hard to tell. Great shot of it by the way and again, it really does look great. How does the lining differ from the G&B lining? Does one seem more "beathable". thanks
Canada
Oh, and how did you know to ask for this type of leather?

Dutch_jones wrote:hmm ok. BTW my comment on the GB was An observation NOT a bash.

Don't worry Dutch. Some members are sensitive. It wasn't a bash either from me just an honest observation. I actually like TN jackets a lot and have posted this several times. I would think of getting one if I didn't already have a G&B in goat (my favourite leather). Runquist has said the same.

No people aren't sensitive, they just get tired of the same silliness over and over.

The flag is stitched into the lining like the Nowak signature. Tony said it would be more durable than a patch.

The lining was a concern when ordering. The all cotton on my USW makes that jacket hard to put on and I don't care for the feel - makes the jacket seem bulky. The satin lining on my Wested is too delicate. That jacket's only a few months old but the lining has runs, gets dirty easy, is baggy, and catches things. Tony uses something special made for them that's also used for bags. It's like a very slippery nylon with a tight weave. If you sail its almost like a very light sail cloth. Maybe other people can give you an opinion based on more time wearing theirs. Probably the same as in the CS jackets as well.

I didn't know to ask for the leather. On my first call I requested the darkest goat he had and the more character the better.

Raider S wrote:No people aren't sensitive, they just get tired of the same silliness over and over.

One man's "silliness" is another man's point of interest. I understand your opinion and agree to a point. Many threads get derailed. I'm doing it now and have done it to other threads in the past. The moderators try to keep threads on course. It's valid. However this is a discussion board where different products are going to be discussed and compared. People base their purchases on the many opinions floating around on this board. If CM wants to say in every thread that the G&B expo is the greatest jacket ever, he can have at it. If he did this though, then most people would probably consider his opinion biased and take it for what it was worth. It works out. But don't tell someone to keep his opinion to himself on a public board. Cheers

Raider S wrote:No people aren't sensitive, they just get tired of the same silliness over and over.

The flag is stitched into the lining like the Nowak signature. Tony said it would be more durable than a patch.

The lining was a concern when ordering. The all cotton on my USW makes that jacket hard to put on and I don't care for the feel - makes the jacket seem bulky. The satin lining on my Wested is too delicate. That jacket's only a few months old but the lining has runs, gets dirty easy, is baggy, and catches things. Tony uses something special made for them that's also used for bags. It's like a very slippery nylon with a tight weave. If you sail its almost like a very light sail cloth. Maybe other people can give you an opinion based on more time wearing theirs. Probably the same as in the CS jackets as well.

I didn't know to ask for the leather. On my first call I requested the darkest goat he had and the more character the better.

The lining in my TN CS jacket is my favourite part of the jacket! It's not very luxurious, is similar to windbreaker material but it just works.

In my reading of this thread, Rundquist, I believe he was referring to the rewording of the question 'where did Tony get the jacket'. The opinion of GB wasn't the subject matter of the comment.

No matter how it's rephrased, the answer to that question will not change, and that's the 'silliness' that was referenced. At least that was MY understanding in the reading.

Anyway.....

Regards! Michaelson

Windbreaker material is a good way to describe it. Somewhat stiff windbreaker material.

I could be way off base here, but I also think the silliness refers to the some people who consistently take "brand loyalty" to the extreme. Nothing wrong with being partial to a vendor but that doesn't mean you have to put down every other maker.

I don't think anyone here puts down every other maker other than their favourite one. Good healthy, sceptical and critical postings are what makes this place great - as long as there are reasons expressed. Peopel should try not to ktake this stuff personally. We have had jacket wars here before.

Anyway... tell us about the goat Tony uses. I actually prefer it in look to the G&B - it is a bit less stiff looking. Is it heavy?

I agree that the majority of posters just discuss the pros and cons of any particular jacket. That's terrific, and what makes this forum a great place. And I'm certainly not saying that you have to agree with me on any given topic. There's many times I've went back and disagreed with some of my past posts because of other info that's came to light.

But I have seen a definite trend from some (and please let me clear that I don't include you, CM, in this list) to take a negative tone with other jacket makers. I've heard about it with the Todd's jacket, seen it with Nowaks, and experienced it with the ToD Wings.

From others' comments that I've read, I'm not the only one to notice this.

CM wrote: Anyway... tell us about the goat Tony uses. I actually prefer it in look to the G&B - it is a bit less stiff looking. Is it heavy?

All I can compare it to is USW goat. The Nowak I have is quite soft but not what I'd call thin at all. It maybe a little lighter than the USW but ceartainly softer, more flexible, and holds it's shape. The USW has that plastic feel. My Nowak feels substantial and comparable in weight to my USW vintage cow. The Nowak goat has a lot of variation in the coloring and much more irregular texture than the USW.

But this goat is something that he's had around for a long time so I can't speak for what he's used on other jackets or will use in the future.

Raider S wrote:

PSBIndy wrote:Just curious, what's the main difference between this goat and the "regular" goat Tony uses?

It's something he's had for about 15 years and there was enough for two jackets. It's darker than the goat he's used on previous Raiders jackets and had a bit more texture. I don't know what the tanning process was, but my photos don't do justice to the character and true color. His other goat, speaking color only, are more of a definite brown and favor the reddish tones more.

Sounds like Tony has access to the best leathers for our purposes. Goat is often way too even and stiff looking and beacuse it is so tough it often takes ages to wear in. I put mine in the washer twice and now it looks less embarrasingly new.

It makes sense. The Navy went exclusively with goat in WWII for their M422s and G-1s because it is the most water resistant hide available - (well, of things you can get a lot of I guess). Even when it gets wet, it rarely shows and doesn't really get stiff like some other types can.

Tibor wrote:It makes sense. The Navy went exclusively with goat in WWII for their M422s and G-1s because it is the most water resistant hide available - (well, of things you can get a lot of I guess). Even when it gets wet, it rarely shows and doesn't really get stiff like some other types can.

Yeah, I know. The great thign about goat has always been, simultaneously, a drawback - that everlasting pristine toughness. Although others may like this, I figure any leather jacket kind of looks try hard when brand new. It's like an awkward phase you must get through. Nowak's strength is that most of his goat looks worn and earthy already.

CM wrote:
Sounds like Tony has access to the best leathers for our purposes. Goat is often way too even and stiff looking and beacuse it is so tough it often takes ages to wear in. I put mine in the washer twice and now it looks less embarrasingly new.

I ran my G and B goat through the washer with a load of jeans and it really helped rumple it up some and take some of that shininess away. It still looks new but now it doesn't look like I just took it out of the box and really popped out some of the goat's grain. This isn't a knock against the G and B (it is an awesome jacket) but my one "complaint" was that it didn't look like an Indy jacket but something Samuel L. Jackson would have worn in "Shaft". Take off a little of that shine and it has tons of character.

crismans wrote:

CM wrote:
Sounds like Tony has access to the best leathers for our purposes. Goat is often way too even and stiff looking and beacuse it is so tough it often takes ages to wear in. I put mine in the washer twice and now it looks less embarrasingly new.

I ran my G and B goat through the washer with a load of jeans and it really helped rumple it up some and take some of that shininess away. It still looks new but now it doesn't look like I just took it out of the box and really popped out some of the goat's grain. This isn't a knock against the G and B (it is an awesome jacket) but my one "complaint" was that it didn't look like an Indy jacket but something Samuel L. Jackson would have worn in "Shaft". Take off a little of that shine and it has tons of character.

"shut yo mouth!!!"

Wow! I've never really quite caught the Tony Nowak bug until now. This is an incredible jacket and the first to make me actually say, "Yeah, I've gotta have one of those!"

I'm loving the understated flag...great idea!

Regards,
Kenton

Indiana G wrote:

crismans wrote:

CM wrote:
Sounds like Tony has access to the best leathers for our purposes. Goat is often way too even and stiff looking and beacuse it is so tough it often takes ages to wear in. I put mine in the washer twice and now it looks less embarrasingly new.

I ran my G and B goat through the washer with a load of jeans and it really helped rumple it up some and take some of that shininess away. It still looks new but now it doesn't look like I just took it out of the box and really popped out some of the goat's grain. This isn't a knock against the G and B (it is an awesome jacket) but my one "complaint" was that it didn't look like an Indy jacket but something Samuel L. Jackson would have worn in "Shaft". Take off a little of that shine and it has tons of character.

"shut yo mouth!!!"

We can dig it...

Isaac _ will always be the Duke of New York to me.

That jacket is a bad moth...

Shut your mouth!

Raider S wrote:No people aren't sensitive, they just get tired of the same silliness over and over.

The flag is stitched into the lining like the Nowak signature. Tony said it would be more durable than a patch.

The lining was a concern when ordering. The all cotton on my USW makes that jacket hard to put on and I don't care for the feel - makes the jacket seem bulky. The satin lining on my Wested is too delicate. That jacket's only a few months old but the lining has runs, gets dirty easy, is baggy, and catches things. Tony uses something special made for them that's also used for bags. It's like a very slippery nylon with a tight weave. If you sail its almost like a very light sail cloth. Maybe other people can give you an opinion based on more time wearing theirs. Probably the same as in the CS jackets as well.

I didn't know to ask for the leather. On my first call I requested the darkest goat he had and the more character the better.

Thanks. This is helpful.
best
Canada

PSBIndy wrote:

_ wrote:Here's the head personal trainer at the "Leather Only" fitness center...


So, this was the guy that gave birth to the octuplets, right?!

Dang! That hurts just to look at.

neutronbomb wrote:Ok Raider S, after seeing Rask wearing his goat jacket from TN, it would be really cool to see pictures of you wearing your 003 beast jacket.

Your welcome to come on over and try it on while I take photos of you in it! I don't do dress-up photos unless there was a photo of me wearing something in a cool place or cool situation.

I won't trade this jacket for anything and after wearing it exclusively these weeks (my other jackets are going to get tossed) the leather has become even more wonderful and the color with the brown undertones is something I wish I had more of.