I was going to have a Raider J custom fit and in retrospect I wish I had stuck to the plan but nevertheless I am now in proud possetion of a Wested gem.
Being in possesion of four jackets from different Makers Here are my (OPINIONS) ,
1. Disney Jacket, circa 2003 -- Fine for a costume but very little practicle use and not even close to accurate. Quality of the leather is so so and it cost WAY too much. It distresses ok due to the chead die job.
2. Flight Suits off the rack ROTLA goat circa 2004. GREAT JACKET!!! Indesructable If you want something to stop bullet or at least protect yo during real life adventures this one is a good choice. The hide is ultru consistant and the cut is beautiful. My favorite design element of this jacket is the scallop on the pockets - it just smacks of adventure. In light of my recent trip to the War Museum and seeing the cuts of clothing in the day I am more sold on this jacket than ever -- However... This thing cost some doe but it will last you a lifetime and you can pass it on. Regarding distressing -- it did not take much abuse in that no matter what I did to this thing it just would not look worn. The dye goes so deep that there is no chance of brining out a lighter color in the leather.
3. U.S. Wings 2004 -- No one is quite sure if its lamb or what. At first a handsome jacket to be sure but then the not so little things started to bug me right away. The inconsitantcy in the hide...one arm smooth as silk the other not so much and the back pannel looking like cellulite fat. The D rings are great but the straps are positioned too low on the jacket and cause undue stress at the pockets - so much so that the pockets began to rip after two days of normal wear. I think the dye was sprayed on with a water spritzer because it began to rub off in the first three days -- If you want a jacket that will distress quickly this is it. I do like the scallop pocket on this one as well. Can't speak to the price as I got this in trade but Had I paid for it I would have been ticked.
4. WESTED Goat - ROTLA - Circa 2005 -- Love the color and the cut. Would preffer D rings from the US wings but these do the job. Out of all the jackets this one seems to hang the best and when the jacket is zipped you cannot beat how the back pannel looks. Even though this was off the shelf Peter but in the elastic for me and it makes all the difference. I told Peter that this has to endure real life adventures and stunts and he assures me that this new goat is the one but It is too early to tell. The lining is all cotton and I wish I would have got nylon sleeves so it slides over the shirt easier. Also - I cannot speak to distressing because I have decided to let this one run it's natural course. The price is Great and it's a Wested.
When I get back to the states I will post pics and do a review on hats if anyone cares for another opinion.
/b]
I had a custom coat made this last winter based on Costners Open Range coat. Had it built a little longer for more warmth.