Gibson & Barnes/Flightsuits "Raiders" jacket:
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 4:36 pm
I recently received a Gibson and Barnes (G&B) "raiders" replica jacket from another member and wanted to post some thoughts on it, as it's not often discussed anymore. I'll have pics posted soon.
I got this one from IndyBlues last week in a trade for my Wested 'Raiders' goat. I've loved every Wested I've ever owned (5) but I had also always wanted a G&B, mostly out of curiosity as it was supposedly patterned after an actual screen used 'Raiders' stunt jacket. But laying out nearly $500.00 for an off-the-rack jacket was a leap I was not willing to take. The trade worked out perfectly for my purposes, and I can always pick up another Wested down the road.
The first thing I'd like to note is the fit. My Wested was an off-the-rack 48. The G&B is an off-the-rack (I believe) 50. Somehow the fit of the two jackets is identical. And when you consider that my Wested had shrunk a bit in a heavy downpour, slightly reducing the size 48 fit, it's safe to say that G&B's sizing runs VERY much on the small side. Be aware of that fact if you order from G&B.
This particular G&B is goatskin. It seems to be a high quality hide in terms of durability and surface consistency, but is a bit "rough" looking in appearance compared to the smooth, flawless surface the Wested had (pre-down pour). In my experiece over the past few years I've come to realize that English leathers really are the finest anywhere. The hide of the G&B is not a bad thing, however. I think the "visual richness" of this goat really adds to the antique, WWII-era look. I can really see this jacket taking on some interesting characterisitcs with age. To my eye this is what made Indy's jacket look so well-worn, anyway. It wasn't so much dirt or faded seams, but the texture of the jacket. It has an EXTREME shine to it, but I've begun to dull it down and it's proving to be an easy process. It's also VERY light weight for goat! It wears and feels like the lambskin Wested's I've owned. The Wested goat, by contrast, was much heavier in weight and a bit more stiff.
So, the big question, "Is it REALLY so much more accurate than Wested?". In my opinion, NO. It's not that the G&B is at all INaccurate, no, FAR from it. It's VERY accurate. I think it's just that Wested's jackets are not as inaccurate as some people would have you believe. I know the subtle differences in appearance between Wested and G&B are many, but are so minute they're nearly invisible, no matter how obsessive you might be. The most notable are the black rectangular slides on the straps (which Wested now offers, anyway) the smaller collar and the fact that the yoke sits atleast an inch higher than any Wested I've owned, which has always been my only real gripe about Wested. The elastic used in the pleats does keep them in check quite nicely, but does not help them function any better. However, the fact that the pleats are present in the lining as well DOES seem to be a plus. The gussetts are a nice addition and seem to add some freedom of movement, but are largely over rated, in my opinion.
So how does it stack up, overall? It's an incredibly well-made and screen accurate 'Raiders' jacket for sure. But I think I still have to claim loyalty to Wested, and would reccommend them over G&B. Most, if not all, of the differences are available with a Wested; the black sliders, gussetts, choice of hide. And as I understand it the "80's" fit Wested 'Raiders' does have the yoke 1" higher than their standard cut, so even that problem is mute, I guess. Add to that the fact that Wested is the maker of the original jacket, a fact that's hard to ignore on some items. Wested is also still much more affordable, even with today's exchange rates and international shipping. And most importantly, G&B no longer offers custom-made (made-to-measure) jackets. Everything is off the rack only, and still command a price very close to $500.00. Wested will make a jacket to YOUR specs, (throw in the "80's" fit option and you'll pretty much have the G&B specs, too) and still only set you back about $300.00. Any way you look at it, Wested is STILL the one to beat.
I got this one from IndyBlues last week in a trade for my Wested 'Raiders' goat. I've loved every Wested I've ever owned (5) but I had also always wanted a G&B, mostly out of curiosity as it was supposedly patterned after an actual screen used 'Raiders' stunt jacket. But laying out nearly $500.00 for an off-the-rack jacket was a leap I was not willing to take. The trade worked out perfectly for my purposes, and I can always pick up another Wested down the road.
The first thing I'd like to note is the fit. My Wested was an off-the-rack 48. The G&B is an off-the-rack (I believe) 50. Somehow the fit of the two jackets is identical. And when you consider that my Wested had shrunk a bit in a heavy downpour, slightly reducing the size 48 fit, it's safe to say that G&B's sizing runs VERY much on the small side. Be aware of that fact if you order from G&B.
This particular G&B is goatskin. It seems to be a high quality hide in terms of durability and surface consistency, but is a bit "rough" looking in appearance compared to the smooth, flawless surface the Wested had (pre-down pour). In my experiece over the past few years I've come to realize that English leathers really are the finest anywhere. The hide of the G&B is not a bad thing, however. I think the "visual richness" of this goat really adds to the antique, WWII-era look. I can really see this jacket taking on some interesting characterisitcs with age. To my eye this is what made Indy's jacket look so well-worn, anyway. It wasn't so much dirt or faded seams, but the texture of the jacket. It has an EXTREME shine to it, but I've begun to dull it down and it's proving to be an easy process. It's also VERY light weight for goat! It wears and feels like the lambskin Wested's I've owned. The Wested goat, by contrast, was much heavier in weight and a bit more stiff.
So, the big question, "Is it REALLY so much more accurate than Wested?". In my opinion, NO. It's not that the G&B is at all INaccurate, no, FAR from it. It's VERY accurate. I think it's just that Wested's jackets are not as inaccurate as some people would have you believe. I know the subtle differences in appearance between Wested and G&B are many, but are so minute they're nearly invisible, no matter how obsessive you might be. The most notable are the black rectangular slides on the straps (which Wested now offers, anyway) the smaller collar and the fact that the yoke sits atleast an inch higher than any Wested I've owned, which has always been my only real gripe about Wested. The elastic used in the pleats does keep them in check quite nicely, but does not help them function any better. However, the fact that the pleats are present in the lining as well DOES seem to be a plus. The gussetts are a nice addition and seem to add some freedom of movement, but are largely over rated, in my opinion.
So how does it stack up, overall? It's an incredibly well-made and screen accurate 'Raiders' jacket for sure. But I think I still have to claim loyalty to Wested, and would reccommend them over G&B. Most, if not all, of the differences are available with a Wested; the black sliders, gussetts, choice of hide. And as I understand it the "80's" fit Wested 'Raiders' does have the yoke 1" higher than their standard cut, so even that problem is mute, I guess. Add to that the fact that Wested is the maker of the original jacket, a fact that's hard to ignore on some items. Wested is also still much more affordable, even with today's exchange rates and international shipping. And most importantly, G&B no longer offers custom-made (made-to-measure) jackets. Everything is off the rack only, and still command a price very close to $500.00. Wested will make a jacket to YOUR specs, (throw in the "80's" fit option and you'll pretty much have the G&B specs, too) and still only set you back about $300.00. Any way you look at it, Wested is STILL the one to beat.
