thoughts on my new GB Expo

raider 57 · Post by **raider 57** » Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:37 pm

I've been wearing my new Gibson Barnes Expo just over this past weekend. In comparison to my trustymedium size USW Indy, the GB is better in all respects. Fit: I dropped down one size from my normal suit coat size, 40 to 38 tall. The fit is perfect around my torso and the sleeves are much smaller around. Sleeve length is dead on. Of course... ;0 (I need to figure that out one day) It feels just right, the USW medium slid around on me a bit and the sleeves a tad long. A USW small would never have worked. Pockets have nice scalloping to the flaps,and are of the smaller variety seen in the movie. The underarm gussets are a superb addition that increases flexiblity with out bulking up the jacket. USW seems to have just made the upper arm hole opening wider to allow movement. The GB collar is not quite what I expected, the collar doesn't extend to the mid storm flap. It ends above the zipper, which it has to, otherwise the collar end would overlap when fully zipped up, right? It looks good to me. There is much more workmanship to the inner lining as well. It's stiched up with many seperate pieces. The USW is basically one large part for the body lining. The inner pocket is much higher on the GB and has a heavier almost canvas-like lining. At first the higher pocket threw me, but now seem alot more secure and easier to reach, andthe heavier liner doesn't tend to turn insideout when reaching in for something.
I don't claim to be an expert on the jackets, (never owned a Wested) or bash the USW coats. (I will still wear it as well) The average person on the street would never notice the differences! I was previously skepical of the high cost of the GB's, but they truly produce a super product. Worth It!!
Satisfied...... raider 57

Captain D · Post by **Captain D** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:09 pm

Awesome & congrats!

I've got an G&B Goatskin Indy jacket/Expo. The best jacket I've ever owned. I'm glad that you're happy with it! Wear it in great health my friend!

Rixter · Post by **Rixter** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:47 am

Your Expo will look and feel even better after a few good years of wear. I honestly never thought my G&B Goatskin would ever break in the way my other jackets have, but, it has really started to become my 'go to' jacket for most occassions.

There are things you can do with your USWings to make it fit better such as simply wearing a sweat shirt, sweater, or possibly just a heavy canvas shirt depending on what climate your likely to wear it in. To get more use out of my VIP I simply had a local tailor replace the existing lining with a beautiful looking heavier lining I picked out, — no more slippage in the shoulders and I don't have to layer up!

BTW, I've never owned a Wested either, but maybe someday I will although I probably would have chosen the now discontinued Goatskin. I guess I just waited a bit too long. ;(

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 9:18 am

I totally agree with Rixter. I've found my Wings jacket to be the best for cold weather wear, as the sleeve holes ARE a bit larger than the G&B, or that fact the Wested jackets.

This way you can layer easily, and with the added batting in the Wings jacket, it's really an excellent cold weather Indy jacket. Your G&B is a great 3 season jacket, or 4 if you squeeze a sweater underneath.

Regards! Michaelson