USW Collectors Jacket

slydini · Post by **slydini** » Sat May 03, 2008 9:10 am

Well, I missed the limited edition run, but I just check their website and they have a collectors edition now. Same leather, just not the batch used on screen. I jumped at it.

Post by **Holt** » Sat May 03, 2008 9:46 am

I think if they only use their regular cowhide and sendt it to the tannery then they should have dropped the price a bit.

then it would not be the same leather as the screen jackets it's just made to look like the same.

just my thought's here....

anyways.congrats on your purchase..I am sure you will be very happy with it.they are some great looking jackets

bests
Holt

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Sat May 03, 2008 10:07 am

I ordered one too. It was really between this and the black G & B goatskin. Finally decided that I'll probably still get the G&B eventually, but like the look of the leather on this jacket too much to pass it up... BUT... is the leather really good quality.. i.e. tough as nails...? I hope so.

On the subject of the CE, I don't see why this is a limited quantity item and they can't be running the Collector's Edition as a permanent or semi-permanent addition in the catalog. The tannery will probably keep producing batches of the leather as long as someone will buy it, won't they? Between Nowak and US Wings, I'd say that they'll have plenty of customers to keep it going. How "limited" is the collector's edition really going to be, then?

The Limited Edition's eventual ebay resale will likely be huge - much bigger than this jacket, and the crazy part is I like that. The sad fact is that if I had gotten a LE jacket, I'd probably have been too scared of damaging it to ever wear it out of the house. That was a big reason why I never got one when we had the chance. Resale be darned... it's useless to me to buy a jacket I would only use to pray at the altar of Indy

.

IMO, this is just another US Wings jacket with some interesting factoid about the tannery that probably almost no one will care about outside this community. From that perspective, I like it better than an LE. I just wish it wasn't the SAME price as the LE... but oh well, I guess that just underscores how the LE was a good deal

.

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Sat May 03, 2008 10:19 am

Indiana Holt wrote:I think if they only use their regular cowhide and sendt it to the tannery then they should have dropped the price a bit.
it's not the same leather as from the screen jackets it's just made to look like the same.

Since I have no idea how it works... Does the customer provide the hides and they simply tan them for the customer, or does the tannery source the hides and provide finished leather to the customer? If the former, then it really could/should have been cheaper than the LE, assuming that US Wings regular hides cost less than whatever was used in the LE jackets. If the latter, I suppose I can see the argument of the tannery not giving them a price break for what, from their perspective, is the same product they bought before, hence the costs are passed on to us.

According to the website, the leather is heavier and darker than their standard jacket. The tanning process obviously makes it darker or lighter, but does it have an effect on the weight, or are the underlying hides thicker?

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat May 03, 2008 10:23 am

Last call, does anyone read the vendors section and the updates?

viewtopic.php?t=28277

This jacket was announced on the 30th of April.

It is cowhide from the same tannery that made the Indy IV leather, but was from a second run of 10000 feet. Wings purchased 7000 of it, and a California company purchased the other 3000 (wonder who THAT could have been?

)

They have changed the product number at the factor and in the Wings off so they can tell the first run Indy IV jackets from this second run. Each jacket is numbered at the factory (ALL their jackets are, and signed by the maker for quality control. If there's a jacket problem, they know exactly who made the jacket in the factory and can go back to the source. Bet you didn't know that!), so those who have the first run limited edition Indy IV leather have no worries. Their product numbers and order numbers/names are recorded.

Chimp, no, the customer purchases the tanned hides from the tannery. In this case, that's what Wings did, then took the hides to their factory and made the jackets.

Regards!
Michaelson

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Sat May 03, 2008 10:28 am

Michaelson wrote:Last call, does anyone read the vendors section and the updates?

Truth be told, I hardly ever read the vendor section. I need to start... if for no other reason than to save that poor emoticon from more abuse.

Thanks Michaelson! That pretty much answers it.

ortiz344 · Post by **ortiz344** » Sat May 03, 2008 11:28 am

Indiana Holt wrote:I think if they only use their regular cowhide and sendt it to the tannery then they should have dropped the price a bit.

it's not the same leather as the screen jackets it's just made to look like the same.

just my thought's here....

anyways.congrats on your purchase..I am sure you will be very happy with it.they are some great looking jackets

bests
Holt

Same price huh? Good luck with that...wonder if limited owners are angry they are saturating the market with also rans 2nd batch stuff? Whats this a sequel?

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat May 03, 2008 12:11 pm

Since this has come up, I just got this email, and am posting this verbatim.

Now the information:

The Fans must tell us in the remarks when ordering this new IJVIN jacket they are a member and they will receive the $ 100.00 discount! Please don't come back after the order has been placed and gone into our system and let us know you are a member.

It should also be noted.. Limited means Limited!! The standard run for a leather tannery is very large!!When any company ask for a special leather and run it cost big bucks and time in order to have this leather made!! You have to remember US Wings Inc. is a Made in the USA vendor plus we are Union Made.. The only reason I offer special deals to the Indy Fans is very clear...I support the Fans and one Hundred dollars off is my way of doing so.. Now You have to ask yourself one question.. Who else does this.

Regards,
Sgt. Hack

Regards! Michaleson

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Sat May 03, 2008 12:16 pm

The Fans must tell us in the remarks when ordering this new IJVIN jacket they are a member and they will receive the $ 100.00 discount! Please don't come back after the order has been placed and gone into our system and let us know you are a member.

all I can say is.... awwww NUTS! I coulda saved $100! D'OH!

Well, I missed yet another discount (This is what I get for ordering at 2am, and not waiting...), it's still very class of Sarge to offer one. Kudos

nicetrylaoche · Post by **nicetrylaoche** » Sat May 03, 2008 4:58 pm

Well, here's my take on the matter...I think the terminology chosen to differentiate the two jackets is quite practical...

the Limited Edition, of which I own two (S and M), are made from the FIRST run, of which the film jackets were also constructed. Like Michaelson and Sarge have stated, the Collector's Edition is constructed from the SECOND run, which is the same leather the film jackets are made of, but it does not come from the same exact run of the leather...Results can vary between runs (however, microscopic they might be) even with the same exact processes and hide sources...SOOOOO...especially being an owner of the Limited Edition jacket, I am incredibly grateful for this distinction US Wings has made...its not the Limited Edition, and it's not their regular vintage cowhide...it the collector's edition. I guess the glass if half empty to others, but that's my two cents.

Kokopelli · Post by **Kokopelli** » Sat May 03, 2008 5:39 pm

...and again NO Longs available! I'm tired of the Man discriminatin' me 'cause of my long arms!

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Sat May 03, 2008 5:55 pm

while it does disappoint me that there is actually a second run and collectors edition of the jacket. i still will know that mine is 1 of 90 not counting what was made for the movie of course. i do believe that it seems they went out of thier way to make sure that their customers can get what they want. i am glad that they changed the number on them to distinguish form the limited to the collectors editions. i do have one thing to say uswings is top notch and i will be buying more from them in the future if all companies put the customer first like them then things would be much better.

Post by **Holt** » Sat May 03, 2008 6:59 pm

how's the stitching on it manu?

does the leather feel bulky and thick?

thanks
Holt

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Sat May 03, 2008 7:06 pm

stitching seems good to me. it is a thick jacket and somewhat heavy its what i would want in an indy jacket i think this thing will be here and still be able to to be worn long after im dead(which hopefully is a long way off)

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Sat May 03, 2008 8:30 pm

is the number of the jacket on the tag in the pocket next to the size? michaelson i hope you can answer this you seem to talk to sarge more than anyone.

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat May 03, 2008 9:55 pm

No, he just sends me emails on occasion.

Drop him a line. He can tell you.

Regards! Michaelson

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Sat May 03, 2008 9:58 pm

i have to go up to the store on monday hopefully ill be able to find out from the girls that work in the store.

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat May 03, 2008 9:59 pm

Good idea! Let us know what you find out, if you don't mind doing so!

Regards! Michaelson

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Sat May 03, 2008 10:02 pm

not at all everyone here has been helpful to me all i can do is return the favor

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Sat May 03, 2008 10:03 pm

if that is the number i have number 5

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat May 03, 2008 10:04 pm

manu7 wrote:not at all everyone here has been helpful to me all i can do is return the favor

Thank you sir!! If that's the case, mine is 006. Not sure if that's the case or not, but you're right, the product number is in that pocket, isn't it? I wonder if that is the number of the production model as well, as you suggest?

Regards! Michaelson

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Sat May 03, 2008 11:51 pm

As far as the production number...

I have no knowledge of this stuff, but I would think that if sourcing the hide were important for quality control in the case of problems (which seems to be the more general case for identification) or authentication of leather source, it would not be placed in a location likely, or even possible, to see normal wear caused by the consumer, including inside the pocket. I would think it would be some sort of indelible ink or branding on the inside surface of the leather... such that to find it, you'd have to remove the lining from a certain spot on the jacket.... but like I said... I don't know squat. It just seems reasonable to me, given the purpose of it.

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Sun May 04, 2008 1:33 am

Once again no long for the Collector's Edition USW jacket

Post by **Holt** » Sun May 04, 2008 10:56 am

No.

USW is the only vendor that does this for COW memebers

bests
Holt

Post by **Michaelson** » Sun May 04, 2008 11:49 am

To re-state what I said above.....the discount ONLY applies to THIS particular jacket at this time....no others in the Wings inventory.

Regards! Michaelson

michaeljcr · Post by **michaeljcr** » Sun May 04, 2008 11:52 am

Michaelson wrote:
manu7 wrote:not at all everyone here has been helpful to me all i can do is return the favor
Thank you sir!! If that's the case, mine is 006. Not sure if that's the case or not, but you're right, the product number is in that pocket, isn't it? I wonder if that is the number of the production model as well, as you suggest?

Regards! Michaelson

Interesting! I've got number 10 if that's the case.

Cheers!

Michael

Nebraska Brad · Post by **Nebraska Brad** » Sun May 04, 2008 1:26 pm

Michaelson,

Mine is a medium as well and is also numbered 006. Maybe this is not the correct number?

-Nebraska

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Sun May 04, 2008 3:17 pm

Rats, I guess I didn't look around enough, the $100 discount is quite an incentive.. For one, I needed a L but there were none on the site when I ordered the vintage cowhide, and didn't consider it after that. Emailed Sarge asking about the COW discount, if it was any jacket or just the CE, and he replied what size I was looking for, but nothing about the discount, so I replied saying I couldn't get the CE for $120 extra. If I'd known the discount, I would have inquired further.

Also inquired on the 2nd if the jacket I did order had shipped, but no reply

Need to get that things through customs soon!

Post by **Michaelson** » Sun May 04, 2008 7:18 pm

I just received this email this afternoon, and am posting it as received:

Please post..
As I understand The Chimp bought a 1V4VIN jacket from US Wings Inc. and did not get the discount Send a e-mail to Laurie and give her your invoice number!

BTW The Chimp is right.. we have two places we have our numbers.. One code inside the pocket and the other inside the leather.. yes inside the lining ! The code tells us who made the jacket.. the date... and even the tannery!!

Regards,
Sgt. Hack

Regards! Michaelson

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Sun May 04, 2008 9:00 pm

Please post..
As I understand The Chimp bought a 1V4VIN jacket from US Wings Inc. and did not get the discount Send a e-mail to Laurie and give her your invoice number!

All I can say is ... wow!

Since I don't know Laurie's e-mail, I sent one to info@uswings.com (I cc'ed laurie@uswings.com just as a stab in the dark). I think part of that e-mail bears public repeating though, because I would like to underscore the sentiment.

The fact that Sgt. Hack would even offer a discount for members, let alone consider offering me one after having missed the proper procedure, is extremely impressive, no matter what price I would pay for the jacket, and is yet another class move on his part. I really do appreciate it.

That's truly excellent customer service!

michaeljcr · Post by **michaeljcr** » Mon May 05, 2008 7:51 am

TheChimp wrote:
Please post..
As I understand The Chimp bought a 1V4VIN jacket from US Wings Inc. and did not get the discount Send a e-mail to Laurie and give her your invoice number!
All I can say is ... wow!

Since I don't know Laurie's e-mail, I sent one to info@uswings.com (I cc'ed laurie@uswings.com just as a stab in the dark). I think part of that e-mail bears public repeating though, because I would like to underscore the sentiment.

The fact that Sgt. Hack would even offer a discount for members, let alone consider offering me one after having missed the proper procedure, is extremely impressive, no matter what price I would pay for the jacket, and is yet another class move on his part. I really do appreciate it.
That's truly excellent customer service!

I had a similar experience as I paid Paypal and it took the full amount straight away. I emailed Sgt Hack on Michaelson's advice and he sorted it out straight away and the money went back into my account. I'm a professional retailer and can say without a doubt that this was first rate customer service of a sort you don't often see any more. Despite the fact I'm in the UK, my next Indy jacket will be a US Wings goat.

M.

Post by **Holt** » Mon May 05, 2008 7:56 am

sgt.Hack and his crew have A+ costumer service.

bests
Holt

Minnesota Jones · Post by **Minnesota Jones** » Mon May 05, 2008 11:21 am

Mine is #9 out of the 90. I think it's great that the Sarge got this for us. Not just the original 90, but another run as well. Those who weren't able to get one now have a change for the same style of leather, thou not the same "batch" so to speak. Again, just more choices and options for Gearheads than ever before. We've NEVER had things this good around here, ever.

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Mon May 05, 2008 12:49 pm

i talked to the girls at wings today and the number isnt the jacket number of 90 it all has to do with the batch of leather from the first production run, when the jacket was made. she said that she was reading the message board last night and seen the comments about the numbers.

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Mon May 05, 2008 1:43 pm

Just got an email from Wings, they let me upgrade my order from the Vintage Adventurer Jacket to the Collectors Edition for an extra $27. Very kind of them imo to let me upgrade with the discount, after I fumbled around with my order and my rookie questions. Can't wait to get it!!

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Mon May 05, 2008 3:31 pm

if the collectors edition is anything like the limited edition (which it should be) you'll love it. i just wish it would get cold again so i can wear it more often than a day or two a week in the mornings

manu7 · Post by **manu7** » Mon May 05, 2008 3:35 pm

well minnesota i was never that much of a gearhead until i started reading this site regularly close enough was good for me. now see what you all have turned me into!

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Sat May 10, 2008 5:10 pm

Got my UPS notification, jacket arrives Thursday !!!

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Sat May 10, 2008 5:58 pm

Piers wrote:Got my UPS notification, jacket arrives Thursday !!!

When you know it's so close, doesn't that just make you 10x more anxious?

... mine shipped as well, and should be arriving Monday

TheChimp · Post by **TheChimp** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:42 am

Well, it just arrived. Forgive my "night of the living chimp" appearance. Having never owned anything but Wested before (for Indy jackets, anyway)... man, is this thing heavy!

I absolutely love this jacket. A huge thanks to Sgt. Hack and the team at US Wings. I couldn't be happier!!! (I know, the pic doesn't show it).

edit: and yes, I do plan to remove the tags before leaving the house

Minnesota Jones · Post by **Minnesota Jones** » Mon May 12, 2008 11:50 am

Yup, the cowhide Indy IV leather IS heavy. After the movie and a parade and a Convention, mine is definately being retired for the summer. Great pic. Just smile next time...

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Mon May 12, 2008 12:30 pm

Looks great!! Now I really can't wait!

And of course, the day the jacket arrives, the temp here in Calgary is going to double and be about 22C! Going to drop a bit by the 22nd luckily

Piers · Post by **Piers** » Tue May 13, 2008 11:50 am

just wanted to share a chuckle.. Following the UPS web tracking, my jacket is having quite an adventure.. After shipping from Akron to another city in OH, it was sent to Indiana (apropo!), to Illinois, then onto Minnesota.. The jacket has now been to as many states in the US as I have!

USW Collectors Jacket

USW Collectors Jacket

My two cents