The last Indy Jacket I'll ever own?

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:38 pm

OK ... I'm looking for the last Indiana Jones Jacket I will ever buy. I want durability, authenticity (this includes a cotton liner, not nylon), and best price for the dollar. Please advise me.

Thank you very much!

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:21 pm

Depends on which movie you want to emulate. Since you want authenticity, you got a choice between Wested (RotLA, LC), US Wings (ToD), and Tony Nowak (KotCS).

As far as price goes, assuming you live in the US, the cheapest to the most expensive would be Wested ($300+), US Wings ($287 - $469), and then Nowak ($675).

One thing you should consider is that while Wested and Nowak offer jackets custom built to your specs, US Wings only come in off-the-rack sizes.

Durability wise, it really boils down to personal preference, although lambskin jackets are generally thought to be the least durable of hides. Rotla, ToD, and LC jackets are most authentic when made in lamb, while KotCS jackets were made in cow.

Finally, getting back to authenticity, if that is a major criteria for you, then I'd really recommend getting a Nowak. Close to two decades have passed since the original Indy trilogy's jackets were made, and the original patterns are now an issue of intense speculation. However, with the Nowak, he only made the jackets last year, and still has the same patterns, and "the same hands working on the jackets".

Personally, if money is an issue, Wested makes a killer product, and there's no arguing with the fact that you're getting a jacket from Peter Botwright, one of the folks responsible for the original Raiders jacket. If not, then I'd recommend getting a Wested AND a Nowak!

I haven't had the priviledge of owning a US Wings, but they are supposed to be extra durable!

Hope that helps you decide.

P.s. I started out the same way. All I wanted was just ONE jacket. Now, I've got an entire closet full of 'em!

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:26 pm

Don't overlook Magnoli. Completely custom and completely tailored. Check him out.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:29 pm

Thanks Castor. I see where Wested is offering its lamb skin jacket on eBay for a BIN at $235.00 or so + S&H. I've read where the lamb skins are very thin and easy to tare. Todd's look great but again I hear their as thin as paper. Opinion?

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:31 pm

Thanks Whipcracker, I did check him out. Due to price I gonna have to go with an off the rack jacket.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:34 pm

Any of you ever hear of "LeatherAttractions.com?
http://www.leatherattractions.com/india ... jacket.htm

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:42 pm

It's been mentioned once or twice here. I don't know if anyone has one yet... the model alone scares me, for what its worth.

By the way I'm partial to my USW CE cowhide, it feels great and loooks amazing!!!

St. Dumas · Post by **St. Dumas** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:47 pm

Speaking from eight years of experience, Wested's lambskin isn't "thin as paper". Lamb is lamb. It's a thinner hide than goat or cow. But if you want a Raiders jacket that looks like the film jacket, or if it's important to you that the jacket is made of the same type of hide as was in the film, lamb is the one.

SD

CM · Post by CM » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:51 pm

Nowak or G&B. The others are not as well made no matter how good they are in other ways.

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 9:59 pm

CM wrote:Nowak or G&B. The others are not as well made no matter how good they are in other ways.

Hey CM, do you own an USW? I'd put it up against any jacket for its durability. It is a well made jacket. FYI

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:10 pm

Do Not Go With Leather Attractions.

-KB

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:27 pm

I have a G&B, and have owned many, many non-Indy leather jackets in my time - and it is an outstanding product.

Buy anyone's that you want, but G&B MUST be considered along with any other manufacturer when discussing the best quality product out there.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:49 pm

I did a web search for G & B and nothing turned up. So ... who's G & B?

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:50 pm

alphared6 wrote:Thanks Castor. I see where Wested is offering its lamb skin jacket on eBay for a BIN at $235.00 or so + S&H. I've read where the lamb skins are very thin and easy to tare. Todd's look great but again I hear their as thin as paper. Opinion?

Well, lambs often get more criticism than they deserve around Indygear, but you've got to remember that most folks here are speaking of a lamb's jacket durability in the event that you roll off a rocky cliff, or get dragged behind a truck.

Lambskins usually tend to be soft and pliable, which gives them a luxurious feel when handled. However, this doesn't mean they are paper thin. I have a few Wested lambskin jackets that have lasted me for over a year now, and look brand new! I subject them to the normal rigors of daily use, and imagine that the only way I'll tear one is if it gets caught in a door, and I try to jerk it away.

Basically, unless you're going to subject it to frequent beatings, or carry sharp objects very close to it, I would say that you would have no problems at all with a lambskin jacket. I'd say it is more durable than a suit jacket, so unless you consider those "paper-thin", a lamb should do fine!

You should also keep in mind that hides of lamb can vary in thickness. I have a vegetable-tanned lambskin jacket that is on-par in thickness with a heavy cowhide jacket, and a predistressed (aka worn-look) lamb that is almost like a cotton jacket. I would imagine that predistressed jackets would tend to be more 'fragile' due to being very thin, and also being more exposed to the elements, but that is a problem that is not unique to lambskin jackets.

To summarize though, if you want a jacket that can last you through "normal" use as a city slicker, or anything short of extreme sports, I'd think that lambskin should be durable enough for you. However, if you constantly find yourself in situations that would shred cotton or cloth jackets (i.e: construction site, outdoorsy job, etc), then you might probably want to look into cowhide. If hide-authenticity is not an issue however, then you could do worse than goat, horse (which also arguably seems to be the most water-repellant of hides), or even that elusive kangaroo hide.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 10:52 pm

HEY... USW has a goat skin that's affordable! Any one have one of those?

I have a USW goat skin A-2 and it is superb!

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:06 pm

G&B stands for Gibson and Barnes, formerly flightsuits. I plan on eventually getting a USW goat myself.

-KB

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:08 pm

Castor Dioscuri wrote: Basically, unless you're going to subject it to frequent beatings, or carry sharp objects very close to it, I would say that you would have no problems at all with a lambskin jacket.

Yeah, I'm pretty rough on jackets. I tend to end up in places outside a normal "daily" or "office" environment.

I have several A-2's. My USW A-2, which I think I bought in 1988 is goat and has been through the thick of things with me. The knit cuffs and waste bands have been a problem. I'm on my third set. So an Indy jacket that can handle things will work much better for me.

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:25 pm

It seems price is the biggest of the priorities for you, alphared6, which means you'll have to let go of one or more of your other parameters (durability, authenticity, cotton liner, and value on the dollar).

For durability at a low price, a US Wings goat is excellent. I have a black one. Goat is very water resistant and tough as nails. Wings makes a good jacket, too.

The design most resembles the CS movie jacket. If you're willing to get one in distressed cowhide, it will be more authentic, but less water repellent and very slightly less durable.

Some will argue that US Wings (especially the lambskin) is the perfect ToD jacket. I find that only some have the look, though I can't figure out why.

As far as I know, Magnoli and Wested are the only ones with the lining you want. But I may be wrong.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:34 pm

Thanks Chewbaca. I am leaning hard towards the USW goat.

Doug C · Post by **Doug C** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:35 pm

OK ... I'm looking for the last Indiana Jones Jacket I will ever buy.

HA, aren't we all... atleast that's always been my feeling on the matter, it just wasn't realistic for various reasons.

Doug C

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:37 pm

alphared6 wrote:OK ... I'm looking for the last Indiana Jones Jacket I will ever buy. I want durability, authenticity (this includes a cotton liner, not nylon), and best price for the dollar. Please advise me.

Thank you very much!

tony nowak is the top imo for all of the factors that you've mentioned considered in unison.

the only flaw in the TN is that it's not a ROLA, TOD, or LC jacket

btw....LC jacket did not have a cotton liner in the body....

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:41 pm

I made the mistake of buying a couple of cheap jackets off eBay. I'm not happy with either one. I'll be departing for the nether regions in November and I'd like a good Indy jacket that will see me through some rather nasty environments and I'll "carry sharp objects close to it."

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:48 pm

Indiana G wrote:btw....LC jacket did not have a cotton liner in the body....

I presumed cotton due to Indy's jacket being manufactured in the mid 30's. All original leather jackets I've seen from that period had three types of liners: Cotton (as in A-2's), wool and rayon. The rayon was either made as simulated silk or resembled cotton.
In my minds eye I see Indy's as a brown cotton. It's just me.

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:26 am

Wested does off the rack jackets in both goat and washed goat.

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:37 am

alphared6 wrote:Thanks Chewbaca. I am leaning hard towards the USW goat.

Since you're pretty hard on your jackets, I'd agree with you that a US Wings goat is the way to go. Folks here pretty much agree that they make jackets built for durability, to military specs.

If you don't mind shelling out a little extra though, G is right with that Tony Nowak recommendation. His jackets seem to be pretty tough and sturdy, and as previously mentioned, you just can't beat the authenticity factor there! Durability wise, most folks believe his jackets to be built as tough as (if not tougher than) a US Wings, but we still need to put his jackets through the test of time, since the oldest Nowak Indy jackets around here would only be around five months old.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:50 am

The Wings goatskin jacket is a super choice. Here's a link that shows off some of them.

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?t=33395

Chewbacca Jones is sporting a really nice one in black. The lining in mine is a very nice 50/50 cotton poly blend. Sounds to me like this jacket would be a perfect choice for you!

Weston

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:31 am

"I want you to wear this jacket and beat the #### out of it!"
--Tony Nowak

I haven't taken the last part of that advice, but from the look and feel of my TN, Tony's confidence in his product is justified! U.S. Wings would be a more affordable jacket with a great reputation for sturdiness, though.

Jack

mark seven · Post by **mark seven** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:11 am

I'd say get 2 jackets.. get a hard-wearing goat/horsehide jacket and a lambskin and that's all you'll need.I have GB Goat and the Todds Standard,and I can finally say that I don't need another Indy jacket now,these 2 jackets cover all the bases for me-the GB is tough as nails and will sail through the winter,and the Todds is just so light and comfortable-luxury!,I've been wearing it nearly everyday..it's the nicest Indy jacket I've owned!

coronado3 · Post by **coronado3** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 8:21 am

IMO the best bang for the buck would be the US Wings Goat Indy jacket. It is very tough yet lighter in weight than their cow hide jackets...

Another great option would be Westeds Goat jackets. Very close to the same price.

If price is not a major deal breaker, then go with the Gibson and Barnes in goat. tough as nails and very accurate in its design.

C3

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:02 am

Looking at durability vs. price I'd say the USW goat is probably the best choice. These are very tough jackets and built for hard, daily wear.

The Wested is also nice but lighter weight and what I would consider slightly more for fashion but that's in no way a criticism.

For the price of the USW goat, you really can't go wrong if you want an extremely durable jacket you could wear for many, many years. I think it's one of the better values for an Indy style jacket. You will be amazed at how resiliant that leather is. I also think the off the rack special offer Westeds are excellent for the price - I love my washed goat and I got lucky as the fit feels like it was custom tailored.

Good luck.

Tollan · Post by **Tollan** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:05 am

I dunno... I'd go for the G&B myself. The cut is just much nicer and some other details that beat the USW to the finishing line. The goat that G&B is using at the moment is so soft and light it's very close to Lamb as well. A good time to buy one!

I've never seen a Magnoli however. I've heard goo things and it will be made to your exact measurements (including extra pockets etc).

If you're only going to buy one jacket (good luck on that) then it's worth spending a bit more I think.

I'm thinking of selling my USW goat (large) as well, with black cotton linging!.... if anyones interested

jacksdad · Post by **jacksdad** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:35 am

I own the wested off the rack goat and I love it, if you go with the wings you'll get an excellent product,the ony advice is give the person your measurements and have them measure a a jacket to make sure you get the size you want. I'm going to look at getting a vip from wings and some of the other members here told me that if you ask wings they will measure jacket to make sure it fits you. good luck.

Heyjude7 · Post by **Heyjude7** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:00 pm

im not sure but doesnt US wings have a 1 inch gap inbetween the side seams and the back panel? it shows it on all the pics on their website

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:25 pm

here is my opinion:

1. wested: ok durability, great authenticity, awesome price
2. todds: ok durability, awesome authenticity as far as details but lack in pedigree, ok price
3. g&b: (subjective as i don't own one) awesome durability, awesome authenticity as far as pedigree but lacks in some details, ok price
4. us wings: (again subjective) awesome durability, ok authenticity due to sizing and details, great price
5. TN: awesome durability, awesome authenticity, most expensive of the lot

kinda like a jacket "triangle"....if you have a great price, your losing out on authenticity and durability...or if you have great authenticity and durability....you're gonna have to pay for it.

if someone told me i could only have one indy jacket......it'd be the TN hands down.....and though i don't own one, i'd say g&b would be second on that list (but then i'd have to wash the #### out of that chrome tanned garbage)

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 12:49 pm

You're not going to find a totally informed opinion on this board. To do that the person would have had to have tried every single jacket that's out there. Go through some threads and form your own opinions, but do research on each jacket. Use the search option.

PS- I'd take "chrome tanned garbage" over the "predistressed fakeness" of a TN anyday (not that he doesn't make a well made jacket). Opinions will need to be deciphered, one man's garbage is....you know the rest. There's no accounting for taste. A "Indy 4" inscription in the lining of a jacket is the epitome of "cheese" to me, but some people think it's "the bee's knees". Neither opinion is wrong.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:00 pm

Bottom line to all this is, in your case, is that you're going to only be able to buy what you can afford, so you may as well narrow down THOSE selections within your price range, and THEN ask for opinions.

Right now we're just spinning our wheels with recommendations.

Regard! Michaelson

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:03 pm

buy 'em all!!!........and let COW sort them out

i see a tee-shirt happening here.....in chrome tanned leather.....

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:04 pm

Michaelson wrote:Bottom line to all this is, in your case, is that you're going to only be able to buy what you can afford, so you may as well narrow down THOSE selections within your price range, and THEN ask for opinions.

Right now we're just spinning our wheels with recommendations.

Regard! Michaelson

That seems to be the bottom line in this particular case. Best durability vs. price would probably go to US Wings.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:14 pm

Agreed!

Regard! Michaelson

Raider S · Post by **Raider S** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:22 pm

Rundquist wrote: Best durability vs. price would probably go to US Wings.

I think if I could only have one jacket I really intended to wear heavily (daily) and had a restricted budget I'd get the USW. Not that there aren't better out there and certainly more SA, but for the bang for the buck it's hard to top.

Maybe you want to wait for the possible new TOD USW...

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:39 pm

_ wrote:LOL!

"I'll never buy another Indy jacket" kinda sounds like hearing a college student say, "I'll never drink alcohol again..."

The moment passes, and eventually that itch will make itself known again...

Ah... yes I remember the time when I said I am not going for total screen accuracy or original vendors, now almost ALL my gear is original vendors

But now I'm done so I can safely say it.....

crismans · Post by **crismans** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 1:49 pm

I was going to just get one "be all, end all" jacket when I first found this place. Now I have 3 with another on the way.

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 2:32 pm

Only one jacket??? hmmmmmm.... I remember saying that once too...

If you can manage that then you have amazing restraint.... Best of luck...now to my closet...Which Wested, USW, or Nowak I should wear today...

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:08 pm

my TN was going to my last.......and for a while i didn't have the "itch"....

till wested came out with some new offerings......then i had to get another cuz the TN wasn't a ROTLA jacket....then that was going to be it for sure.

......then wested started their work on the TOD jacket.........and us wings as well.........might as well keep it going

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:46 pm

nicktheguy wrote:Only one jacket??? hmmmmmm.... I remember saying that once too...

If you can manage that then you have amazing restraint.... Best of luck...now to my closet...Which Wested, USW, or Nowak I should wear today...

Tell me about, I just started acquiring the gear in May and currently have two Wested's and Todd's. I also have a US Wings on order for my son and really wasn't planning on doing that.

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:26 pm

Indiana G wrote:my TN was going to my last.......and for a while i didn't have the "itch"....

till wested came out with some new offerings......then i had to get another cuz the TN wasn't a ROTLA jacket....then that was going to be it for sure.

......then wested started their work on the TOD jacket.........and us wings as well.........might as well keep it going

Tell me about it, G.

My TN jacket was supposed to be my last, but then after I got it out of the box and realized how darn perfect it was, all it did was give me 'rashes'!

And now that Wested is starting work on a ToD NH tribute jacket, I think I'm coming down with chickenpox!

CM · Post by CM » Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:40 pm

Tennessee Smith wrote:
CM wrote:Nowak or G&B. The others are not as well made no matter how good they are in other ways.
Hey CM, do you own an USW? I'd put it up against any jacket for its durability. It is a well made jacket. FYI :D

A friend has one. It is very nice. However, I have read here a few times that there are various issues with patterns, cutting and inside batting. That's why I didn't put it down. But I'm certainly open to it being better than a costume jacket and a very sound investment in most ways.

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:26 pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~MY DECISION~~~~~~~~~~~~

First I want to thank everyone who responded here. Your input was
invaluable!
Considering that what I require and what I desire are two different but parallel tracks I have decided on ............
..............drum roll please ......................
the USW GOAT HIDE.
A durable leather jacket that can take it and provide me some degree of protection beyond a field jacket and still is close enough to an Indy jacket to please my delicate sensibilities!

I ordered it today. The VERY helpful woman at USW (who went out of her way to get me answers to all my questions) tells me that I should have it by the end of the week. I'll post pictures.
AGAIN ... thank you everyone, you greatly aided me in making an informed decision!

Kentucky Blues · Post by **Kentucky Blues** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:46 pm

Hey, alphared6, if extra small tall isn't you're size, but, by some chance, that's what they end up shipping you instead... don't send it back! Just pass it my way

-KB

alphared6 · Post by **alphared6** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:59 pm

Kentucky Blues wrote:Hey, alphared6, if extra small tall isn't you're size, but, by some chance, that's what they end up shipping you instead... don't send it back! Just pass it my way

-KB

Extra small, tall? Are you bragging? There was a time, however in this latter stage of life I sport a 46!

Mike~~~

The last Indy Jacket I'll ever own?

The last Indy Jacket I'll ever own?

Re: The last Indy Jacket I'll ever own?

Re: The last Indy Jacket I'll ever own?