Club Obi Wan

I'm pretty sure that this is Ford wearing his Flight Suits Expedition. I compared it to my lambskin one and came away with that conclusion. Look at the collar. The sleeve looks like it has a cuff, but it looks more to me like a folded over crease. Anyway, happy discussion. I expect this place to be in one piece when I check it tomorrow morning . Cheers

I think so too. Besides, he must be reading our COW postings, because he is definitely folding his collar just like MK mentioned. You know folding it in half to get it to drape right. The cuffs do bother me. We have to call in special ops for final determination. )

-S

Is he wearing his Indy glasses?

Besides, he must be reading our COW postings, because he is definitely folding his collar just like MK mentioned

C'mon. You're going to tell me that Indiana Jones is taking lessons from our MK? I bet HF wrote the book on this collar.

However, if I were HF I don't think I'd wear anything that would resemble any of my film costumes, but that's just me. I sure hope they go with Wested for the new film. If HF is in a FS as you all think, then I'd say they got the jump on Wested. Too bad.

Why would that be too bad? It is a superior jacket in every way, IMHO. Now before anyone gets up in arms, I DO own 2 Westeds too. They have their place as well but, if you were HF, wouldn't you want the best? You certainly could afford it. Flightsuits = quality.

BTW, I have seen this pic in person too and I'm with Rundquist on this one. That's gotta be only a fold and not a cuff.

The only thing is, I don't see the top seam from the shoulder area. But it may just be the quality of the scan. If it's not there, then I don't think it'd be an FS Indy jacket... maybe another FS?

Mike

agent5 wrote: However, if I were HF I don't think I'd wear anything that would resemble any of my film costumes, but that's just me. I sure hope they go with Wested for the new film. If HF is in a FS as you all think, then I'd say they got the jump on Wested. Too bad.

Actually, Harrison does have a FS lambskin Expedition. That's one of the reasons that I believe that this is it. I don't want to start any kind of jacket war here, but don't knock em' till' you try em'. Cheers

I don't know. It just doesn't look like an Indy jacket to me, FS or otherwise. I don't see a zipper reflecting light. I don't see the storm flap or that fold the stormflap makes when it reaches the collar. And it looks like Mr. Ford has his right hand in a hand warmer pocket but I don't see the cargo flap sticking out. It looks as if his hand goes deep inside the jacket and FS doesn't construct their hand warmers this way. And that definitely looks like a cuff.

Regarding FS being used in the new film I think that would be really great. I don't see it happening but I welcome the thought. The production would only have to buy one FS instead of several Westeds. KIDDING!! KIDDING!!

The thing to do, because the source of the photo is yet to be found, is to reconstruct it. Have someone wearing a lamb FS recreate that pose and see if it resembles the photo. Rundquist, I volunteer you. I'll be cameraman. Now if we can only find an anorexic, no talent blonde ...

I personally don't think it's an FS Expedition. Take a close look at the bottom of the jacket, specifically Ford's right and our left. That doesn't look like a plain bottom, to my eye it looks like it might have some elastic in it like an A2 and I definitely see a cuff in that sleeve.

Later,
West

Well if it is an A2, it's the civilian version. The historical A2's didn't have side pockets.

There are probably enough newbies here that haven't heard this story, which is where Rundquist is coming from. But right around X-Mas 2001, Harrison's personal pilot dropped in to see Dave Marshall at Flight Suits. The pilot is a regualr customer. He mentioned to Dave on gifting Harrison with an Expo. They built one and the Pilot gave the Expo to Harrison to wear. The pilot dropped in later that year to see Dave and mentioned to Dave that Harrison wears the Expo on a regular basis. At least everytime, he needs to pilot him. So that's the background to the FS story.

-Sergei

West wrote:I personally don't think it's an FS Expedition. Take a close look at the bottom of the jacket, specifically Ford's right and our left. That doesn't look like a plain bottom, to my eye it looks like it might have some elastic in it like an A2 and I definitely see a cuff in that sleeve.

Later,
West

Good to see you posting again, West!

Thanks Edge... good to be seen again!

West, you've been missed.

What's freaking me out is that I'm wearing my LL.Bean shirt that's the same color of the one Mr. Ford is wearing.

I had to make sure it wasn't a pic of Carol and I before she was pregnant.

Renderking Fisk wrote:West, you've been missed.

Likewise West...

Renderking Fisk wrote: I had to make sure it wasn't a pic of Carol and I before she was pregnant.

... I thought it was the famous RK Fettucini Alfredo that made her change? We have you down for cooking your Fet's at this year's QM Summit. ) )

-Sergei

Actually, Harrison does have a FS lambskin Expedition. That's one of the reasons that I believe that this is it. I don't want to start any kind of jacket war here, but don't knock em' till' you try em'. Cheers

I've seen them in person and taking a step back and just looking at it as a leather jacket with no Indy strings attached, it's a really nice, cool looking jacket. Sturdy, well put together and good looking leather. However, IMHO, as an Indy jacket... ...no.

Ahemm... Out of curiousity, who owned the jacket you saw? Was it a pre-production jacket? Did you wear it?

BTW, I have more Wested's than FS Indy jackets. I guess I maybe a considered a "cultist", enough said. )

-Sergei

How do you know that HF has a FS jacket?

I seem to remember reading that HF is very friendly with Peter Botwright and my guessing is, he buys jackets straight from WESTED.

morgan

You'll find your answer in one of Sergei's posts a little ways up. Regards. Michaelson

Sorry can't find it... someone fill me in I haven't been arround for a while.

morgan

morgan wrote:Sorry can't find it... someone fill me in I haven't been arround for a while.

morgan

WTF! It's seven posts above yours!

Sergei wrote:ergei"]Sergei"]There are probably enough newbies here that haven't heard this story, which is where Rundquist is coming from. But right around X-Mas 2001, Harrison's personal pilot dropped in to see Dave Marshall at Flight Suits. The pilot is a regualr customer. He mentioned to Dave on gifting Harrison with an Expo. They built one and the Pilot gave the Expo to Harrison to wear. The pilot dropped in later that year to see Dave and mentioned to Dave that Harrison wears the Expo on a regular basis. At least everytime, he needs to pilot him. So that's the background to the FS story.

agent5 wrote:Sturdy, well put together and good looking leather. However, IMHO, as an Indy jacket... ...no.

Have to disagree. You're opinion is welcome none-the-less.

I would just like to clarify that just because someone really likes FS doesn't mean they dislike Wested. I have both and like them both a lot. I just happen to like my FS a tad more. Love is more like it.

Sorry I was using the search function and looking at posted from about two months ago.

So it was a gift, hardly means that FS are his personal preference as some of you guys make it sound.

morgan

morgan wrote:Sorry I was using the search function and looking at posted from about two months ago.

So it was a gift, hardly means that FS are his personal preference as some of you guys make it sound.

morgan

I think you chose to ignore the 2nd half of the post. The part that I said, "He wears it regularly!"

Sergei wrote:
... I thought it was the famous RK Fettucini Alfredo that made her change? We have you down for cooking your Fet's at this year's QM Summit. ) )

-Sergei

Yea… it was that Fettuccini that helped initially, but knocking her up was the biggest culprit.

Due to UN resolution 1969, my Fettuccini (When made with Spinach noodles is Code Named: Boba Fettuccini) has been outlawed for being labeled a Weapon of Mass Consumption.

Remember guys, liking the FS Expedition is not synonymous with disliking Wested or any other product maker. In fact, I would wager that most Expedition owners also have Westeds. Where's the love fellas? (grin) Cheers

Would this be Jacket Wars III?

I love my Westeds too. Personally, the new authentic lamb is the best leather I've ever seen but folks, you gotta call a spade a spade. Pound for pound, Flightsuits is just better quality. Granted, you DO have to give up a kidney for one but it IS better in all the ways that matter.

It's like the French and the U.S. No matter how much the Frogs b*tch because they are no longer a world player, the U.S. still remains the only Superpower left. That's just the way it is. IMHO.

Nothing would come close to Jacket Wars I. If you want to amuse yourself, you can read the IndyFan archives right around early 2001. Nothing will ever come close, never! )

-Sergei

I don’t own a FS Expo (yet), but I do own three Wested’s. I look at it this way . . .

I'm a classic sports/muscle car fan. One of my favorites is the AC Cobra created by Carroll Shelby (a fellow Texan). He made 316 of these fantastic cars in the mid to late 60's. Nowadays there are countless numbers of kits available where anyone can build their own AC Cobra replica. These kits are finely detailed and in many cases end up superior to the original AC Cobras (modern drive trains, suspensions, etc.). However, given the choice I would much rather own an original Cobra over a replica/reproduction any day. Not because of the obvious monetary value, but rather because it is a Cobra built by the original creator, not just a copy (even though a particular reproduction may perform better). Plus, the reproductions are not a Carroll Shelby AC Cobra, just a Cobra.

To me this is the difference, and the appeal of each jacket. While the Expo MAY be superior in the construction aspect (mil spec and all), the Wested’s have that authenticity thing going for it. It is made by the original creator from the original patterns. It is an authentic reproduction. To me that make the difference between the Indy Jacket and an Indy Style jacket. Sure, it’s a matter of semantics, but to each his own.

That’s my take. Do with it what you will.

Band Director Jones

Well you need to look at one and wear one, before making judgements. Like Rundquist said, it's not like you are disliking a Wested. I think, that is the key point being missed. But, I (we) can still keep on trying.

Rundquist wrote:Remember guys, liking the FS Expedition is not synonymous with disliking Wested or any other product maker. In fact, I would wager that most Expedition owners also have Westeds.

I agree it is not sysnonymous with disliking Wested. In fact, after my pre-distressed cowide, my next jacket (in 2004) will be a Wested. However, dealing with cars everyday, I like BandDirectorJones' analogy with the AC Cobra. I agree with Chamorro, if we are going to be honest, "you gotta call a spade a spade. Pound for pound, Flightsuits is just better quality."

That said, So what? You pay a lot more and it lasts longer? You can pay half that price and get a great Wested product from a great craftsman and have a jacket from an original vendor. What do want to do, go get a leather jacket at the mall for the same price as a Wested?

Just because one jacket is a bit better in quality doesn't mean the lesser of the two lacks quality in its own right. I guess that type of thinking is like "who lost the World Series? who got the Silver medal? etc." Hello! They got that far, didn't they? Other than the gold medal winner, they beat every other human on the planet in that event.

So, my next jacket is going to be a Wested. And someday I will again get yet another Expedition. They're both great products.

Ding, ding, ding, ding... finally somebody that got it. Thank IJ,well put. It's not a binary decision, where this one, is the winner and this one is the loser.

Also, the Wested has one feature that the FS has not - it is custom made. I own both, and while my FS (thanks Indiana Joe) is really a great product, it is an off-the-rack jacket. But when I put on my Wested, I can FEEL it was made for me. So I'd call it a draw, sort of.

Flightsuits can also custom make a jacket. Check out their website. Mine was.

Band Director Jones wrote:I don’t own a FS Expo (yet), but I do own three Wested’s. I look at it this way . . .

To me this is the difference, and the appeal of each jacket. While the Expo MAY be superior in the construction aspect (mil spec and all), the Wested’s have that authenticity thing going for it. It is made by the original creator from the original patterns. It is an authentic reproduction. To me that make the difference between the Indy Jacket and an Indy Style jacket. Sure, it’s a matter of semantics, but to each his own.

The FS jacket was taken from a screen used Raiders jacket. It is authentic in its detailing, folks. Having a jacket made by the man that made them for the movies is important to many people, but don't gloss over the fact that the FS Expedition is just as accurate, if not more so. Cheers

Regarding the cuffs, every jacket (including FS) has an allowance of leather folded under so if the owner of the jacket wanted a longer sleeve he could do so at a later date. My Wested and every FS I have seen has this allowance tucked under, this creates a thicker section on the end of the sleeve. If you put on a lambskin FS or Wested this allowance will create the illusion of a cuff while the rest of the sleeve (the sleeve without the folded allowance) tends to "fold over the thicker part of the sleeve. I hope I am making sense.

I believe the entire story with FS began with Ford's love of the G1. Ford recognized that Flightsuits was a place of quality and craftsmanship. He probably was not aware that FS had an Indiana Jones replica jacket, and, IMHO, he probably would have purchased one had he known.

Regarding the comfort level of an FS compared to a Wested. FS makes custom fit jackets just like Wested, and the bologna about the FS not being an accurate jacket is exactly that. The FS was, as mentioned above, made from original measurements from a SCREEN USED jacket.

And besides... The FS also HAS snap buttons on their cargo pockets isn't that right Rundquist but all kidding aside. I have owned two Westeds in my life. A lamb, and a goat, and I must say they are fine jackets. How could you possibly go wrong with a $250 custom made jacket?

I love cars as well, and will use my own analogy.

A 1936 Ford is a beautiful car, and is well worth the price you pay to restore it, and will give you years of wonderful service, but!

A 1936 Four door Deusenberg will outlive you, your grandchildren, and be the finest money can buy.

Sincerest Regards.

Blaine

P.S. I bet the only other jacket Ford wears (beside a tux to the Oscars) is his FS G1 when he is volunteering in Wyoming.

You are back!!! Well start posting, man. We miss your comments. I tried to draw you in by my comments of the Great Jacket Wars of 2001. That was a doosie, hey? )

-S

Chamorro wrote:Flightsuits can also custom make a jacket. Check out their website. Mine was.

Yeah, but for how much? And then there would be customs (I don't live in the US, mind you).

How ya been _?

junior

Yeah, sure, as I remember you thought your 12+ hour days were normal too. Glad to see you, as usual, old friend! High regards. Michaelson

Welcome back _. I must say since I saw you at Buchanhin Arms when ITG was here my mind has thought of nothing other than that beautiful M422 A that you were wearing. Awesome jacket.

Back to this post.

Their custom fit jackets are listed price, as far as customs it varies from country to country, you would have to ask them.

For a circa $500 jacket I'd have to fork out $200. Nuff said. That's why I got my FS from a fellow fan.

Ahemm.... All Flight Suits jackets have a LIFETIME guarantee on the zipper and ALL seams. No questions asked, you send it in, they fix it, FREE. Plus they have a 6 month return policy.

-Sergei

Sergei, I think what TheOther Jones is refferring to is the customs charges over to Poland that are outrageous. Some here in the states have expressed cncern over the $19 to $23 charged for customs for a new Wested jacket and Poland wanted over $200 for a "second-hand garment," let alone a brand new jacket. All in all, it sounds like he's being wise with his money.

Cheers,

I.J.

Well, the customs depend on the stated value of the package and what is inside. Leather goods are, well, costly I had to pay a similar fee when I ordered a JS bullwhip from Mark Allen.

Indiana Joe wrote:Sergei, I think what TheOther Jones is refferring to is the customs charges over to Poland that are outrageous. Some here in the states have expressed cncern over the $19 to $23 charged for customs for a new Wested jacket and Poland wanted over $200 for a "second-hand garment," let alone a brand new jacket. All in all, it sounds like he's being wise with his money.

Cheers,

I.J.

Yeah, I knew that IJ. I just wanted to point out that for the extra charges, you have to factor in the lifetime guarantee and the 6 month return policy. People often overlook that and just look at price. That's what put me over the edge in deciding to buy a FS. The risk is significantly reduced considering the return policy and the warranty on the seams and zipper.

-Sergei

Sergei wrote:

Indiana Joe wrote:Sergei, I think what TheOther Jones is refferring to is the customs charges over to Poland that are outrageous. Some here in the states have expressed cncern over the $19 to $23 charged for customs for a new Wested jacket and Poland wanted over $200 for a "second-hand garment," let alone a brand new jacket. All in all, it sounds like he's being wise with his money.

Cheers,

I.J.

Yeah, I knew that IJ. I just wanted to point out that for the extra charges, you have to factor in the lifetime guarantee and the 6 month return policy. People often overlook that and just look at price. That's what put me over the edge in deciding to buy a FS. The risk is significantly reduced considering the return policy and the warranty on the seams and zipper.

-Sergei

I believe I misunderstood you, originally. Sorry about that, Serg! I guess that's easy to do when I read the post too fast in this two-dimentional medium. All is good. Well, mostly.....

Cheers,

I.J.