Club Obi Wan

I put on my Wested this morning. This is one that I bought back when we thought we knew the SA specs. I like it, think it looks good, but...I hate the cotton lining. I much prefer the lining in my G&B. Maybe cotton with nylon sleeves would be the way to go.

I am partial to the Raider's jacket and like the look of the Temple and the Raven Bar.

I really like the look of Yohimbi Jones new TN, the leather and the collar are awesome. Not sure if I want to invest that kind of money right now though...

I like the weight of my G&B, I like that it just slips on and off with little effort. So how are the TN's? The newer G&B's? Newer Wested's for that matter?

Let's talk about features that would make a jacket look the part yet be more functional...

Feedback appreciated.

How about Todd's? Many seem to think it has the right Raiders look, and some of his offerings in that area look to be pretty sturdy stuff.

Castor Dioscuri wrote:How about Todd's? Many seem to think it has the right Raiders look, and some of his offerings in that area look to be pretty sturdy stuff.

I should have said that I didn't want to go the budget direction. Not that Todd's is cheap, but it is intended to be a budget Indy jacket.

I do like their look, probably the perfect Indy costume jacket.

the of the rack is cheap. probably the perfect costume jacket.

you can go custom made with Todd's too. its more expencive then the of the rack. I think it is 499 bucks.much better constructed jacket. you can probably ask for extra reinforcements. pluss you gan get it in cowhide or goatskin too if you like

Indiana Holt wrote:the of the rack is cheap. probably the perfect costume jacket.

you can go custom made with Todd's too. its more expencive then the of the rack. I think it is 499 bucks.much better constructed jacket. you can probably ask for extra reinforcements. pluss you gan get it in cowhide or goatskin too if you like

Do you know where Todd's are made?

rigth there in his shop in california. I think that Todd is making them aswell

Supportin the good ol' US of A !

Indiana Holt wrote:rigth there in his shop in california. I think that Todd is making them aswell

Oh REALLY?

Zendragon wrote:

Indiana Holt wrote:rigth there in his shop in california. I think that Todd is making them aswell

Oh REALLY?

yeah the standards are outsourced I think.

Chris King used to have a Todd's jacket on his display looked really good, I think he had washed lamb or something?
I havent seen a Todd's custom in ages though.

I was very tempted by Todd's custom before I went Nowak. Todd would be my next choice for accuracy and he can even wash the lamb for you (if you were to go lamb) to give a similar sort of dimpled effect to the shrunken lamb.

Re fit of the Nowak, it slips on and off VERY easily - if anything a bit too easily. I think Tony may be weaving a bit of Teflon in there or something, but that's the cut at work.

SO my vote would be Todds given your budget.

Yojimbo Jones wrote:I was very tempted by Todd's custom before I went Nowak. Todd would be my next choice for accuracy and he can even wash the lamb for you (if you were to go lamb) to give a similar sort of dimpled effect to the shrunken lamb.

Re fit of the Nowak, it slips on and off VERY easily - if anything a bit too easily. I think Tony may be weaving a bit of Teflon in there or something, but that's the cut at work.

SO my vote would be Todds given your budget.

Well if both are in California, I may have to arrange a visit.

Thing is, I could easily sell off my 3 Indy jackets and a couple of other items and have enough for a TN, but then when I have close to 1k in my hand, do I really want to put it into a jacket. I just don't know. Got to see em in person!

Put it this way, you only pay once, but you soon forget the money and enjoy it day after day. Why live with a compromise if you could manage getting the extra $$$?

(I'm the same with cars - sure a new Alfa cost me more than a Toyota, but man I love driving it each day, and would have resented still paying the less dollars had I gone the cheaper option. Just comes down to being honest about what floats you boat, really.)

where abouts is tony in california

Pandora's Box!! Pandora's Box!! Run for the hills!

All jokes aside, if you're thinking about the Todd's, here's a little more information. He said that they've tweaked the collar of the custom pattern (not sure about the standard) to get more of the temple look. That sealed the deal for me, so I've got a washed cowhide on the way. I've bought a couple of older customs seconhand. Neither fit exactly right but there was no question that they were well built.

adress is 16241 askin drive, pine mountain club, CF

Yojimbo Jones wrote:Put it this way, you only pay once, but you soon forget the money and enjoy it day after day. Why live with a compromise if you could manage getting the extra $$$?

(I'm the same with cars - sure a new Alfa cost me more than a Toyota, but man I love driving it each day, and would have resented still paying the less dollars had I gone the cheaper option. Just comes down to being honest about what floats you boat, really.)

Well you DO have a point. I have 3 jackets, none of them I am thrilled with like I said, so if I could have one jacket that I love...that would be a good thing

Also, if there is something that you would rather have, settling only means that you will still want the other item. As they say, do it right the first time. Whatever right is.

where is tony nowak's shop in california??

indyfan1234 wrote:where is tony nowak's shop in california??

Follow the yellow brick road!

indyfan1234 wrote:where is tony nowak's shop in california??

114 Standard Street
El Segundo
CA
90245
United States

Says so on his website.

Only the shrunken lamb is $1,000. Goat, cow, and other lamb is $750.

If it's a jacket you intend to wear 10, 20 or more years, does the few extra dollars really make a difference? Skip a few new DVD's or a couple nights out and that problem will be solved.

If someone really wanted only one jacket, the nearest competitor (G&B or maybe Todd's or Magnoli) is only a couple hundred less. For the extra money you're getting all the customization you could ever dream of, you can work with Tony on whatever details you feel important, you can get different leathers and distressing, and your going to get something one-of-a-kind.

That's not to say the others can't or won't do the same - well not G&B - but from looking at the recent TN jackets I'd say the choice isn't too difficult. I know I didn't need to ask anyone what direction I should take.

where is tony nowak's shop in california??

I'd be willing to bet a Nowak jacket that a Google search would have gotten you your answer instead of making someone else do it for you.

Zen,
To me the Todds ran on the small side so you may want to check more into sizes before making a purchase. He may have made adjustments since his first runs of jackets so hopefully more Todds owners will chime in for you.

agent5 wrote:
Zen,
To me the Todds ran on the small side so you may want to check more into sizes before making a purchase. He may have made adjustments since his first runs of jackets so hopefully more Todds owners will chime in for you.

Doesn't that only apply to the 'special', not the Custom?

RCSignals wrote:

agent5 wrote:
Zen,
To me the Todds ran on the small side so you may want to check more into sizes before making a purchase. He may have made adjustments since his first runs of jackets so hopefully more Todds owners will chime in for you.

Doesn't that only apply to the 'special', not the Custom?

I think agent 5 owns a custom not a standard.

I think agent 5 owns a custom not a standard.

Actually, it was the prototype. This is why I said I have no idea if those changes have been made in sizing. I do love it though even though it doesn't fit.

I know in the standard he has introduced new sizes. That's what got me to thinking about his jackets again. For the custom, I wouldn't think it would be an issue since you're giving him your measurements. I did make sure to talk about the fact that I have a gut right now (working on it though I promise ).

Raider S wrote:Only the shrunken lamb is $1,000. Goat, cow, and other lamb is $750.

If it's a jacket you intend to wear 10, 20 or more years, does the few extra dollars really make a difference? Skip a few new DVD's or a couple nights out and that problem will be solved.

If someone really wanted only one jacket, the nearest competitor (G&B or maybe Todd's or Magnoli) is only a couple hundred less. For the extra money you're getting all the customization you could ever dream of, you can work with Tony on whatever details you feel important, you can get different leathers and distressing, and your going to get something one-of-a-kind.

That's not to say the others can't or won't do the same - well not G&B - but from looking at the recent TN jackets I'd say the choice isn't too difficult. I know I didn't need to ask anyone what direction I should take.

Yes $750 is certainly less than $1000, but considering that you guys are raving about the shrunken lamb because it is "the" leather, I personally would be inclined to consider it. Plus I like a lighter weight jacket, so knowing that goat or cow would be heavier...

And while I hear what you are saying...for many, including myself there is a stigma of spending $1000 on a jacket. Certainly not to people who have money to burn or don't care about it. But my head wrestles with it in these tough times.

Mind you I have the money, that isn't the issue. I could justigy it by selling off other items so I am not spending new money.. (see I have been considering it) A year or two ago ago, maybe not a big deal for me, but in a time when I wonder if tomorrow I will still have a job, I can't help but wonder if I could have spent my money more wisely. And to be honest, the one of a kind thing bothers me too. That nice of a jacket accidentally destroyed and not replaceable because TN is only making 888...

But the voice I have in my head is Lee Kelpler, who saw the jacket in person and said... "If I had the money, I would be wearing one right now". I know how picky he is about jackets...

agent5 wrote:

where is tony nowak's shop in california??

I'd be willing to bet a Nowak jacket that a Google search would have gotten you your answer instead of making someone else do it for you.

Zen,
To me the Todds ran on the small side so you may want to check more into sizes before making a purchase. He may have made adjustments since his first runs of jackets so hopefully more Todds owners will chime in for you.

Thanks Agent5, good to know. I was up on the site yesterday looking at it. Wish there were more pics though.

[quote="Zendragon"]I put on my Wested this morning. This is one that I bought back when we thought we knew the SA specs. I like it, think it looks good, but...I hate the cotton lining. I much prefer the lining in my G&B. Maybe cotton with nylon sleeves would be the way to go.

.........[/quote]

Maybe an option for you would be to send the jacket to wested for a refit? Other's have dome that had new linings put in, other minor things, and had an almost new jacket returned.

Zendragon wrote: Mind you I have the money, that isn't the issue. I could justigy it by selling off other items so I am not spending new money.. (see I have been considering it) A year or two ago ago, maybe not a big deal for me, but in a time when I wonder if tomorrow I will still have a job, I can't help but wonder if I could have spent my money more wisely. And to be honest, the one of a kind thing bothers me too. That nice of a jacket accidentally destroyed and not replaceable because TN is only making 888...

You ask for advice so I'm giving it. There really aren't too many choices: G&B (not custom), Wested (roll of the dice), Magnoli (not too much is seen of these), Todd's (again, his customs aren't seen too often), and Nowak.

I don't know about individual money issues people have or don't have; things have a price and you can choose yes or no, buy or don't buy.

The Westeds I've had in my hand simply weren't built how I feel a jacket should be. That's not a knock but simply how I called it. I think they're great for casual wear but that depends on what one considers casual. I haven't had a G&B, Todd's, or Magnoli so can't comment other than what I've read here. I have a couple USW's and they are built to last a long, long time. Unfortunately they aren't as SA or well-fitted as I'd like. I have a Nowak in goat and it's the best fitting jacket I've owned, it's also beautifully made. Compared to other custom jackets out there (look into A2's and G1's) the price is right in line, if not less, than those.

I can't comment on the shrunken lamb because I wanted a goat jacket. I don't know if goat is heavier and wouldn't make that assumption because people here with lamb have made numerous comments on the thickness, weight, etc. I wanted a jacket I can go outside and do work in, one I can walk through brush with, and one I can travel with and beat on - I want to destroy it in good time. Nothing lasts forever, you can't take it with you, and I don't want to baby something. Besides, isn't that opposite the whole spirit of Indiana Jones? If he got a rip in his jacket I'm sure he would have sewn it up.

As far as the not replaceable comment. Tony has said he will fix a jacket if there is a problem, broken zipper, tear, etc. You will have to contact him directly and find out his policy, but if a jacket is ruined you still have the number you bought and I'm sure he'd either remake the jacket or repair it while keeping the same number. So I don't agree with your concern there but at least ask directly.

Again, I don't know your money situation. If the difference between a $500 and $800 item is going to mean a change in your lifestlye or create a hardship, maybe now is not the time to buy any jacket. I tell people to save as much as possible right now given the times, so I understand the concern. Your a big boy and I'm sure you can figure all that out for yourself, however. But you asked about what to buy and you're getting opinions. I like the Nowak I have (love it actually and the rest of my jackets are going bye bye) and the way I was treated as a customer.

RCSignals wrote:

Zendragon wrote:I put on my Wested this morning. This is one that I bought back when we thought we knew the SA specs. I like it, think it looks good, but...I hate the cotton lining. I much prefer the lining in my G&B. Maybe cotton with nylon sleeves would be the way to go.

.........

Maybe an option for you would be to send the jacket to wested for a refit? Other's have dome that had new linings put in, other minor things, and had an almost new jacket returned.

That is a thought... something that I hadn't considered before.

Zendragon wrote: But the voice I have in my head is Lee Kelpler, who saw the jacket in person and said... "If I had the money, I would be wearing one right now". I know how picky he is about jackets...

Well, to add to that, I can tell you that when Lee saw my TN-1 in person at the Queen Mary last November, he was so impressed with it that he kept trying to steal it from me! So did a number of other gearheads, come to think of it.

Raider S wrote:

Zendragon wrote: Mind you I have the money, that isn't the issue. I could justigy it by selling off other items so I am not spending new money.. (see I have been considering it) A year or two ago ago, maybe not a big deal for me, but in a time when I wonder if tomorrow I will still have a job, I can't help but wonder if I could have spent my money more wisely. And to be honest, the one of a kind thing bothers me too. That nice of a jacket accidentally destroyed and not replaceable because TN is only making 888...

You ask for advice so I'm giving it. There really aren't too many choices: G&B (not custom), Wested (roll of the dice), Magnoli (not too much is seen of these), Todd's (again, his customs aren't seen too often), and Nowak.

I don't know about individual money issues people have or don't have; things have a price and you can choose yes or no, buy or don't buy.

The Westeds I've had in my hand simply weren't built how I feel a jacket should be. That's not a knock but simply how I called it. I think they're great for casual wear but that depends on what one considers casual. I haven't had a G&B, Todd's, or Magnoli so can't comment other than what I've read here. I have a couple USW's and they are built to last a long, long time. Unfortunately they aren't as SA or well-fitted as I'd like. I have a Nowak in goat and it's the best fitting jacket I've owned, it's also beautifully made. Compared to other custom jackets out there (look into A2's and G1's) the price is right in line, if not less, than those.

I can't comment on the shrunken lamb because I wanted a goat jacket. I don't know if goat is heavier and wouldn't make that assumption because people here with lamb have made numerous comments on the thickness, weight, etc. I wanted a jacket I can go outside and do work in, one I can walk through brush with, and one I can travel with and beat on - I want to destroy it in good time. Nothing lasts forever, you can't take it with you, and I don't want to baby something. Besides, isn't that opposite the whole spirit of Indiana Jones? If he got a rip in his jacket I'm sure he would have sewn it up.

As far as the not replaceable comment. Tony has said he will fix a jacket if there is a problem, broken zipper, tear, etc. You will have to contact him directly and find out his policy, but if a jacket is ruined you still have the number you bought and I'm sure he'd either remake the jacket or repair it while keeping the same number. So I don't agree with your concern there but at least ask directly.

Again, I don't know your money situation. If the difference between a $500 and $800 item is going to mean a change in your lifestlye or create a hardship, maybe now is not the time to buy any jacket. I tell people to save as much as possible right now given the times, so I understand the concern. Your a big boy and I'm sure you can figure all that out for yourself, however. But you asked about what to buy and you're getting opinions. I like the Nowak I have (love it actually and the rest of my jackets are going bye bye) and the way I was treated as a customer.

Thanks...and I want a durable jacket as well, and I agree that the Wested's don't have that durable feel. Maybe it's just the lamb. I like my G&B for look and feel more, sadly it doesn't fit the way I want it to. Custom sounds like the way to go and I would almost much rather deal with someone who can take my measurements. G&B used to have a "made to order" jacket, not sure if they do anymore. Goat may be an option though, again need to see the hides in person I think.

Well that's a thing, I will talk to Tony about it, but if I could know that if my jacket were lost or stolen, detroyed in a fire, that I could get it replaced, then I think I wouldn't worry about that issue anymore. Not expecting a free jacket mind you, but usually when things are a limited run, they are a limited run. Course with the number, Tony would only be making another of that number.

And you bring up a really good point.... If you spent say $400 on another jacket, what's a few $$ more? It was like the first time I bought a pair of Alden's. That was a lot of money for a pair of shoes, but I have spent similar money on other shoes/boots since. Where is the difference?

Again thanks for your insite on this.

Yea binkmeisterRick, Lee is very fond of that jacket. Which to me, again, says something

Zendragon wrote:Yea binkmeisterRick, Lee is very fond of that jacket. Which to me, again, says something

Mine was the first Raiders/TN-1 jacket that he ever saw in person and he went over it with a fine tooth comb, turning it over, inside out, and checking out the smallest of details. "Yep, that's right... ooh! That's good... mmm-hmmmm..." We wear pretty much the same jacket size, so when I let him try it on, he didn't want to take it off! But it didn't matter that it was a different jacket manufacturer than the G&B jackets he sells. He was thoroughly impressed. He even had great discussions with Tony (who was also at the summit) regarding the jacket.

binkmeisterRick wrote:

Zendragon wrote:Yea binkmeisterRick, Lee is very fond of that jacket. Which to me, again, says something

Mine was the first Raiders/TN-1 jacket that he ever saw in person and he went over it with a fine tooth comb, turning it over, inside out, and checking out the smallest of details. "Yep, that's right... ooh! That's good... mmm-hmmmm..." We wear pretty much the same jacket size, so when I let him try it on, he didn't want to take it off! But it didn't matter that it was a different jacket manufacturer than the G&B jackets he sells. He was thoroughly impressed. He even had great discussions with Tony (who was also at the summit) regarding the jacket.

have you posted pics of your jacket? link me if you have please

Oh, they're all over the place in some of the older threads. I can PM you a link to some pics, though.

Zen, I know it seems like a lot of hype with the Nowak jackets but if they really weren't that good, if people didn't think they were worth the price, if they didn't fit well, if they didn't look good, I think those posting here are honest enough to say (yell, scream) they didn't get what they expected. There are very few problems (yes, there have been a couple and it's important to consider) and still fewer horror stories.

I think this may be a case of getting what you pay for but you will never hear me say the jackets aren't expensive.

I wanted to avoid mentioning other member's experiences in any more than a general way as I can only speak for my own choice and what I desired in a jacket. Other's can comment on their own purchases if they want.

As to the weights, I think the current shrunken lamb is probably pretty similar to the goat in weight. I think the goat is tougher, and maybe ever so slightly stiffer (though maybe not), but weight-wise, I think they're pretty similar.

I loved my Shrunken Lamb the moment I opened up that famous Canvas bag. I never had to "grow" to love it as others may have experienced. Tony hit it out of the park with mine. The feel, look, and texture of the leather is just irresistable. I wear it at every opportunity. I don't care if it's a $1K jacket....it's meant to be worn and treasured and I'm getting my money's worth.

Tibor wrote:As to the weights, I think the current shrunken lamb is probably pretty similar to the goat in weight. I think the goat is tougher, and maybe ever so slightly stiffer (though maybe not), but weight-wise, I think they're pretty similar.

The goat Tony uses, or at least the one he used in my jacket, is certainly much heavier and stiffer than Wested's lamb (I don't know about Tony's shrunken lamb but I guess that, even though it seems much thicker and substantial than Wested's regular lamb, it is still much smoother than his goat), but somehow it drapes wonderfully. Once it starts wrinkling (and it does instantly) it will stay that way forever, almost like a plaster cast. You can tell is no lamb because of the weight and the way it behaves when you move (certainly stiffer) but it has exactly the same wrinkled and rugged shape. Nevertheless, I have worn it just for two or three weeks and it's definitely getting much smoother. By the way, it is tough as nails. Tony said it was a bulletproof jacket... Actually, it's rocketproof!
I have an Indy IV, which I love too, and you guys know that this is really a tough jacket: Well, I can tell you that, by no means, it is as strong as his goat. And yet, being four months older, I am still waiting my Indy IV to get half as wrinkled as my TN Raiders.
So I guess this is the TN goat magic formula: It is heavier and stronger... but man, it drapes!

Sounds like the perfect leather for real-world heavy use. I love it that it drapes, though I wouldn't mind if it were lighter with the summer months coming up around here.

Yeah, it feels much more like a fall/winter jacket

TN jackets are pretty thick compared to other vendors' jackets. I think the perfect Spring/Summer jacket would be either Wested's lambs or Todds Standard which is very thin and light.

I should be going down to LA at the end of the month, so hopefully I can drop in on Tony's place. I will contact him and make arrangements.

The weight of the jacket will be an issue, too heavy and hot and I won't use it.

hey Zen.

id be interested in seeing your old wested jacket. is that the one you have been wearing to this day?

Indiana Holt wrote:hey Zen.

id be interested in seeing your old wested jacket. is that the one you have been wearing to this day?

I have two actually, the first was the distressed cow, which the cut and look isn't right. Then two years ago I had the 80's Raiders made. I don't wear it all the time due to the cotton lining. I will snap some pics of it when I get a chance.