Club Obi Wan

Hello all, new member, just signed up!

I'm having a hard time deciding on what to get...

I live in Michigan (in the US) and would love to have a jacket that really holds up year round. I've owned 2 Wested Raiders jackets (selling 1 on eBay right now in fact!) and I'm really thinking about the U.S. Wings VIP jacket, in a long (I actually prefer the ToD/LC/CS to the Raiders jacket). I was thinking the dark brown, I prefer my Indy jacket a bit on the dark side to start, than let it lighten up with wear.

I 've also loved the Wested jackets I've owned and am thinking about buying there also, either the LC in the novepelle (I just saw the thread by Indiana Jake...his coat ROCKS) or the ToD in the dark brown lambskin.

Could anyone give me pointers on which way to go? I want my next jacket to be the one that I own for a long, LONG time, so it should be built well and ready to stand up to the elements.

I appreciate it!

Have never seen a Wested in person, so can't comment much on them. If you are satisfied with the quality, there is probably no reason to buy anything else.
I chose a US Wings VIP, even though it cost considerably more than a Wested, because other forum members recommended it as being tougher.
I have posted a review of the jacket on this forum, with photos.
The US Wings VIP is all that I had hoped for and more, thick supple leather, a sturdy, military grade nylon liner, flawless workmanship, and a perfect fit for me.

The USWings is a great jacket, very tough and will last a LONG time. It will outlast you no doubt.

The jacket styles you seek are also available from Magnoli and Tony Nowak. Both of these makers are worth a look and both will make you a high quality long lasting jacket.

Agreed.

What you have to make your mind up about is which you want...a custom made jacket, or an off the rack production jacket. All Wings jackets are OTR. Tough as nails, but you'll have to dial in the sizing that works for you.

Wested (like Jake's) are custom, as are Magnoli's and Tony Nowaks'.

It just depends on your preference, and how deep your pockets are in obtaining that one 'true' jacket for you and your taste/needs.

Regards! Michaelson

Sweet, thanks for the advice so far, it's much appreciated!

Go the Wings - very tough and well made.