Club Obi Wan

Well, it's about time I post this jacket. I ordered it in November of 2008. I eventually received the jacket in March of '09.


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/Pr ... G_5904.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/Pr ... G_5775.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/Pr ... G_5773.jpg

Quality? The stitching seems to be great. I have not experienced the typical popping of the stitches. I do use the hand warmer also. The stitching is fairly straight. The hide is heavy but very durable no doubt. The liner seems to be well attached also.

I was surprised when the jacket arrived because at first glance it seems like Holts jacket. Turns out that there are many similarities. I did request Holt specs and it looks like I may have gotten them. From what I understand however, Holt's specs were to remain private. Looks like mine slipped through.

Overall, I am pleased with the quality. Far better then what I hear about around here. It also looks like a good jacket.

Customer Service?
Don't even get me started. I've promised myself that I will NEVER ever do business with Wested again. So much went down that I don't remember every little detail. I will never recommend them to anybody. I did not get the gussets I paid for for one.

However, I've had a change of interests over the year. I am finding myself wanting to spend money on whips more than anything. I've debated about selling it vs. keeping it.

That's a good lookin' jacket! Can we see some pictures with you in it? I'd love to see how it fits, especially on you with the Holt special.

It's a shame about you experience with Wested. I've been told mixed reviews about their customer service and it's always sad to hear about it.

What size jacket is it? If it's in my size I may be interested in taking it off your hands (eventually). But for now, like I said... Pictures with you in it!

I like it, and have been wanting to try the horsehide. If you want to get rid of it and it's around a 42R, put me on the list of possible buyers!

I have a Wested HH and really like the hide. It's strong and durable. It's the jacket I wear if I'm going hiking in the woods or need to wade through a briar patch (as I've had to do in order to get back home on one of my treks ).

That said people (and I'm not trying to be snarky to anyone with this, it's just my opinion) should know that it's a bit of a roll of the dice with the company in question. Sometimes you can get good customer service (I always have) and a good product (hit and miss for me, but, honestly, more hits than misses). But other times? Not so much. This has been well documented, but people always act surprised when the roll comes up snake eyes.

Adventure Dog, I'll have to try getting photos of me in it some time. The jacket size is a 42R. It's been well cared for and nothing wrong with it at all.

I know that Crismans. I was aware of what could happen. And it did happen but there is still no excuse for their service of course. But I am not really looking to start a thread about Westeds customer service so much. Just sharing the jacket itself to see what people think.

...42R...why did it have to be 42R...? God either loves me or hates me. Well, I guess we'll find out if you decide to sell it and how much you want to sell it for...

and good on ya for taking the high road . we all know what can happen (i had my issues with a custom) and there's little need to beat a dead "horse" (haha)

Well, it's a very nice looking jacket. I have one myself (in fact, mine looks identical to yours) and am a fan of the HH. I think, along with the washed goat, it's the best coming out of Wested, although I've not held a Novapelle.

And I promise I wasn't trying to be snarky! I was actually thinking about another situation (not yours) when I wrote that! And I've pulled the trigger on several Westeds myself. Several times, I had no problems whatsoever. Other times...? Best to just be quiet now, I guess.

Sort of my problem when it comes down to it. It's got unusual features for a Wested that make it so much more accurate than most. It's a tough hide and the construction was nicely done.
How has the grain been coming along with your jacket Crismans? Mine is getting this nice pebbly texture along the back panel.

That sounds like a 'thank you Holt'

RCSignals, I messaged Holt about it quite a while ago. Not to worry.

WhipDude wrote: Sort of my problem when it comes down to it. It's got unusual features for a Wested that make it so much more accurate than most. It's a tough hide and the construction was nicely done.
How has the grain been coming along with your jacket Crismans? Mine is getting this nice pebbly texture along the back panel.

I've got several areas (primarily along the sides in the bi-swing panels) that are getting that pebbly texture as well. I do like the HH out of Wested.

Mine is a Wested horse hide (though not a custom) I got in brand new condition from a fellow COWer some months back. It's a 44. First thing you notice is its length, the body is real long, which is OK by me, but not SA. From the top snap to the bottom it 24 3/4 inches long.
When I got it I found that Wested had placed the pull tabs at the very bottom of the jacket! I removed them and hand stitched them back on so they now sit in the correct location relative to the pockets. The thread used to sew it all together appears to be 100% cotton and not very strong. I have had to repair the corners of both pockets.
All in all I'd say this jacket must have slipped past quality control. Had I paid full price for this jacket from Wested they would have gotten it back pronto!

Another thing I've noticed looking at all the pictures of Wested jackets posted here on COW is the number of variations apparent in construction. I've owned two wested and neither were the same. I don't expect them to be "identical" but there are some standards in the "Indy" jacket we all expect (like the placement of the pull tabs) and Wested does not seem to be achieving these standards.


Mike