Club Obi Wan

I'm in the process of narrowing down a wested to order along with which mods to get. I've seen some posts regarding gussets under the arms and I have been considering them. Are the underarm gussets worth getting?Do they keep the sleeves from riding up? Also is the lambtouch hide a more durable leather than the authentic lamb Wested now has?
Thanks Walker

Walker wrote:I'm in the process of narrowing down a wested to order along with which mods to get. I've seen some posts regarding gussets under the arms and I have been considering them. Are the underarm gussets worth getting?

I got them just because they were on the first jacket and it's a feature most other off-the-shelf jackets don't have. (Somehow, I always get into a non-Indy jacket comparison/discussion with somebody when they notice mine and try to "one up it")

Walker wrote:Do they keep the sleeves from riding up?

I can feel a slight difference between my LC (no gusset) and Raiders (Gusseted) when I raise my arms. The Raiders doesn't ride up as much.

Walker wrote:Also is the lambtouch hide a more durable leather than the authentic lamb Wested now has?

I would say no. I got a Wested authentic lambskin jacket for my girlfriend and it seems about the same weight and durability. I haven't see lambtouch in person, but if it has the durability of cowhide with the feel of lamb, that's what I will get from now on.

However, if you plan to artificially distress it, the cowhide I have doesn't distress with any amount of ease.

Cheers,
Pyro.

Pyroxene wrote:

Walker wrote:

Walker wrote:Also is the lambtouch hide a more durable leather than the authentic lamb Wested now has?

I would say no. I got a Wested authentic lambskin jacket for my girlfriend and it seems about the same weight and durability. I haven't see lambtouch in person, but if it has the durability of cowhide with the feel of lamb, that's what I will get from now on.

Pyro, from what I've heard about lambtouch, you are correct. Feels like lamb-tough like cowhide. I've also heard it doesn't distress easily. The lambtouch I've seen is lightweight and soft (like real lamb) but very dark, almost black in some lighting.

I have the lambstouch...it does feel really soft and like ITG says its dark, but I like the darker coloring myself. I have several leather jackets all sorts of hides I think the lambstouch is more durable than the regular lambskin, but probalt just about as soft. Brett

Walker wrote:I'm in the process of narrowing down a wested to order along with which mods to get. I've seen some posts regarding gussets under the arms and I have been considering them. Are the underarm gussets worth getting?Do they keep the sleeves from riding up?

You may want to read these interesting threads on the subject of gussetts b/c they have a lot of info on the subject:

http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2762
http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3060
http://www.indygear.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4539

Walker wrote:Also is the lambtouch hide a more durable leather than the authentic lamb Wested now has?

Pyrozene said no but I'm leaning toward an affirmative answer b/c cowhide is much more durable than lambskin, even if it's a thin cowhide.

Cheers,

I.J.

Here's a pic of my Expo's Gussets....

Walker, just keep in mind that the Wested gusset is constructed a bit diffrently than the FS gusset. It is on strip of leather instead of the two sewn together in the middle as shown above.

I'd say go for the gusset. Also, the new authentic lamb, by Peter's own admission is actually a bit thicker than the lambstouch. But I believe the lambstouch may still be a bit more durable. I think the decision on hide would be between if your preference is more in true to color, or durability.

Mike

To gusset or not to gusset ?
I just had to make this decision and in regard to gussets, I couldn't see any reason NOT to get them.

If you do get them, there is no negative impact, you are not going to regret putting them in there. If you don't get them, you may end up regretting it.

My 2 cents anyway....

Interesting difference between FS and Wested gussets. (I do not own an FS...based merely on excellent photos of late). The FS gusset almost seems like the "working" gusset in a US Navy G-1 (opens up or folds in with movement). The Wested gusset is less complex..merely an extra patch of skin under arms hole (it is good, dont get me wrong). I was just wondering from FS owners if their gussets are such that they open and close when expanded.

I agree with SAB. Why ask why? They do not offer any detrimental qualities to the jacket and may help, depending on who you speak to. I believe Peter says they offer no benefit, but still adds them since we are sucha stubborn bunch... Personally, I like them...

The FS gussetts remind me of Mick Jagger's lips.

I'd never noticed before.....

My FS jacket from '88 has the 2-piece gusset like the one shown above....


I didn't realize that there was a question about 'em having them or not....


Learnin' all the time!





-L