Club Obi Wan

Hi, I would love some help from my fellow UK indy fans here and anyone else is more than welcome

I am looking for the best jacket to get, but something not too much money

I know wested are over here, but I just dont like them, the US wings one is amazing, just stunning, but I am worried about sizing, as if I get the wrong one from the US I will have to pay costs to get it back over there!

it's a nightmare, I want a jacket so bad, does anyone know anywhere in the UK that sells similar to the US wings jacket?

My shout out goes to magnoli as his stuff is awesome, just a little too out of my price range

Jay, call or e-mail Sarge at US Wings and tell him your concerns and measurements. He's more than happy to help you figure out what size should work for you.

awesome cheers binkmeisterRick. the more I look at it, the more I am falling in love with it

I am slowly working through my dvd collection selling them off on ebay to fund this indy habit ! lol

does anyone know any UK vendors with anything as near as good as Sarge? I doubt, but it's worth the ask to save on shipping.

yeah, I don't think you'll find that. However, you should definitely talk to Sarge at US Wings. Tell him your measurements and he'll get you the best fit for your size. I know I'm just repeating here, but it's worth repeating because it is true. Your best bet right now is US Wings, even WITH shipping costs!

If you give us your height and weight, we should be able to fit you perfectly. You will love this jacket.

We have sent many of our jackets over to the UK over the years, and they seem to keep them, we do not see them on EBAY

Sarge

What don't you like about Wested jackets?

It is worth the trip out there to see them --- I've always (eventually) got what I asked for, they look great and the price is amazingly competitive.

Maybe i'm just lucky but i've got three Wested's and they're great. Great fit and leather and they also look good. Wested are in the UK and has already been said competetively priced. Although imo not as well built or put together as my Tony Nowak, but for an intial indy jacket where else to start from but the original rotl jacket supplied by Peter Botwright.

I still cherish my Wested as one of my most prized bits of Indy gear.

It's up to you naturally, but is there any specific reason you don't like them or is this just a case of the grass being greener on the other side of the ocean?

I'm feeling bad for wested now.

na, the thing with it is, theres such an amount of complaints here about wested, whether or not they fix their errors it seems problematic to order from them

the US wings version just seems sooo much nicer, make to perfection, so stylish, the wested just seems too dark and rigid, I just dont seem to like them, they look factory made.

I don't have a US Wings jacket myself, but judging from the stuff I've heard from people that I'd trust without hesitation who have one, they are top notch! Some details might not be totally SA, but those details are more functional and "real world" than the on-screen design as far as I understand it.

As far as the original question goes: The best UK manufacturer I know of is Wested. Don't know why you don't like them, and honestly, I don't care: It's probably down to taste anyway, so a moot thing to try and discuss it I still like my Novapelle LC Wested and it still gets a lot of use during the colder months. The only things I asked for were sizing related and those requests were met to my satisfaction.

Wherever you buy from though, just follow the measurement instructions given by the vendor and you should be fine

Regards, Geert

jayrobinson wrote:I'm feeling bad for wested now.

na, the thing with it is, theres such an amount of complaints here about wested, whether or not they fix their errors it seems problematic to order from them

the US wings version just seems sooo much nicer, make to perfection, so stylish, the wested just seems too dark and rigid, I just dont seem to like them, they look factory made.

You type faster than I do If you like the US Wings version better, just go with that. You should get what you like best since it will be you who's wearing it

Regards, Geert

ot of the wested jackets, which do you think is the best to get?

jayrobinson wrote:ot of the wested jackets, which do you think is the best to get?

That's a question I just can't answer for you. I mean, everybody likes different things, right? And I'm by no means an expert on Wested's offerings in terms of leather types and stuff.

My suggestion? Ignore the countries of origin, look at as many as possible jackets by as many as possible makers (within your budget) and decide what you truly like best. Then go and order that puppy! There just isn't a right or wrong here so just get what you like most

Regards, Geert

I agree with Geert. Nobody can answer that for you (in fact, "which jacket should I buy" threads are generally frowned upon because that's like asking "what is the meaning of life?").

Watch all the movies and pick the movie where you think the jacket looks best in your opinion. If it is Raiders, I would still recommend the Wested lamb. It is a good jacket for the price.

If you want an LC look, I HIGHLY recommend the US Wings Antique offering, simply because of how good a deal it is for the quality. In fact, if you like CS, still go for the US Wings option.

Temple of Doom...not sure why you'd like that jacket (JK!!!) but Wested has a pretty good one as well.

You just have to do some homework and soul searching, but I recommend you don't ask questions like that here, because the response you'll get more than any other is "Use the search function and spend a few days reading old threads".

Agreed! Maboot gives a good rounded review in his reply above.

Questions like yours also attract 'camp followers' who, no matter what, will immediately point out the perceived flaws of a competitors product, and do their best to convince you come to THEIR side of the fence. Not pointing fingers at anyone, nor saying any appeared in any of the above replies. They're in every section of this site.

The whole reason for this site to even exist is to help members locate the best 'bang for their buck', no matter WHO the vendor is. That's essentially the mission statement of Indygear.com. It exists for the hobbiest involved in the collecting of gear used by the character Indiana Jones.

So, proceed on your own power, keep an open mind, and come to an educated purchase decision based on the information you'll find in the pages of this website.

Regards! Michaelson

I just wana thank all you guys for your help and support, I've never felt so welcomed as a newbie before, usually you get a very aggressive, angry response to noob type musings, but you have all been nothing but kind and helpful

cheers again, I am feeling better about it already, got a couple in mind, just need the money from my motorbike sale on the Eeee bay

special shout out to binkmeisterRick, has been a huge support.

agh! dang noob












kididng.

welcome

jayrobinson wrote: special shout out to binkmeisterRick, has been a huge support.

YOU'VE BEEN TALKING TO BINK!!!???

You're LOST!!!!



Welcome indeed!!!

HIGH regards! Michaelson

jayrobinson wrote: special shout out to binkmeisterRick, has been a huge support.

Nothing like starting out with 2 strikes against you!!!

JUST KIDDING! Bink is very helpful in his own 'special' way!

That's a nice way of putting it, maboot!

Yes, he is......."special".

(in case you couldn't tell, we like to give bink a hard time...every chance we can... )

Regards! Michaelson

jayrobinson wrote:na, the thing with it is, theres such an amount of complaints here about wested, whether or not they fix their errors it seems problematic to order from them

the US wings version just seems sooo much nicer, make to perfection, so stylish, the wested just seems too dark and rigid, I just dont seem to like them, they look factory made.

To be fair -- I had issues with my Raiders jacket which took a couple of visits to get resolved, but my LC was perfect out of the box, and cut, hide and quality are excellent on both. And if price is an important consideration, I would keep Wested in my consideration set.

I have a mixed view of the Wested customs, my Raiders looks very "hand made", though my LC custom does look a bit factory and not as tailored in shape. I wouldn't buy any of their OTR versions. The lamb is anything bit rigid, it is extremely soft and pliable - that could also be a concern, it is a pretty lightweight hide.

One thing I would emphasize is: I got exactly the jackets I wanted, but with the Raiders it would have been a painful process to do via mailing the jacket back and forth. You're quite a ways from Swanley.... so not sure if you had planned to go there in person or mail order.

I also like the look of the US Wings cut and hide.

Here's another suggestion, and only because you are "local" is go out to Wested and have a chat with Peter. In the same way that I am in the same city as David Morgan's, it would be crazy for me to not at least go and look at the whips he sells, even though people say they are overpriced.

ANZAC_1915 makes some excellent points!

Never say 'never'!

Regards !Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:

jayrobinson wrote: special shout out to binkmeisterRick, has been a huge support.

YOU'VE BEEN TALKING TO BINK!!!???

You're LOST!!!!

HEY! Don't blow it! I'm about to seal the deal on sending him my duct tape Indy jacket!

And for the record, my advice via PM has been for him to buy the jacket HE wants.

....which is your duct tape jacket, right?

hi, another thing you may wish to consider is when you plan to wear your jacket-summer/winter or an all year rounder. i to live in the uk and you know how changeable our weather is.i have the us wings collectors edition which is a heavy cowhide which imo is more of a colder climate jacket. now were in the summer months i wear my 'worn look' hide wested ,a much lighter leather.but to throw another jacket in to the mix - a g&b flightsuits expo now this is a great all year rounder jacket . i hope i havent added to your confusion . also remember when ordering from the us on top of shipping charges their is customs to pay as well.

thanks for your input ANZAC_1915 and donovan both excellent points indeed, and very helpful

I haven't much looked at the G & B in detail yet, I may have a look

#### import tax, whats that all about, I remember the days of being let off (coz they just wouldnt bother) #### taxes, they're everywhere

the 'worn look' is defiatley what I'm going for, maybe a Duct tape jacket is the thing after all, lol at duct tape jacket, funny.

Import duty & tax (VAT) is a nasty shock. I think it is limit £30 (including postage!) & over that it is considered importation.

It can add 25% including handling fee VAT & import duty AND they add it to the postage costs too! Disgrace really.

The Royal Mail is skint, as is the country, so they are looking for this all the time. Things used to slip through often, it is rare now for this reason. I was a global buyer, 11 years on eBay but not now.

I won't buy anything from US anymore & with a weak $ too. Last time I ordered sunglasses. They cost a little over £30... I got hit with £1.50 VAT & £10 hadling fee "to collect the money for HMRC." If you don't pay, they return to sender!

Why you may ask? Because they can.

Don't get we wrong though as things can slip through, but it seems to be less and less these days.

Tim.

Rule Britannia. Condemned to the history books, we are a power now more, we are the Titanic.

I can't recommend US Wings enough. Great jackets, great service, all around great to deal with. I got my antique cowhide hero today, and it fits better than my custom Wested (which I am also happy with, by the way). For price and quality, in my opinion, US Wings has just about the best offerings around right now.

Hi there Jay, kinda new here









I was recently in the same position as yourself, for a very long time I have lusted after an Indy style jacket, for me it didn't have to be screen accurate, I wanted it to be built to last and I wanted it to feel comfortable on me, because I intend to wear the *beep* out of it.

Living in London I am but a short distance from Wested so I popped in a month or so ago, I think I tried on every jacket in the shop (even the Minority Report in "far too small for a grown up" size and I think I fell in love with every single one of them), the smell of the shop is amazing too it's just like being in my wardrobe.

Alas, I couldn't make up my mind on the spot so I went away, having recently returned I tried on a washed goat Raiders jacket, it was the last one in my size so it was purchased there and then, and in spite of the 28+ degree heat I have been wearing it since.

When I was there I had the pleasure of having both Peter and Gemma (the first visit) sharing their wealth of knowledge about leather, jackets and all related to them, and just Gemma on my second visit. Both times they spent ages with me, helping me make a choice, but not pressuring me to buy or anything.

Now had I been Gemma I would have been bored to tears watching some indecisive idiot trying on countless jackets but unable to make a command decision. But she was patient and helpful for the entire time I was there, and in the end I walked away with something I love!!

Now I know Wested have had some bad press on here, and I know the customer is always right (or thinks he is) but I can see why there are sometimes customer service issues with Wested, or indeed anyone who offers a custom product. In the time Gemma and Peter spent with me they probably should have been answering your emails or clarifying some measurement, but they weren't, they were helping a moron realise a dream. (So I apologise, but not really cos I got an epic jacket).

So while I can't recommend Wested mail order, or custom order (because I have used neither) I would say that visiting their store was one of the best shopping experiences I've had, ever.

Please don't think I've been paid by Wested, or that I am an agent of theirs or anything cos I'm not, I have equal praise of other companies (Soul Revolver and Tony Nowak to name but two).

Anyway that was my two pence worth....

As an aside I would like to thank everyone here, because without being able to read all of your jacket experiences and the like I wouldn't be where I am today (yes I am sat at home posting this while wearing the jacket, but I am breaking it in....... Honest)

Jay I've been around and around this one for well over a year now,and wanted a jacket for a lot longer than that.

The upshot is I'm going to Wested this summer and get my custom order done face to face.
If I don't like what I see or the sevice I get I'll make my purchace somewhere else.

But from what I hear dealing with Peter and Gemma in person is a real pleasure,plus I'll get to meet a man that made a little bit of cinematic history.


ID

I know, I really wana go, I hear they are awesome, quite a few people talk about that, it's just the mail order that seems to let them down, they seem to be the perfect example of 'quality, not quantity' ie, if your there, and they're working with you, they shine

I am over a 5 hour journey away, so it pretty much blows it for me. I could aways make a life-size cutout of me, send it to you, and you could go and introduce me to them!

If only life was easier - teleportation.

Actually, Wested would have to be about the very worst example of a company producing 'quality over quantity'.
Your point about them being better dealing with the customer face-to-face may be valid though.
It is, also, perhaps the only way they should do business.

I'm with you on the 5 hour jorney,it'll be about the same for me travelling up from Devon.
Taking the wife and children on a short break to the south east and combining the two.What they spend should take the heat off me .

Your only hope is to keep an eye out for someone from the UK selling a jacket they no longer nead. Either on the boards here or online auctions.




ID

Take it from me, Jay. Five hours really isn't that bad.

I used to be in a relationship where it would take me five hours by train to get to my girlfriends place.

Just take a good book (or a few if you're a fast reader) and keep your mind on what will be waiting for you at the end.

hey there i see you are in Cheshire so a bit far from Swanley to pop in. That said i work in the south occasionally and was able to get to Wested for a look. My strong recommendation would be that if you can get to Wested for a persoanl fitting/measurement there you will not go wrong as there bespoke jackets are made here in the UK and i am very vert happy with mine.

The issue with ordering overseas is you are taking a big risk in sizing etc and you foot the bill for suhipping if not correct.

Theres nothing wrong with Wested IMO you just need to ensure they measure you up and record your specs.

Enjoy

MK

Wested are fine for the price and if you can find a reason to go down to London, trip to the barn is worth it, they might have what you need off the rack, if not you will get to see all the hides and styles.

I personally feel that we in the UK are lucky to have Wested on our shores as they are excellent value for money. the first time i went i went with the intention of buying an indy jacket and i walked away with the wolverine as its great. second time i tried on a few jackets found the style i liked and ordered with a few alterations for a bespoke jacket which im extremely happy with. these kind of jackets i often wear for days/nights out as no one is none the wiser and ive never received a comment good or bad as they are just nice leather jackets.

Take the punt my friend and go for a British made WESTED.

MK

Anytime you can walk into a shop, look a man in the eye and have him make you a jacket, take the chance. He's local (at least to you), and as you've read, folks who DO walk in and have jackets made get excellent service and top drawer product delivered. If something is wrong, you can get it fixed immediately.

I agree with mrkaboom, if you're still on the fence after all this discussion, at least give Peter a shot.

Regards! Michaelson

Wested can make an excellent product, it's just a sporadic experience at times when you deal with them. Since you are close and can go to the shop directly, your chances of coming out satisfied would be much higher, I would think.

I have to agree with the previous posters that, if you're still on the fence, give Wested a call. At the very least, you can travel to the barn and see what you think. No one will force you to buy.

IndyBrit wrote:Wested are fine for the price and if you can find a reason to go down to London, trip to the barn is worth it, they might have what you need off the rack, if not you will get to see all the hides and styles.

If I were in England, there would be no question that this is what I would do. Go to Wested and find your jacket on the rack or have one made for you. This eliminates the return problem, mailing risk, VAT and everything else. With anybody's jacket, you have to try it on. Wested's quality is fine, he has several versions to choose from and the jackets have a certain refined quality that no others have (IMO). Your question is like myself saying 'I live in Ohio and I want a great Indy jacket'. Well, USW is in Ohio - 'no brainer'. I went through the very 'nightmare' you fear in reverse when I got a 'Raiders' from Wested. It's expensive sending jackets back and forth across the Atlantic and there's still no guarantee that you will ever get one that's right for you. The Raiders I ended up with was pretty much wrong for me in several ways but I still wore it anyway because of the uncertainty of more mailings overseas. At that point I had a jacket I could use so I went with it. I think practically everybody on this forum would buy a Wested if they could be there and have one tailored to them.

I agree with mrkaboom, Michaelson, Crismans and John Lennon.

"All we are saying...

is give Pete a chance...."

TMFR

OHHHhh that was bad!!!

Everybody's talkin' 'bout jacketism, snapism, leatherism, zipperism, pocketism, linerism, fitism, shipism...

I'M all for the 'little man'!



Regards! Michaelson

at Bink. To reinforce what someone else said, being able to choose the hide and SEE the hide and TOUCH the hide is a big deal if you want to get "the" jacket.