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US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 1:39 pm
by Indydawg
Anticipation is a funny thing-it burns like fire in your gut while chilling the rest of your body to the bone. About the only thing worse than “the waiting” is that agonizing moment when you are inches...centimeters, even....away from whatever it is you are yearning so intently to acquire. Such was my mania when that brown truck came pulling down the quarter mile driveway towards my house just a few hours ago. Such was the feverish fluidity with which my fingers tugged at the iron-clad strength of the characteristic US Wings tape which held the flaps on the box shut, separating me from my prize. Those tape seams didn't last long.
The leather defies description. The pictures posted already come CLOSE to doing it justice, but I submit that there is no picture which can, with 100% accuracy, capture the true nature of this leather. It defies color identification. If you look at it straight on it looks a deep, dark brown-nearly black; but if you move just one inch to the right or left, or move into a slightly different lighting, the color becomes something completely different-not slightly different-but COMPLETELY different. It's every shade of brown you can imagine, and a slightly russet tint, and almost garnet-red in places, the color of a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout on the one hand, but the lighter amber color of a finely crafted pale ale, too. But all of this changes with whatever angle you are standing, where you are in relation to natural or artificial light...it's just simply the most exciting leather to LOOK at I think I've ever seen.
Taking the jacket out of the box, I am immediately struck by the weight and feel of the leather. Over and over again, Sarge has described it as feeling “like a long-sleeve shirt” in weight. Well, he's right, but...at the same time, it's most definitely NOT a shirt! The jacket IS light-don't get me wrong...but slipping it on, believe me, you KNOW you've got on a jacket! It's heavy enough to feel sturdy-not like it's going to fall apart at the seams or like you will tear it just wearing it (which I very distinctly recall feeling with other lambskin jackets I've tried to wear in the past)-but light enough that you could literally forget you were wearing it. The leather itself feels like nothing I've ever felt before in a leather-honestly! I run my fingers across this jacket with my eyes closed. I try to compare it to other surfaces and my mind is filled with images of silk sheets, goose-down comforters, clouds, and the way the first sip of a really good bourbon tastes as it burns ever so slightly going down.
Slipping the jacket on is like slipping on a perfectly-tailored suit jacket. Quite honestly, the jacket fits perfectly. I never quite understood the phrase “like a glove” until now-I could not have gotten a better fit on this jacket without getting one tailor-made. And knowing how this leather is going to stretch and form to my body over time just gives me goose-bumps thinking how much better it's going to get!
The jacket's construction, too, is unbelievable. There's not an errant stitch line or loose thread anywhere. The way it's put together, and the pattern used to make it, gives the jacket a fit that is nice and fitted to my body while also giving plenty of freedom of movement. It's built, like every other Wings jacket I've ever owned, despite its obvious suitability for more sophisticated environs, like a tank! Think crossing a Cadillac with a military Humvee. Think the luxuriously clad interiors of Land Rover Defenders. Think something you would not feel out of place wearing to the opera in Venice or Rome. Astounding.
I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story. They are just the first pictures and the lighting does not quite do the jacket justice. I'll add more as I can get into different natural lighting situations that will display the colors better. But pay close attention to the detail/grain focus shots that show the color variations as best I could show. Mrs. Indydawg took the pictures, and she's never used my camera before; I think they turned out pretty well! But, hey....you folks be the judge!
All I can say is that I wish I had some high-society dinner party to attend tonight-and that it wasn't 100 plus outside right now-one thing is absolutely certain...I'd be the best-dressed dude at the show!
Enjoy!!!
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll59 ... ro%20Indy/
Highest Regards!
Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 1:58 pm
by Vaderbreath
Yeah, but do you like it?
Great review. Mine is coming tomorrow, but alas I will be out of town until Friday when I can grab it before heading to the Oregon coast. That leather really looks to be unlike any I've seen...I can't wait to see it in person. I still can't believe how unbelievably generous Sarge is being with our community, and I'm glad you are so pleased with this jacket. Thanks again for the review and all the great pics!
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 2:04 pm
by Indakin
thanks for teh review! Do you have the Cow Hero as well? Whats your comparrison of the two? I origonally wanted the lamb, but now im not sure which i want. Ha the cow, but was waiting for a longer sleeve size.... might want to try this still.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 2:08 pm
by that_dog
Nice review. It's a good looking jacket, but it appears a bit long in the body, especially for a size small (did I read the label correctly?). If you don't mind posting your particulars (height, off-the-rack jacket size, shirt size) and maybe the jacket dimensions (how big are the pockets?), I think that would be very helpful for those of us considering the new Wings offerings.
Congrats on the new purchase and have fun wearing the heck out of it (once the weather cools a bit).
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 2:21 pm
by Indydawg
Here are a few of the particulars you guys were asking about...I can get around to measuring the jacket a bit later on today....
My stats are:
Height 5'10"
Weight 145
Shirt 16/34
Chest 41.5"
Shoulders 18"
Waist 30"
Inseam 31"
I tend to wear my pants above my hips...narrow waistline makes it hard to let them slip to the hips without falling off. So, the jacket appears to be long because I wear my pants higher than is considered "stylish," I guess. If I had on my jeans, which I usually wear 32/32 in (a little big, so they sag a bit more), the jacket wouldn't look so long. This is my business/casual attire...what I usually wear to work (minus the tie), so....these clothes are a bit more "tailored." I usually wear 42R off the rack jackets....I was surprised at the small fitting so well, too...I figured I'd take my usual medium from them on this jacket, but....this is a REALLY good fit. It's odd...the jacket is more fitted through the body, but somehow, at the same time, offers more freedom of movement....it's odd! In a very good way.
Hope that helps a little with the perspective...oh, and I'm ecstatic about the jacket! I do not have the cowhide to compare it to...YET...but hopefully when those mediums come in, I'll be gettin' one.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 2:35 pm
by Kentucky Blues
Indydawg wrote:
I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.
The story of my long lost twin brother? Oh, and excellent jacket! It really looks to be something awesome, waaay different from my wested lamb. I can't wait to order one of the next wave of jackets, especially the way you describe the fit!
-KB
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:05 pm
by scot2525
Jacket looks great Dawg! It truly has that chameleon/camoflauge quality to it.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:21 pm
by Holt
Thanks for the review my friend
jacket looks great!!
mine is on the way. cant wait to get it!
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:23 pm
by Indyzane
Sweet molasses that jacket is amazing! Enjoy it Dawg and wear it well! Thanks for the killer review!
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 3:35 pm
by Indydawg
Thanks for the compliments, all! Got some new settings done on my camera taking shots outdoors of animals today...gonna try 'em with the jacket next!
But I really appreciate the comments!
Regards!
Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:06 pm
by Indyzane
Indydawg wrote:Thanks for the compliments, all! Got some new settings done on my camera taking shots outdoors of animals today...gonna try 'em with the jacket next!
But I really appreciate the comments!
Regards!
Indydawg
I'll just hang out and wait!
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:09 pm
by Sgt.
Indydawg wrote:Thanks for the compliments, all! Got some new settings done on my camera taking shots outdoors of animals today...gonna try 'em with the jacket next!
But I really appreciate the comments!
Regards!
Indydawg
WOW IndyDawg.. I don't know what to say.. But thank you! You made my day.
Sarge
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:12 pm
by Indydawg
You don't have to say anything, Sarge...just keep making jackets like this one!
High Regards!
Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:14 pm
by Hollowpond
Love it Dawg!
Travis
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:32 pm
by JC1972
Dawg, the jacket looks great and I love the review; nicely done!
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:40 pm
by Holt
oh and Dawg.
there is something very familiar about you.
you work at the Daily Planet?
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:45 pm
by JC1972
Indiana Holt wrote:oh and Dawg.
there is something very familiar about you.
you work at the Daily Planet?
I was thinking Cracker Barrel with all the rocking chairs
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:07 pm
by Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:13 pm
by RCSignals
Depends who Holt meant.......Jimmy Olsen?
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:15 pm
by Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:17 pm
by RCSignals
Great review Dawg.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:29 pm
by scot2525
RCSignals wrote:Depends who Holt meant.......Jimmy Olsen?
I see Clark, just not Superman.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:41 pm
by Holt
ok, sorry for getting this of the rails.
back on track!
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 6:16 pm
by damian della morte
just got mine a few minutes ago, i have never felt a more compfortable, soft jacket, ive also been looking for a nice three season jacket and it just arrived
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 6:42 pm
by Tennessee Smith
Dawg, the jacket looks great!!!
Thanks for posting the pics, the glasses look familiar also!!!
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 7:18 pm
by Sgt.
damian della morte wrote:just got mine a few minutes ago, i have never felt a more compfortable, soft jacket, ive also been looking for a nice three season jacket and it just arrived
WOW.. What a good story You will not get a better feel and or look.. High end all the way!!.. Just don't lay it down.. They walk off.
Sarge
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 7:33 pm
by Weston
Indydawg wrote:
It's every shade of brown you can imagine, and a slightly russet tint, and almost garnet-red in places, the color of a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout on the one hand, but the lighter amber color of a finely crafted pale ale, too.
Indydawg
Now your speaking my language!
Your killing me Dawg! I was watching for mine today, and it didn't arrive, and UPS said it may not get here till Friday, or maybe Monday.
It's alright, 100+ temps are forcast for the next few days
so it would be hard to wear it anyways. Very nice review, great description, and terrific looking jacket!
Weston
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 7:42 pm
by Sgt.
Weston wrote:Indydawg wrote:
It's every shade of brown you can imagine, and a slightly russet tint, and almost garnet-red in places, the color of a Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout on the one hand, but the lighter amber color of a finely crafted pale ale, too.
Indydawg
Now your speaking my language!
Your killing me Dawg! I was watching for mine today, and it didn't arrive, and UPS said it may not get here till Friday, or maybe Monday.
It's alright, 100+ temps are forcast for the next few days so it would be hard to wear it anyways. Very nice review, great description, and terrific looking jacket!
Weston
You will always have the Malls!!
Sarge
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 8:10 pm
by Tennessee Smith
Sgt. wrote:You will always have the Malls!!
Sarge
I'm partial to the Air conditioned living room myself!!!
...but the malls and a movie theater would work great also.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 8:53 pm
by Indydawg
It cooled down enough this evening after dinner to get out in some different light and try a few more shots....I also took some shots in the study earlier in some ambient lighting and on the stairs....just shows how wild this jacket gets in different lighting...AND it shows off the grain that's already popping out in some places.
Man...this jacket is CRAZY cool! I know the cowhide is supposed to be awesome, and I am sure it is...but for a full practically year-round leather in an amazing look...I just don't know that it gets any better than this...
Weston-when you get yours, you'll see exactly what I mean...
Here are a few more shots:
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll59 ... Hero%20II/
Regards!
Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 8:58 pm
by RCSignals
Sarge should use some of those new shots.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 9:01 pm
by Indydawg
Thanks, RC...half the fun is getting the camera in Mrs. Indydawg's hand for a change! Usually it's ME on the other side...
Regards!
Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 10:32 pm
by scot2525
Nice pics Dawg, you wear the jacket well! Sarge will love these pics.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 2:04 am
by Indakin
ok i need comparrison of how these feel to a todd standard?
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 9:21 am
by Kentucky Blues
Indakin wrote:ok i need comparrison of how these feel to a todd standard?
I can't speak from experience, but from what I've READ... these jackets feel like amazing, Todd's feels like a nice $150 jacket.
-KB
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:30 am
by Indydawg
Neither can I compare to a Todd's....never seen one in person.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 10:51 am
by Michaelson
I've owned both. I had a 2nd hand Todd's custom calfskin a couple years ago (which has since been passed on due to getting a bit, uh, tight on me
).
In terms of weight, the Wings jacket is physically lighter, but then we're comparing lambskin to calfskin. The difference is slight, but definite.
The Todd's was about an inch and a half shorter in length, but the quality in craftsmanship was excellent.
That said, though, I'm comparing apples to oranges...but it's an interesting comparison, as the Wings is a production jacket, though hand made, not custom made to a buyer's specificiations.
The Todd's I had WAS custom made, though custom to it's original purchaser. I would say they were comparible on all points regarding craftsmanship and quality, and for me that's saying a lot, as the Wings was equal on all counts to a custom made jacket, but lighter in physical weight.
I do not know how a production OTR Todd's would compare.
Regards! Michaelson
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:04 am
by Kentucky Blues
I think that's what he's actually looking for, a comparison between this affordable gem, and the affordable gem offered by Todds (which, gem as it may be, is NOT the old Todd's custom
)
-KB
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:06 am
by Indydawg
And....a few more taken this morning in a little different light...man, I can't get over this jacket!
And here's the rest...
http://s285.photobucket.com/albums/ll59 ... ero%20III/
Regards!
Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:18 am
by Michaelson
Kentucky Blues wrote:I think that's what he's actually looking for, a comparison between this affordable gem, and the affordable gem offered by Todds (which, gem as it may be, is NOT the old Todd's custom
)
-KB
I'm sure that's what he meant....but at least he got SOME kind of comparison between a Todds and Wings from an owner.
Regards! Michaelson
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:30 am
by orb
Reminds me a of Fedoras jacket. But suits you really nicely!
Regards
orb
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 11:31 am
by Michaelson
Fedora's jacket is just a little longer.
I have one of them too.
Regards! Michaelson
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:02 pm
by Kevin Anderson
The leather is awesome and it seems to drape beautifully...but the sleeves look like you could fit your head through them..
Who benefits from such massive sleeves? I doubt even _ could fill those! They look like they would simply get in the way.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:26 pm
by Michaelson
I believe that's an optical illusion and shadows.
Take another look at the very first photo, especially at the cuff end of the sleeve where he has his arm up.
Are you telling me you could stick your head through that opening? You must a mighty small head!
Granted, they're roomy, but they're not THAT big. They're equal to my G&B Expedition in terms of size, and no one seems upset with their jackets.
Regards! Michaelson
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:32 pm
by orb
IMO the whole jacket is bulky so are the sleeves. But the sleeves will look better with wear. So when the wrinkles come the Sleeves will look more tapered.
Regards
orb
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 12:40 pm
by Kevin Anderson
I don't think even a few good wrinlkes will taper those cannon-like sleeves, Orb!
I wonder what the sleeve measurements are, out of interest? The cuff size seems about normal, but there's a real strange bagginess to the upper sleeve
that comes as a result of having an enormous armhole.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 1:09 pm
by Michaelson
Actually, I've know Dawg for years.
Those photos are of his next door neighbor. Dawg is a short little fat guy, balding with thick glasses and an overbite...he usually wears orange checked shirts and suspenders and....
Excuse me, my wife is calling.....
What? Yes dear. I'm talking to my 'electronic friends' again.
What's that? Did I take my medicene yet? Uh....no! I'll be right there.
Back in a bit.
Regards! Michaelson
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 1:31 pm
by Indydawg
Yep...Michaelson's got me pegged...think a 4 ft version of Al Bundy with Harry Potter glasses...you know that Brad Paisley song, "So Much Cooler Online....?" He actually wrote it about me
Tundra-you flatter me, man!
Thanks! It's not often that I find a situation conducive to "putting myself out there." But, I couldn't think of a good way to actually show the jacket off without putting it on....
Oh, and Kevin and orb....not sure what you guys are seeing, but this jacket is a really trim fitting jacket. The cuffs hit perfectly between my wrist and the top knuckle of my thumb. I'm not even going to entertain getting out a tape measure to measure the cuffs....you're seeing something in one or two photos that just don't show up in the others and jumping on it....There's just nothing "enormous" about this jacket, Kevin. Sorry you're seeing something that isn't there, but...you're seeing something that isn't there!
Now...I do work out quite a bit and while I am a trim guy, my arms are filling out these sleeves...so maybe you're seeing a slight bulge at the biceps?
Anyway....you can rest assured that if you get a jacket that FITS you, it will do exactly that. I thought the small would be too small, but....not in this case!
Regards!
Indydawg
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 1:47 pm
by Kevin Anderson
I think there's no better looking Indy jacket for the money, on that you can count.
But the sleeves are big. Very big, in every aspect. A tape measure would confirm that.
They are, however, very similar to the sleeves of the the Last Crusade jacket, and since that's the jacket that this offering most resembles, that's fine!
There's one pic of Ford standing facing left on the set of Last Crusade where the sleeves look very similar.
Again, it's not the cuff size I noticed; that seems quite normal, probably 12" around. But with a massive armhole (24" + is VERY large!) the upper sleeve is very baggy.
Re: US Wings Lightweight New Zealand Lambskin Hero Indy Review
Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 1:59 pm
by Indydawg
Ok, Kev....just to humor you, I just whipped out the trusty tape, measured the arm attachment seam where the sleeve meets the body, and I don't know WHERE you're getting 24"+ from....I get just under 10" on either side...which makes for 20" all around...and that's just at the "armhole." Down at the bicep area, it's already tapered to around 18" all around....
Satisfied?
Heck, man...do you have a stake in trying to convince me my jacket doesn't fit?!
I'm looking at the jacket and wearing the thing...it fits!
Sheesh...and what's with the little "for the money" jab? Given what I'm looking at, I figure this jacket should be going for at least twice what the current price is!