Club Obi Wan

I've looked and searched this forum from one end to the other, and aside from the intermittent post that may pop up here and there, I've not gotten a good "feel" for ordering a Wested clearance corner jacket.

I'm looking for a little input from those that went that route and may have struck gold as well as those who had not such good luck.

Basically, I like that I can see the key measurements, but is it a total shot in the dark with all the other bells and whistles people may have customized?

It looks like a good deal on some of them, but you know that can sometimes be too good to be true.

Any input is appreciated.

Hi,

I ordered jacket that was in my size from the clearance section. See link to the thread.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=47155

Ian

Mountaineer wrote:I've looked and searched this forum from one end to the other, and aside from the intermittent post that may pop up here and there, I've not gotten a good "feel" for ordering a Wested clearance corner jacket.

I'm looking for a little input from those that went that route and may have struck gold as well as those who had not such good luck.

Basically, I like that I can see the key measurements, but is it a total shot in the dark with all the other bells and whistles people may have customized?

It looks like a good deal on some of them, but you know that can sometimes be too good to be true.

Any input is appreciated.

I inquired about one once. I asked for pictures to see any special modifications and Gemma told me they don't send pictures and all the jackets are the same.

--I pretty much decided I had no need to deal with Wested at that point. I bought a jacket second-hand instead.

Ian, your post was one of those that got me interesting in going this route. Thanks for the direct link. Glad it worked out for you.

Baptiste, that's why I asked this here. I didn't think the direct route would necessarily work. Seeing how there is so much one could have asked to be customized, it might take all day to track down, list and photograph those changes. Conversely, I'm sorry it didn't pan out for you.

Thanks for the quick replies. Anyone else?

I know I sent an email a while ago about possibly doing a custom denim Indy. Got absolutely no response whatsoever. Perhaps they're not interested in getting new customers. I have never gotten a jacket directly from them, but I would be willing to if the situation ever arose. However, getting info from them has been and is a PITA.

Excelsior,
Riothamus

Thanks Riothamus,

I inquired with Wested back in 2009 on a OTR jacket and had good communication at that time. I didn't go that route because of the going exchange rate.

I see the opportunity to get a more custom jacket for less as a great thing.

Take Ian's experience, which I think was a great outcome; that's the stuff I'm looking for. Or if one went the clearance corner route and got a nightmare.

I'm just curious to what the success rate around here is for such purchases.

I currently own two Nowaks and a Wested. I bought the Wested from Peter when I visited his shop last year. I have to say I really like the jacket - it was a clearance OTR and it fit better than any customs he made for me. I like the jacket alot!

I bought a Noel Howard shirt in the clearance section. So yes I've had a positive experience with the clearance section!

BaptisteTheFool wrote: I inquired about one once. I asked for pictures to see any special modifications and Gemma told me they don't send pictures and all the jackets are the same.

This is exactly what I got when I inquired. I also learned that the none of the photos posted in that section are of the jacket being sold. I pushed a little, asking if it was an OTR (since she claimed they were all the same) and why it was on clearance. I was told it was custom, but never picked up. Being non-standard, it had to be clearance. So, I was left to wonder, if it was the same as every other jacket, what made it non-standard?

I saved for an extra month and bought a US Wings.

Thanks Nick and IZ, glad it worked out and I appreciate the input.

CJ, I didn't think those were the jacket's one would be buying, I see those pics pop up everywhere Wested stuff gets sold. I'm going just with the sizes listed and think I have found a good fit, all the other things might just fall into place. If not, there's always the Bazaar I guess.

Side Note: I debated the Wings jacket very hard recently. I like the Raider's length jacket and ultimately, no matter how good the deal, I can't in good confidence do the back length. It would look to much like a sports coat / suit jacket for my taste. Although they do look like awesome jackets, so it's kind of a bummer.

Thanks and I'm appreciating the responses.

My first jacket came from the Wested clearance section.
It was an unpaid custom order. I was assured it was a standard Raiders and the only cusom specs was the back and sleeve length.

What I ended up with is a jacket with no inner facings (which the standard is supposed to have) a "V" tapered back panel, and a full satin liner. It also has the deeper action pleats and brass #8 zipper, so it is like a mix of the Standard Raiders and Special ROLA.

However, I like it, fits me good and I got a great deal.

I guess buying one of the unpaid/returned orders out of the clearence section is like a box of chocolates....

Thanks kwad, that's pretty much what I thought. Especially when you think about how custom some custom orders may be.

While some list measurements (and I think that would be good to order based just on them alone) there are some with the major details (rings, lining) too.

The more minor details would be a guess until you get the jacket.

Thanks for the input.

Are you aware that they charge a re-stocking fee if there is something you don't like about the jacket? That kept me from buying one.

Dr. Evil, I've seen that. Some vendors do and some don't charge restocking fees. Depends really on the market and the stuff sold.

This gear is a pretty niche market so I'm not too surprised they charge. One still has options if one doesn't like it, I guess that's why there's auction sites and classified sections.

However, thanks for the head's up and input.

Quick aside: I deal with inventory control for computer parts/repair and we make special orders pay for and keep their parts; even if after installation we find that it was their equipment (i.e. something not fixable via the part ordered) that is defective.
Otherwise we'd get stuck paying for parts we would never have ordered and will never use. We tell them that up front and they can decide to use us or not.

Bottom line: I can see Wested's point in their practice; hence this isn't a deal killer for me.

Dr. Evil wrote:Are you aware that they charge a re-stocking fee if there is something you don't like about the jacket? That kept me from buying one.

I'm pretty sure that only counts if you order the custom from scratch. The clearance would probably be sold as if it were an OTR. But you'd have to check.

I have a feeling that they are reticent to take pics and email time to you because by the time they get to you and you have replied the jacket has probably been sold.

They should probably take pics of the obvious custom tweaks of the jackets and post with the listing so you have an idea at least of what it is along with any unusual sizing it might have.

That said, most of my jackets have been bought as returned customs. But I have the luxury of trying them on!

If it is a custom it is UK made so that is a plus too.

Thanks KT. I had a friend that went over the pond last year or so and I told him to try and swing a visit by the shop for me, but to no avail.

They do list the major things we tend to ask about (i.e. sleeve & back length) and there is the occasional notes on lining, ring type, etc. So the major questions are known (to a point) from the outset.

Basically there is the question of what you'll get in the finer details, but that exists to a degree with every hand-made item we order from most vendors.

So far there is very little in the horror story experiences column, I'm liking that.

You also have to note that the difference between clearance sales and regular sales is the fact that the clearance are priced to move. You may not have a full picture of what you're buying, but you're not paying the full cost of the product either. Like you say, Mountaineer, you make the buyers of custom orders pay for and keep the product, and that's when they buy at the full price. Alot of places have a no return policy for clearance/sale/irregular items for the fact that they're often sold at a loss, or they don't sell well and mostly take up space. Having a re-stocking fee rather than a "we keep everything you paid no matter what" policy ain't too bad, especially if you're getting a deal in the first place. I can't say for sure, but they might be a bit more accommodating if you asked about specific things on the jacket that are important to you rather than just asking for a list of what is different. For example, if the lining is really important to you, ask what kind of lining it is and say that it's important, and they might tell you, or if rings vs. sliders is a big deal, ask that and explain the significance. Like I said, I can't say for sure whether or not that would help. But other than that, if you're not willing to pay the price to get exactly what you want, then I'd say don't go to clearance unless you're willing to settle for less.

-KB

Thanks for that KB. Basically I'm thinking if the sizing is accurately listed and those numbers would fit the buyer, one may come out ahead. Such as the case with Ian and kwad.

Honestly I'm much more leery of paying the total cost for a custom jacket and not getting something I really had my heart set on, then dealing with all the other hassle; i.e. emails, return authorizations, shipping/return costs, waiting, etc.

Same with paying the full-price for the outsourced OTR stuff and ending up with the problems others have reported here. Is what has been said indicative of ALL OTR jackets? No, but one can understand a buyer's concern for what they may be getting.

Like KT said, it being UK made is a plus for me. That's not a knock on the OTR stuff, but I do know from reading here that when a custom jacket is done right, it's done pretty much right.

I'm really starting to see these as a viable, less costly chance to own a Wested, custom or otherwise.

Mountaineer wrote:Thanks for that KB. Basically I'm thinking if the sizing is accurately listed and those numbers would fit the buyer, one may come out ahead. Such as the case with Ian and kwad.

Honestly I'm much more leery of paying the total cost for a custom jacket and not getting something I really had my heart set on, then dealing with all the other hassle; i.e. emails, return authorizations, shipping/return costs, waiting, etc.

Same with paying the full-price for the outsourced OTR stuff and ending up with the problems others have reported here. Is what has been said indicative of ALL OTR jackets? No, but one can understand a buyer's concern for what they may be getting.

Like KT said, it being UK made is a plus for me. That's not a knock on the OTR stuff, but I do know from reading here that when a custom jacket is done right, it's done pretty much right.

I'm really starting to see these as a viable, less costly chance to own a Wested, custom or otherwise.

I got my Wested CHEAP on eBay. Didn't have to deal with them and I knew exactly what I was getting. There was a detailed description and pictures. So that'd be another route and you'd have more control than were you to buy from Wested directly.

True Baptiste. I've been looking there as well, seems to me that what shows up at that place is much more random.

Truthfully, I think I have my answer, and I've made up my mind.

I'm thinking I'll give this another 24-48 hours before I ask the powers that be to lock it down.

So unless there is anyone else that wants to chime in with their experiences (good or bad), the clock is ticking...

If you are considering placing an order from them, I have ordered from the Standard, Custom and Clearance sections in the past. The main thing about the clearance section, it is possible to get a good deal on a ready-made custom jacket, as long as you know your basics: your jacket size, back length and sleeve measurments. These three criteria should get you a good fit.

I had some credit built up, and decided to buy the old skin, custom copper novapelle in the clearance section, several months back. It was a nice skin, but the 25" back length was just too short, so I sent it back and decided to order the new skin copper novapelle and once we got the details ironed out, it made a nice jacket. Novapelle is a good buy if you don't mind the heaviness of cowhide. It's not exceptionally heavy. One might weigh 4 lbs., as opposed to 2 1/2 lbs. for a lambskin jacket, heavier that other hides, I should say, but the n/p is a nice skin. If you decide to go that route, I'd suggest some leather samples first, to help nail it down.

To merk the waters a little, a custom is 165 pounds ($246.92 today) as opposed to a clearance 110 ($164.62) or 125 pounds ($187.06), so you are not paying that much more for a custom than a standard, and if you want to keep the jacket indefinitely, then what is the difference in price, if it means that you get just what you wanted the first time? Theoretically speaking... Keep in mind that there are two patterns for the Raiders jacket: the Standard pattern--with leather facings and a fuller cut, and the trimmer, Rola pattern--with no leather facings, slimmer torso and sleeves.

I tend to think that it is better to get a custom from the clearance section than a standard, but jmho. Take what you will pay for the jacket then divide by the number of years you expect to wear the jacket. This will give you a better perspective of long term vs. short term relative to this purchase. You recoupe your investment in a matter of a few years, best case scenario, obviously. jmo.

If price is an issue, the Todd's Standard is a great deal at $150, if you don't have one already.

Thanks TS. You really got to where I am with this decision.

I own two Todd's, an early lighter in color jacket and a later, darker, one. Both have held up great and get everyday wear about 75-80% of the year.

I only started looking for a new jacket because I'm looking for a jacket in a different hide, yet one that is built in the ballpark of the size of those Todd's.

I appreciate all the replies, and if anything this thread has made things less obtuse for me.

No, I think it as been a fair discussion. Reputations and/or expectations can sometimes be a hard thing to live up to or live down.

I didn't start this thread with the intent to bash or unjustifiably praise anyone, I was just curious as to the experiences others may have had going this route.

As to the current question at hand, I'm pretty much there decision-wise.

Appreciate it.

Let me guess...a Gibson and Barnes 'Expedition', right?



Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson, no need to duck into your getaway vehicle.

Although I've been here long enough to see people make that kind of "whoa-I-had-no-idea-they-were-going-that-route" decision.

I'd love for a G&B to be the case, but not this go-round I'm afraid.

However, I do cruise the G&B clearance rack as well, AND I've been giving one that was recently in the classified section serious consideration.

Well, if you do, you won't be disappointed! A GREAT jacket, no doubt about it!

Regards! Michaelson

I know. I know.

Thanks for stopping by and weighing in as well.

I got one from their clearance section last year. Wasn't exactly what I wanted, but it was a long, for which I would've had to pay the full $100+ extra to get made "custom" otherwise, so all in all it was a good deal.

Thanks for that Psychics, I appreciate it.

If I may ask, were the points you didn't like more minor or major points, like leather type, etc?

Well, I was hoping to get a LC goat with all-satin lining and two inner pockets, but ended up with a lamb Raiders with cotton body/satin sleeves and one inner pocket. So fairly big differences but I'd never actually had a Raiders style yet, so basically I thought "For that price, why not??".

PsychicsAndSwords wrote:Well, I was hoping to get a LC goat with all-satin lining and two inner pockets, but ended up with a lamb Raiders with cotton body/satin sleeves and one inner pocket. So fairly big differences but I'd never actually had a Raiders style yet, so basically I thought "For that price, why not??".

OK, that is quite a difference then. This might be an example of what I was afraid of happening if I go this route.

I can see how you can tell the design differences, (and not to sound like I'm doubting you or being too investigative) but how did you know it was a different leather?

Did you contact them about it, or was it a case of well, it's a jacket that fits and I'll just stick with it?

PsychicsAndSwords wrote:Well, I was hoping to get a LC goat with all-satin lining and two inner pockets, but ended up with a lamb Raiders with cotton body/satin sleeves and one inner pocket. So fairly big differences but I'd never actually had a Raiders style yet, so basically I thought "For that price, why not??".

Okay, question... did you think it was an LC goat when you ordered it, or were you hoping one would be available and went with a lamb Raiders when it wasn't?

I was thinking it was the latter, but I could be wrong.

-KB

KB, that was what I was meaning to say in my question as well and kind of missed the target.

I took it as he ordered "A" and received "B". It's quite possible he wanted to order "A", it was unavailable, so he went with "B" becasue it was his size.

Basically we'll see in a response.

BTW: This thread has become pretty moot for me at the moment since the jacket I was mainly considering is now gone.

However, I'd like to let it play out until we get an answer from Psychics.

Besides it might be good for future reference if someone else comes along wondering the same thing.

At any rate, I've really appreciated all the input, thanks for all your comments.

Oh, sorry, I must have misunderstood somewhere along the line (guess that's what I get for answering at 5 in the morning). No, I wanted to order a LC goat, but at that point, money was my #1 consideration, so when I saw the Raiders lamb on the clearance page, I ordered it. (Basically I was ordering to replace a prior LC goat which no longer fit after I lost 50+ pounds).

Actually, the clearance jacket was exactly as described, whereas the two custom jackets I'd ordered from them in the past were not exactly as ordered (for example, I twice ordered the name tag they offer for inside the jacket, and never got it, and once ordered two inner pockets and only got one). So basically, the custom orders I've placed with Wested in the past were never perfect, but the clearance jacket was just as described.

And having owned both lamb and goat jackets, I can say yes, I would definitely be able to tell the difference between the leathers (but fortunately it hasn't come up ).

OK, Psychics, that last post really clears things up greatly. Thanks for clarifying.

Sound like what you read in the description is what you get. If the size is right then why not go for it?

Sorry if it seemed like I was questioning your telling between leathers. I've never owned goat leather goods, just cow, pig and lamb.

I think that's about it for this one, thanks everyone that weighed in. I've appreciated it greatly.

Mods- If you want to give this 24 hours to cool off and then lock it down I think that's OK.
Once it is locked if someone comes up with something to add that refutes this would it be possible to open it back up?