Club Obi Wan

can someone list all the problems with the bantu wind jacket. i'm trying to decide if i should get it or the standard jacket

Not trying to be a jerk so please understand. To get a Raiders jacket for $79 or $99 who cares if there's anything wrong? Todd's products are always a dreaming deal! I have a standard and it's awesome! Todd will return standard for a $5.00 re-stock fee. Bantu jacket seems like a new jacket line Todd is trying to start. Maybe wait until next batch for a perfect one?

I rarely if EVER comment on items I have not personally handled or owned, but in this case so far all I've read that seems to be a 'negative' by folks who have has been the quilted lining in some of the jackets. It definitely limits wear time.

Apparently it's an option, so if you do order, make sure you click on 'no lining', or you'll get one that is good for cold weather only.

Regards! Michaelson

Indyzane wrote:Not trying to be a jerk so please understand. To get a Raiders jacket for $79 or $99 who cares if there's anything wrong? Todd's products are always a dreaming deal! I have a standard and it's awesome! Todd will return standard for a $5.00 re-stock fee. Bantu jacket seems like a new jacket line Todd is trying to start. Maybe wait until next batch for a perfect one?

His question is very valid. He's choosing between a $150 standard, and a $99 SNAFU, so he's questioning whether the mistakes with the Bantu jacket are worth saving $50. I'd probably spend the extra money.

Adding the fact, directly from the order page:

Due to the nature of this item, all sales are final.

Once purchased, it's yours.

Regards! Michaelson

The only problem with mine is about a 1/4" spot on the bottom of the front pocket that isn't stitched. That's all I can see. Even though I got an insulated one (and yes, I checked the "no" box, and it even says on my receipt "no insulation"), it's not really a problem. I now have a cold weather indy jacket. Otherwise, this is probably the nicest jacket I've received from Todd's-this being my third. It is a really, really nice, sturdy jacket. And as far as indy jackets go, I have never seen a better deal than this one!

I should also add that if you are planning on distressing it by sandpaper, acetone, etc. (don't hurt me, Michaelson), then I would definitely save the $50 and get one of these.

From what I understand, Todd received a small batch of jackets from his manufacturer that had a slight error in the pattern.
Unless you are a stitch counting, certified jacket expert (or as I like to call them, nut-jobs ), you probably wouldn't even notice the difference in the pattern.

I paid the extra $20 for one of first quality, and I haven't found a single thing wrong with the jacket that could affect durability. No loose threads, tears, or weak spots.

I've had a Wested custom ROLA (paid about $250), a US Wings Import Legend (paid $195) and IMHO, my $99 "Bantu Wind" jacket blows them both away in terms of accuracy and choice of hide.

I don't think you could find a better, more accurate Indy jacket for that price.

Is the Standard offering from Todd's worth $50 more?
Well, that depends on how much "Screen Accuracy" is worth to you.

kwad,

I'm floored. I mean, you've GOT to get your terms right! It's CERTIFIED nut-job, Mister!

thanx guys big help

Yup....

I bought a "first quality" jacket, and there's nothing wrong with it at all... The shoulder seam isn't quite right for the Raiders style? But if you're not overly worried about "SA-ness" then you have nothing to stress about.. The design of the jacket, stitching and comfort levels are all great.... Which is wonderful since Todd isn't actually a "leather company"!

Be careful choosing the insulation or not.. But otherwise, a first class quality jacket has nothing bad at all..

One possible "weak" point may be the zipper? Although it's fine, it doesn't seem so strong.. But, having said that, I've used it all day everyday since I got it and noticed nothing bad so far.... Just in comparison to my custom Wested it's not as well/safely/strongly sewn in place....

Other than that....Lovely jacket.

i plan on earing the jacket on the weekends, if that helps. it is not going to be just a costume jacket. so it shouldnt be sloppy or needs extreme care

You could always take the jacket to a seamstress and have the quilted lining taken out and a satin/rayon put in.

Manpurse, it sounds like you already answered your own question

I'd spend the extra $50 and get the regular issue. That way there shouldn't be any stitching problems and if there is a problem you will be able to return it.

There's also the choice of watching what's sold in the bazaar buy other members. You'd be amazed at what all is sold and the sometimes insane deals you might find. I mean were heading right into summer, I don't think you'll be wearing a jacket that much here soon. But most importantly buy what you're comfortable with, it's your money and you're the person that has to enjoy it!


-TS

I just put this in another thread, but really if a guy were to buy one and they weren't happy with it or the fit and not wanting to risk it...I'm sure if they would take some pics and throw it up in the bazaar...someone will buy it. especially once they see the pictures, grains etc, etc. I seriously doubt you would be out anything other than some time, and you might end up with a SUPER jacket.

Texan Scott wrote:kwad,

I'm floored. I mean, you've GOT to get your terms right! It's CERTIFIED nut-job, Mister!

Sorry Scott,
I had no idea you got your certification. Congratulations!

Got mine today, and I can't see any problems with it. I'm quite pleased with the color, texture details, etc. In the two short hours I've had it, this has quickly become my favorite. I think I can wear it year-round in sunny CA.

Indiana Jake

<Nods> I'm with Jake....It's rapidly become my favourite warm weather jacket.....

It's 30 degrees today, and humid too...But I wore it....I love the thing! (It's not SOOOO bad either! Just a little close for the heat!)

I'll receive my 2nd one tomorrow. AMAZING deal for $99. I can't find anything wrong with mine. I'm ordering a second one simply because I want to distress one and I don't want to ruin the first one. *That's* how much I care about it. I own G&Bs, US wings, Westeds, and Coyles, and I *DON'T WANT TO MESS WITH THIS ONE*. That should tell you something.

manpurse wrote:can someone list all the problems with the bantu wind jacket. i'm trying to decide if i should get it or the standard jacket

Didn't Todd post a full description in the Vendor Announcement section? Either way, these jackets are essentially described as seconds. They are, by definition, imperfect but new. So, if you can accept minor flaws and the possible need for a small repair or two, this jacket is for you. Todd does not understate flaws in his stuff. In fact, he sometimes makes things sound worse than they actually are.

Chewbacca Jones wrote:Todd does not understate flaws in his stuff. In fact, he sometimes makes things sound worse than they actually are.

Which definately seems to be the case here.

What I have learned through all this jacket collecting is that it is to your benefit to find one jacket that becomes your "goto" jacket, one that you are happy and comfortable with. Then as you use it, it will begin to take on the look and feel of the true, "hero" jacket, with repeated use, just like the original.

If you consider what the jacket actually was, a prop hurredly put together with flaws, these BW jackets to some degree mirror the real deal. Some have said that the movie jacket was poorly constructed, ill-fitting and could have been better leather. The leather used for the film jacket was described as ribby sheep skin. I mean, think of an off the shoulder jacket with a high yoke, one that would want to slide off the back of your shoulders. I have a BW first, and if you do not mind the little idiosyncrasies, things that basically mirror the film jacket, then you stand to get a pretty good deal. If you want something that more closely matches the screen jacket in every way, then maybe you should wait for the regular run? The biggest difference, though, is the lower yoke. Even still, the sleeve seams and yoke seam is misaligned. This 'BW' leather is more grainy than his past offerings.

The only flaw I can see on mine is that the collar is not symetrical. When the collars are lined up on top of each other the right side is about 1/4 inch longer than the left at the tip of the collar.

My collar is the same left to right (when overlayed, the two sides are identical in size and shape).

However, other inconsistancies have been noted, such as back length. In the size large alone, some have reported back lengths ranging from just over 25" to 24.5".

Even if these are off the rack, imported jackets, they are still made by hand.
Some variences will exist.

this doesn't really speak to why the pull is on the left or the right, but it is kind of an interesting read. Indy's jacket must have been fairly innovative for the time.
Also, it appears like the first wide-spread use of zippers wasn't on women's clothing, but on children's clothes...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zipper" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;