Club Obi Wan

IF you had only one jacket to choose from, which one would it be?

I only have two leather jackets and only one is an Indy, so I guess it depends on the situation. If I were in a colder environment I would pick my wested U-boat jacket. If I were in a warmer environment I would have to go with my Todd's Indy, but like I said I only have two leather jackets, so there is not much choice at the moment.

USW "Legned" in steerhide. The durability is outstanding, the fit is dead on, and it fairs well in cold weather. This is now my "go-to" jacket, but too bad it's already warming up in Texas.

Interesting question. I would have to go with my Global Identity G-III. I found it refurbished at a leather makers shop for $49 and thought it was too good a price to pass up. Totally an Impulse buy. It fits perfect. Its never let a lick of wind in and is warm as can be when zipped, yet light weight and comfortable in mild temps. And it must be the softest, most flexible piece of cow hide I have ever felt.

My Nowak CS. For many, many reasons.

my wested hero in soft goat. It has the look and is tough. Breaking in nice and slow

Its a slow burn with goatskin much of the time it seems, but a great leather for an Indy jacket.

My Nowak "Surrogates" jacket-it is just so cool!

All of you guys who own Nowaks make me sick! (Jealous!)

Well, I completely, in all honesty, shouldn't own mine. When I think of the convoluted series of events that took place for it to end up in my hands...it's just amazing it all happened like it did.

Long story, but it has a happy ending...with me owning the jacket and lovin' it!

Indydawg wrote:Well, I completely, in all honesty, shouldn't own mine. When I think of the convoluted series of events that took place for it to end up in my hands...it's just amazing it all happened like it did.

Long story, but it has a happy ending...with me owning the jacket and lovin' it!

I think you are all lucky to own such a nice piece of history and just pertaining to the history of this forum, but I would say that those Nowaks are a piece of cinematic history and good quality to boot!

And now I wanna hear Indydawg's story...

Don't want to hijack Tex's thread...if I get a chance, I'll post the whole sordid affair along with some pics of the jacket in Lao Che's later...

Indydawg wrote:Don't want to hijack Tex's thread...if I get a chance, I'll post the whole sordid affair along with some pics of the jacket in Lao Che's later...

True, didn't mean to derail thread.

I look forward to reading the story in Lao Che's.

Back to the topic.

Indydawg wrote:Don't want to hijack Tex's thread...if I get a chance, I'll post the whole sordid affair along with some pics of the jacket in Lao Che's later...

Well, come out with it, Dude! We've got plenty of room for a tall tale in this thread!

Texan Scott wrote:

Indydawg wrote:Don't want to hijack Tex's thread...if I get a chance, I'll post the whole sordid affair along with some pics of the jacket in Lao Che's later...

Well, come out with it, Dude! We've got plenty of room for a tall tale in this thread!

You heard the man!!!

My Wested circa 2000. It was a 3rd anniversary present from my Bride.


Regards,


Indiana Jeff

Indiana Jeff wrote:My Wested circa 2000. It was a 3rd anniversary present from my Bride.


Regards,


Indiana Jeff

I saw that thread several pages back, love the coloring on that one.

You picked well, and nice thinking on the 3rd anniversary leather gifts idea.

Best Indy jacket: Bill Kelso 'Relic Hunter'

Best jacket: Belstaff 'Hero' jacket from War of the Worlds

(wasn't sure if you meant just Indy jackets or not)

My Relic Hunter all the way.

I can't say I've found the 'one, true, jacket' yet.

I love them all, but the ones I own are either perfect for one season but too heavy for another....or are perfect for warm seasons but not enough for a hard cold snap....or are too small now.

....that, and they all have a 'history' with me, so I know what I THINK would be perfect, but I just don't own one. That would be a vegetable tanned goatskin G&B Expedition in size 44R, heavy zipper and snaps on the storm flap.

Someday.......

Regards! Michaelson

I have found satisfaction with several different vendor offerings. The recent series of USW jackets are probably the best jackets they have ever made, starting with the striated lamb and Legend series. I like the fact that with the antique steer, I have a sturdy built, LC-ish jacket for $200, and it is very comfortable. Todd's jackets have evolved, but have always been very reminiscent of the actual, movie prop. Probably the best value, $ per $. According to their web site, they now offer striated lamb. The Wested "Hero" series are the best made and detailed jackets they have ever produced. G&B has been the steady eddie of the group, as they began producing high quality, faithful reproductions and have never stopped. Add to the mix, first TN, then Kelso for the high end, uncompromizing customer. Would also like to hear from the S&J camp as well..? All in all, it is the best of times...for the fan, and each vendor has certain strengths depending on what you are looking for. So which ONE? Good question. Of the jackets that I now own, I could be happy with any one of them: USW Steer, G&B goat, Kelso, Wested Hero in dark brown lamb or lambtouch hide.

Texan Scott wrote: USW Steer, G&B goat, Kelso, Wested Hero in dark brown lamb or lambtouch hide.

Add Nowak to the list, and you have my same quandry.

Regard! Michaelson

Currently this one . . .

ha! I suppose the older you get the more your desire to be warm during these winter days. Lately, I've been focusing on warm jackets and coats when the temps. dip. You may laugh, but we do get cold blasts of ol' man winter, er... ....I mean ol' man winter around here.

...just kidding about the 'cold blast of winter in TX...er....I mean, just kidding 'M'!

That said, I'm thinking if I can get my USW HH jacket fixed on a couple points, I may, JUST may have my perfect Indy jacket after all!

I love this prototype, and wear it every chance I get.....but it is lined with the really thin lining between leather and inside lining that is WONDERFUL against cold winter wind....but the moment it gets above 55, I die from heat! Miserable!

The second thing is, the sleeves are perfect when my arms are to my sides, but the moment I reach out, they go WAY up on my wrists. There's over an inch of extra leather in the cuffs. If I can get even 1/2" of additional length out of that cuff to the sleeve length, I'll be very happy.

I'll see if my leather alteration ladies in Manchester can open up the lining and pull out that insulation, then lengthen the sleeves to the max they can be let out, and I think I'll have my jacket.

Then again, I may send it up to my old partner in crime Erin and let our little gal completely reline it, and while in the process have her pull out all the insulation and just live with the shorter sleeves.

...or....do nothing and only wear it in cold weather.

In my poking around, I found out this prototype even has the elastic strap like the G&B Expedition to hold the storm flaps closed. I never noticed that before this morning!

Decisions decisions decisions.....

Regards! Michaelson