Final checks on my Wested Raiders

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 10:48 pm

Alright, the time has finally come. I'm going to be placing an order for my first Wested jacket, a custom Raiders. For those of you with more experience, could you please review my specs and tell me if you think they look roughly correct.

I am 5'7 (170cm) in height.

Measurements:
Chest: 41 (drop down box on the site doesn't have 41 as an option so I'm presuming I should go 42?)
Back: 25 (I like my jacket to sit a little below the belt)
Sleeve: 23
Shoulder: 7.5

Skin: Authentic brown Goatskin/Shrunken lamb (still can't decide, I've asked to see pictures of the current batches to compare colours). I really want a nice dark/chocolate brown, not light or so dark it's nearly black.

Lining: Cotton body with satin sleeves

Side Straps: D rings with X-box stitch

Extras:
Gussets: Yes
Extra inside pocket: Yes

Special Requests:
Elastic bands in the back to stop the action pleats from sticking out as much.

If there's anything that you guys think needs to be changed or added, please let me know.

Cheers!

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 10:53 pm

Why D-rings instead of the buckles? The latter are accurate to Raiders.

Also, is there a reason you went for the custom instead of the Hero jacket? That's generally agreed to be about as close as you can get from Wested.

regarding the satin sleeves, not a bad choice, but before you decide, consider what you'll likely be wearing under the jacket: if it's a t-shirt, cotton sleeves will be more comfortable. If a long sleeve shirt, then you made the right choice.

Also, congrats on your first jacket.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:00 pm

Mulceber wrote:Why D-rings instead of the buckles? The latter are accurate to Raiders.

Also, is there a reason you went for the custom instead of the Hero jacket? That's generally agreed to be about as close as you can get from Wested.

Also, congrats on your first jacket.

I just saw more people go with D rings. Never really considered buckles but now

I went for a custom, because I can get it made to (hopefully) fit exactly to my measurements and because I've read that it's made to be more durable and functional than a Hero jacket. I'm going more for functionality than SA.

Thank you! I'm hoping the stars will align, there'll be no serious mishaps, and it'll be a jacket that I can wear for years to come.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:09 pm

Pris wrote:I just saw more people go with D rings. Never really considered buckles but now

Yep, they're the more accurate ones. The only hang up is that Wested makes the straps too long for the buckles, so people typically request that they make the straps 6.5" long (if I recall correctly - if someone else could confirm that would be great - I'd hate to give bad advice).

I went for a custom, because I can get it made to (hopefully) fit exactly to my measurements and because I've read that it's made to be more durable and functional than a Hero jacket. I'm going more for functionality than SA.

Sounds like you've got good reasons and you've thought it through.

You might also give some thought to what type of use you're going to put it through and what type of hide you should order. Lambskin isn't a very tough leather. Goatskin, Cowhide or even Horsehide would be tougher. But if it's just everyday wear, lamb should be fine.

Post by **Cajunkraut** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:12 pm

Any idea when Wested plans to resume operations?

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:16 pm

Well their website is up and running again, so...maybe now? It seems a bit early, but I don't know why they'd put the site back up if they weren't ready to take orders.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:29 pm

I got an email from them the other day, quote "The new company will be trading as of Monday 6th November, so you will be able to address any enquiries that can’t be found on the website and place orders from the same website address from this date onward"

So hopefully that's still the case.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:32 pm

You might also give some thought to what type of use you're going to put it through and what type of hide you should order. Lambskin isn't a very tough leather. Goatskin, Cowhide or even Horsehide would be tougher. But if it's just everyday wear, lamb should be fine.[/quote]

I'm getting so hung up on the leather haha. I think Goat is the perfect medium between weight and durability. Anything heavier and I wouldn't be able to wear it as often, as Perth weather never gets cold. I'm originally from Ireland so am used to much colder conditions. But I plan on travelling a fair bit. Heading to Peru next year, so I want something that can take a beating too, which is why I'm a bit wary about lamb. Plus the colour is the other big thing. I want that dark brown.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Nov 05, 2017 11:59 pm

Sounds like goat is the hide for you.

yellowduke · Post by **yellowduke** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 4:28 am

I would certainly recommend the goat. The lamb is so thin I could see my nipples poking through! It was a bit chilly in the shop that day.

The novapelle is a gorgeous feeling leather though and looks great in copper. That’s why I ended up with two jackets when I visited. I also got the chance to chat with Peter now sadly passed.

Indiana Joosse · Post by **Indiana Joosse** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:53 am

I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 9:29 am

Indiana Joosse wrote:I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.

How well has it distressed and what's the colour like? I've seen some that look almost black. I want my jacket to age well and not still look brand new in a few years.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 10:31 am

My experience has been that goat doesn't weather very much unless you're really abusing it. If you're looking for something that will weather but still be tough, cow might be worth considering.

Jeremiah · Post by **Jeremiah** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 1:26 pm

Goat has lanolins in it which help contribute to keeping it more supple. It’s tough for its weight too. Nothing ages like good veg tanned cow though.

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 2:05 pm

Yeah, I think cowhide (especially if you can get a thin cowhide, like what Magnoli has) is a good way to have your cake and eat it too - tough enough that you can wear it hard, but it'll still age beautifully.

Indiana Joosse · Post by **Indiana Joosse** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 5:11 pm

Pris wrote:
Indiana Joosse wrote:I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.
How well has it distressed and what's the colour like? I've seen some that look almost black. I want my jacket to age well and not still look brand new in a few years.

It hasn't distressed a lot, but I never intentionally distressed it. Just some normal wear and tear.

If you distress it on purpose I am sure it will distress more. I just wanted a jacket to wear.

And yes, it is dark and looks almost black in some pictures. Exactly like the one Ford was wearing in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

I have a recent picture of me wearing it in my thread about my new Everyman. If you like I can take more pictures for you.

Cheers,

Joosse

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:26 pm

Indiana Joosse wrote:
Pris wrote:
Indiana Joosse wrote:I have had a Wested goat ROLA for almost ten years now. Jacket has never let me down. I would recommend it.
How well has it distressed and what's the colour like? I've seen some that look almost black. I want my jacket to age well and not still look brand new in a few years.
It hasn't distressed a lot, but I never intentionally distressed it. Just some normal wear and tear.

If you distress it on purpose I am sure it will distress more. I just wanted a jacket to wear.

And yes, it is dark and looks almost black in some pictures. Exactly like the one Ford was wearing in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

I have a recent picture of me wearing it in my thread about my new Everyman. If you like I can take more pictures for you.

Cheers,

Joosse

That'd be appreciated, if you have the time to spare.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 7:59 pm

Was just having a look at some older forum posts and that shrunken lambskin colour is absolutely perfect. The goat seems a tad too dark for my liking. If only there was a skin that had the shrunken lamb colour and was able to distress nicely whilst also being durable. I think I'm going to go with the shrunken lamb you guys. That colour is exactly what I want.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 8:17 pm

Unless you have very short arms I'd say 23" sleeve isn't long enough. You need to measure down to the first knuckle remember. The off the rack jackets in your size have a 24-25 inch sleeve.

Also, yes if your chest measurement falls between sizing, order the size up.

In my opinion for the right colour you want the authentic lamb. Yes it does have a brand new shine to it, but it distresses well and is fairly durable. The shrunken lamb has a good surface texture, but unless you get a batch that is quite dark brown it just doesn't look right in my opinion. I recently got a hero jacket in brown cowhide, it's a thicker heavier skin but is comparable in colour to the authentic lamb. Mine was anyway. Lightweight skin options though, you've got Goat (too dark) or lamb/shrunken lamb. They might be offering the correct new Zealand lamb shortly, but nothing on the website yet. You could ask them about it. Mine's being delivered tomorrow.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 8:31 pm

xmasters wrote:Unless you have very short arms I'd say 23" sleeve isn't long enough. The off the rack jackets in your size have a 24-25 inch sleeve.

Also, yes if your chest measurement falls between sizing, order the size up.

In my opinion for the right colour you want the authentic lamb. Yes it does have a brand new shine to it, but it distresses well and is fairly durable. The shrunken lamb has a good surface texture, but unless you get a batch that is quite dark brown it just doesn't look right in my opinion. I recently got a hero jacket in brown cowhide, it's a thicker heavier skin but is comparable in colour to the authentic lamb. Mine was anyway. Lightweight skin options though, you've got Goat (too dark) or lamb/shrunken lamb. They might be offering the correct new Zealand lamb shortly, but nothing on the website yet. You could ask them about it. Mine's being delivered tomorrow.

Please post some pictures when it arrives! I'll double check my arm measurements. I'd also love to see how your brown cowhide looks too.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 8:40 pm

Remember to measure down to your first knuckle for the sleeves, and you have to allow for losing about half an inch in length as it crumples and folds up your arm.

Pictures of my cowhide jacket. Just a day old here, so not broken in at all.

https://imgur.com/a/rZtVy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 8:42 pm

congrats on a great jacket, xmasters. It has a lovely grain to it.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 8:46 pm

That looks amazing. Great fit too from the look of things.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 8:51 pm

Thanks guys, I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered it (the skin), but it's working out well in the colder weather. I still favour the lighter weight skins, for mild weather conditions, but if you want something that feels substantial then brown cowhide it's an option to consider.

Off the rack Raiders jacket in Authentic Lamb:

https://imgur.com/gallery/l9tfP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

michaeljcr · Post by **michaeljcr** » Tue Nov 07, 2017 9:44 am

xmasters wrote:Thanks guys, I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered it (the skin), but it's working out well in the colder weather. I still favour the lighter weight skins, for mild weather conditions, but if you want something that feels substantial then brown cowhide it's an option to consider.

Off the rack Raiders jacket in Authentic Lamb:

https://imgur.com/gallery/l9tfP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nice! Did the off the rack jacket have a cotton sleeve lining or satin?

Cheers! I've got an old Wested Lamb, with the cotton sleeves, but was thinking of getting an off the rack goat. Will go custom though, as I hate the satin sleeves over a t-shirt.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Tue Nov 07, 2017 12:23 pm

Satin sleeves. All the off the rack Indy jackets do, if you order a custom or hero jacket you have the option of cotton. Hero is cotton by default, but Satin can be chosen. I actually chose Satin sleeves for that Cowhide Hero jacket above.If you want to layer more than one garment under the the jacket, I just prefer Satin in that regard. Although cotton sleeves do give a bit more of a warm feeling in the arms.

I recieved the New Zealand lamb jacket today. My instant opinion is that it's definitely the skin you want for a Raiders jacket, if screen accuracy is important. It's probably a bit lighter in weight than the Authentic Lamb, very slightly. Has a matt finish. I would only select that skin for the Raiders jacket though. I would select Authentic Lamb for the Last Crusade jacket.

senorjacob · Post by **senorjacob** » Tue Nov 07, 2017 3:05 pm

Pics!!

Kladdagh · Post by **Kladdagh** » Thu Nov 09, 2017 7:46 am

Mine is a goat leather and I love it ...

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 10:00 am

Picture of my Raiders jacket in the NZ Washed Lamb. Only just started wearing it yesterday and today. I like it.

https://imgur.com/a/y14PG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:11 pm

Order placed! Finally went with shrunken lambskin as I do spend the majority of my time in Australia which doesn't have very cold weather. If the jacket turns out nicely then I'll probably buy a heavier skin for travelling overseas.

Thanks for everyone's help

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:18 pm

xmasters wrote:Picture of my Raiders jacket in the NZ Washed Lamb. Only just started wearing it yesterday and today. I like it.

https://imgur.com/a/y14PG" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That's the ticket. Enjoy! The grain will get better and better as it pops out.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 9:47 am

Yup! I'm loving it. Another pic indoors. https://imgur.com/a/S0AVP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Indiana Joosse · Post by **Indiana Joosse** » Mon Nov 13, 2017 4:49 pm

Sorry it took so long.

Pictures here of my Wested ROLA in goat. That's the dark jacket and it is almost ten years old now. Worn it quite a bit.

The other jacket is my new Wested Last Crusade in preparation distressed hide. I got that a few weeks ago, just before Peter passed away.

http://i.imgur.com/sowMwyY.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://i.imgur.com/PCKpD7B.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://i.imgur.com/R6Iv3KM.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If it's a distressed looking jacket you want, that might be a better option for you.

Cheers,

Joosse

IndyFan89 · Post by **IndyFan89** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 3:55 pm

I’m about to order a HERO and I’m a little nervous about my measurements. I’ve recently lost 30lbs (the Jacket is my reward for hitting my first goal) but I’m currently between sizes. My XL US Wings just fits me but my XXL off the rack Levi jacket is a little big on me. I’m a wide framed person.

So here’s the puzzle that’s got me confused:

5.10/11

262lbs

Chest: 50inch

Sleeve: 24.5inch (measuring to first knuckle in thumb)

Back: 25inch

My US Wings (that’s a bit small) is

Chest: 48

Sleeve: 23 inch (sits a bit short on me but not much)

Back: 27inch (also a bit short but fine)

Levi’s off the rack leather jacket

Chest: lots of room but not sure

Sleeve: 28 (goes to my second knuckles)

Back: 28 (sits fine)

I’m heading to the tailor to have them measure me as well. Any Hero vets have any advice for me given the info I’ve provided?

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 7:34 pm

If your chest measures between a size then Size up, not down. Your back and arm measurments sound about right for a Hero jacket.

You can email them before if you have specific concerns.

Hammerklavier · Post by **Hammerklavier** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 8:03 pm

Wested's new distressed hide still looks as same as before, too bad.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Sat Dec 23, 2017 8:24 pm

It's not the same, and it's much softer.

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 7:02 am

Figured I'd post some pictures of the jacket now that I've finally got it. Please excuse the horrible mirror photgraphy, I had nobody around to take a picture of me in it. Very happy with it so far, it sits the tiniest bit off my shoulder and the sleeves are ever so slightly too long but I figure they'll come up a bit after I've worn it for a while. Other than that I think I nailed my measurements. Particularly happy with the length.

https://flic.kr/p/229UQk7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/21Sng3z" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/DzKnk2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://flic.kr/p/DzJQVe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 10:36 am

Yeah it looks good I'd say. Is that the goatskin?

Pris · Post by **Pris** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 10:52 am

xmasters wrote:Yeah it looks good I'd say. Is that the goatskin?

Nah I ended up going with shrunken lamb which I'm glad I did, I think goat would've been to heavy for where I live. I'll get more use out of it this way, plus I got it when I was in Ireland and wore it around with a jumper underneath while it was snowing and I was nice and warm so best of both worlds in that respect.

xmasters · Post by **xmasters** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 11:39 am

Yep good choice, looks great, good colour.