WESTED jacket questions
- Thread starter rad1701
- Start date
PantheraGem
Sr Member
This is my "flimsy" lambskin Raiders Wested that I got in 1998. In the winter I carry lumber on my shoulders in it. I've wrenched on my car in this jacket, crawled under my house, and so on.... Really, there's not much I'd be scared to do in it, short of actually dragging behind a truck on a dirt road.... The only stitching problems have been at the cuffs, but that didn't happen until about two years ago. The lining, as you can imagine, is shredded. The leather itself is holding up great.
I've put this jacket through hell, and done it on purpose. I artificially distressed the inside seams of the sleeves a little to try and make it match the rest of the jacket a bit better. Just using some very fine sandpaper.
There are some more pictures of it here, in not so direct lighting.
http://www.indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?t=17616
I've put this jacket through hell, and done it on purpose. I artificially distressed the inside seams of the sleeves a little to try and make it match the rest of the jacket a bit better. Just using some very fine sandpaper.
There are some more pictures of it here, in not so direct lighting.
http://www.indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?t=17616
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rad1701 @ Mar 4 2007, 11:57 AM) [snapback]1431452[/snapback]</div>
The leather on mine holds up great, wears nicely, almost seven years now.
Its just the cotton liner that is in high friction areas.
And I also use the pecards leather dressing too, that probably helps make the leather last.
It also waterproofs it for a while after application. But it will eventually need treatment again for that.
The leather on mine holds up great, wears nicely, almost seven years now.
Its just the cotton liner that is in high friction areas.
And I also use the pecards leather dressing too, that probably helps make the leather last.
It also waterproofs it for a while after application. But it will eventually need treatment again for that.
PHArchivist
Master Member
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PnatheraGem @ Mar 4 2007, 11:54 PM) [snapback]1431587[/snapback]</div>
that's a nice looking jacket -- love the naturally weathered look. The pockets look just like mine.
that's a nice looking jacket -- love the naturally weathered look. The pockets look just like mine.
PantheraGem
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Treadwell @ Mar 4 2007, 06:35 AM) [snapback]1431309[/snapback]</div>
That kind of concerns me, too. Although their site claims that several Indy experts helped them tweak it during development, so perhaps any stunt vs. hero differences were corrected at that stage.
[/b][/quote]
After the original stunt jacket was seen by the "experts", Peter then identified it as a stunt jacket from the notes that had been taken. (Pictures were not allowed to be taken). However, the "experts" insisted that there would have been no difference between the hero and stunt jackets. Even though Peter clearly stated that the examined jacket was not a hero jacket designed to be worn by Ford. I'm not trying to rip open old wounds, this is just what happened as I remember it. This was about 7 years ago....
It's generally accepted now that stunt and hero jackets aren't the same, and what was examined as a base for the G&B was indeed a stunt jacket.
Thanks for the compliments guys. Flimsy, this jacket is not.
That kind of concerns me, too. Although their site claims that several Indy experts helped them tweak it during development, so perhaps any stunt vs. hero differences were corrected at that stage.
[/b][/quote]
After the original stunt jacket was seen by the "experts", Peter then identified it as a stunt jacket from the notes that had been taken. (Pictures were not allowed to be taken). However, the "experts" insisted that there would have been no difference between the hero and stunt jackets. Even though Peter clearly stated that the examined jacket was not a hero jacket designed to be worn by Ford. I'm not trying to rip open old wounds, this is just what happened as I remember it. This was about 7 years ago....
It's generally accepted now that stunt and hero jackets aren't the same, and what was examined as a base for the G&B was indeed a stunt jacket.
Thanks for the compliments guys. Flimsy, this jacket is not.
Jedi-72
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Treadwell @ Mar 4 2007, 01:57 PM) [snapback]1431290[/snapback]</div>
$146 more at current rates. Still, thanks for the tip about GB...something to consider.
[/b][/quote]
To be exact, the difference with current rates taken into account is $128.12 for the goat, and add $20.00 for the lamb.
From a guy who has lots of leather jackets from Gibson and Barnes, to Aero, to Wested...the Wested is the most poorly constructed of them all. The leather is nice and will hold up. But, be prepared for the lining and stitching to need attention. Factor in repair costs, and any shipping, and you've spent as much, if not more than you would have for the GB from the outset.
Again, for what they are (costume jackets) Wested makes a nice product for a fair price. But if you want rugged, not just something that "looks" rugged, you're way better off with the GB.
And again, neither jacket is completely screen accurate, which is tough to be anyway considering the jacket changed from scene to scene and movie to movie.
$146 more at current rates. Still, thanks for the tip about GB...something to consider.
[/b][/quote]
To be exact, the difference with current rates taken into account is $128.12 for the goat, and add $20.00 for the lamb.
From a guy who has lots of leather jackets from Gibson and Barnes, to Aero, to Wested...the Wested is the most poorly constructed of them all. The leather is nice and will hold up. But, be prepared for the lining and stitching to need attention. Factor in repair costs, and any shipping, and you've spent as much, if not more than you would have for the GB from the outset.
Again, for what they are (costume jackets) Wested makes a nice product for a fair price. But if you want rugged, not just something that "looks" rugged, you're way better off with the GB.
And again, neither jacket is completely screen accurate, which is tough to be anyway considering the jacket changed from scene to scene and movie to movie.
agent5
Sr Member
The definite differences are the much smaller pockets, a sewn up side vent and a much larger yoke. Although some may call these slight, they are not. Granted, these would be easy changes to fix, but if anyone said there were no changes made at G&B from a Raiders stunt jacket, then they'd have to be lying and I can see why the 'jacket wars' would have progressed.
The Wested is not a 'flimsy' jacket at all. That is simply a misinterpritation due to the fact that it's a thin jacket. It's not one made for winter. It was a costume jacket to be worn in 120+ degree temps so they went with a thin lambskin. Makes sense to me. It's put together the way any other jacket would and is subject to the same extremes any other jacket would be as well. Both the G&B and Wested will do you fine. IMHO, it's just better to get one from the man who made them for the films in the same leather than a company who is simply copying it, especially for the price.
The Wested is not a 'flimsy' jacket at all. That is simply a misinterpritation due to the fact that it's a thin jacket. It's not one made for winter. It was a costume jacket to be worn in 120+ degree temps so they went with a thin lambskin. Makes sense to me. It's put together the way any other jacket would and is subject to the same extremes any other jacket would be as well. Both the G&B and Wested will do you fine. IMHO, it's just better to get one from the man who made them for the films in the same leather than a company who is simply copying it, especially for the price.
PantheraGem
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(agent5 @ Mar 5 2007, 11:45 AM) [snapback]1432179[/snapback]</div>
Thanks for saving my fingers from having to work.
The Indy jacket discussions seemed to get as heated as any Vader threads I've seen. People were accused of lying too. It seems both sides have kissed and made up to an extent. I was out of the loop for some time. I just can't put energy into that type of thing anymore.
The lambskin is thin, but it will work wonders over a sweatshirt if you need to keep warm. Without feeling too bulky.
Thanks for saving my fingers from having to work.
The Indy jacket discussions seemed to get as heated as any Vader threads I've seen. People were accused of lying too. It seems both sides have kissed and made up to an extent. I was out of the loop for some time. I just can't put energy into that type of thing anymore.The lambskin is thin, but it will work wonders over a sweatshirt if you need to keep warm. Without feeling too bulky.
SFPROPS
Sr Member
As long as both jackets are fairly close, I'd guess when I'm ready to buy I'm going to go with the cheaper one that I can say "was made by the same guy in the UK who did the jackets for the movies". I go through a leather jackets about every 5 years, and it looks like a Wested would hold up to that standard so it would be worth the money. It's really not any more $$$ than you'd go into Wilson's leather and pick-up a pre-manufactured non-movie replica jacket.
PHArchivist
Master Member
Another consideration regarding the Wested lambskin that few folks mention (I've only heard it from fellow Raiders enthusiast Rabittooth) is how the material "drapes" over the body.
The Wested seems to have fairly unique characteristics in how it drapes that helps to "bring it home" as the definitive Indy jacket. I'm not sure if the GB captures this or not.
The Wested seems to have fairly unique characteristics in how it drapes that helps to "bring it home" as the definitive Indy jacket. I'm not sure if the GB captures this or not.
rad1701
Sr Member
Has anyone ever looked into getting their Wested relined? When it wears out maybe with something a bit heavier and longer lasting? I'm not a leather working expert so I'm not sure how easy that would be or the cost. I do live in Michigan and kind of wanted to wear this in the spring/fall - maybe even winter some as long as it isn't too cold out. Just some thoughts. Again, thanks for all the info. I didn't mean to create a stir. Hope we can keep a good pros/cons discussion going.
Dr. J
Well-Known Member
"Hope we can keep a good pros/cons discussion going."
That's the name of the game.
I have owned five Westeds and only one G & B. If you want a jacket that will get you through hell and back, G & B is the one to do it. Military-grade stitching, top-grade leathers and durable polyester twill lining; It's tough as nails. This company has military contracts with the U.S. government. Wested makes movie costumes. I love them both, but these are things to consider.
By the way, PnatheraGem, I wouldn't doubt the "experts" who worked on the development of the Expedition. I know them personally. They've forgotten more about Indy's jacket then we will ever know.
Best Regards, Dr. J
That's the name of the game.
I have owned five Westeds and only one G & B. If you want a jacket that will get you through hell and back, G & B is the one to do it. Military-grade stitching, top-grade leathers and durable polyester twill lining; It's tough as nails. This company has military contracts with the U.S. government. Wested makes movie costumes. I love them both, but these are things to consider.
By the way, PnatheraGem, I wouldn't doubt the "experts" who worked on the development of the Expedition. I know them personally. They've forgotten more about Indy's jacket then we will ever know.
Best Regards, Dr. J
PantheraGem
Sr Member
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rad1701 @ Mar 6 2007, 08:39 AM) [snapback]1432972[/snapback]</div>
I've been meaning to have mine relined for about three years now. It held up pretty well for about five years, then degraded quite rapidly. I would have Wested do it if I weren't paranoid about shipping it overseas and back. Eventually I'll probably have someone local do it. For a cooler climate a heavier lining would probably serve you well. Where I live is pretty warm, so I'll have another thin lining put in, even though it doesn't last as long.
Whichever jacket you go with, I'm sure you'll be happy. Maybe you'll even get one of each one day. Hehe. I probably would have gotten the GB somewhere down the line if I didn't already have so many leather jackets, and there weren't so much other prop stuff I wanted. I've got a few of the old style Disney jackets too, which are pretty neat. Not accurate to any one movie, but I still like them. They do have the correct LC collar stand, which Wested has only gotten right on one instance as far as I know.
Dr. J, I'm sure you're right.
I've been meaning to have mine relined for about three years now.
It held up pretty well for about five years, then degraded quite rapidly. I would have Wested do it if I weren't paranoid about shipping it overseas and back. Eventually I'll probably have someone local do it. For a cooler climate a heavier lining would probably serve you well. Where I live is pretty warm, so I'll have another thin lining put in, even though it doesn't last as long.Whichever jacket you go with, I'm sure you'll be happy. Maybe you'll even get one of each one day. Hehe. I probably would have gotten the GB somewhere down the line if I didn't already have so many leather jackets, and there weren't so much other prop stuff I wanted. I've got a few of the old style Disney jackets too, which are pretty neat. Not accurate to any one movie, but I still like them. They do have the correct LC collar stand, which Wested has only gotten right on one instance as far as I know.
Dr. J, I'm sure you're right.
PHArchivist
Master Member
I've thought about having mine re-lined too, and in doing so having the leather strip inside the zipper replaced aspart of the liner in general.
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