Info Requested On Wested brand Indiana Jones Jackets

[raf]

Intrigued on the "No-Knits" style as opposed to already owned A-2s and G-1s.

I'm assuming I'll need to talk to them about sleeve and back length sizing. I'm 6'3", 240#, and with somewhat longish arms and torso. No "Hero"-style jackets for me, lol.

Comments from current/previous owners appreciated

 

[Edward]

Don't expect Aero type quality for a quarter of the price.... *but* there are very decent for the money. I'm told that in the last ten years or since I last bought one, they've improved again; certainly, looking at the website (I need to size up as mine "shrank in the wardrobe"), I've noticed what look like a couple of nicer details in their hardware, particularly what appears to be a much more aesthetically fitting zipper puller than the very modern-looking one mine had.

If you're not looking for full-screen accuracy for cosplay purposes, I'd look at one of their heavier hides (or goat if you want something more durable but still very light). Their lamb hides are very nice if you like that - I'm personally just too clumsy for something as fragile as lamb can be.

Wested provide full measurement details for all of their Indy models that come stock (as memory serves, the Dial jacket is custom only), but for not a lot more you can go custom if you don't quite fit their standard sizing.

If you are looking for this as an actual garment as opposed to a costume piece, the regular model is, in my opinion, superior to the Hero model you've already discounted (Wested explain the difference here; the humorous tone is a little wearying, but the information is good: https://wested.com/blogs/news/the-hero-vs-the-standard-raiders-edition ).

Worth having a scope around on some of the Indy-specific board too, like Indygear.net, as there's loads of discussion on these. Different folks have different preferences as to brand. There are some out there that get close to the Big Names in terms of price. For me, Wested are the best option as a combination of practicality and price - my Raiders was the jacket I took travelling places where I didn't want to risk one of my Aeros. Not that I was ever careless with it, but it came at a price I could afford to replace without too much pain if it got stolen or lost with hold luggage.

The light goathide made my Raiders an excellent beater for warmer weather, allowing better airflow than a jacket with knits. I went on a trip to India in February 2013 with both an Aero goat A2 and a Wested Raiders. The goat used in the Indy was markedly lighter than the A2, but in 22C in Delhi, it was very clear the difference the knits made in terms of the amount of heat they kept in.

The Indy went to Beijing with me multiple times in April / May - great for the odd wet day when the temperature dipped, and the big pockets were fantastically useful going through airports when security checks mean you want everything in your jacket rather than trousers. Having two interior pockets, especially one with the zip, is also really useful in big cities where there may or may not be pickpockets about.

 

[raf]

TYVM for useful and informative comments! Much of what you say mirrors my thinking.