GCR's G&B - Another quest is over!

[GCR]

Well folks, I've found the jacket I've been waiting for all these years...I finally got me a G&B Expedition!

I actually got the jacket a few days ago, (the order was placed a while back) but haven't had time to take some pics, upload them and all that crap. I was too busy wishing it were hat and jacket season already! ;D

Anways, I love this thing! I've owned two Westeds and countless other "close enoughs" over the years, but this G&B is my new favorite. You all know the history behind this jacket, so I won't bother going into it here. But let me just say that I was once opposed to ever owning one of these, but I'm very happy to have changed my opinion after talking to guys like Indyblues and G-MANN who both own G&B's. Thanks guys!

The quality and craftsmanship are both excellent, and the jacket seems lightweight while still being very well put together and very tough.

The fit is perfect, (it's a 44 regular) and I also love the dark-brown color. The lambskin leather is extremely soft and supple.

I am really, really liking this baby, and for me, the jacket quest has ended. Granted I'll still buy other Indy jackets in the future, but I've finally got my "Raiders" jacket that I've been after all these years.

And now, some medium to low quality pics (I suck at taking pictures and my camera is a piece of junk, so leave me alone ;D )


Fresh out of the package, with flash



Without flash and with my AB Deluxe



On the couch in some fading sunlight



Next to my Wested (Wested on the left, in case you couldn't figure out which was which ;D ). The Wested was also of the Dark Brown variety when I got it, but it wasn't until I had new jacket to compare it to that I realized just how beat-up my Wested looks now. Plus the color has lightened up a bit as well.





Pocket comparison. I measured both pockets and I was surprised to find that the dimensions were much closer than I thought they would be. The Wested pocket is only slightly longer, but the width is also slightly narrower and the pocket flap is shorter, which gives the appearance of a taller pocket. By the way, I made the Wested pockets extra-scalloped using the "PLATON hot-water stretching method". They were not as scalloped when the jacket was new.



Side straps. Again, I modified the Wested by replacing the D-rings with the metal loops from Strapworks. I do think the anodized loops on the G&B look a bit better, though.









The Raiders yoke position is very apparent on the G&B.

[shadow=red,left,300]Watch out, moronic faces ahead![/shadow]


No, I don't normally stand around in such a dorky pose, but I wanted to demostrate the fit of the jacket, and this wonderful picture was the result...



Squirrelage factor: Very low



Please refer to the above statement regarding moronic faces.



The popular side pose to demonstrate the pleat depth.



The back...still some shipping wrinkles to work out.



My two Indy jackets with my favorite hat (It's an AB deluxe, in case you haven't figured that out yet ;D ).

Closing statement: I love this jacket. It is everything that everyone who owns one says it is. If you have the dough, or a kidney you could live without, spring for one, you won't regret it! (Unless you end up needing that kidney...)

-GCR

[Ragingblues]

Big congrats on getting an Expedition!

I was undecided about which company to go with at first myself. After choosing the Wested, I naturally felt inclined to defend my choice whenever people would bring up the "superior" Expedition jacket in certain threads. I think most of the blind ignorance about which brand of what to buy is based on people defending their own choices, rather than just having an open mind or being honest about what they see. Of course, that's another story altogether.....

I'm glad you have claimed yet another prize in your search for the ultimate Raiders/Indy clothing for you! I share your feelings about which hat and jacket are my favorites, but fully realize that others may see things differently. It's fair to say that this jacket is worth the money, and it does look great on you Grif!

It might be worth pointing out to some who don't know, but your Wested is not representative of the way they come new today. The pockets on your Wested look much more like the "right size" than almost all others I have seen (including my 2).

Congrats again and happy adventures,

Ken

[Deleted]

Welcome to the Dark Side young Griff

Looking at your pics remind me of the day that I received my first Expedition. (Only my pics didn't suck.) ;D Just kidding my friend.

The jacket looks great on you. I can tell you that mine has held up to rain and snow and only the only results were that it toughened the jacket up. I also gave mine a very weak alcohol rub to remove some of the shine. Hmmm, or was I just drinking alcohol and wearing the jacket ? Oh well either way... great jacket Griff.

Cheers,
G-MANN

[GCR]

Thanks guys!

I was undecided about which company to go with at first myself. After choosing the Wested, I naturally felt inclined to defend my choice whenever people would bring up the "superior" Expedition jacket in certain threads. I think most of the blind ignorance about which brand of what to buy is based on people defending their own choices, rather than just having an open mind or being honest about what they see.

Ken, you make a great point about people defending their choices. I was the same way to a degree, but I also had personal reasons for not wanting a G&B, though I've put those aside now (obviously). Why should I let a dislike for something or someone keep me from such a fantastic piece of gear? It's all water under the bridge now, anyway...

It might be worth pointing out to some who don't know, but your Wested is not representative of the way they come new today. The pockets on your Wested look much more like the "right size" than almost all others I have seen (including my 2).

And yes, that Wested is NOT representative of what Wested is putting out now in terms of jackets. My Wested is circa 2003 so I'm sure a few things have been tweaked in the design since then. I got lucky with those pockets, I guess. I didn't ask for any special mods when I ordered that Wested, and the pockets just came that way.

Looking at your pics remind me of the day that I received my first Expedition. (Only my pics didn't suck.) Just kidding my friend.

;D Yeah, we can't all be Ansel Adams...

I will say I'm too chicken to mess around with an alcohol rub on this baby, I'm liking the newness too much. But I wouldn't mind giving the ol' liver a good "alcohol rub". ;D I just hope I don't go too crazy or else I might wind up doing some "drunken distressing". ;D

Thanks again, guys!

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

What I want to know is.......how do you have any money left?? ;D

The hats.....and now the jackets!! It's to much!!! I can't take it!!! ;D

All kidding aside......Congrats on the jacket, GCR!

Hopefully some day soon I will join the Dark Side......Ah, who am I kidding I'm already there.....I guess it will have to be the "Darker Side". ;D

I don't think I could distress that jacket either or an ABD if I owned one......They're both such a work of art.

[GCR]

Hey PH, who says I have any money left? ;D

Seriously though, this gear binge has left me running on fumes financially...just don't tell my girlfriend that! Oh, and in case she asks, I have no idea how I got that long scar where my kidney used to be...er, I mean, where my kidney is. ;D

I think, aside from my upcoming AB Shirt, AB Deluxe #2 and my Gray rabbit AB, I'm done with the gear for a bit. I need to give my wallet a rest for a while...it's been doing a lot of exercise and has lost quite a bit of weight.

Thanks for the kind words, PH!

-GCR

[COWBOY]

WOW! WOW! WOW!........Great looking skin dude!!!! I think that I am tipping over the edge...any day now.... Sorry KT, I think that I have changed my mind for certain this time ;D ;D ;D Seriously, looks super on ya. No go kick some Thuggee Butt...Regards

[Kaplan]

gcr said:

If you have the dough, or a kidney you could live without, spring for one, you won't regret it! (Unless you end up needing that kidney...)
-GCR

My kidneys?....What kidneys??? Well, one thing's for sure. You didn't say I had to give up my liver. Time to buy a G&B!!!!

[Kt. Templar]

No need to apologise to me! The G&B is a great looking jacket, if you fit into their standard sizes go for it.

Heck, if we reach $3 to the £ even I might buy one (Runs away from the poison darts....)

[GCR]

Thanks a lot, guys!!!

If you're after a high-quality leather jacket that has nearly all the little details just right for a Raiders jacket and is built to last, the G&B is it.

Let me also say that I still love my Wested. It's distressed nicely and has held up very well over the years with no quality or construction issues whatsoever. This G&B might be my new favorite, but I'll certainly buy another jacket from Peter again in the future. I'm not going to become one of those folks who get a G&B and suddenly start slamming Wested and acting all superior. (Not referring to anyone around here, obviously). That's not my deal. The G&B is a great jacket, and it is everything I want in a Raiders-style jacket. The Wested is also a great Indy jacket and served me well for a long time (and will continue to do so, no doubt), but the Wested is also different. Comparing the two side by side, it's obvious to carefully trained eyes that the G&B edges out the Wested in terms of Raiders accuracy, but in general terms of construction and overall basic design, the two are much more alike than they are different. I love 'em both.

-GCR

[indianadirk]

Thats a nice looking jacket Griff,

Although , I must say you have a fine looking wested jacket there too !!
should you ever think of selling;) hahah

[GCR]

Thanks Dirk!

As much as I could use a little extra dough, I think I'll be hanging on to my Wested for a while. Granted, it might see a bit more "closet time" now that the G&B is in town, but I'll still wear it plenty. Besides, I don't think it would fit you...

-GCR

[Ragingblues]

Thanks a lot, guys!!!

If you're after a high-quality leather jacket that has nearly all the little details just right for a Raiders jacket and is built to last, the G&B is it.

Let me also say that I still love my Wested. It's distressed nicely and has held up very well over the years with no quality or construction issues whatsoever. This G&B might be my new favorite, but I'll certainly buy another jacket from Peter again in the future. I'm not going to become one of those folks who get a G&B and suddenly start slamming Wested and acting all superior. (Not referring to anyone around here, obviously). That's not my deal. The G&B is a great jacket, and it is everything I want in a Raiders-style jacket. The Wested is also a great Indy jacket and served me well for a long time (and will continue to do so, no doubt), but the Wested is also different. Comparing the two side by side, it's obvious to carefully trained eyes that the G&B edges out the Wested in terms of Raiders accuracy, but in general terms of construction and overall basic design, the two are much more alike than they are different. I love 'em both.

Yeah, what he said. ;D

My Westeds are not fortunate enough to have pocket sizes that fit the jacket well enough. But, I still like the jackets very much. I don't care for the lower sleeve socket placment on the Westeds either, but have never had any construction issues with either jacket.

I have no desire to suddenly start slamming Wested either, so I'm glad you pointed that out. Too many people become whole hearted fans of something and turn their backs on what they thought was so great... only the day before. There can be different levels of great, and nobody said we had to only buy one brand of anything.

I have no need to ever buy another Indy jacket, and may never need to buy another hat. But, I know now where I would choose to spend my hard earned money if that day ever comes.

Ken

[indianadirk]

well Iam a 44 too lol I just think it will be more like a leather shirt unless it has 26-27 inch sleeves.
But Ok;)

[GCR]

indianadirk said:

well Iam a 44 too lol I just think it will be more like a leather shirt unless it has 26-27 inch sleeves.
But Ok;)

That's what I meant...I know you're really tall so I figured the sleeves would be too short for you. That, and I may have stretched out the gut a bit over the years as well... ;D

-GCR

[IndyBlues]

Very happy for you, GCR. I am so glad you like it as much as we said you would. I can't wait till the weather is cool enough to wear mine again. This summer heat has been torture, but once the weather breaks, out comes my G&B.
Again, congrats on a great jacket.
Mike

[GCR]

Thanks IB! I know just what you mean about the heat...I love the summer, but I've been hoping for just ONE cool day (preferably UNDER 85 degrees) so I can wear my new G&B out and about. ;D With my luck it'll be an Indian summer.

-GCR

[Marc]

Congrats Griff!!!

- I know how it feels to be able to put a quest to end. And a happy end that is Glad you didn't have to deal with the trouble to make it yourself though ;D

Regards,

Marc

[GCR]

Thanks Marc!

Glad you didn't have to deal with the trouble to make it yourself though

HA! Seriously...that's the LAST thing I'd ever even think about! With all the controversy and "bad blood" surrounding the different jacket options out there, I wouldn't want to go through the trouble of making my own just to be crucified by over zealous gearheads! ;D

But I DO have a lot of respect for the folks, like yourself and Todd, who take the time (and money) to go out and tackle a gear project head-on. In fact, I had been thinking about a Todd Jacket for a while, even after I had to drop out of the "Lounge Deal", but I ended up going for the G&B because of the "tough as nails" reputation. While they sure look great, I think it's too early to get a good idea of how the Todd jackets will hold up over the long run. The G&B, on the other hand, has been around for years and has a proven track record. I guess I'm at a point now where the longevity of the gear is more important than absolute, 100% screen-accuracy.

-GCR

[Deleted]

Now the Quest for Weather cool enough to wear the Jacket begins. ;D

Cheers,
G-MANN

[pastimesteve]

That looks great on you GCR! Congrats. Your sleeves seem to be the perfect length -- I wish mine were a bit longer (my only complaint).

Steve

[GCR]

Hey, thanks Steve!!!

Yeah, the sleeves are just right. I was very concerned about that since the G&B is an off the rack jacket, but the sleeves fit just as well as my custom tailored Wested, so no complaints there! In fact, my only "complaint" is that this jacket is so nice looking as it is, I'll never be able to bring myself to distress it. ;D

-GCR

[Indy 500]

I've been in the G&B Store in El Cajon several times. Each time I'm there I try on every one of the Expedition jackets. Like a kid in a candy store!
I'd probably pick up one if it was on clearance....

[GCR]

Well, after seeing how nice and worn and awesome Pagey's 2 DAY old Wested HH looked, I decided to try and give my 2 MONTH old G&B a bit more character by way of the old "cold water" treatment. I've worn the jacket in the rain a few times, but it hasn't been totally soaked yet. So I figured I'd do just that and held the jacket in a cold shower for about 4-5 minutes, and then shook the surface water off, put the jacket on, and allowed it to dry while wearing it. I like the results thus far, it's definitely done wonders for the sleeves and dulled down the "new jacket shine" just a bit.



This is probably as far as I'd dare to go with this jacket. It's just too nice to try and distress through more "severe" means (acetone, sandpaper, etc.) so I'll just let nature take it's course, from here on out.

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

Someone posted a pic of their G&B "elsewhere" and it's for sale. They had someone else distress their jacket and it looked fantastic. If I had the money I would have bought it. Turns out it was my size too.

I can't blame you not wanting to go any further with distressing this jacket. I mean once you get up into the higher price range it just becomes harder to do.......IF you screw up your out almost $450 and unless your rich you can't just go out and buy another one.

I used the "water treatment" on my goat and I think it worked out pretty good. The leather still hasn't "relaxed" in a way that I'm totally happy with but it did give it a more "worn in" look.

I think your jacket looks great "as is" GCR. I would stick with the plan of letting it age on it's own from this point on. I'm sure you'll have it for years.