Pitfall's Todd Standard Indy jacket

[GCR]

pitfallharry said:

Thank you, Mike.


GCR, that tri-glide buckle looks like it would be real easy to remove with little effort.

SA or not I honestly prefer the tri-glide buckle. It's a heck of a lot easier to deal with and the straps stay put!

Thanks PH! I've got an extra set of the black metal loops from strapworks, so I can just change them out myself once I get around to buying one of these.

Like I said, I don't think one hardware option is more "SA" than the other "officially", it's mainly just a personal preference thing. To ME the metal loops are what I want on a Raiders jacket, since that's what I see when I watch the movie, plus we know at least one jacket had this type of hardware on it (the jacket Patterson examined that was the basis for the G&B). But Todd's tri-glide setup certainly seems very feasible and the photo evidence he has to support that hardware is fairly convincing.

Anyways, that's a swell jacket, PH! I didn't mean to detract from your thread, here...I just figured I'd ask you about those tri-glides, since you've got one of these jackets and can give me answers first-hand.

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

With my goat I had to take the straps and loop them back thru the "D" rings to get them to keep from slipping and to pull it in tighter. The tri-glide it took me 2 seconds and I had the straps right where I wanted them.

I'm glad I could be of help. You weren't throwing the thread off at all. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions anyone has about the jacket.

[Mr. Fusion]

Wow, I am super envious!

I think, since the price is so much better, I'm going to cancel my order with the Wested lamb skin jacket.

-Josh

[alex]

Piffall congrats for that jacket, mine is coming

GCR, just look the straps hardware of that pictures. It seems like todd's jacket.

[pitfallharry]

Well, it could be since they used more than one jacket that maybe some of them had the "D" ring config while some of the others had the tri-glide.

To me that looks like my strap config on my new jacket in the two shots above.

I certainly believe the tri-glide is the easier of the two features when it comes to use.

[GCR]

Alex - I've seen all these pictures and other photographic evidence before, and to me, the hardware in that picture does look a lot like the hardware Todd uses. BUT...it also looks a lot like the way I have my straps configured on my G&B and Wested jackets...using the two rectangular metal loops and passing the straps back through (the agent 5 method). I honestly do not think these pictures are solid evidence one way or the other. And since we know at least one jacket had the black rectangular loops (not D-rings, though) as the strap hardware...then that's what I personally feel is accurate.

It's just like the authentic brown vs. dark brown argument. The original Raiders jacket may have been more like the "authentic" brown in color, but on screen, through most of the film, it looked more like dark brown to me.

Anyways, I didn't want this thread to suddenly become all about the strap hardware, as I didn't want this argument to detract from this awesome jacket that PH has here. And PH, I don't want you thinking I'm trying to find flaw in your jacket or something. That thing is as SA as you can get, and it looks great on you buddy!

-GCR

[Ragingblues]

I absolutely hate the tri-glides on these jackets. Hate them. They look like giant belt buckles to me and always will. I am firmly in the camp of using sliders and have no problem with their performance whatsoever. They look more accurate and more apprporiate to me as well.

It's a cheap fix, so I wouldn't think twice about replacing them (which I did on both my Westeds as well). Of course, I didn't have to on the G&B, because it came with them already.


Ken

[pitfallharry]

Well, the good news is their an easy fix so there isn't much involved with switching them IF it's a big issue.

I've got my two jackets hanging together and the tri-glide "buckle" is slightly bigger than my "D" Rings together.

This is the first time I've had used the tri-glide config and I personally like it.

Now that doesn't mean I'm going to go switch my Wested strap config either. I'm not into messing with any of the gear really. IF the jacket comes with them cool.....if not I deal with it.

I just put the damn jackets on and wear them and HOPE they fit right and I look good in them. Same goes for the rest of the gear.

[GCR]

admin said:

I absolutely hate the tri-glides on these jackets. Hate them. They look like giant belt buckles to me and always will. I am firmly in the camp of using sliders and have no problem with their performance whatsoever. They look more accurate and more apprporiate to me as well.

It's a cheap fix, so I wouldn't think twice about replacing them (which I did on both my Westeds as well). Of course, I didn't have to on the G&B, because it came with them already.


Ken

Jeeze Ken, tell us how you really feel! ;D ;D ;D

I will also say that I've never had any issues with the metal loops / sliders in terms of using them or getting them to stay put (especially if you do the old "double back through" trick).

-GCR

[GCR]

I just wanted to add that if we're comparing the metal loops vs. the D-rings, I have found that the rectangular metal loops (sliders, whatever) seem to hold the strap in place a bit better than the D-rings, but I never had much of a problem with them, either (other than the way they looked ;D )...

Out of curiousity, does anyone even remember how the whole "tri-glide" theory came about?

-GCR

[Ragingblues]

;D GCR...

Those are just my personal feelings on the tri-glides. I wouldn't expect anyone else to care or share my opinion about them though.

If I ordered one of these lower cost jackets from Todd, I would expect them to come with the tri-glides and plan on swapping them out myself. Given that it's about $3.00 to replace them on non G&B jackets, it's just an easy fix to me. If I ordered a custom jacket from him, I would just request sliders if he still has them.

Either way, it's a great looking jacket.

Ken

[pitfallharry]

As I recall Todd did a lot of research on all aspects of the Raiders jacket including the strap config and he came to the conclusion that it was the "tri-glide" buckle on the jacket so that's why he used it. I don't think it ever had anything to do with keeping the cost down on the jacket.

It just makes it sound like he opted for a cheaper piece of hardware that isn't as good as the "D" rings in terms of durability. Which is not the case. From what I can tell the tri-glide is metal and just as good as the "D" Rings on my Wested.

[Ragingblues]

pitfallharry said:

As I recall Todd did a lot of research on all aspects of the Raiders jacket including the strap config and he came to the conclusion that it was the "tri-glide" buckle on the jacket so that's why he used it. I don't think it ever had anything to do with keeping the cost down on the jacket.

It just makes it sound like he opted for a cheaper piece of hardware that isn't as good as the "D" rings in terms of durability. Which is not the case. From what I can tell the tri-glide is metal and just as good as the "D" Rings on my Wested.

I wasn't referring to the use of tri-glides as being for cost reasons. I was using "low cost" as a way to describe this jacket as opposed to his custom ones.

The tri-glide configuration is just another theory about how a few of the jackets looked. Since the hardware is not the same on all of them, it's a crapshoot to say screen accurate about anything on these jackets. There is always something unique to one or two that is not part of the rest. I don't think they look like anything used on the jackets, but that's just my opinion. Even if it was proven that a few used the exact ones Todd does, I still wouldn't want them on mine. Not only do most of the jackets look to be using sliders, but I prefer the look of them no matter what.

The d-rings have never been seen on a screen used Raiders jacket, to my knowledge... so they are just something Peter started using along the way. They are of good quality metal, they just don't look as good or hold as well as the sliders do.


Ken

[GCR]

PH - The "D"-rings were never an option for Todd's jacket, as they are not Raiders accurate. We're talking about the black, rectangular "sliders" or "metal loops", as those are what was on the actual, screen-used jacket Patterson examined when they were working on the design for the G&B.

Todd did do a lot of work on making this jacket as SA as possible, but in the end, I think this hardware issue just came down to him seeing one thing while some other folks (like me) see another.

-GCR

[Ihatesnakes]

Not to "change the topic", ;D but... Very nice jacket Harry!

[mwp]

Hi guys...newbie here.

Prelude:

I just found this site as I am not an Indy fanatic, but did enjoy the movies a lot and am looking forward to the new one.

I sort of got into the "Indy" look after starting to wear hats just recently which I always thought I looked dorky in... esp with longish hair. But now I am starting to get self conscious of my thinning "do" so being a cigar smoker, I tried on, and thought I looked great in a Panama fedora and plantation shirts.

Now, with the winter coming, I can't wear a Panama, so at a hat store, I found that the Indy fedora looked great on me.

I had an old br. leather jacket to go with it, but after seeing the Indy one, I had to have it.

Since $$ is tight I was lucky to find, quite by accident after hrs. of searching an looking on ebay, Todd's costume site and immediately ordered his std. Indy jacket which I got yesterday!

Now, to questions and comments:

First off, I love the jacket, its look and comfortable feel.

It seems to be well made (stitching etc)

However, I was REALLY put off by its light weight, and delicate feel.

It feels more like a windbreaker than a leather jacket, but I have nothing to compare it to.

The jacket in the box weighed only 3 lbs. so the jacket itself couldn't weigh more than 1-2 lbs!!! Also, it says on the materials tag: "Sheep Nappa" which i don't know if that is really "lambskin" or not.

So.. Q.

Pitfall...you say you own a Wested jacket.

Could you compare Todd's Indy to the Wested jacket in terms of weight and construction?

(and in gen.how does the Wested compare with the US Wings jacket?)

Now, I am only concerned with construction, weight, durability etc. NOT authenticity.

And of course, we are comparing lambskin, not other hide jackets.

I was going to also ask about aging the jacket, but I found another thread that deals with that topic. But..i wonder if the Todd Indy could stand up to such abuse as sandpaper, acetone, wire brushing etc.

Thanks in advance.

[pitfallharry]

This is just turning into a discussion about strap config preferences and has gone beyond discussing this particular jacket.

Todd went with the tri-glide on this jacket and that's that! As I said above it looks like it would very easy to change. So if you want to buy this jacket and swap the tri-glide for whatever......be my guest.

I like it. It works fine for me. It was never a major concern of mine from the start and in my opinion it's a very minor detail to get hung up on.

I'm more concerned with how it fits, the color and durability.....which for the moment remains in question with this particular jacket.


By the way, Thanks Snake.

[agent5]

I absolutely hate the tri-glides on these jackets. Hate them. They look like giant belt buckles to me and always will. I am firmly in the camp of using sliders and have no problem with their performance whatsoever. They look more accurate and more apprporiate to me as well.

I totally agree with this, although I know the reason Todd wanted to use them. I wonder if a thinner, metal tri-glide would look even better. I'm sure he tried to source them but had to settle for the plastic. While I guess I don't hate the tri-glide, I'd much rather have the rectangular blck buckles.

[GCR]

PH - Like I said before above, I didn't mean for this to turn into a strap-hardware discussion...I just wanted to ask an innocent question since you've got one of these and I figured you could give a direct, firsthand, answer. (And you have, thanks BTW )

Tri-glides or sliders, it's still an awesome jacket, man!!!

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

mwp said:

So.. Q.

Pitfall...you say you own a Wested jacket.

Could you compare Todd's Indy to the Wested jacket in terms of weight and construction?

(and in gen.how does the Wested compare with the US Wings jacket?)

Now, I am only concerned with construction, weight, durablity etc. NOT authenticity.

And of course, we are comparing lambskin, not other hide jackets.

I was going to also ask about aging the jacket, but I found another thread that deals with that topic. But..i wonder if the Todd Indy could stand up to such abuse as sandpaper, acetone, wire brushing etc.

Thanks in advance.

Yeah, I would agree with you that the jacket has the same weight as say a windbreaker. In fact that's kinda the way I described it to my wife.

Although, given that it's very light I don't get the feeling that it's to delicate....I'm certainly not treating it any different than any other jacket I wear.

I own a Wested goat which I may put up for sale here shortly. In terms of weight the goat is a lot heavier. I don't know the exact weight of each one though. The goat is definitely thicker that's for sure.

I haven't really had the chance to wear Todd's jacket enough to say how much the jacket can take. Like the different weather conditions and just everyday wear.

To me the stitching seems sturdy and the construction seems solid. Like I said......I'm not concerned with bending the wrong way and this thing ripping like paper.

Honestly, the way the jacket fits it feels like a second skin. It moves with me and stretches. It's not something I'm totally used to yet because it is such a different feeling than wearing the Wested.

My advice is don't go out of your way to really push this jacket to it's limits unless this is a spare. I don't get the feeling you have to baby it either. I get the feeling from wearing it that this jacket will hold up better than some people might think by just looking at it and hearing how thin the leather is.

[pitfallharry]

gcr said:

PH - Like I said before above, I didn't mean for this to turn into a strap-hardware discussion...I just wanted to ask an innocent question since you've got one of these and I figured you could give a direct, firsthand, answer. (And you have, thanks BTW )

Tri-glides or sliders, it's still an awesome jacket, man!!!

-GCR

That's cool. It's not your fault. It's just that your question kinda opened up an opportunity for the thread to go down a different path.

I just don't want someone to pass on this jacket over something that small and something that can be easily adjusted if that's their thing...

I posted my pics and gave my opinion on the jacket. I would buy another one of these. I would consider buying a custom one from Todd too.....And....down the road I could see myself either buying a G&B Lambskin or another Wested in Lamb. For now though this jacket will do what I need it to do and if your not wanting to spend a small fortune and still want something that screams Indy right out of the box this jacket is it. The proofs in the pics.

[GCR]

pitfallharry said:

I just don't want someone to pass on this jacket over something that small and something that can be easily adjusted if that's their thing...

That's precisely why I asked, because this hardware "issue" (if you can even call it that) is the ONLY thing that would keep me from jumping on one of these right away (financial limitations aside). Knowing it's an easy adjustment to remove the tri-glides and install the sliders / loops is a good thing, for those of us who prefer that configuration.

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

I wanted to clear something up.

I totally forgot about the blk rec. sliders. I was thinking the D-rings and the Tri-glide were it. So that's were I got confused. So the sliders might work better than the D-Rings. I've got the D-rings on my Goat and I got them to work but I had to kind of double the strap back threw them. Since then they haven't moved.

Oh, and I just went over and checked the tri-glide buckle. Agent 5 mentioned that they were plastic. They aren't. They are metal. I just took my utility knife and scraped off a bit of paint on the back to double check. Just encase anyone was wondering. It's not a thick piece either so I don't think it would be much of a problem to cut.

[agent5]

I just don't want someone to pass on this jacket over something that small and something that can be easily adjusted if that's their thing...

I doubt that would happen over something so small. We're talking about something incredibly small in context. The jacket itself is one of the best out there.

[Ragingblues]

I agree, especially since you can buy the sliders for about $3.00 delivered.


Ken