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Post by S. Dakota Jones on Sept 24, 2013 0:45:50 GMT -5
Okay gents, so I'm in the process of building a ROLA Indy and for "my" reasons(or uses) could use a little advice on which to go with.
I'm already set on either a Wested goatskin, or I'm looking at Todd's since from what I've read it is more SA than the Wested apparently, maybe I misread.
SA is pretty important but it sounds like Todd's isn't as durable as the Goatskin but(aside from disstressing vs brand new), Does the Goatskin work as a year round jacket, minus the summer months?
I guess I'm really wondering what sets the two apart, as in what makes Todd's more SA than the Wested (if that is the case)?
How does Todd's fair as an everyday jacket, or is it pretty much "costume only"?
I plan on getting a lot of use out of the jacket anyways and other than a bit of distressing I plan to break it in as natural as possible.
I'm pretty sure which way I'm going but I'd like to hear what others have to say.
I'm sorry if I've missed a similar discussion, I've spent the last few days being a sponge and may have hit critical mass lol...
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Post by madkidjedi on Sept 24, 2013 1:45:20 GMT -5
S.D.J.- Having been an owner now of both jackets, I can tell you that depending on which Wested you acquire determines it's SA-factor. And it basically boils down to one thing: the slider buckles on the action-flap straps. I obtained my "older model" (as I like to call it) ROLA jacket second-hand on eBay, and find that the one thing that really makes it more or less SA are those slider-buckles (or 'rings') on the adjustment straps on what's called the "action flap" on the back side of the jacket. In ROLA they are rectangular and of a 'darker' finish. The Todd's jacket replicates this on all of the jackets of theirs that I have owned (now totaling 3 in my time), with a black, plastic buckle/ring. I have not heard of them offering it another way. The Wested folks, however, sell the jacket currently with brass D-rings instead of the dark-finish rectangular sliders... thus rendering it (technically) non-SA. I do not know if they offer it with the rectangular ones as an option, but if they still do, get yourself a Wested and request those correct rectangular buckles... it's worth the extra scratch to own a Wested. You will not be sorry, as they are beautiful jackets. And yet... I've nothing bad to say about the Todd's jackets either. Made of a thinner lambskin leather than the Wested, they offer plenty of protection from the elements, but the thinner leather makes it a better choice for more than just cooler-weather wearing. Meaning: you can actually wear a Todd's comfortably during summer events. The Wested... not so much. It's a full-on leather jacket meant to be worn in weather appropriate to the wearing of leather jackets. It's worth mentioning that the seller of the jacket I obtained listed it as cow-skin (so mines not lamb), but damned if I care. I've been hard pressed to tell the difference with my eyes between either (as I have friends that own the lamb), but the difference is in the feel of the leather between the cow and lamb. The lamb is softer to the touch. And that can vary, too... depending on how you care for the leather. Distressing either will rough it up, and lessen the softness. A well-cared for jacket will maintain it's 'supple-ness' and softness. Same can be said of the Todd's. Treat it right, it'll stay soft. Beat it up; it will become less so. All you need remember is that we're talking about leather here. It's pretty strong by it's nature. One of my Todd's is a 'defect jacket' I got on the cheap because it has a torn pocket edge where the pocket seam tore away the front of the jacket panel, soooo... it's not impervious to accidents. Just for usual wear, you should rest assured that leather, generally, lasts. There's a reason they make outdoor wear (and bullwhips, and belts, and hand-bags, and saddles, etc., etc....) from it. You can also alter the color of the leather. On either brand/make , you can 'lighten' it with distressing, and darken it back up with leather conditioner such as Pecard's dressings (or a similar leather treatment). As I have multiple jackets... I tend to just let time and wear take it's course, and like the different shades of all four I currently wear. Here's three of the main ones: One of my Todd's (un-distressed): my Wested ROLA: my Cooper 'Last Crusade'-style. Oh, and the Todd's can certainly be worn as an everyday jacket. Easily. Hope I've been of some help. |
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Post by S. Dakota Jones on Sept 24, 2013 6:31:14 GMT -5
Thank you for all you've done is make me want both Todd's and a Wested for the different seasons...all things in good time I guess  . Great looking jackets and thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. |
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Post by S. Dakota Jones on Nov 9, 2013 14:08:25 GMT -5
Continuing my thread here:
OK, so sizing on the Todd's jackets...how is it? I'm a bit on the short side(5'7), but I've also got a 42" chest and 31-32" waist(for overall fit). Arm length put me in an extra small(31.5") though maybe a small could work ...I forgot what the length in the back but I'm sure it needs to be in the 23-24" range.
I'm all over the board here...so maybe a straight Wested for me afterall lol.
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Post by madkidjedi on Nov 11, 2013 10:37:03 GMT -5
Todd's jackets are considerably smaller than their actual 'size'. When I got my first, a 'large' it was a very snug fit... and that was when I was a slimmer dude. If you're going with a Todd's DEFINITELY "size-up" and go at least one size larger. Otherwise (trust me on this) you will be returning it for the next size up. They take the 'athletic fit' thing to the N'th-degree.
Wested is also athletic fit, but nicely so. The 44-chest 'large' I recently acquired from eBay fit's like a nice glove. I could probably do with a 46-chest these days (due to the good meals my lady feeds me), but their sizing tends to be more true to life.
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Post by S. Dakota Jones on Nov 13, 2013 1:32:59 GMT -5
Glad to hear it and thanks again. I was planning on getting both but this really helps with figuring out which Todd's to get.
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rayman
Pack Mule Attendant
Posts: 7
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Post by rayman on Jan 13, 2014 0:32:00 GMT -5
I have been trying to do my due diligence before making an investment, and for awhile I was sure I would buy the Wested "Hero" jacket and was spending hours online debating lamb or goat and not really finding any convincing arguments about which was a better style other than the fact that goat is more durable
I created an account here to ask one of you experts about season-appropriate leather because I am a warm-bodied person and do not want a jacket that is too heavy.
The idea of an authentic Wested is appealing, but if this Todd's jacket is lighter, that may be better. I am avoiding the Last Crusade cowhide style for this reason, as I assume it is heavier
Is the Todd jacket definitely lighter, more versatile for spring and autumn? Or would a lambskin Hero from Wested be light enough for warmer weather?
insight is appreciated,
thanks
*edit*, I'm a 42R and just realized that Todd's isnt carrying a large, only medium and XL. damn.
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Post by ThrowMeTheWhip on Jan 13, 2014 1:32:59 GMT -5
The Todd's is paper thin. It's not weak, but still, very, very thin. More like a windbreaker than anything. If you want a warmer weather jacket, that's really your best bet.
In my avatar to the left there, I'm wearing my Todd's in somewhere close to 100degree weather. It was much, much too hot for the jacket and I was sweating uncontrollably, but I can only imagine having worn one of my Westeds on that day…
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rayman
Pack Mule Attendant
Posts: 7
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Post by rayman on Jan 13, 2014 10:05:53 GMT -5
thanks for the insight
as 42R, Im hesitant to buy their XL considering they don't list the L as in stock
another few questions:
1) If i go with Wested, Is lamb lighter/more breathable than goat, and does lamb tend to tear with regular use?
2) I cant tell the difference between the Hero and the Raiders from Wested. What are the actual differences?
2) what types of leather choices would be good if I want a slightly worn authentic look, but not too worn. I notice the shrunken lamb on Wested looks like it was put through a dryer, and the goat looks very grainy. I dont want a very grainy look, and i also dont want anything real shiny.
I guess an optimal leather would be not too shiny, non-grainy, not too dark, and not too clean/pristine
you could say i'm peculiar
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Post by ThrowMeTheWhip on Jan 13, 2014 13:58:13 GMT -5
Just be patient and head to eBay. Larges will pop up. Or ask around here-- someone may be willing to sell theirs. I spent $47 on my Todd's on eBay.
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Post by S. Dakota Jones on Jan 18, 2014 20:14:11 GMT -5
Just be patient and head to eBay. Larges will pop up. Or ask around here-- someone may be willing to sell theirs. I spent $47 on my Todd's on eBay. Ditto this! I really lucked out and got a jacket AND pants(both in the right size) for less than $100! Timing is EVERYTHING on "the bay" lol. |
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