FS---preliminary comments

Posted by Gregg from CDA23A2A.onyx-pharm.com on March 01, 2001 at 04:02:05:

Hi,
I just received my FS Expedition and thought I'd share some comments. First, thanks again to all who helped in this jackets' creation (Dave Marshall, Patterson, Indygear affiliates, etc.). Sorry I cannot post any pics, I don't have any yet and frankly don't know how to do it.

Honestly I'm mixed about this jacket, which is why I say "preliminary comments." This jacket is going to take the full three months wear they allow before I decide if I'll keep it. I chose the dark brown, chromium tanned goatskin. The hide is lighter than cowhide and denser, I think. Definitely the DURABLE choice I was looking for, but NOT as flexible as that little swatch they gave me. Being used to new finish, Wested lambskin I'm experiencing a kind of "culture shock" being inside this "armor." The fit is strange. They sized me correctly and this jacket technically "fits" but the proportions are bizarre. There are extra allowances given in peculiar places (extra space from the cargo pocket edge to the first pleat edge, for example). I work out often and have a pretty muscular build (5'11" 185lbs, 8-10% bodyfat; not to shabby) so I don't know what to make of the jacket's pre-existing shape. Anybody know if goatskin eventually conforms as lamb does so readily? It could just be hanging weird b/c it is so absolutely THICK & STIFF. While the straps don't slide through the rectangular buckles, it's going to take some work folding the straps back through the rings if I want the excess strap tucked away.
Besides the obvious benefit of the Raiders details Wested cannot offer, I also like the reinforced cargo pockets, larger handwarmer slits, durable & comfy lining, narrower stormflap, collar shape/height, and the extra sturdy choice of material for inside breast pocket.
I was surprised at two aspects: 1) the cheesy feeling zipper (I'm not worried it has a life-of-jacket warranty). Yes, it's an authentic silver but lacks the strength and size of the Wested YKK choice; 2) the sent my jacket with these white scuffs, lines, and blemishes all over the arms and shoulders. At first I thought them to be tailor's chalk, but so far, they don't come off.
Overall I love the look of this jacket. It'll take some time to determine if I like wearing it. Ask me questions if you want, if not I'll just keep you posted.
Gregg

Follow Ups:

Interventions Gregg 14:56:28 3/01/2001 (6)
- Gregg, does your jacket have the "pleat device" to help the pleats lay back flat? (nm) Austin Powers 16:35:27 3/01/2001 (2)
  - Yes and... Gregg 16:41:09 3/01/2001 (1)
    - Very nice to hear, thanks. (nm) Austin Powers 16:48:08 3/01/2001 (0)
- Stranger and stranger... Patterson 16:04:39 3/01/2001 (2)
  - There must be a mix-up about Who's who Gregg 16:49:40 3/01/2001 (1)
    - Makes perfect sense - thanks for the response (nm) Patterson 16:54:55 3/01/2001 (0)
Those white scuffy lines and blemishes would worry the hell out of me! Indydawg 08:51:21 3/01/2001 (9)
- Uh, I'd call Dave - something does not sound right... Patterson 11:08:04 3/01/2001 (8)
  - I have a call into Dave, and have asked him to get back to me. If it were me, I'd box it up and send it back now (nm) Patterson 11:20:39 3/01/2001 (7)
    - I have talked to Dave... Patterson 11:37:38 3/01/2001 (6)
      - Did Dave happen to mention *when* new jackets will be made and shipped? NT Krunch 14:52:12 3/01/2001 (1)
        
        Re: Did Dave happen to mention *when* new jackets will be made and shipped? NT Patterson 15:38:11 3/01/2001 (0)
      - I just got ANOTHER call from Dave... Patterson 11:47:40 3/01/2001 (3)
        
        Re: I just got ANOTHER call from Dave... MK 12:09:00 3/01/2001 (2)
        
        Yep... Patterson 12:29:39 3/01/2001 (1)
        
        Look forward to it (nm) MK 00:42:16 3/02/2001 (0)

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: Hi,
: I just received my FS Expedition and thought I'd share some comments.  First, thanks again to all who helped in this jackets' creation (Dave Marshall, Patterson, Indygear affiliates, etc.).  Sorry I cannot post any pics, I don't have any yet and frankly don't know how to do it.

: Honestly I'm mixed about this jacket, which is why I say "preliminary comments."  This jacket is going to take the full three months wear they allow before I decide if I'll keep it.  I chose the dark brown, chromium tanned goatskin.  The hide is lighter than cowhide and denser, I think.  Definitely the DURABLE choice I was looking for, but  NOT as flexible as that little swatch they gave me.  Being used to new finish, Wested lambskin I'm experiencing a kind of "culture shock" being inside this "armor."  The fit is strange.  They sized me correctly and this jacket technically "fits" but the proportions are bizarre.  There are extra allowances given in peculiar places (extra space from the cargo pocket edge to the first pleat edge, for example). I work out often and have a pretty muscular build (5'11" 185lbs, 8-10% bodyfat; not to shabby) so I don't know what to make of the jacket's pre-existing shape.  Anybody know if goatskin eventually conforms as lamb does so readily?  It could just be hanging weird b/c it is so absolutely THICK & STIFF. While the straps don't slide through the rectangular buckles, it's going to take some work folding the straps back through the rings if I want the excess strap tucked away. 
: Besides the obvious benefit of the Raiders details Wested cannot offer, I also like the reinforced cargo pockets, larger handwarmer slits, durable & comfy lining, narrower stormflap, collar shape/height, and the extra sturdy choice of material for inside breast pocket.
: I was surprised at two aspects: 1) the cheesy feeling zipper (I'm not worried it has a life-of-jacket warranty). Yes, it's an authentic silver but lacks the strength and size of the Wested YKK choice;  2) the sent my jacket with these white scuffs, lines, and blemishes all over the arms and shoulders.  At first I thought them to be tailor's chalk, but so far, they don't come off.  
: Overall I love the look of this jacket.  It'll take some time to determine if I like wearing it.  Ask me questions if you want, if not I'll just keep you posted.
: Gregg

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