Anyone got experience with the USWings Urban Adventurer?

[horseman308]

I come to the experts by way of referral. It's time to replace my old A-2; I've had an Avirex (now Cockpit) for about 15 or 16 years and worn it out - leather's torn in several places, the lining's shot, etc. (and it's a size too big - I got impulsive when I bought it at a store and didn't want to wait for one to be shipped...). However, I don't really have $500 for a new one, and I thought I might think about a different style. Hence this one caught my attention (it's the first one on the page). http://www.uswings.com/195.asp

I've done some reading here, and I understand US Wings has a hit-and-miss reputation for quality control, particularly at that price range. So, I'm aware there might be something of a gamble here. If I got another A-2, I don't think I'd go with them, but I kinda like the understated look of the Urban Adventurer and don't see many other options like it on the market. So, has anyone actually seen or owned one? How is the quality of the leather and of the construction (i.e., stitching, fit, finish, ease of movement, etc.)? I want something of medium weight - not too light or really heavy, but something that will last another 15-20 years of wearing several times per week during the fall-spring.

Any thoughts or alternative suggestions are most welcome. Thanks!

 

[ButteMT61]

I got a few of those $195 USW jackets. They're great for that price range. The steer is really nice and soft. Honestly, for $195 you can't go wrong there.
Two of my fave beaters are those "cheapo" jackets.
I don't have that model but it looks kinda cool.

 

[Worf]

I've one of those $195 specials as well. Spend a little more and get one of heavily marked down steerhide jackets. Can't do wrong for that price. Butte speaks truth (for once :eeek!

Worf

 

[Fanch]

Butte speaks truth (for once :eeek!

Worf

Nah; Butte always speaketh with forked tongue. lol ound:

 

[horseman308]

Thanks for the info. That makes me more comfortable with the idea. How heavy/tough/durable does their steerhide feel? I won't be using it for a motorcycle jacket or anything, but I don't want something that feels fragile or easily damaged. I'd read a review where the owner of a "vintage steerhide" jacket thought it had been shaved or stripped or something to get the finish but left the leather too susceptible to damage.

 

[Jeff M]

Just received one a few days ago. Will be returning it.
Leather is nice.

I generally take a size 44 R mens jacket...size 46 A2 with "vintage sizing". I asked USWings for sizing recommendation, they told me to go with a size 46.
The chest and shoulders fit perfectly. A bit too long in the torso and arms and blousy at the hem. (I stand 5/9". Weigh 185#)
Would probably keep it, but there is a prominent interior seem that rubs the back of my shoulder. I have too many other "Cafe racer" style jackets I'll be reaching for before I grab this one.

Also, FWIW, they note it is based on the jacket Tom Cruise wore in "Jack Reacher".
Not a very close match.
Most notably, the shoulders on that jacket are raglan shoulders, not standard as on this jacket. This jacket has bi -swing back, which I don't believe the "Reacher" jacket does, and the collar on this jacket seems a bit larger and doesn't lay as far out as on the "Reacher" jacket.

 

[horseman308]

Just received one a few days ago. Will be returning it.
Leather is nice.

I generally take a size 44 R mens jacket...size 46 A2 with "vintage sizing". I asked USWings for sizing recommendation, they told me to go with a size 46.
The chest and shoulders fit perfectly. A bit too long in the torso and arms and blousy at the hem. (I stand 5/9". Weigh 185#)
Would probably keep it, but there is a prominent interior seem that rubs the back of my shoulder. I have too many other "Cafe racer" style jackets I'll be reaching for before I grab this one.

Thanks, Jeff. From what I gather, it was the length that was too much for you? I'm 6'0" and 155 lbs. and I wear a 40L suit jacket. So I look taller than I am and don't have much in the way of shoulders or chest diameter. Sounds like this might actually work in my favor here. I was concerned from the picture that it was kind of boxy and not tapered. Did you notice that at all? Glad you liked the leather. Can you say a bit more about the seam you mentioned? Where it's located in particular. Also, is there any insulation in it, or just leather and lining?

I saw the Reacher movie, but I can't say I really noticed the jacket. It's certainly not what drew me to this one, so I won't care about the differences. But since you mentioned the shoulders/back, did that move well for you?

 

[Jeff M]

The movie is what got me interested in this jacket. Not really an issue with me that it doesn't match the design that well.

I wouldn't call it boxy, more that I notice the bottom hem tends to flare out a bit in the back when I look in a mirror.
The length is a bit longer than I would like, but not a deal killer with me at this price.


The deal killer for me is the seam.
It is on the back interior of the left shoulder/scapula. I can feel the seam as a thin ridge about 3 inches long rubbing into the back of my left shoulder.
The lining is a thin satin/sateen, nice, but no padding to protect from the seam.
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being unwearable/unbearable, I'd give it a 3. Definitely noticeable...not painful but something I'd keep fidgeting my shoulder with to try to make it go away.
May very well just be this jacket, as I don't feel it on the right shoulder.

 

[horseman308]

Okay, thanks Jeff. That's just what I wanted to know.

 

[nick123]

You guys, they're doing a kangaroo A-2.
http://www.uswings.com/ta2.asp

 

[Worf]

You guys, they're doing a kangaroo A-2.
http://www.uswings.com/ta2.asp

I don't know... for 7 Large I'd need to see better pics than the one they've got up there. Plus I'd need to know how 'Roo works as a jacket hide.

Worf

 

[nick123]

I don't know... for 7 Large I'd need to see better pics than the one they've got up there. Plus I'd need to know how 'Roo works as a jacket hide.

Worf

I remember previous threads where kangaroo was listed as the most durable leather, but no one seemed to have any experience with kangaroo jackets.

 

[Jeff M]

Sorry. My childhood is rearing it's head.
Just can't wear a jacket made out of Roo's mom.

 

[horseman308]

I think high end baseball gloves are often kangaroo. If that's true, they've got to be tough to take all the abuse of a MLB season.