Lost Worlds G-1 Review/experience

[dopey]

This thread is about the Lost Worlds G-1 not an exact replica.

The subject says it is a review, so is not authenticity part of that which should be discussed about a brand touted by the brand owner on his website as the best? Such posts have already been made vis-a-vis exacting detail by no less than a few members in this post, so is there a particular reason why such attendant observations and commentary by me are singled out?

And in your statement, you are indeed acknowledging this specific shortcoming of a Lost Worlds G-1: "This thread is about the Lost Worlds G-1 not an exact replica." Seems a very appropriate conversation to me, but maybe the messenger is not favored, eh?

I started this thread to post my thoughts on and experiences with the jacket I got. And as I made clear, I don't care at all about authenticity or faithfulness to a particular contract model. In fact, I would prefer some non-authentic features, like an additional interior pocket. The color or weight of the knit matters very little to me, though its durability does. The shading of the mouton, likewise - a pretty wide range would likely be fine with me.
My sole complaint with the jacket is the front length.
The goatskin is phenomenal and very easy to wear. It is moderately heavy and sturdy, but that makes it a pleasure to wear - I suppose I might feel differently as the weather gets warmer.
I am sure an ELC is great and if it fits me better and I had came across it instead at the same time, I might have gotten that instead. But not because of claims of authenticity.

 

[dopey]

HPA, I have no problem with your reviews about your products and find them quite informative. I read your posts about the Buzz Rickson G-1 since that is on my radar also. I will check one out in Japan when I go in a few weeks and if I like it, maybe I'll buy it. But that is for another thread, not this one.

I also never mentioned you touting this and that about originality of your products since I don't really care. I care about learning about the LW G-1, which is what this thread is about.

I said what I said and that is all I am going to type on the matter since I don't want to detract from this thread. I am not taking the bait. Sorry.

I'll revert to keeping this on track. The LW G-1 sure is a beauty.

View attachment 207814

To be honest, I am kind of annoyed LW won't custom adjust one for you. I love mine and wanted you to get one, too. It is awesome. Also, in the back of my mind I could imagine getting another myself at some point. Literally, every other jacket I have gets taken by one of my daughters so I can always get another but there is no point for me if I couldn't make that change.

 

[El Marro]

To be honest, I am kind of annoyed LW won't custom adjust one for you. I love mine and wanted you to get one, too. It is awesome. Also, in the back of my mind I could imagine getting another myself at some point. Literally, every other jacket I have gets taken by one of my daughters so I can always get another but there is no point for me if I couldn't make that change.

dopey,
You could almost certainly adjust sleeve and body length on a new G-1 order. I have done this on both of my custom Lost World jackets and it has not been a problem, although there has been an additional charge because it is a deviation from the stock pattern.

 

[thor]

Not to make this a LW versus Eastman debate (we all have our preferences for our own reasons), I think folks value and prefer certain characteristics of a leather jacket (or of a leather jacket company/business) in ways which appeal to us.
Some prioritize accuracy of materials over all else. Some others want heavy, thick leather and robust zippers because it just “feels” better for daily (rough) usage. And some prefer a mid-price option because cost is a concern. Some like to customize their jacket based on their own needs (extra pockets, shorter or taller size, etc) while others want an exact representation of a military-issued garment. An Eastman is probably the most accurate, yet a LW might overbuild their jacket and the heavy-duty materials may feel more appealing but then a Goodwear might offer near-unlimited customization and that might be the deciding factor in why I like one jacket over another. I have owned all of these (and so many others). I have 30 G-1/M-422’s in my collection, including several originals. I love the G-1 design and will probably keep adding to my collection because my tastes and preferences change.

I’m glad I found a forum where we can all discuss our ideas and experiences and share our knowledge and our opinions.

 

[HPA Rep]

Not to make this a LW versus Eastman debate (we all have our preferences for our own reasons), I think folks value and prefer certain characteristics of a leather jacket (or of a leather jacket company/business) in ways which appeal to us.
Some prioritize accuracy of materials over all else. Some others want heavy, thick leather and robust zippers because it just “feels” better for daily (rough) usage. And some prefer a mid-price option because cost is a concern. Some like to customize their jacket based on their own needs (extra pockets, shorter or taller size, etc) while others want an exact representation of a military-issued garment. An Eastman is probably the most accurate, yet a LW might overbuild their jacket and the heavy-duty materials may feel more appealing but then a Goodwear might offer near-unlimited customization and that might be the deciding factor in why I like one jacket over another. I have owned all of these (and so many others). I have 30 G-1/M-422’s in my collection, including several originals. I love the G-1 design and will probably keep adding to my collection because my tastes and preferences change.

I’m glad I found a forum where we can all discuss our ideas and experiences and share our knowledge and our opinions.

Well said, RT!

 

[HPA Rep]

Correct me if I am wrong, but if I were to recap your message in a few sentences, it would look like this:

- You concur with @Boyo that the ELC jacket is much better
- Nothing is as authentic as ELC or Buzz Rickson in terms of the G1
- LW jackets are built like tanks
- This robust construction is useless because that type of jacket doesn't need it and in any case how far is it going to protect you from heavy impacts?

Did I get your message correctly?

Close, but not exactly. Please note:

- Nothing is as authentic as ELC or Buzz Rickson, in terms of the G-1, but even these have their downsides - no one produces a perfect copy because that is just no longer possible.

- The LW jackets I have seen and handled are built like tanks (figuratively, speaking). They are made from heavy leather that appears to stay new looking and will not age or develop attractive wear as seen on vintage counterparts because of the dye process employed.

- A probative question should be raised about the actual value of any leather jacket favored for its heavy leather over a lighter leather of equal or greater quality simply because it is often perceived that the heavier jacket will hold up longer or protect better in demanding, rigorous activities, such as motorcycling. As one who used to ride and had only one mild accident, freedom of movement was my may concern, in addition to comfort and adequate protection, but not overkill or superfluous protection. Flying jackets are something else, and these were not made from thick leather for the very reasons of comfort and mobility.

It its my personal opinion based on my understanding of both leather and high-speed crashes in vehicles and on bikes that leather thickness and weight will have very negligible impact in protecting the wearer, far more negligible than what nomex provides to those who wear this for the 10 seconds it keeps them from becoming human incendiaries. I believe anyone sliding down the highway at 35 MPH or more or ejected from a vehicle will have potential injuries of such seriousness that any leather of any thickness will be of absolute no benefit. In terms of overall leather longevity for the typical day-to-day activity the vast majority of us engage in, there will be no appreciable benefit from buying a heavier leather or, say, horse hide over goatskin.

 

[red devil]

Close, but not exactly. Please note:

- Nothing is as authentic as ELC or Buzz Rickson, in terms of the G-1, but even these have their downsides - no one produces a perfect copy because that is just no longer possible.

- The LW jackets I have seen and handled are built like tanks (figuratively, speaking). They are made from heavy leather that appears to stay new looking and will not age or develop attractive wear as seen on vintage counterparts because of the dye process employed.

- A probative question should be raised about the actual value of any leather jacket favored for its heavy leather over a lighter leather of equal or greater quality simply because it is often perceived that the heavier jacket will hold up longer or protect better in demanding, rigorous activities, such as motorcycling. As one who used to ride and had only one mild accident, freedom of movement was my may concern, in addition to comfort and adequate protection, but not overkill or superfluous protection. Flying jackets are something else, and these were not made from thick leather for the very reasons of comfort and mobility.

It its my personal opinion based on my understanding of both leather and high-speed crashes in vehicles and on bikes that leather thickness and weight will have very negligible impact in protecting the wearer, far more negligible than what nomex provides to those who wear this for the 10 seconds it keeps them from becoming human incendiaries. I believe anyone sliding down the highway at 35 MPH or more or ejected from a vehicle will have potential injuries of such seriousness that any leather of any thickness will be of absolute no benefit. In terms of overall leather longevity for the typical day-to-day activity the vast majority of us engage in, there will be no appreciable benefit from buying a heavier leather or, say, horse hide over goatskin.

- So Goodwear is not as authentic despite the claims of his fans? I guess it ties down to your comment about small makers unable to have the proper fabrics produced, is that correct?

- That is a bit of a complex issue, isn't it? The original G1 were made of chrome tanned or am I mistaken? Also the LW will develop wear. Whether it is attractive or not is in the eye of the beholder. With use, his horse hide develops beautiful - to me and others in this forum - grain. But on the other hand they are not designed to look old fast either.

- In terms of protective ability, you are better off with a fully armoured, kangaroo hide riding suit obviously. I wouldn't speculate more on this matter as it is not my realm, but I can ask BKS leathers if you wish, the owner is specialised in riding protection.

- Mobility is also largely due to the pattern and other features such as gussets, etc. I have found his jackets to offer more than adequate mobility.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Close, but not exactly. Please note:

- Nothing is as authentic as ELC or Buzz Rickson, in terms of the G-1, but even these have their downsides - no one produces a perfect copy because that is just no longer possible.

- The LW jackets I have seen and handled are built like tanks (figuratively, speaking). They are made from heavy leather that appears to stay new looking and will not age or develop attractive wear as seen on vintage counterparts because of the dye process employed.

- A probative question should be raised about the actual value of any leather jacket favored for its heavy leather over a lighter leather of equal or greater quality simply because it is often perceived that the heavier jacket will hold up longer or protect better in demanding, rigorous activities, such as motorcycling. As one who used to ride and had only one mild accident, freedom of movement was my may concern, in addition to comfort and adequate protection, but not overkill or superfluous protection. Flying jackets are something else, and these were not made from thick leather for the very reasons of comfort and mobility.

It its my personal opinion based on my understanding of both leather and high-speed crashes in vehicles and on bikes that leather thickness and weight will have very negligible impact in protecting the wearer, far more negligible than what nomex provides to those who wear this for the 10 seconds it keeps them from becoming human incendiaries. I believe anyone sliding down the highway at 35 MPH or more or ejected from a vehicle will have potential injuries of such seriousness that any leather of any thickness will be of absolute no benefit. In terms of overall leather longevity for the typical day-to-day activity the vast majority of us engage in, there will be no appreciable benefit from buying a heavier leather or, say, horse hide over goatskin.

Bound to be controversial comments. I agree with the thoughts on thicker leather. Not much point. But people here love it and that's ok too. Is it any better? Only if it's to your taste, it would seem to me. I can't imagine how ultra thick leather would be relevant for a G1 or an A2 for that matter.

Charles what did you mean by exact copies no longer being possible? Do you mean materials no longer available? The exact copy thing is not really my bag - I lack the subtlety to appreciate it or even care all that much, but it fascinates me as an intellectual exercise and I enjoy reading about it.

 

[zebedee]

I am presuming that originals might well have been of lesser quality than repros in the instances of top-end modern makers.

 

[dopey]

There is a lot of talk about LW G-1 Leather being too think. I don't know where that comes from. It is not heavy horsehide. It is not as heavy as the steer hide in my Johnson M200. It is goatskin and all I said about it was that it is tough and sturdy feeling. It may be heavier or thicker than what ELC uses. That wouldn't surprise me. But it is no way what you would think of as a heavy or thick leather.

 

[El Marro]

I agree dopey. The leather on my LW G-1 is soft and pliable making it comfortable and easy to wear.

 

[nick123]

Bound to be controversial comments. I agree with the thoughts on thicker leather. Not much point. But people here love it and that's ok too. Is it any better? Only if it's to your taste, it would seem to me. I can't imagine how ultra thick leather would be relevant for a G1 or an A2 for that matter.

Charles what did you mean by exact copies no longer being possible? Do you mean materials no longer available? The exact copy thing is not really my bag - I lack the subtlety to appreciate it or even care all that much, but it fascinates me as an intellectual exercise and I enjoy reading about it.

I know Buzz has acquired and employs some of the original machinery used to construct vintage jackets in their repros. Also, IIRC the Buzz nylon has been claimed to have been meticulously researched-down to the chemistry to replicate mid-century nylons as close to as possible. Is the construction detail on par with a GW? I don't know. I'll say, my Buzz 7823 probably can't be mistaken for an original at this point-it may simply need further wear. Still pretty rigid in the sleeves, especially near the sleeve knits, but the leather is soft otherwise and has a relatively nice drape, albeit probably a tad thicker than originals. I haven't handled 1/100th of what Charles or many members here have so grain of salt. I'll say this-shopping around for Buzz jackets is a very entertaining affair. So many variations!

I very much like the LW.