What is the Strongest and Lightest Leather?

December 18, 2015 by

kangaroo

What is the Strongest and Lightest Leather? Kangaroo!

US Wings has Kangaroo leather available in a A-2 Flight jacket and in the Indy Style Legend jacket.  Kangaroo Leather is the leather of choice for those who want the Strongest and Lightest leather for their Flight Jacket or Indy jacket.   Kangaroo Leather is used for the best soccer balls, premium athletic shoes and motorcycle racing leathers. Studies conducted by the Australian Commonwealth SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANIZATION, confirm that Kangaroo  Leather is lighter & stronger than cowhide or goatskin.  A Kangaroo Leather  A-2  Flight jacket or Indy  jacket will provide years and years of us. Here are some samples of Kangaroo:

The premier supplier of this leather is PACKER LEATHER of Queensland Australia.  Since 1891, PACKER LEATHER is internationally recognized as the leading supplier  for world cup soccer balls, premium athletic shoes and premium A-2  Flight jackets and Indy  jackets produced by US Wings.  Five generations of the Packer family have been associated with the Australian Leather Industry. Today Packer Leather is recognized globally, and holds preferred supplier status with many major brand names.  A Kangaroo leather jacket is a jacket that can be passed down through generations, providing warmth, strength and durability.  The Australian Kangaroo  industry operates under strict government controlled Management plans providing meat & leather products, and the industry is said to be more environmentally friendly than sheep or cattle using much less water.

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Who has the largest selection of Indy-style Jackets?

December 14, 2015 by

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The Indy-style  jacket is known far & wide and is also an integral & significant part of a certain fedora-wearing, bullwhip-toting, tomb-raiding professor of archaeology. Whether dashing through the jungle or racing across the desert, the jacket protected this silver-screen icon from all the elements. US Wings offers the largest selection of these popular jackets in a variety of different leathers, including our Legend version (which is based on the specs of an original movie jacket) and an authentic kid-sized version. Regardless of which version you choose, our Indy-style jackets are not mere “fashion” jackets but are tough & rugged enough to stand-up to your real-life adventurers!

The Indy-style jacket was an integral and significant part of the makeup of the INDIANA JONES character.  Neil Cooper originally conceived the first pattern for the INDIANA JONES movies by combining features of the Air Force A2 and the Navy G1.  Eliminating the cuffs and waist band from the A2 and then adding the Bi-Swing back, small side gaps & side adjustment straps with rectangular sliders, the RAIDERS jacket was born. There have been multiple jacket manufacturers who have contributed to the four INDIANA JONES movies but it has been verified that the pedigree originated with Neil Cooper and He in fact supplied 8 jackets for the TEMPLE OF DOOM.  There are subtle changes to each jacket as the series evolved and the US WINGS 30th Anniversary LEGEND jacket is based upon the specs of one of the original movie jackets from three decades ago.  Whether produced in Featherweight Antique Lambskin, Texas SteerhIde  or Kangaroo, these aren’t mere “Fashion” jackets and are tough and rugged enough to stand-up to your real-life adventures.

US Wings has introduced a new Kangaroo Leather Indy style jacket that Indiana Jones aficionados have proclaimed the Indy jacket: “THE Indy jacket came last week! The jacket is from the US Wings Legend line inspired by the jacket Harrison Ford wore in the first Indy movie RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. The jacket is manufactured here in the US and is now available in Kangaroo leather and if Indiana Jones had been a real person, and he’d had access to THIS leather…THIS is the jacket he’d have gotten.  This is the jacket Indiana Jones would want to wear. It is nothing short of amazing!  The color is perfect, the leather is just as dense and tough as iron, everything about it screams Indy!  The thickness on the leather is astounding, I can’t believe how strong it feels as compared to its thinness!  And I can tell that it is going to relax and drape just beautifully!!! After one week this jacket has already started to soften up.  I am continually amazed.  It is forming to my body far faster than I thought.  Here are some pictures  below that show the jacket brand new, out of the box, and one week later.  It is simply amazing.

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The US Wings Signature Series Goatskin A-2 2000 is back

December 8, 2015 by

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After a 5-year hiatus, our US Wings Signature Series A-2 2000 is once again being made in the USA! The Goatskin A-2 2000 is our most popular jacket (not just our most popular A-2, but our most popular jacket overall).

It’s made from the finest mil-spec goatskin available and features two front cargo pockets with side-entry handwarmers, an interior pocket, a snap-down collar, and underarm gussets for freedom of movement (and the extra room under the arms makes this jacket CCW compatible). Pick up one of these jackets and you’ll understand the pride of wearing a handcrafted garment made in America, and its timeless good looks will ensure that it never goes out of style!

The A2 Leather Flight Jacket, sometimes referred to as the A2 Bomber Jacket was adopted by the Army Air Corps as standard issue in 1931.  The A2 Leather Flight jacket was made famous by the U.S. Army Air Corp airmen of World War II.   The first A2’s were made of Horsehide, then Cowhide and then switched to Goatskin in 1943.  Fliers and crewmen adorned their jackets with squadron patches and often hand painted nose art replicating their aircraft. All  A2 Leather Flight jackets had several distinguishing characteristics: two  front snap patch pockets on either side without hand warmer compartments (hands in pockets were considered unfit for a military bearing), snap-down collar, shoulder straps, knit cuffs and waistband, a single piece of leather on the back to limit stress on the garment, and either lightweight silk or cotton inner lining. In 1943 the Army canceled any further leather jacket contracts in favor of newer cloth-shell jackets like the B-10 and B-15. The jackets continued to be popular with Aircrew members for the balance of the war continuing into the Korean War.

All contracts from 1988 to 1998 were awarded to Neil Cooper USA, now U.S. Wings of Ohio.  According to FLIGHT JACKETS – HELL BENT FOR LEATHER, authored by Derek Nelson and Dave Parsons, the Air Force opted for goatskin instead of the original horsehide because it is very strong but not stiff.  Cooper found that at 3.5 skins per jacket, there weren’t enough American goats available to make 53,000 jackets.  They had to import goat skins from Nigeria, Tasmania and Pakistan.

In 1996 Neil Cooper USA was awarded a contract from the Defense Supply Center, Philadelphia (DSCP), to redesign the A2 Leather Flight Jacket to be more functional and to improve the fit. Side entry pockets were added to the patch pockets and inside wallet pockets were added. The fit was enlarged by adding extra pieces under the arms and on the sides and eliminating the neck clasp.

The modern Air Force Goatskin A-2 is authorized for wear by Air Force aircrews and space operations personnel who have completed their mission qualifications.

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What are People saying about Sgt. Hack’s Leather Repair Service?

October 15, 2015 by

Sgt. Hack’s US Wings has been sought out by families across the United States to repair their treasured family heirlooms.  We can repair Historic Leather Jackets with a new zipper, lining, cuff & waistband and more.  Many different manufactured brands of Historic Leather Jackets have been repaired and brought happiness to those relatives honoring the memory of their loved one.
Here is a customer’s review:

I wanted to let you know how happy I am with your repair of my leather jacket. The jacket was made for me during a tour in Korea 30 years ago and I was never totally happy with it. A bit large, the wool lining itched and then finally the zipper failed. No one in my home town had the skills to repair it. Having dealt with US Wings before, I went to your web site and found instructions for shipping to you. A brief note was all you needed. When I got it back home today, I found you had gone beyond my greatest expectations. The lining you supplied was perfect and got rid of the itching problem. The new zipper is built like a truck. What I did not expect was the additional work you did repairing loose seams with new, stronger stitches. It looks like a million bucks. Thank you for exceeding expectations once again.
Rick
Kontum 1968 
10/14/2015

Why Replace when We can Repair your favorite leather jacket?   US Wings offers worldwide Professional Leather Jacket Repair services.  Tune-up your old favorite with a new zipper, lining, cuff & waistband and more.  We repair all brands and types of leather jackets, including motorcycle jackets and not just our own.

Professional Leather Jacket Repair Service Options:

ONLY AUTHENTIC FACTORY REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS USED.
  • Cuff Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown, Medium Brown, & Black
  • Waistband Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown, Medium Brown, & Black
  • Zipper Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown & Black; Style: A-2 & G-1
  • G-1 Collar Replacement – $90: Color: Dark Brown
  • Lining Replacement – $90: Standard Brown/Black Lining (Note: if your jacket does not have an existing lining, there will be an additional $50 charge for adding a jacket lining)
  • Escape Map Lining Replacement – $110: Colors: Egg Shell (as seen in Avirex jackets) and Gold
  • No Lining Charge – $50 (Charged if your jacket DOES NOT have a lining)
  • Patches – $10 per patch: Please take a photo/draw a diagram of where you would like them sewn.
  • Navy Flyer’s Creed – $69.95 (Note: Only adding this item to existing lining. If you need the lining replaced, also select Lining Replacement. Banner: approx. 17.75″ x 13″)
  • Shorten Sleeves – $70.00 (Final Sale – Please indicate, with white chalk, the desired length to be shortened.)
*Any special requests may result in additional cost. Please contact our Customer Service at (800)650-0659 for questions.
Our turnaround time for repairs is 3-4 weeks, and 4-5 weeks for linings.
Established in 1986 by SFC David Hack, USA (Ret), US Wings is a veteran-owned business and is an authorized repair facility for both the US Military and the general public.
Our turnaround time for repairs is 3-4 weeks and 4-5 weeks for linings.

 

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Why American Bison for your next A-2?

October 8, 2015 by
American Bison A-2

The US Wing’s  American Bison A-2 is made from premium Wisconsin farm-raised bison, which is as rugged and durable as cowhide but has the suppleness of lambskin. It’s the perfect amalgam of classic A-2 styling, uniqueness of material, comfort, durability and outstanding American craftsmanship. Compare our USA made American Bison jacket to competitors who sell a $995 imported bison jacket and we think you’ll agree that our American-made Bison A-2 is both the superior choice and a superior value!

Strength, durability, softness, lightness, casual, dressy, two season, three season are considerations to make in Leather Selection.  Modern day leather is generally shaved to obtain a smooth finish.  In doing so, the characteristics which distinguish unique leather is eliminated.  The naturalness of leather is enhanced by range marks which gives it the old European look.  As leather ages, the range marks bring out its character and give it a suppleness and richness.  US Army Air Force A2 flight jackets were originally made of horsehide, a very heavy and extremely durable material.  In 1943 The military switched to goatskin, much lighter weight but very tough.  Kangaroo and Lambskin are very light weight.  Kangaroo is extremely strong and the softer nature of Lambskin tends to scratch easily. American Bison like horsehide is heavier, with much character in its grain. The look, the use, the season, the weight and the color are factors you should consider in making your Leather Selection.

American Bison Leather Jackets are set apart from all leather jackets.  The leather is slightly heavier than cowhide but has the softness & suppleness of lambskin.  The hand-aging process in Bison Leather Jackets really brings out the varied grain & subtle color variations. Bison Leather Jackets have a rugged and authentic antique appearance.  After a bit of daily wear,  American Bison Leather Jackets will soon resemble a 50 year old garment.    A-2  American Bison Leather Jackets feature snap-down front pockets with side hand warmers, one piece back, snap-down collar, and interior pocket, satin nylon lining, antiqued brass zipper, knit cuffs and waistband.   They are built like a Battleship, made to last a lifetime.

If you’d like to read more, the link is here.

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Sgt. Hack Can Repair or Replace Your Leather Jacket

October 6, 2015 by


Repair or Replace your Leather Jacket before Winter arrives.  If you’re looking for a new leather jacket to replace your old one,  Sgt. Hack’s US Wings has the world’s largest selection of leather jackets including A-2’s. G-1’s, Indy-style jackets, motorcycle jackets and more.   See the entire collection at: www.uswings.com.


US Wings offers worldwide Professional Leather Jacket Repair services.  Tune-up your old favorite with a new zipper, lining, cuff & waistband and more.  We repair all brands of leather jackets, not just our own.

Established in 1986, US Wings is a veteran-owned business and is an authorized repair facility for both the US Military and the general public.
Our turnaround time for repairs is 3-4 weeks and 4-5 weeks for linings.
Note:  It does not have to be a US Wings Jacket, as we repair any leather jacket no matter who made it!

Professional Leather Jacket Repair Service Options:

  • Cuff Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown, Medium Brown, & Black
  • Waistband Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown, Medium Brown, & Black
  • Zipper Replacement – $60: Colors: Dark Brown & Black; Style: A-2 & G-1
  • G-1 Collar Replacement – $90: Color: Dark Brown
  • Lining Replacement – $90: Standard Brown/Black Lining (Note: if your jacket does not have an existing lining, there will be an additional $50 charge for adding a jacket lining)
  • Escape Map Lining Replacement – $110: Colors: Egg Shell (as seen in Avirex jackets) and Gold
  • No Lining Charge – $50 (Charged if your jacket DOES NOT have a lining)
  • Patches – $10 per patch: Please take a photo/draw a diagram of where you would like them sewn.
  • Centennial/Navy Flyer’s Creed – $69.95 (Note: Only adding this item to existing lining. If you need the lining replaced, also select Lining Replacement. Banner: approx. 17.75″ x 13″)
  • Shorten Sleeves – $70.00 (Final Sale – Please indicate, with white chalk, the desired length to be shortened.)
*Any special requests may result in additional cost. Please contact our Customer Service at (800)650-0659 for questions.
Sgt Hack
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What are people saying about Sarge’s Indy Jackets?

September 21, 2015 by
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Hundred’s of people are entering the Free Indy Jacket giveaway at US Wings.  Sgt Hack’s US Wings contest has received overwhelming reviews about what Indiana Jones and his jacket mean to them.

Here are some of them:

I recently purchased the US Wings Indy-Style jacket in Kangaroo hide. Bottom line up front: The quality of material and manufacture is outstanding, the customer service and shipping speed were exceptional. I look forward to many, many years (perhaps even multiple generations) of use out of my US Wings Kangaroo Indy-Style Jacket! Highly recommended!

On to the jacket- I can’t say enough about the cut and fit of this jacket! I consulted with US Wings customer service (who were extremely helpful), and based on their advice, ordered a large (I’m typically a size 40-42 jacket, depending on manufacturer). When I put the jacket on for the first time, I was stuck by how well it fit! The sleeves, shoulders and chest fell just where I like them- the collar does a slight “off the shoulder” look as seen in some of the Indy films, which I love. The stitching is top notch, and overall quality of the Indy style jacket can’t be beat. I have no doubt that this jacket in any of the available hides would be a winner!

The kangaroo skin itself is gorgeous. Mine arrived in a whiskey color that’s just stunning! It’s a very rich brown, with some depth to it. The leather is initially very stiff, but some handling seems to soften it up fairly quickly. I noticed that the leather will go stiff again in absence of handling. It’s a lightweight but very “dense” leather, that I suspect will be very tough and durable. It will certainly age well and look even better as I get it broken in. In my opinion, the kangaroo leather is well worth the cost.

In conclusion I could not be happier with my purchase! US Wings has outdone themselves!
Matthew 9/20/15


  The Indy Jacket makes me want to experience the thrill of going on a long hike in the woods, climbing a mountain range, taking a car across the roads of South America, India, China to live life to the fullest….
Jim 9/20/15
I’m actually watching Raiders of the Lost Ark right now while I’m writing this. I’m again reminded why I, and I would guess most people, love Indy-style jackets: it’s a reminder of lost times, of adventure, of history, and of excitement. What other item combines powerful nostalgia with religious imagery? What else mixes history with fiction, adventure with archaeology? Maybe a vintage Yankees cap? Or perhaps a pocket knife passed down from a grandfather? For my money, no other single item conjures up so many feelings as this jacket. It is, quite literally, like wearing a time machine. It is instant excitement and adventure. Whether you’re walking through a mall in Nebraska, or sitting in a cafe in Paris, this jacket makes you feel like a legend.
Justin  9/18/15

Few things can bring back the feeling of being a child again. As a child and still as an adult we all crave adventure. Indiana Jones was a passport to adventure. My fond memories of watching the Indiana Jones films with my father are some of my favorites. My father shared these films with me and now I have the pleasure of sharing them with the youngsters in my life. As we age we forget the feeling of excitement, of being sweeped up into amazing storys. But when I share films like “The Temple of Doom” with my kids, I get that feeling back. All 4 indy films hold a special place in my heart. I am also a bit of a history buff. Ww2 as a primary interest. The Indy-style leather jacket is an amazing design. The A2 jacket influence is clear. Such a rugged, timeless style. I from time to time look over the Internet looking at replica jackets. day dreaming of jacket ownership. I personally never have owned a indy jacket. But from all the vendors US Wings seems to be the real deal. Supplying jackets for The Temple of Doom. Everyone else just makes a copy. I have dicided that when
I do decide to treat myself to jacket, US wings is the only way to go. I have heard nothing but amazing things. And I love supporting an American business when possible. Thank you for your time and consideration.

-Nicholas
You too can win a free US Wings Indy jacket!  Go to Indy Jacket Reviews to enter. If you’d like to read Sgt. Hack’s blog, go here. Check out the full US Wings collection here!

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Sgt. Hack’s For All Occasions Indy Jackets

September 18, 2015 by
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Sgt. Hack’s FAO Leather Jackets, are leather jackets For All Occasions.  From hiking through  the mountains , catching dinner, or hailing a cab on Broadway, FAO Leather Jackets are brought to you by US Wings.  FAO Jackets have the supple, the rugged and the refined jacket for you.  Available in, Striated Lambskin, Lambskin, Vintage Cowhide,Vintage Texas Steerhide, Bison, Kangaroo and Butter-soft Premium Cowhide, we have FAO Leather Jackets for you.  Dress up or Dress Down, the FAO leather Jackets are truly Leather Jackets For All Occasions.

All FAO Leather Jackets have these features:

  • Two front cargo pockets with original-style pocket flaps
  • Side-entry hand warmer pockets
  • Pleated action back for freedom of movement with correctly-sized small side gaps
  • Small yoke on back panel
  • Original-length side adjustment straps with rectangular sliders
  • An interior pocket
  • Brown nylon lining
  • A brass zipper

This style jacket was originally created by Neil Cooper for the movie RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK.   Neil Cooper, now US Wings, originally conceived the first pattern for the INDIANA JONES movies by combining features of the Air Force A2 and the Navy G1.  Eliminating the cuffs and waist band from the A2 and then adding the Bi-Swing back, small side gaps & side adjustment straps with rectangular sliders, the Indiana Jones jacket was born.  There have been multiple jacket manufacturers who have contributed to the four INDIANA JONES movies but it has been verified that the pedigree originated with Neil Cooper and He in fact supplied 8 jackets for theTEMPLE OF DOOM.   From hiking through the mountains, catching dinner or hailing a cab on Broadway,  FAO Leather Jackets are truly jackets For All Occasions.

A recent satisfied customer stated: ”

  Ever since I first saw the Raiders of the Lost Arc it was love at first sight with that iconic jacket / light coat. The fact that the jacket is rugged enough to meet the most excruciating demands placed upon it is proven time and time again in the series of movies. Now that we know it’s rugged lets get down to the tender side. The lack of gathering at the sleeves and waist, plus a bi swing back means to me that it is comfortable and easy to bundle up in the colder days with no compromise. The fact, once again proven by the movies and the ads by US Wings is that this is a jacket that can be dressed up. Beige pleated pants a denim shirt with tie, and the famous Fedora that US Wings features 2 different models. Then on the other hand you can slip this on so quickly with jeans, t shirt, and baseball cap. What more can you ask for in a jacket. It’s one those jackets that becomes what I like to call my ” go to jacket “.

PS…..Because of the bi swing back you can jump in your car or adventure vehicle without removing this wonderful look, talk about looking cool while driving?

Tony  9/17/2015

 
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If you want to read Sgt. Hack’s new blog, go here. And make sure to check out US Wings here!

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