Hat Question

[Big Man]

What are your opinions on the fedoras "Chatam" and "Temple" both by Stetson?

 

[JerseyJones]

What are your opinions on the fedoras "Chatam" and "Temple" both by Stetson?

Hey Big Man,

Welcome aboard. I am not terribly impressed with the Stetson's from the bang for the buck perspective. You are paying mostly for the name Stetson on an average quality hat nowadays, I am afraid.

If you are looking for Fedoras in the $100 to $150.00 price range there are better hats out there, such as the Akubra Federation which is an open crown hat you can pick up for about the same price as the Stetson $100.00 USD or I could set you up with one of my beaver blend Camptown Model 1936 Fieldmaster Fedoras for the FedLounge Price of $140.00 shipped in the USA.

With mine you get the added benefit of having beaver fur in the blend which typically finishes more smoothly and wears better than non-beaver shells. This typically pushes the price to closer to $200.00 on most beaver content hats. I have a special deal that lets me get these done for my folks around here and COW much cheaper.

I encourage you to seek out my Camptown's reviews here and at www.indygear.com/cow .

No matter what though, do your research on what you want and ask questions. Whatever hat you choose, just enjoy it and enjoy yourself wearing it.

Thanks
Ken Spassione
Camptown Hat Co. , Ltd.

 

[Matt Deckard]

As Stated above, the Stetson Line of hats has alot to be desired when it comes to quality of product. Some have pretty nice sweat bands, though the felt and construction in general is very poor when compared to many hats you can now find on the market.

If you are looking for a straight Fedora I'd look to Art Faucet as he is very experienced in making classic 30's 40's and 50's style hats.

Adventure Built and Camptown hats are what I'd suggest if you are looking for an Indiana Jones reproduction.

And for just a beater I'd say get an Akubra.

 

[Phil_in_CS]

As Stated above, the Stetson Line of hats has alot to be desired when it comes to quality of product.

I've worn the Stetson fedoras for several years. When I was looking, that's all I found and have stuck with them since. So, I can't compare them to these others. I will get one of these this fall when I switch back to felt.

 

[Canadave]

...If you are looking for a straight Fedora I'd look to Art Faucet...

Art Fawcett is on a bit of a hiatus, but if you can wait until the fall, it will be worth it. Search on his name, and you'll find lots of reviews.

David

 

[Big Man]

Thanks for the comments and observations. I have one of Stetson's "Temple" fedoras, and have been pleased with it; but since I am looking for an additional hat was curious as to the opinions of others who wear fedoras. My Dad always wore a Dobbs brand hat, and while I have a couple of them that I will wear from time to time, the brim size is a little too small for my taste.

 

[Big Man]

At 6' - 6" and 360 lbs, I really fit the name "Big Man". My best fitting hat is a 7 3/4 long oval.

 

[Canadave]

...My best fitting hat is a 7 3/4 long oval.

My record on The Lounge is safe!

Is that you in your avatar?

David

 

[Big Man]

That would be me. Someone once told me that my picture weighed two pounds

 

[Canadave]

That would be me. Someone once told me that my picture weighed two pounds

My monitor is leaning the left!

Great pic!

David

 

[Renderking Fisk]

Always a pleasure to meet a fellow fedora wearer.

I run a news website for people who are into the Retro-Culture with a link to one of the best hat makers out there, Steve Delk. I'll have a link for Art's when he's back in the game.

Check out The Fedora Chronicles when you get the chance. I have great people working for me with other new stuff on the way.

Can't say enough bad things about Stetson fedoras. I've owned somewhere between 8 and 10 of them and they've always lost thier shape. The Akubra Federations are a VAST imporvement. All of them have held up to the New England Weather far better then the Stetsons.


::: Edit - Corrected For Spelling. :::

 

[jamespowers]

At 6' - 6" and 360 lbs, I really fit the name "Big Man". My best fitting hat is a 7 3/4 long oval.

Wow! I didn't know Hulk Hogan was on the Lounge.
Gee, I am glad we will not be competing for the same hat size. I saw a 7 3/4 Long Oval a while back at a vintage expo. It was too big for me and that was something odd for a size 7 5/8 guy. I will have to see if the guy still has it. I think it was either a Knox or a Dobbs with a wide brim.

Regards to all,

J