Stetson Stratoliner Premier Open Crown

[Paul Trumbull]

Happy Saturday everyone,

I post intermittently on here. You fellas are great and always helpful. I now wear an Akubra Fedora with pride. I was insecure about it at first, but now, as one gentleman said here, I own it. I LOVE my open crown Akubra Fedora. It’s perfect for my head and face. I’ll try to post a pic soon.

Okay, I’ve wanted a Silverbelly Fedora for years. I bought the Stetson Stratoliner a few year ago ago and didn’t like it. It was stiff and I didn’t like the pre shaped crown. The other day I was googling and discovered the Premier Stetson Stratoliner. Does anyone have this? Is this comparable to the Akubra Campdraft Deluxe? I emailed Stetson and they said I have to go through one of their third party sellers like JJ Hat. Why!? Anyway, I am a 57 cm and they have a 56 cm and said it can be stretched. Can they? Anyone have this done? For me it’s pricy- $245.00. BUT...it’s exacly what I want: open crown- awesome Silverbelly color, brim size. If anyone is familiar with these, are they softer than the regular Stratoliner? I assume it is because it’s an open crown. I think I could still get the Campdraft Deluxe cheaper but it’ll take weeks to get here and I actually like the coloring of the Strat more.

So,...can these really be stretched? And is this Premier Stratoliner as nice as I think it is? . For reference, I think my Akubra open crown Fedora is an 11 out of 10. Help please!! And thank you!!!!!

 

[Frunobulax]

A little poking around the Lounge will get you plenty of information on the Premiers.

Start here: The Stratoliner Appreciation Club {MODERN}

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...tratoliner-Appreciation-Club--{MODERN}.58325/

Stetson won't sell you one because they are a manufacturer. You need to go to a retailer. Also, get your size if you're going to spend that kind of coin. Try DelMonico.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Paul Trumbull]

A little poking around the Lounge will get you plenty of information on the Premiers.

Start here: The Stratoliner Appreciation Club {MODERN}

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_type=t&share_fid=65109&share_tid=58325&url=http://www.thefedoralounge.com/index.php?threads/The-Stratoliner-Appreciation-Club--{MODERN}.58325/

Stetson won't sell you one because they are a manufacturer. You need to go to a retailer. Also, get your size if you're going to spend that kind of coin. Try DelMonico.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

Thank you!

 

[T Jones]

Happy Saturday everyone,

I post intermittently on here. You fellas are great and always helpful. I now wear an Akubra Fedora with pride. I was insecure about it at first, but now, as one gentleman said here, I own it. I LOVE my open crown Akubra Fedora. It’s perfect for my head and face. I’ll try to post a pic soon.

Okay, I’ve wanted a Silverbelly Fedora for years. I bought the Stetson Stratoliner a few year ago ago and didn’t like it. It was stiff and I didn’t like the pre shaped crown. The other day I was googling and discovered the Premier Stetson Stratoliner. Does anyone have this? Is this comparable to the Akubra Campdraft Deluxe? I emailed Stetson and they said I have to go through one of their third party sellers like JJ Hat. Why!? Anyway, I am a 57 cm and they have a 56 cm and said it can be stretched. Can they? Anyone have this done? For me it’s pricy- $245.00. BUT...it’s exacly what I want: open crown- awesome Silverbelly color, brim size. If anyone is familiar with these, are they softer than the regular Stratoliner? I assume it is because it’s an open crown. I think I could still get the Campdraft Deluxe cheaper but it’ll take weeks to get here and I actually like the coloring of the Strat more.

So,...can these really be stretched? And is this Premier Stratoliner as nice as I think it is? . For reference, I think my Akubra open crown Fedora is an 11 out of 10. Help please!! And thank you!!!!!

For that kind of money you'd be much better off having one of our resident Hatters make you one. It would be much better quality and they can make one up in any style and dimension you want for around the same money. I have a modern open crown Whippet that someone gave me. The person who gave it to me spent around the same money you quoted for the Open Crown Strat. He was sorely disappointed with it and I can see why. Some people like them, but, in my own personal opinion, I'll go custom before I shell out that kind of money for one of those modern Stetsons. Also, don't buy it if you have to work on it to fit you.

 

[Paul Trumbull]

Thank you!! This helps a lot. I’m going to pass on the smaller one. I did find a 7 1/8 on another site. Slightly cheaper but still over two bills. Pardon my ignorance, but there are folks on here that can make me a hat?

For that kind of money you'd be much better off having one of our resident Hatters make you one. It would be much better quality and they can make one up in any style and dimension you want for around the same money. I have a modern open crown Whippet that someone gave me. The person who gave it to me spent around the same money you quoted for the Open Crown Strat. He was sorely disappointed with it and I can see why. Some people like them, but, in my own personal opinion, I'll go custom before I shell out that kind of money for one of those modern Stetsons. Also, don't buy it if you have to work on it to fit you.

!!

 

[Doctor Strange]

Poke around here and you'll find lots of info on present day hatters making custom hats.

I had a wonderful experience with Mike at Northwest Hats, who made my "thirties gangster fedora" in beaver felt to my exact specs for only around $50 more than a factory Stetson:



http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/northwest-hats-eugene-ore.66155/

Here are some threads about other highly regarded makers - this by no means all of them:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/thre...-custom-hats-official-affiliate-thread.71408/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/alley-kat-hat-co.86475/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/m-c-gannon-hat-company.83744/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/black-sheep-hat-works.54314/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/esther-weis-millinery.86447/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/buckaroo-bonanza-the-hats-that-major-mike-moore-makes.34367/

 

[Redfokker]

For that kind of money you'd be much better off having one of our resident Hatters make you one. It would be much better quality and they can make one up in any style and dimension you want for around the same money. I have a modern open crown Whippet that someone gave me. The person who gave it to me spent around the same money you quoted for the Open Crown Strat. He was sorely disappointed with it and I can see why. Some people like them, but, in my own personal opinion, I'll go custom before I shell out that kind of money for one of those modern Stetsons. Also, don't buy it if you have to work on it to fit you.

+1

 

[Paul Trumbull]

Thank you so much, brother!!!!

Poke around here and you'll find lots of info on present day hatters making custom hats.

I had a wonderful experience with Mike at Northwest Hats, who made my "thirties gangster fedora" in beaver felt to my exact specs for only around $50 more than a factory Stetson:

View attachment 111754

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/northwest-hats-eugene-ore.66155/

Here are some threads about other highly regarded makers - this by no means all of them:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/thre...-custom-hats-official-affiliate-thread.71408/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/alley-kat-hat-co.86475/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/m-c-gannon-hat-company.83744/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/black-sheep-hat-works.54314/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/esther-weis-millinery.86447/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/buckaroo-bonanza-the-hats-that-major-mike-moore-makes.34367/

 

[Redfokker]

Poke around here and you'll find lots of info on present day hatters making custom hats.

I had a wonderful experience with Mike at Northwest Hats, who made my "thirties gangster fedora" in beaver felt to my exact specs for only around $50 more than a factory Stetson:

View attachment 111754

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/northwest-hats-eugene-ore.66155/

Here are some threads about other highly regarded makers - this by no means all of them:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/thre...-custom-hats-official-affiliate-thread.71408/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/alley-kat-hat-co.86475/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/m-c-gannon-hat-company.83744/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/black-sheep-hat-works.54314/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/esther-weis-millinery.86447/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/buckaroo-bonanza-the-hats-that-major-mike-moore-makes.34367/

I wholeheartedly agree. Instant gratification is one thing, but the light years difference in quality and workmanship is worth the wait.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Happy Saturday everyone,

I post intermittently on here. You fellas are great and always helpful. I now wear an Akubra Fedora with pride. I was insecure about it at first, but now, as one gentleman said here, I own it. I LOVE my open crown Akubra Fedora. It’s perfect for my head and face. I’ll try to post a pic soon.

Okay, I’ve wanted a Silverbelly Fedora for years. I bought the Stetson Stratoliner a few year ago ago and didn’t like it. It was stiff and I didn’t like the pre shaped crown. The other day I was googling and discovered the Premier Stetson Stratoliner. Does anyone have this? Is this comparable to the Akubra Campdraft Deluxe? I emailed Stetson and they said I have to go through one of their third party sellers like JJ Hat. Why!? Anyway, I am a 57 cm and they have a 56 cm and said it can be stretched. Can they? Anyone have this done? For me it’s pricy- $245.00. BUT...it’s exacly what I want: open crown- awesome Silverbelly color, brim size. If anyone is familiar with these, are they softer than the regular Stratoliner? I assume it is because it’s an open crown. I think I could still get the Campdraft Deluxe cheaper but it’ll take weeks to get here and I actually like the coloring of the Strat more.

So,...can these really be stretched? And is this Premier Stratoliner as nice as I think it is? . For reference, I think my Akubra open crown Fedora is an 11 out of 10. Help please!! And thank you!!!!!

I completely agree about going custom. For instance, Gannon can make you a hat with the same dimensions and features in rabbit fur felt (same as the Premier Stratoliner) for $200. It’s only $100 more for a 100% beaver hat. Several other hatters can also donit for you at around nd the same price and they will all be much better quality than Stetson.

That out of the way, I’ve bought three of the Premier Stratoliners and I like them a lot. They are imperfect and a close inspection reveals some carelessness in putting them together, but they are decent hats. If you are not afraid of buying used and you have some patience, you can find these that’s on the secondary market in the $100 range and that’s where they start to make sense to me. I own one in Silverbelly that I bought new without tags for $100 and it is a nice hat at that price. I’ve posted photos in the modern Stetson Stratoliner appreciation thread. Good luck.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Happy Saturday everyone,

I post intermittently on here. You fellas are great and always helpful. I now wear an Akubra Fedora with pride. I was insecure about it at first, but now, as one gentleman said here, I own it. I LOVE my open crown Akubra Fedora. It’s perfect for my head and face. I’ll try to post a pic soon.

Okay, I’ve wanted a Silverbelly Fedora for years. I bought the Stetson Stratoliner a few year ago ago and didn’t like it. It was stiff and I didn’t like the pre shaped crown. The other day I was googling and discovered the Premier Stetson Stratoliner. Does anyone have this? Is this comparable to the Akubra Campdraft Deluxe? I emailed Stetson and they said I have to go through one of their third party sellers like JJ Hat. Why!? Anyway, I am a 57 cm and they have a 56 cm and said it can be stretched. Can they? Anyone have this done? For me it’s pricy- $245.00. BUT...it’s exacly what I want: open crown- awesome Silverbelly color, brim size. If anyone is familiar with these, are they softer than the regular Stratoliner? I assume it is because it’s an open crown. I think I could still get the Campdraft Deluxe cheaper but it’ll take weeks to get here and I actually like the coloring of the Strat more.

So,...can these really be stretched? And is this Premier Stratoliner as nice as I think it is? . For reference, I think my Akubra open crown Fedora is an 11 out of 10. Help please!! And thank you!!!!!

One more suggestion:
If you are willing to buy new but want a good price check out http://www.one2miniranch.com/stetson-premier-stratoliner-open-crown-fur-fedora/
They have free shipping and excellent customer service. As of today, they are $200 but I’ve seen them on sale there before and as we are entering straw hat weather you might find them on sale again soon.

 

[T Jones]

Thank you!! This helps a lot. I’m going to pass on the smaller one. I did find a 7 1/8 on another site. Slightly cheaper but still over two bills. Pardon my ignorance, but there are folks on here that can make me a hat?


!!

If I'm not mistaken I thought I read in another thread that Major Moore of Buckaroo Hatters has some actual Stratoliner blocks. If that's the style you want you'd definitely be in business. He did Hiddleston's hats for the movie about Hank Williams Sr, I Saw The Light.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

If I'm not mistaken I thought I read in another thread that Major Moore of Buckaroo Hatters has some actual Stratoliner blocks. If that's the style you want you'd definitely be in business. He did Hiddleston's hats for the movie about Hank Williams Sr, I Saw The Light.

I’ve asked Buckaroo Hatters to send me their price list twice (the website says to request pricing by email), but I’ve never received it. I know Major Moore has a good reputation but it’s discouraging when you can’t get a company to answer such requests. I went with another hatter because I couldn’t get a response. Maybe he has all the business he can handle?

 

[Perry Underwood]

Happy Saturday everyone,

I post intermittently on here. You fellas are great and always helpful. I now wear an Akubra Fedora with pride. I was insecure about it at first, but now, as one gentleman said here, I own it. I LOVE my open crown Akubra Fedora. It’s perfect for my head and face. I’ll try to post a pic soon.

Okay, I’ve wanted a Silverbelly Fedora for years. I bought the Stetson Stratoliner a few year ago ago and didn’t like it. It was stiff and I didn’t like the pre shaped crown. The other day I was googling and discovered the Premier Stetson Stratoliner. Does anyone have this? Is this comparable to the Akubra Campdraft Deluxe? I emailed Stetson and they said I have to go through one of their third party sellers like JJ Hat. Why!? Anyway, I am a 57 cm and they have a 56 cm and said it can be stretched. Can they? Anyone have this done? For me it’s pricy- $245.00. BUT...it’s exacly what I want: open crown- awesome Silverbelly color, brim size. If anyone is familiar with these, are they softer than the regular Stratoliner? I assume it is because it’s an open crown. I think I could still get the Campdraft Deluxe cheaper but it’ll take weeks to get here and I actually like the coloring of the Strat more.

So,...can these really be stretched? And is this Premier Stratoliner as nice as I think it is? . For reference, I think my Akubra open crown Fedora is an 11 out of 10. Help please!! And thank you!!!!!

If you're in Detroit, you may want to check out Henry the Hatter at https://www.henrythehatterdetroit.com/. They have the Stetson Stratoliner, but I didn't see the Premier Stratoliner. Perhaps they could order it for you.

 

[Paravians]

I got my Campdraft from everythingaustralian, it took about a week from AU to Europe (no taxes). The price is only US$99. You could consider that instead of the $$$$ Stetson. I don't think the 'Deluxe' CD is much different from regular, same rabbit felt.

In fact, I bought the CD after returning a Stetson Stratoliner which I did not like at all (too thin, too light, too stiff). The Campdraft is slightly better in that sense (still stiff), but I am sure it can withstand bad weather MUCH better.

I love the hat except for 1) the color (mine is green, so I seldom wear it - what was I thinking LOL!) - but they do have the CD SilverBelly in stock, I just checked. And 2) I wouldn't order a bound edge hat anymore, because the Campdraft crown seems too big on me, mostly because of the thin ribbon, which I can't replace because the color wouldn't be the same as the edge.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I got my Campdraft from everythingaustralian, it took about a week from AU to Europe (no taxes). The price is only US$99. You could consider that instead of the $$$$ Stetson. I don't think the 'Deluxe' CD is much different from regular, same rabbit felt.

In fact, I bought the CD after returning a Stetson Stratoliner which I did not like at all (too thin, too light, too stiff). The Campdraft is slightly better in that sense (still stiff), but I am sure it can withstand bad weather MUCH better.

I love the hat except for 1) the color (mine is green, so I seldom wear it - what was I thinking LOL!) - but they do have the CD SilverBelly in stock, I just checked. And 2) I wouldn't order a bound edge hat anymore, because the Campdraft crown seems too big on me, mostly because of the thin ribbon, which I can't replace because the color wouldn't be the same as the edge.

The Premier Stratoliners are Royal DeLuxe quality open crown hats and of a descent quality. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone call their felt thin, in fact, the felt is thick winter weight stuff. The Stetson’s felt has a decent hand and takes a crease well, and in my opinion, considerably nicer than the felt Akubra uses. Now if you are talking about the Stetson Royal Stratoliner that’s a whole different story (that felt is pretty nasty).

I also prefer a bound brim. As long as the binding comes close to matching the color of the felt it looks fine to have a ribbon color in a contrasting color (this is very common on fedoras). Bound brims also help with the shape and give hats a more finished appearance.

I own both hats and the Stetson is my favorite of them due to the felt quality, but the Akubra is admittedly, and surprisingly for the price, finished better. I also like the color of Stetson’s Silverbelly better than Akubra’s.... actually I like that they are different so it makes sense to own them both but the Akubra is more sand colored with stronger brown tones. I also reach for the Akubra when the weather is nasty, but the Stetson might shrug it off just as well. Akubra has the reputation for thriving in harsh conditions.

As the OP was interested in an open crown Stratoliner, I can say that the Premier is a nice hat with flaws. I do not think it is worth full MSRP, but if the price is right he shouldn’t be disappointed. Now if you want to talk about the Stetson Excellent Stratoliner.....

 

[Paravians]

You're perfectly right, I was indeed talking about the Stetson Royal Stratoliner, not the Premier the difference with the (cheaper) Campdraft, side by side, was evident though (that's why i returned the Stetson).
The OP mentioned $245 though... personally, i would not spend that kind of money on either (Stetson or Akubra).

 

[deadlyhandsome]

You're perfectly right, I was indeed talking about the Stetson Royal Stratoliner, not the Premier the difference with the (cheaper) Campdraft, side by side, was evident though (that's why i returned the Stetson).
The OP mentioned $245 though... personally, i would not spend that kind of money on either (Stetson or Akubra).

You can get a lot of hat of $245. I bought one of my Premiers new when One 2 Mini Ranch had a good sale, otherwise, they were all used and right about $100 each.

As for the Akubra, the only thing I like better with the DeLuxe Campdraft is the sweat. I actually prefer the felt on the cheaper standard grade.

 

[Perry Underwood]

Premier Stratoliner for $199.95 at http://www.one2miniranch.com/stetson-premier-stratoliner-open-crown-fur-fedora/

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Here’s my silverbelly Premier Stratoliner:

I also hesitated and missed out on another Premier on eBay. It was in Caribou and had a BIN with shipping that was just over $100. Even in my larger size they are out there on the used market at great prices.

Good luck.


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