The Open Road Guild

[AbbaDatDeHat]

No doubt the character of a vintage is going to be a major part of the appeal, as well as the quality.

I've yet to venture into vintage, yet I know that's what most folks here do. Maybe this is the hat that could be my first step into that realm.

All things a time and place. You’ll know when you get there.
B

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Interesting... Why is the RD OR being discontinued? I guess technically one could re-bash a Stratoliner into a cattleman crease.

At retail, I've found a new 6X OR for about $160. A new OR RD seems to be going for about $180-$200, but just this morning, now that you've said they are discontinued, I can't seem to find any in Silverbelly in my size (7 3/8)!

I've found a couple of the 1865 Distressed, but I prefer to do any of my own distressing "naturally." There are also some in Sage, which isn't a bad option.

The more I research, the more I think I prefer "Natural" vs. Silverbelly, at least in Open Road.

If Stetson sold a lot of the RD hats they would keep making them; sales were disappointing. Not that many hat customers are discriminating enough to see their value.

The OR has a wider brim than the Stratoliner and perhaps blocked differently. They are also nice hats in the RD...”Premier” grade.

If you were blessed with a vintage size head you can do well on the vintage market. I keep a close eye on the vintage hat market, but I can go weeks or longer between finding hats in my size that I’m interested in.

As one of many custom options, Gannon can make you an Open Road style hat in rabbit fur felt for $200. I haven’t bought a new non-custom felt hat for some time as they don’t seem to be a good value for money compared to custom hats. I do keep looking at the RD OR as a possible exception...there’s a lot to like there. Don’t be intimidated to order a custom though, it’s simpler than you might be thinking.

https://gannonhatcompany.com


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[Fivesense]

If Stetson sold a lot of the RD hats they would keep making them; sales were disappointing. Not that many hat customers are discriminating enough to see their value.

The OR has a wider brim than the Stratoliner and perhaps blocked differently. They are also nice hats in the RD...”Premier” grade.

If you were blessed with a vintage size head you can do well on the vintage market. I keep a close eye on the vintage hat market, but I can go weeks or longer between finding hats in my size that I’m interested in.

As one of many custom options, Gannon can make you an Open Road style hat in rabbit fur felt for $200. I haven’t bought a new non-custom felt hat for some time as they don’t seem to be a good value for money compared to custom hats. I do keep looking at the RD OR as a possible exception...there’s a lot to like there. Don’t be intimidated to order a custom though, it’s simpler than you might be thinking.

https://gannonhatcompany.com


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Awesome- thank you! I’ll give Gannon a look.

 

[J Williams]

Wouldn’t the Campdraft also be a better option than a Stetson 6X? I’m considering one in Moonstone right now but also really like the Sage RD. My first ‘real’ hat was a modern silverbelly 6X - at the time I thought it was everything but now have a couple of vintage OR’s and my 6X has become my beater hat.

From what I’ve heard and seen ( stopped in at David Morgan the other day ) the Akubra felt is a much nicer more malleable western weight than the 6X Stetson and seems far superior for less money. This also wasn’t the heritage grade either.

Also the akubra silvervelly looks a lot more like other company’s natural colour.

Brent don’t you have a Campdraft? What’s the comparison like vs the RD felt?


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[deadlyhandsome]

I have a couple of Camp Drafts. I also have a couple RD Stratoliners and Stetsonians (no Open Roads). I did have a couple 6X Open Roads too, but we have parted company.

It’s hard to make direct comparisons. The 6X is a modern stiff western felt not meant to be reshaped. The Camp Drafts are all over the place. I own some with decent felt, and some not so good; and this has happened without correlation with the two grades of felt Akubra uses. My modern RD felt hats, all open crown varieties, have impressed me with the quality of the felt...a bit thicker (winter weight), but quite nice.

Last week I was thinking about ordering an Akubra Bushman. I like the hat, but it wasn’t perfect: I wanted a slightly taller crown, a different ribbon, and I didn’t like the grommet on the side. Rather than buy the compromise Akubra, I sent all my specifications to Agnoulita and commissioned another custom. For only nominally more, I’ll get exactly what I’m looking for.

As much as I like my custom hats, the felt can’t compare to a good vintage hat. The felt that hatters have to work with today just isn’t in the same league so no matter the skill of the hatter you’ll not be able to replicate a vintage hat. I just wish I had a size 6 7/8 head.


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[jlee562]

Well, Deckard did say they were ditching the RD OR on his Instagram, but they are still in the Fall 19 catalog.

Soo.... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

If these don't show back up at retailers soon, perhaps they were axed and the catalog is in error.

I saw some of the RD ones at Heritage hats in Phoenix a few months back. They're as nice as any other modern Hatco hat. If we are strictly answering the question, I would pick the RD over the 6x.

The Campdraft has slightly different dimensions than the modern OR which may or may not work for the individual. Akubras are of course notoriously tough, though in fairness, I don't think anybody has really done extensive a/b testing on Hatco vs Akubra felt as of late. Hatco certainly has put out some less than stellar hats, but the Deckard-era hats are pretty good so far. In a relative sense, Akubras tend to have a slightly rougher texture. But we are talking a fairly minor difference.

Certainly most 60's and earlier ORs are almost guaranteed to have better felt. 3xs seem to come up fairly often on the used market and they're usually a good buy at or around the $200 one might spend on a new Hatco one.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Well, Deckard did say they were ditching the RD OR on his Instagram, but they are still in the Fall 19 catalog.

Soo.... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

If these don't show back up at retailers soon, perhaps they were axed and the catalog is in error.

I saw some of the RD ones at Heritage hats in Phoenix a few months back. They're as nice as any other modern Hatco hat. If we are strictly answering the question, I would pick the RD over the 6x.

The Campdraft has slightly different dimensions than the modern OR which may or may not work for the individual. Akubras are of course notoriously tough, though in fairness, I don't think anybody has really done extensive a/b testing on Hatco vs Akubra felt as of late. Hatco certainly has put out some less than stellar hats, but the Deckard-era hats are pretty good so far. In a relative sense, Akubras tend to have a slightly rougher texture. But we are talking a fairly minor difference.

Certainly most 60's and earlier ORs are almost guaranteed to have better felt. 3xs seem to come up fairly often on the used market and they're usually a good buy at or around the $200 one might spend on a new Hatco one.

Is the RD OR still in a current catalog? I see the Royal and the 6X, but not the Royal De Luxe.


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[jlee562]

Is the RD OR still in a current catalog? I see the Royal and the 6X, but not the Royal De Luxe.


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Yah that's what I thought at first too, but if you look in the description it has the little burgundy icon which in the Fall 19 catalog denotes royal deluxe felt, whereas the blue icon represents royal quality. I then double checked the Fall 18 catalog where it is still called the "Royal Open Road" listed in the section of Royal Deluxe hats and under a "Royal Deluxe" page header.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Yah that's what I thought at first too, but if you look in the description it has the little burgundy icon which in the Fall 19 catalog denotes royal deluxe felt, whereas the blue icon represents royal quality. I then double checked the Fall 18 catalog where it is still called the "Royal Open Road" listed in the section of Royal Deluxe hats and under a "Royal Deluxe" page header.

Thanks, I see the icon. It’s confusing how they have it described as Royal and then have the Royal De Luxe icon. It’s not consistent with being offered at both quality levels either. Hmmm.


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[Frunobulax]

Yah that's what I thought at first too, but if you look in the description it has the little burgundy icon which in the Fall 19 catalog denotes royal deluxe felt, whereas the blue icon represents royal quality. I then double checked the Fall 18 catalog where it is still called the "Royal Open Road" listed in the section of Royal Deluxe hats and under a "Royal Deluxe" page header.

But it's still not open crown, right?

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[jlee562]

But it's still not open crown, right?

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Correct, cattleman crease crown.

 

[J Williams]

I’m going to attempt to re-bash my 6X to the more square looking cattleman you see on the older 3X OR’s I’ll post some pics if it turns out.

On a side note does anyone know where I can purchase a wind trolley? I really like the way they look and my last drop 3X doesn’t have one.


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[Fivesense]

I emailed Stetson USA regarding the future availability of the OR RD. Their response (on a Sunday!):

Thank you for contacting Stetson!

We have not been informed that our Open Road Royal Deluxe hat will discontinued from our main office, from our knowledge the hat will remain in production.

 

[Frunobulax]

Correct, cattleman crease crown.

More's the pity.

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[Hurricane Jack]

I’m going to attempt to re-bash my 6X to the more square looking cattleman you see on the older 3X OR’s I’ll post some pics if it turns out.

On a side note does anyone know where I can purchase a wind trolley? I really like the way they look and my last drop 3X doesn’t have one.


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The 6X is blocked differently & the crown is too short. You can straighten up some of the rounding taper of the 6X but you will be widening the center crease & moving the dents outward. It won't look much like a vintage OR.

 

[J Williams]

The 6X is blocked differently & the crown is too short. You can straighten up some of the rounding taper of the 6X but you will be widening the center crease & moving the dents outward. It won't look much like a vintage OR.

Yeah I know it’s shorter but I still think I would prefer it a little less pronounced especially the center dent. Sits pretty high on my head.

Although this dirty embroidered last drop 3X I snagged for $70 is quickly becoming my new favourite hat.

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[Bamaboots]

Although this dirty embroidered last drop 3X I snagged for $70 is quickly becoming my new favourite hat.

And as I always say, "if you don't like it." I know you do J W, so take care of it by cleaning that verdigris and sealing the ferrule with a little clear coat of nail polish. Nice hat.

 

[J Williams]

And as I always say, "if you don't like it." I know you do J W, so take care of it by cleaning that verdigris and sealing the ferrule with a little clear coat of nail polish. Nice hat.

Thanks Bama,

I just picked it up on my way up the Oregon coast on my road trip. Going to get it all cleaned up when I’m home tomorrow evening.

I’m still looking for a hat for you. Although something tells me you don’t need much help.


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[Bamaboots]

I’m still looking for a hat for you.

You find something for me you don't want? What are we looking for? Thanks for thinking of me.

 

[J Williams]

You find something for me you don't want? What are we looking for? Thanks for thinking of me.

Just keeping an eye out since we are the same size. If something nice comes up and I’ve met or exceeded my hat allowance.

I know some of you guys with hoards of vintage felt may not be as on the hunt.


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