The Open Road Guild

[glider]

Thanks all for your thoughts. Regarding the fit, I find that the top of my head touches the crown when I put it on. Should this be the case? I've found differing opinions online, so wanted to hear your thoughts

It might be the fit, I have a few hats that are actually on the large side for me that really go down on my head, that doesn't bother me at all.

 

[DaveProc]

6X Open Road today.

 

[M Hatman]

Another one that came in from Oslo is this one. Filled a gap in my collection that was there to fill.
Stetson 3X beaver Open Road in silverbelly. You know these hats better than I do. Not as stiff as I had expected and I really like the shallow brim flange.

very, VERY, NICE!!!!
Welcome to the club Stefan!!!
Next will be a 7X then a hundred!!!
And even perhaps a couple of different colors....
And THEN.....they will be all you wear!!! (in rotation of course)

 

[rediius]

Does anyone know when they stopped with the 4X and went to the 6X ORs?

I recently picked up an affordable black Open Road 4x with a holographic sticker and assumed it was basically current production. Are you telling me this version is already discontinued?

 

[jlee562]

I recently picked up an affordable black Open Road 4x with a holographic sticker and assumed it was basically current production. Are you telling me this version is already discontinued?

I don't think the 4x has been current for a long time, probably 80's or 90's. I could be wrong, but I believe the western grade OR has been at 6x for quite some time. 4x currently designates a wool or buffalo hat. The current offerings are 6x, Royal Deluxe, Pure Beaver, 100x.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I recently picked up an affordable black Open Road 4x with a holographic sticker and assumed it was basically current production.

What Jared said. Plus the holographic laser stickers were used in 2015 for the 150th anniversary yr.

4x currently designates a wool or buffalo hat. The current offerings are 6x, Royal Deluxe, Pure Beaver, 100x.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

3X OR in a rare natural brown color. On its way to me.

 

[rediius]

I don't think the 4x has been current for a long time, probably 80's or 90's. I could be wrong, but I believe the western grade OR has been at 6x for quite some time. 4x currently designates a wool or buffalo hat. The current offerings are 6x, Royal Deluxe, Pure Beaver, 100x.

Well, according to the sweatband it's a 4x Beaver. Does that help anyone with a more accurate date or value? Sticker picture also included. I just bought this thing to wear and I hope I didn't accidentally pick up anything (super) collectible because I tend to sweat through my clothes often here in North Carolina. My only previous Stetson was the Army's cavalry hat, and even that's a 5x (which I affectionately consider "military grade").

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Well, according to the sweatband it's a 4x Beaver. Does that help anyone with a more accurate date or value? Sticker picture also included. I just bought this thing to wear and I hope I didn't accidentally pick up anything (super) collectible because I tend to sweat through my clothes often here in North Carolina. My only previous Stetson was the Army's cavalry hat, and even that's a 5x (which I affectionately consider "military grade").

I don’t know what that sticker is but it is not the laser cut 150th anniversary sticker. It was a prism effect. It would appear that you have a close to NOS 4X Beaver OR.

 

[Rogera]

The 4x I have had a sales receipt in it from 1988. I'll bet they discontinued it in the 90s

 

[Rufus1401]

Well, according to the sweatband it's a 4x Beaver. Does that help anyone with a more accurate date or value? Sticker picture also included. I just bought this thing to wear and I hope I didn't accidentally pick up anything (super) collectible because I tend to sweat through my clothes often here in North Carolina. My only previous Stetson was the Army's cavalry hat, and even that's a 5x (which I affectionately consider "military grade").

How was the Stetson Cavalry ? Any good ?

 

[jlee562]

How was the Stetson Cavalry ? Any good ?

I have a recent-ish 5x Calvary hat and....well, it is technically a hat. Very stiff and coarse felt. I am guessing it is a fur/wool blend.

 

[crism1]

Hello there, I wanted to shell some money on an Open Road but these are not to be found on the Stetson European website. If I go on the American server there's probably a script gatekeeping potential foreign buyers since ALL THE HATS (ALL OF THEM!) are out of stock for months.

How am I supposed to get one guys?

 

[Bamaboots]

How am I supposed to get one guys?

Hello. Maybe list your specifics here or in the classifieds as a WTB. In regards to specifics: where you’re located, hat size, specific OR if you’re aware of it and budget. Perhaps some of us here can help you out.

 

[jlee562]

Hello there, I wanted to shell some money on an Open Road but these are not to be found on the Stetson European website. If I go on the American server there's probably a script gatekeeping potential foreign buyers since ALL THE HATS (ALL OF THEM!) are out of stock for months.

How am I supposed to get one guys?

Looks like JJ will ship internationally for $50 usd. Don't know if that's a deal breaker for you or not. They're currently 25% off for Fathers Day, so you'd be around $230 shipped for the Royal Deluxe version:
https://www.jjhatcenter.com/products/the-deluxe-open-road?_pos=3&_sid=a1c580c3a&_ss=r

One2 Miniranch has a better price but no details on intl shipping other than advising to go through their eBay store.
https://www.one2miniranch.com/stetson-royal-deluxe-fur-open-road-western-hat/o

We usually recommend vintage over new though, perhaps a lounger might have an extra kicking around if you post a classified.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Hello there, I wanted to shell some money on an Open Road but these are not to be found on the Stetson European website. If I go on the American server there's probably a script gatekeeping potential foreign buyers since ALL THE HATS (ALL OF THEM!) are out of stock for months.

How am I supposed to get one guys?

What size are you?

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Well, according to the sweatband it's a 4x Beaver. Does that help anyone with a more accurate date or value? Sticker picture also included. I just bought this thing to wear and I hope I didn't accidentally pick up anything (super) collectible because I tend to sweat through my clothes often here in North Carolina. My only previous Stetson was the Army's cavalry hat, and even that's a 5x (which I affectionately consider "military grade").

There are many threads and posts that discuss the ever changing meaning of the “X” count on felt hats. A 1980s 4X is a completely different felt from a 2021 4X. This 4X could be a better grade of felt than a 5X. Confusing, right?

Your hat looks to be of recent manufacture (last 40 years) and probably isn’t very collectible. Wear it without worry.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Just arrived today this 60's 3X OR in an unusual color. It's specs match exactly another 3X OR I own that came in a 1965 Centennial box. Makes me wonder about the colors that could be out there.

 

[RossRYoung]

Nice one Jack. Looks like no work needed on the crease too.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Nice one Jack. Looks like no work needed on the crease too.

Thanks Ross. I worked out a couple of box wonkies last night. Hope to post some outdoor pics in natural light for true color soon.