The Stratoliner Association {Premiere}

[Rmccamey]

What colors of Premiers do you already have, Brent?

The Stetson Royal De Luxe Premier (open crown) hats are quite nice for a modern hat. I definitely consider them nicer than my my Campdrafts; although, I like the bigger brims on the Akubra. I haven’t had any problem with either hat holding a shape. I wouldn’t consider the standard Royal, but then you already said you’re getting an open crown hat. Stetson does have some quality control issues, but I think the open crown hats aren’t bad, and some are very nice. My Akubra hats are stiffer, harder, and not as pleasing to wear, but they are bulletproof.


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[M Hatman]

The Stetson Royal De Luxe Premier (open crown) hats are quite nice for a modern hat. I definitely consider them nicer than my my Campdrafts; although, I like the bigger brims on the Akubra. I haven’t had any problem with either hat holding a shape. I wouldn’t consider the standard Royal, but then you already said you’re getting an open crown hat. Stetson does have some quality control issues, but I think the open crown hats aren’t bad, and some are very nice. My Akubra hats are stiffer, harder, and not as pleasing to wear, but they are bulletproof. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I agree with Brent. I love mine (for the most part) and have 4 or five. I DO have one early one (a mink) made in 2014 that is a little too thick, a problem with many of the early open crown introductions (including the early Stetsonians), and it is indeed a bit of a problem to crease AND the brim is so thick (and soft) it really does not want to snap down properly or quite hold its flange well when worn. BUT the other later production (early Fall 2015 and later) Strats and Stetsonians I have ARE simply awesome....One nice thing about the new Stetsons is they do date them behind the sweat...... so you know what you are dealing with.
M

 

[jlee562]

Well, yes, Hatco has quality control issues. Personally, I would buy from someone like JJ (20% off for Mother's day) or DelMonico, or One Two Mini Ranch (who is a lounger)...Who know what to look for in terms of factory flaws.

But, provided you get a good one, my pick of the two would be the Stetson. The finish of the felt is routinely finer and smoother on Stetsons than on Akubras.

The flip side of this is that if you want a rugged hat for inclement weather, pick the Campdraft. It's also a bit bigger all around than the Strat, which may weigh positively or negatively depending on the individual. Be aware of Akubra's sizing issues due to their use of cheap leather sweats.

Though it's possible to hand crease either hat, the Strat should be a bit easier to work with.

 

[Scooterz]

Finally picked up a Premier Strat in mink. Not perfect workmanship but probably only loungers would look that close. A good brushing took care of some of the fuzzy stuff. Nicer than I expected and it is larger than my regular strats. The crown dimensions are pretty much an open road. 5 1/2" open crown with 2 1/2" bound brim. Also pictured with a recently acquired Borsalino with a 2 3/4" brim and playboy style ribbon. The Strat is closer then I would have ever guessed to the vintage Borsalino in terms of the felt feel and how moldable it is. Not equal but a nice hat.

 

[GuitarGuy99]

This is an old thread, but maybe it will work. Can anyone tell me if the Premier Strat runs true to size? Thanks.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

This is an old thread, but maybe it will work. Can anyone tell me if the Premier Strat runs true to size? Thanks.

I haven’t bought one for a couple of years but mine ran maybe 1/4 to 1/2 size large.

 

[RBH]

I have just received my new Silver Belly Premier Stratoliner.
I could not be more pleased. The hat is soft yet firm and while not vintage quality it is a well made hat.
The brim snaps down perfectly. And this hat ran true to my 7 1/2 size head.
I ordered from Fashionable Hats in Florida. i can not recommend them enough. I ordered Monday and received it this afternoon. {Wednesday}
I got to thinking that this would probably be the closest I would come to an open crown Open Road. [much less an open crown Resistol San Antonio]
Also I do know that with the felt shortage [even with Stetson producing their own felt] and with Stetson discontinuing some product models. I was afraid that some open crown models would soon not be available.

So with that.... here she is!

open crown

And creased.

 

[Frunobulax]

I have just received my new Silver Belly Premier Stratoliner.
I could not be more pleased. The hat is soft yet firm and while not vintage quality it is a well made hat.
The brim snaps down perfectly. And this hat ran true to my 7 1/2 size head.
I ordered from Fashionable Hats in Florida. i can not recommend them enough. I ordered Monday and received it this afternoon. {Wednesday}
I got to thinking that this would probably be the closest I would come to an open crown Open Road. [much less an open crown Resistol San Antonio]
Also I do know that with the felt shortage [even with Stetson producing their own felt] and with Stetson discontinuing some product models. I was afraid that some open crown models would soon not be available.

So with that.... here she is!

open crown

And creased.

Good lookin' hat.

 

[RBH]

Good lookin' hat.

Thank you Sir!

 

[Frunobulax]

Thank you Sir!

I popped over to their website and checked. That's a good deal, too. I'd be tempted if they had a couple more colors.

 

[GuitarGuy99]

I have just received my new Silver Belly Premier Stratoliner.
I could not be more pleased. The hat is soft yet firm and while not vintage quality it is a well made hat.
The brim snaps down perfectly. And this hat ran true to my 7 1/2 size head.
I ordered from Fashionable Hats in Florida. i can not recommend them enough. I ordered Monday and received it this afternoon. {Wednesday}
I got to thinking that this would probably be the closest I would come to an open crown Open Road. [much less an open crown Resistol San Antonio]
Also I do know that with the felt shortage [even with Stetson producing their own felt] and with Stetson discontinuing some product models. I was afraid that some open crown models would soon not be available.

So with that.... here she is!

open crown

And creased.

Hi. Old thread, but I was wondering if you shaped it using steam, and if so, did the dye bleed onto your hands? I have a black one and it stains like crazy. Thanks, Chris.

 

[jlee562]

Oh no, are they using powder again? That's disheartening. My black Stratoliner has not had any bleeding issues.

 

[GuitarGuy99]

Oh no, are they using powder again? That's disheartening. My black Stratoliner has not had any bleeding issues.

It says 2019 beneath the sweatband. So I don't when they stopped using the powder. The felt though is pretty nice. Thick and not too stiff.

 

[RBH]

No my Silverbelly had no bleeding of dye. It handeled the steam well.

 

[glider]

I didn't know that Stetson was producing the felt in their hats. I was under the impression that Winchester in Tn was the only felt manufacture in the states. Someone please elaborate on this.

 

[Frunobulax]

I didn't know that Stetson was producing the felt in their hats. I was under the impression that Winchester in Tn was the only felt manufacture in the states. Someone please elaborate on this.

Stetson's manufacturing process is cradle-to-grave. Hat-co has a raw felting plant in Longview, a couple hours from the manufacturing facility in Garland, TX.

 

[Frunobulax]

Stetson's manufacturing process is cradle-to-grave. Hat-co has a raw felting plant in Longview, a couple hours from the manufacturing facility in Garland, TX.

Well, maybe not grave. I don't think they will take them back and dispose of them for you, LOL.

 

[M Hatman]

"Cradle to Adult".....