Whippet or Stratoliner Special Edition?

[photogravity]

Wow, you guys are something else. I asked for a choice of two different items and instead I get even more choices. :eeek:

I have considered the open crown models but, given my newbie status, I've not yet tried steaming or hand creasing hats into different shapes. The other part of the equation is the cost. Open crown hats tend to be pricey. In any case, the Stetsonian is quite attractive and may be a viable option. Keep the advice coming folks.

 

[jlee562]

The open crown models are a bit nicer overall. And not only is hand increasing easier than it seems, it's the most enjoyable part of getting a new hat for me.

 

[photogravity]

The open crown models are a bit nicer overall. And not only is hand increasing easier than it seems, it's the most enjoyable part of getting a new hat for me.

It seems the center dent hats I have don't seem to hold a front pinch very well, though I did a side crease on a recently acquired Stetson that had a center dent which held nicely and looks nice. Meanwhile, the Stratoliner I currently have (modern hat) seems not to want to be hand creased into any shape I've tried so far. Go figure. Maybe an open crown hat is much ado about nothing.


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[tommyK]

It's too bad they don't have the other color combos in the higher quality Strats.

And has anybody picked up a Stetsonian yet, in any color? I've been whining about my wait, but I ordered an off color and it's taking a while. However, I'd like to hear from anybody who has purchased one. They really do seem to have classic dimensions.

I bought two of the Premiere Stratoliners last year and one Stetsonian this year. The Stratoliners are pretty close in shape and proportion. Felt quality is not great on either of the two colors I have, Mink and Cornhill. Better than their regular quality but not by much.

I bought a Stetsonian in the last year and I do feel there has been some slight improvement in the Premiere Quality over the year before but still disappointing. It just doesn't take a crisp shape.

I find the proportions to be a bit big and clunky more so than classic.
Bottom line, they are not bad hats, just that I find the modern Borsalino felt quality to be better and would recommend them over the Stetson's. I realize this may not be a popular opinion but, You asked.

 

[T Jones]

I bought two of the Premiere Stratoliners last year and one Stetsonian this year. The Stratoliners are pretty close in shape and proportion. Felt quality is not great on either of the two colors I have, Mink and Cornhill. Better than their regular quality but not by much.
View attachment 31774
I bought a Stetsonian in the last year and I do feel there has been some slight improvement in the Premiere Quality over the year before but still disappointing. It just doesn't take a crisp shape.
View attachment 31775
I find the proportions to be a bit big and clunky more so than classic.
Bottom line, they are not bad hats, just that I find the modern Borsalino felt quality to be better and would recommend them over the Stetson's. I realize this may not be a popular opinion but, You asked.

I actually like the proportions on your Stetsonian. That's a nice looking hat. How wide is the brim?


Open crown Akubras like the Campdraft or a Fed IV would also be a nice cost effective alternative. The Akubra that I had took a crease quite easily.

 

[jlee562]

It seems the center dent hats I have don't seem to hold a front pinch very well, though I did a side crease on a recently acquired Stetson that had a center dent which held nicely and looks nice. Meanwhile, the Stratoliner I currently have (modern hat) seems not to want to be hand creased into any shape I've tried so far. Go figure. Maybe an open crown hat is much ado about nothing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are you talking about hats with blocked on creases? Those are very tough to reshape at all.

The new Stetsons definitely don't crease as nicely as a vintage hat, but mine has a nice finish and a smooth hand feel.

Admittedly, it's definitely a personal preference for open crown hats because I like diamond creases which are rarer to find as a blocked in shape.

Akubra makes a fine hat as well, and very durable. The trimmings are generally quite competently done, but the finish of the felt is rougher than say a modern Stetson or Borso.

 

[photogravity]

I bought a Stetsonian in the last year and I do feel there has been some slight improvement in the Premiere Quality over the year before but still disappointing. It just doesn't take a crisp shape.
View attachment 31775
I find the proportions to be a bit big and clunky more so than classic.
Bottom line, they are not bad hats, just that I find the modern Borsalino felt quality to be better and would recommend them over the Stetson's. I realize this may not be a popular opinion but, You asked.

Thanks for the insights. I sort of like your Stetsonian. I can see how the proportions might not work well for some. I'm not discounting the possibility of purchasing a Borsalino.

 

[photogravity]

Are you talking about hats with blocked on creases? Those are very tough to reshape at all.

The new Stetsons definitely don't crease as nicely as a vintage hat, but mine has a nice finish and a smooth hand feel.

Admittedly, it's definitely a personal preference for open crown hats because I like diamond creases which are rarer to find as a blocked in shape.

Akubra makes a fine hat as well, and very durable. The trimmings are generally quite competently done, but the finish of the felt is rougher than say a modern Stetson or Borso.

Yes, the hats in question are all pre-blocked. A Knox Premier, Stetson Royal fedora and a modern Stratoliner. The Knox will sort of take a pinch, but not a side crease/dent. The Stetson Royal takes a side crease/dent nicely but not a pinch, and the Strat won't hold a front pinch. I have one Sinatra-ish looking Akubra that I like a fair bit but haven't messed with trying to crease it. I've not really considered getting an Akubra, but that could be one to take into consideration.

 

[Zombie_61]

Wow, you guys are something else. I asked for a choice of two different items and instead I get even more choices. :eeek:

Yeah, that's what you get for asking that kind of question here. lol

...I have considered the open crown models but, given my newbie status, I've not yet tried steaming or hand creasing hats into different shapes...

If I can do it, anyone can do it. Once you get past your initial apprehension you'll want to crease all of your hats yourself.

 

[Nyah]

The dimensions of TommyK's Stetsonian look good, to me. I might want to see it from the front as well. So far though, I'd be proud of that hat.

 

[photogravity]

Yeah, that's what you get for asking that kind of question here. lol

If I can do it, anyone can do it. Once you get past your initial apprehension you'll want to crease all of your hats yourself.

Yeah, in hindsight it probably wasn't necessarily the smartest thing to do. :eusa_doh:

I tend to lack self-confidence when it comes to most things for which I'm unfamiliar, but once I am familiar and become reasonably competent, I often wonder why I was as apprehensive as I was at the start.

 

[foamy]

Hm. Glad I found this thread. Good ideas, hats and encouragement for a newbie here.

I tend to lack self-confidence when it comes to most things for which I'm unfamiliar, but once I am familiar and become reasonably competent, I often wonder why I was as apprehensive as I was at the start.

I can relate to that.

 

[photogravity]

Open crown Akubras like the Campdraft or a Fed IV would also be a nice cost effective alternative. The Akubra that I had took a crease quite easily.

You've piqued my interest now that I've have a little time to look at these. I like both of them quite a bit, though I'm not fond of the Fed IV's raw edge. Given the weakness of the Australian dollar to the US dollar, these look to be a bargain even with shipping from Australia.

I keep hearing about the bluegrass green color for the Campdraft, but am having problems finding it online. Where are the folks here getting them?

 

[ingineer]

http://everythingaustralian.com.au/row/shop-by-brands/akubra/campdraft-hat.html

 

[photogravity]

http://everythingaustralian.com.au/row/shop-by-brands/akubra/campdraft-hat.html

Richard, many thanks! Now, there is one other small problem in that they don't seem to have the CD Deluxe which has the better felt. That said, for what I'd pay for a Whippet and a Strat SE, I could get a CD in bluegrass green and a CD Deluxe in a different color for less than what it would have cost for the original two choices.

 

[moontheloon]

my two cents ... if it is even worth that much

if you are going modern Strat. don't go any less than Premier

if you plan to go less than premier for monetary reasons then definitely go with an Akubra Camp Draft

the Akubra Imperial felt in my opinion is better than the Strat SE felt ... and just all around a better hat

this way you stay with an open crown hat ... which I 100% recommend doing

doing a personal bash is what makes the hat yours ... you can always experiment and figure things out .... it is not difficult and there is no right or wrong way.... just make it look the way you like

and if you get an open crown and do not feel confident you could always take it to a hat shop and have them bash it for you ...

but I would go for doing it yourself .... it is to me a huge part of what makes hat wearing special

 

[javadave61]

You've piqued my interest now that I've have a little time to look at these.... I keep hearing about the bluegrass green color for the Campdraft...

I would add that the difference in brim size between the Strat and the Campdraft is somewhat sizeable, at least for me. But not for others here, that's for sure. The Strat feels like a "fedora" to me, while the Campdraft's 2 7/8" brim pushes it more towards a "western fedora" feel... if that makes any sense. They feel like two very different hats to me. (Code for: buy both!) Others may provide a different perspective.

And the Bluegrass Green is a forest green color, and it's unique, gorgeous, and actually much more versatile than it sounds.

I also second what Moon said about premiere felt. I have two hats in the premiere felt and find them a satisfying quality. The felt is smooth to the touch and (in my copies) a moderate stiffness that allows shaping without feeling like you're battling a factory crease. Mine shape quite well.

 

[photogravity]

if you plan to go less than premier for monetary reasons then definitely go with an Akubra Camp Draft

the Akubra Imperial felt in my opinion is better than the Strat SE felt ... and just all around a better hat

this way you stay with an open crown hat ... which I 100% recommend doing

moon, now that I have a Strat (not Premier), I think I have some understanding of what you're saying. The Strat SE is the same felt as the regular Strat, not the Premier, so I'm guessing that I'd probably not find the hat satisfactory. My sole Akubra is Imperial felt and feels quite nice, definitely better than a regular Strat.

Now that I've gotten all this input, I'm convinced that I don't want either of my original choices. I just ordered a Bluegrass Green CD and am debating whether to order a Silverbelly CD Deluxe from The Hattery.

 

[photogravity]

I can't believe I just did this but not only did I not order either of the two Stetsons I first inquired about, but instead ordered two Akubras - a Campdraft with Imperial felt in Bluegrass Green and a Campdraft Deluxe with the Heritage felt in Silverbelly. What was I thinking when I posted this question? shakeshead

 

[moontheloon]

I can't believe I just did this but not only did I not order either of the two Stetsons I first inquired about, but instead ordered two Akubras - a Campdraft with Imperial felt in Bluegrass Green and a Campdraft Deluxe with the Heritage felt in Silverbelly. What was I thinking when I posted this question? shakeshead

my man ... you made great choices

look into the Fed IV in Heritage as well ... one of my all tome favs