Catalena Hatters Rebuild Service

[Bob Smalser]

http://www.catalenahats.com/restoration.html

For 80 bucks that includes shipping and a heavy-duty, fitted hatbox, you get a brand spanking new hat in 6-8 weeks. Save the tags if you want it to retain its original identity, because they strip and remanufacture on an assembly line. They will save original liners and leather on request, however.

This was a crispy, 30-dollar Borsalino Allessandria in Size 7 1/8 where only the felt was salvageable. Now it's a Size 7 3/8 LO with all new trimmings.

 

[gtdean48]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
I've used Catalina for a couple of Western renovations. Always been pleased by their work. When I started using them, it was only $45 for compete rebuild.

 

[Alucard73]

That is my hometown and I went to school with some Catalena's. I also bring my Fedoras to them when I want a perfect bash. They are nice people and do a great job.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I sent off a great Resistol 100 to be rebuilt by Catalena Hatters. The cost was only $120 but they had the hat for eight months. I received it a couple of days ago and let myself have some time before writing a review.

The shipping and payment was easy and the email communication was acceptable.

The blocking is fine as is the fit (7 ¾ long oval$. The sweatband installation seems well-done and it’s seated at the depth I prefer; however, I do wish it was wider and didn’t have the gold stripe. The leather is reasonably supple and is neither thin nor thick. The liner is glued in, but the fit and quality is acceptable. The felt has some staining just above the ribbon that I don’t recall…odd, but it may be my memory. My only real issue with the hat is the brim break. There are several significant toliker marks on the brim. Additionally, the brim break is very rounded and sloppy looking. It has a very amateur look to it and the hat deserves better. I’m going to send it to another hatter for a new wider ribbon that will cover the light staining currently visible just above the two cord ribbon. I’ll also see if the brim break can’t be cleaned up.

Overall, I’m giving Catalena Hatters a C- for the work. I will not be sending them work in the future.

 

[Rmccamey]

Hmmm, that's pretty shabby work for a refurb. Almost like there wasn't a second set of eyes for a QC check before it went out.

I sent off a great Resistol 100 to be rebuilt by Catalena Hatters. The cost was only $120 but they had the hat for eight months. I received it a couple of days ago and let myself have some time before writing a review.

The shipping and payment was easy and the email communication was acceptable.

The blocking is fine as is the fit (7 ¾ long oval$. The sweatband installation seems well-done and it’s seated at the depth I prefer; however, I do wish it was wider and didn’t have the gold stripe. The leather is reasonably supple and is neither thin nor thick. The liner is glued in, but the fit and quality is acceptable. The felt has some staining just above the ribbon that I don’t recall…odd, but it may be my memory. My only real issue with the hat is the brim break. There are several significant toliker marks on the brim. Additionally, the brim break is very rounded and sloppy looking. It has a very amateur look to it and the hat deserves better. I’m going to send it to another hatter for a new wider ribbon that will cover the light staining currently visible just above the two cord ribbon. I’ll also see if the brim break can’t be cleaned up.

Overall, I’m giving Catalena Hatters a C- for the work. I will not be sending them work in the future.


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