Stetson Fashion Collection 1940s Stratoliner Fur Felt Fedora Hat

[Jedwbpm]

Can't wait for your review and pictures.

Jeff

 

[gtdean48]

The final leg of the journey is underway =

Your order has shipped. (Order#: 50194 placed on 01/19/2011)​

It has arrived! On the front porch when I got in from work.
Review & photos tomorrow....stay tuned...

 

[handlebar bart]

Review & photos tomorrow.

Tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!I'm really curious to see your pictures but more importantly your impressions of the hat.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

:clap2::clap2:Oh just rip the box open and take pictures hurry:eusa_clap

 

[gtdean48]

Tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!I'm really curious to see your pictures but more importantly your impressions of the hat.

Mean as snake ain't I Ed? Got to go out for dinner with the Missus.

 

[handlebar bart]

Mean as snake ain't I Ed? Got to go out for dinner with the Missus.

:eusa_clapHappy wife=more hats

 

[marcoshark]

Okay gang... here's my new "Strat". some quick pics

(note, the bottom of the pin is stamped "707")

 

[Lefty]

That's a lot of taper. If you'd like a straighter sided hat, as was the original Strat, you might consider a reblock. Here's an example of a severe taper being blocked straight. Of course, if you're a fan of taper, as many are, then enjoy it.

 

[Johnny J]

I think they should have made it with a straight block and higher crown. Also, would have been wonderful if they would leave the crown open so you can crease yourself. But I guess we can just dream when they do that again.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Mean as snake ain't I Ed? Got to go out for dinner with the Missus.

Oh how well I know. The Missus must be obeyed Happy wife Happy Life.

Its the old what did you buy another Hat thing.

 

[Duper]

Okay gang... here's my new "Strat". some quick pics

(note, the bottom of the pin is stamped "707")

Very nice. I like the entire aviation theme going on in the pictures!

 

[carldelo]

Looks good to me. I'd love to see a straight side view to see how much swoop there is in the brim when snapped.

I assume it's silver belly, which looks pretty tan. Marcoshark, does it seem tan in person, or is that just the photos?

 

[RBH]

What color did you get Tom?

 

[gtdean48]

Caribou Gray Stratoliner

Here are the first photos =

 

[gtdean48]

Here are the next set of photos =

Now pay close attention to these last 2 =

 

[Jedwbpm]

Is it me or does the front look rumpled?

Jeff

 

[RBH]

What happened????

 

[gtdean48]

Now for my review...

The color is just a bit darker than my Caribou Pinnacle but that can be due to exposure & use of the Pinn.
The hat was packed with the ribbon end bent over & has a crease in it shown here =

The NICE SURPRISE for me is the brim measure 2 5/8" everywhere I measure it, definitely more than 2 1/2" which is more to my liking! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

The color & finish seem very even over the hat & the stitching is even everywhere I've inspected.
The crown is low = 4" at front pinch, 3 3/4" at rear, 4 1/2" at highest on sides.
Pushed open, it looks to be 5 1/4" as best I can tell.
The size is true & round as modern Stetson are.

Now the NEGATIVE =
After handling & brushing, my finger tips do have a gray coating to them.

Look at the above photo & you'll see my plane has a missing engine from the left wing = MAJOR bummer for quality control at HatCo.
Look at the front of the crown in this photo below =

If the box had not been in pristine shape, I would've guessed the front of the crown was smashed in shipping but NOT the case.
You can see what appears to be where the front of the crown from the pinch to the ribbon looks to have been damaged. As you run your finger around the crown you can feel ridges that could result from mis-stitching of the sweatband during installation.
The felt feels significantly weaker at the front of the side dents than the back & sides.
SOMETHING happened to this hat during the blocking or there is a weak spot in the crown that can't hold the crease. :eeek:
I am HIGHLY disappointed with quality control of both HatCo & The Fedora Store if this is an example of what they will let ship from the factory & then again from the store!
Anticipating the conversation when I take this hat back for the factory tour.
Needless to say, my ONLY & LAST purchase from The Fedora Store.
I hope HATCO & The Fedora Store are monitoring this thread & respond.
When you claim this Forum as inspiration to deliver such an ICON model, you should have your ACT TOGETHER!

 

[Jedwbpm]

So what are you going to send it back or take it home to Texas?

Jeff

 

[RBH]

Wow!
Mine should be here in a few days....