Crusher caps

[USAAFAcePilot]

As it turns out, I will be taking the "extra step" from the Garcia cap to this cap, which I'm very happy about.

While I'm on the subject, anybody have any advice on the fit details of a cap from Diamond Cap Co? Remeber, I am ordering the "Fortress" cap, not the "Flighter." Feel free to post any advice, precautionaries, sizing stories, and fit stories.

THANKS

 

[Dixon Cannon]

THAT is a beautiful cap Ace - I envy you!

I always error on the side of slightly larger. One can always put a little stuffing behind the sweat band. But a too tight cap because you ordered too small is a headache -literally!

-dixon cannon

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Definitely. What about ordering the hat the EXACT hat size I am (not a little bit big or a little bit small)?

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

I'm REALLY having some difficulty deciding between the two caps. I would love to have some advice/insight/help before slapping the money down. Any of you guys up to it? What would you guys do?
(Yes, I have reverted back to deciding between them.)

Links...just in case

Garcia
http://www.garciaaviation.com/cgi-l...cart_id=7244540.23121*g90xL0&p_id=01048&xm=on

Diamond "Fortress"
http://www.diamondcapco.com/id78.html

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

-DECISION UPDATE-

Disregard last my last post. I've made up my mind. I'm takin' that step for the Diamond. It looks SO promising.

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Diamond doesn't offer the "Fortress" anymore!

Guys,

-UPDATE-
-DISREGARD MY LAST POST-

As it turns out, Diamond doesn't offer the "Fortress" anymore. So, it's back to deciding between Diamond and Garcia.

However, If I decide to go with the Diamond cap, they are having a sale on the "Flighter", so that would be the cap I would be going with.

Any of you guys have pictures, stories, anecdotes, etc. for the Diamond "Flighter"?

THANKS GUYS. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Anyone? Advice? [huh]

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

DIAMOND CAP CO FLIGHTER--INSIGHT?

I need to know all I can about this cap. It appears to be the best crusher cap.

How is the fit?

How is the "crush"?

Durability?

Anybody have any pictures, stories, photos?

What are ALL of the colors that it can be ordered in? (I'm looking for an olive drab color and I've seen olive drab but with an orange-type color between the brim and top of the cap.)

THANKS GUYS

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Anyone want to chime in?

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

I am having a HARD time deciding whether to get the current Garcia cap or the Diamond "Flighter." I like the shape of the current Garcia cap, but I have no solid proof, pictures, or reviews of the of it. I'm in a bit of a jam here....:eusa_doh:

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Anybody have any pictures of their Diamond "Flighter" in the OD colors without the mohair band?

THANKS

 

[Jabos]

I have seen many many photos of crushers in my research, and I own two of my grandfather's Bancroft Flighters (in the Avitar). Since you are asking, I will chime in to say the Diamond looks "spot on". The garcia to me is close, and maybe more close than the hats Eastman provided for the movie "Pearl Harbor". They may mirror some off brand makers during the war but that Diamond just has "the look" of the Flighter, which is the "definitive" crusher in my mind. For me it is the shape of the brim, and the overall appearance. I've been meaning to get one when I have the cash.

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Ah, I see.
Do you think the Garcia cap has the two brass "devices" on the sides of the cap? That's the only thing I'm worried about since I can't tell from the picture on their website.

 

[Jabos]

I can't tell in the pic but I can't imagine they would not have the brass buttons holding the strap on. The Garcia certainly is a good price compared to the Diamond.

 

[Dulmit]

The Garcia cap does have the brass buttons holding on the strap.

I would go with the Diamond crusher. I ordered a Garcia and the quality and look just aren't correct. It is "Manuel Noriega" style and has a funky bit of stiffener under the top of the cap. This stiffener makes it hard to shape correctly and makes it feel a bit off.
The Garcia cap would be fine if you needed a prop for a costume, but I feel that it is just not a quality cap for everyday wear. I tore mine down to get a better feel for the construction and all the stiching is single stitch so popping a seam might be an issue.

PS: Sorry for the mild hijack, but does anyone know what the original "stiffening bands" were made of? Not the sweat band, but the band under that.

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Dulmit,

Are you talking about the current cap?

http://www.garciaaviation.com/cgi-l...cart_id=2800675.11359*eT7iE2&p_id=01048&xm=on

I think they've changed. Besides, I've talked to them and they said that the exact cap I would be buying is the one in the picture. The picture definitely looks like the right shape.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Just to stick my nose in, I have been hunting ebay like crazy and have found a surprisingly large number of actual crush caps running in size from 6 1/2 to 7 1/2. The "green" ones are more numerous, to boot. I just landed a tan tropic myself that I'm hoping will fulfill my needs.

If that doesn't do you, I think you'll have to try the Garcia. I don't think anyone here has ordered one in a couple of years.

 

[Dulmit]

I just recieved mine about 2 weeks ago.

They look good in the picture, but they seem to be the same as the USWings version now. The top in only about 1/4" - 3/8" higher than ideal. The real issues I had with the cap, was the stiffening sewn in under the top of the cap (It made the cap impossible to shape, and made it fall funny.) and the general construction. It looks the part, if just a bit high, but it feels like a costume piece.

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Dulmit,

Thanks for sharing your experience. Do you have any pictures? Before I make a final decision, do you think I should buy it? I have talked to them and their return policy is great. Have you contacted them about their return policy?

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Could this be the cap?

http://www.352ndfightersquadron.com/pb/wp_3b6b3425/images/img4367473babd58c333.jpg

found on this website:
http://www.352ndfightersquadron.com/pb/wp_3b6b3425/wp_3b6b3425.html