Quality comparison among Resistol 4X, Stetson 4X, and Akubra Heritage Collection

[Naphtali]

Presently I own Borsalino, Dobbs, and Akubra "Heritage Collection" hats. All but Akubra are fedoras. Akubra is in the "fedora neighborhood" with slightly larger brim that is not snap brim capable.

Having been a Montana resident for more than 25 years and far from even moderately sized cities, finally I have the urge to fit the "image". I seek a Western-ish hat. Since Resistol 4X, Stetson 4X, and Akubra "Heritage Collection" have available hats that fit the bill, any would be acceptable. I have neither examined or test worn Resistol or Stetson hats while I own an Akubra, I ask for quality comparison of fur felt and assembly. From pricing I have viewed, 4X Resistol or Stetson is as expensive as I can justify.

The nearest hatter is HHHH Hats in Darby, more than 100 miles south. And Jimmy Harison sells only hats he makes - ultra pricy. I request experienced users of these hats to describe as best the can.

 

[jlee562]

If those are your choices, pick an Akubra.

Modern Stetson and Resistol are, as far as I can tell, the same. They're coming out of the same factory with different branding. 4x, currently, is wool. Don't buy a wool hat. I was going to recommend a custom wool from Knudsen, but looks like that's not an option on their site anymore.

The older 80's 4x Stetsons are fur felt, and while they're not spectacular hats, that'd be a wiser choice than a modern 4x wool.

 

[The Wizard of BC]

Presently I own Borsalino, Dobbs, and Akubra "Heritage Collection" hats. All but Akubra are fedoras. Akubra is in the "fedora neighborhood" with slightly larger brim that is not snap brim capable.

Having been a Montana resident for more than 25 years and far from even moderately sized cities, finally I have the urge to fit the "image". I seek a Western-ish hat. Since Resistol 4X, Stetson 4X, and Akubra "Heritage Collection" have available hats that fit the bill, any would be acceptable. I have neither examined or test worn Resistol or Stetson hats while I own an Akubra, I ask for quality comparison of fur felt and assembly. From pricing I have viewed, 4X Resistol or Stetson is as expensive as I can justify.

The nearest hatter is HHHH Hats in Darby, more than 100 miles south. And Jimmy Harison sells only hats he makes - ultra pricy. I request experienced users of these hats to describe as best the can.

The "X" designation of the quality of the fur used in hats has no standard. A 4X to one maker may be listed as a 100X by another maker. Stetson and Resistal are today owned by the same parent company and share the source of their fur and manufacture. I remember when my US Army Cav unit purchased "Cav" Stetsons for everyone. At the time the highest X listing offered by Stetson was 4X. This meant, at the time, 100% Beaver Felt. That same quality of felt today is listed as 100X. Today most list 4X as having less than 10% Beaver Most Felt hats made in the US today are some percentage of Beaver with Sheep, Rabbit, Cashmere, and un-named other fur mixed in. Akubra is 100% Australian Rabbit Fur Felt. Akubra Rabbit hats feel softer and lighter when they arrive than some US made hats. But that is due to the amount of shellac used in the final stages. I have added shellac to my Akubra "Heritage Collection" Hat and it feels as stiff and heavy as my 100% Beaver, custom made western hat. No, an Akubra is not a 100% Beaver Felt hat. It is not intended to be. But in my humble, side by side comparisons, it is far and above the quality of most 4X US made hats. And yes, I may live in Canada today, but I am from El Paso, TX and have been around quality hats all my life.

My Akubra "Heritage Collection" shaped in Fedora style.

My custom made 100% Beaver Western hat by Paterson.

Both steam shaped by me.

 

[suitedcboy]

The former boast/note that Resistol and Stetson were the only hat maker with complete hairs to hats control is no longer true. They closed their hat body plant early this year. It closed suddenly according the local newspaper article I found. It seems something about the operation was hazardous (fire risk? building collapse risk? it was not detailed) and the repairs were too expensive to justify. The employees got severance and the required notifications made to the Texas Workforce agency. I have no idea where their hat bodies will be sourced now. If you search "RHE Hatco Longview plant closes" you will find a few articles.

 

[One Drop]

Akubra quality is impeccable, they make hard wearing hats that stand up to hard wear and the elements. Check out their Western collection, they have some new models that look good and are closer to the look of modern Stetsons and Resistols, though there are few models that have ribbon hatbands rather than felt ones or ones made from leather or horsehair.

But the felts have a different feel to modern Stetsons and the like, being less finely pounced (not as smooth to the touch) and not quite as heavily stiffened, the crown being a bit softer, the brims when new almost but not quite as stiff.

Personally, if you find an Akubra model that you like, I would recommend it any day of the week over a modern Stetson or Resistol, but another option lies in seeking a vintage ht of either brand, if you are willing to take the time and effort needed to find a hat you like in good condition and that fits you. Used Resistols are a great value proposition, and it's easier to find a quality vintage one in great condition these days that won't break the bank.

The discontinued Akubra Snowy River fits the sweet spot for me for a traditional looking Western hat with a moderate sized brim, but they are a different animal to modern Western hats as are commonly worn in Texas these days, and you have to buy an older example if you want one with a grosgrain ribbon. I own a light brown and a grey one and absolutely love them both, as well as a bound brim Bushman that is also discontinued since a few years.

 

[ShadowXY]

Have my first Resistol 4X on the way. Black Tycoon style & I'm thinking a 70's- 80's hat. Has that older union label 83 or earlier? 3 1/2 inch brim about so not too large or too small.

Looked in excellent condition & my size. I like the teardrop pinch & I don't have one in black.

I have a similar older Tycoon in Granite Gray 6 7/8. fits but on the just right side & could be a bit looser.