VetPsychWars
A-List Customer
- Messages
- 410
- Location
- Greenfield Wisconsin
I don't see the modern Stratoliner thread anywhere nor have I necessarily seen mention of this fantastic new development from Stetson... the Stratoliner B.
For those who have followed me before, you know I like two things: a good factory crease and a hat with a decent amount of stiffener. This new Stratoliner B has both. The crown will definitely hold its shape and the brim has a good snap to it. When you compare these to the NOS Stratoliners from the 50s, the feel is much the same. I know some of you profess that these hats weren't stiff when they were new, but once you handle a NOS version, you know that's not necessarily true.
One significant change is that the crown has been creased 1/4" higher at its highest point and in the front. 1/4", you say? So what, you say?
1/4" can be quite a lot! It changes the entire look of the hat. The rake now looks right. It's a whole new ballgame!
The Stratoliner B is easily identified by its label, which says "Stratoliner B". My first was a Stetson Pure (100% beaver) in Alabaster and I knew it was different but it wasn't so obvious at first nor did I understand what the B meant. Now I know. You can measure to make sure, the keel is 3-1/2" high and the front crease's low point is 3-3/4" high.
The "Peacock" is an interesting color. Seems like it's blue with the saturation knob turned down. It's almost a neutral charcoal, except it's not. It would complement a brown leather jacket quite well.
Tom
For those who have followed me before, you know I like two things: a good factory crease and a hat with a decent amount of stiffener. This new Stratoliner B has both. The crown will definitely hold its shape and the brim has a good snap to it. When you compare these to the NOS Stratoliners from the 50s, the feel is much the same. I know some of you profess that these hats weren't stiff when they were new, but once you handle a NOS version, you know that's not necessarily true.
One significant change is that the crown has been creased 1/4" higher at its highest point and in the front. 1/4", you say? So what, you say?
1/4" can be quite a lot! It changes the entire look of the hat. The rake now looks right. It's a whole new ballgame!
The Stratoliner B is easily identified by its label, which says "Stratoliner B". My first was a Stetson Pure (100% beaver) in Alabaster and I knew it was different but it wasn't so obvious at first nor did I understand what the B meant. Now I know. You can measure to make sure, the keel is 3-1/2" high and the front crease's low point is 3-3/4" high.
The "Peacock" is an interesting color. Seems like it's blue with the saturation knob turned down. It's almost a neutral charcoal, except it's not. It would complement a brown leather jacket quite well.
Tom
