thoughts on a stetson pinnacle

[Bruce Wayne]

i have been considering getting a stetson pinnacle for some time. i dont knowif i would go with gray or black yet. i have read the "stetsons in the modern day" thread & that helped me some, but not much. i read in there that they are powdered & that the colour can run. however it seems that people were refering to the temple, which is the same as the pinnacle, only it is made from rabbit, not beaver.
so, what are your thoughts?
thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[avedwards]

I think the pinnacle is over $300. For that money you could get a custom made hat from Art Fawcett (costing $305). That would definitely be as good as vintage, and you can have it made to look any way you like. So my advice is to stay away from Stetson, even their Pinnacle.

 

[Topdog]

Can you confirm that the Temple (soveriegn quality fur felt) is indeed rabbit and not beaver?

 

[MattJH]

There is plenty of information in the Stetson Pinnacle thread that would probably help you.

 

[avedwards]

Whether the Temple is rabbit or a rabbit/beaver blend is Stetson's trade secret. Either way, from what I have heard I would advise you not to get it. If you are looking for something in the Temple price range get an Akubra. If you want something in the Pinnacle price range get a custom hat. But I would always advise against a Stetson dress hat, as I have one and it is not what I hoped for considering the price.

 

[JohnnyB53]

Black would be pretty intimidating in that style. I'd go with the gray.

I tried on a black Pinnacle in a Village Hat shop. It's a "nice-looking" hat, but doesn't cut as imposing a profile as the the online pictures imply. The felt is velvety black, which is impressive, as is the 2-5/8" brim, but this is lessened significantly by the crown, which is tapered and only 4" at its highest point. My Fed IV Deluxe crown is nearly 5" tall after I creased it, and has straighter sides.

 

[Topdog]

I have several vinatge "name" hats that are in excellent condition as well as a Stetson Chatham that I just recieved from Aaron's Hats. ( I wanted an everyday hat that wasn't either my grandfather's hat or a museum piece of american history).

The stetson is a soveriegn quality fur blend hat. I think it is very well made, comfortable and looks great. I got caught in a downpour a couple of days ago. It did not run, it kept me dry and it dried back into its original form and size.

I have no complaints about the felt , construction , or style of the new "modern" stetson. I have recieved many compliments on it and have whole heartedly recommended Stetson and Aaron's to several of not only random acquaintences but more importantly my close friends.

 

[animator]

I have a Stetson Pinnacle in gray. It is a fine hat, but for the money you have to go with an Art Fawcett! The Pinnacle's felt does feel really nice, but the ribbon, liner and sweatband seem kind of "junky" to me.

With a VS everything on the hat is first rate and it will fit perfectly! If you can find a Pinnacle under $200, okay... but much more than that and I'd hold out for a custom.

 

[Dewhurst]

If you can find a Pinnacle under $200, okay...

A Pinnacle under $200 USD would be a great buy, indeed.

 

[Mr. Paladin]

I like modern Stetson hats and think they get an unfair "bashing" here sometimes. I have five of them and wear them pretty much constantly when I'm out; some with more formal attire and some with more casual clothing. I will add a black Pinnacle to my collection as soon as I find a nice one at the Garland Outlet Store. It will be less than $200 there.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

thanx for the responses everybody. however i think i am going to go with a steel gray penman wehn i do deciede i need a new hat.
thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[animator]

I think you are making a good choice, Bruce

I hope you don't think I was bashing the Pinnacle, Mr Paladine. I have liked the modern Stetsons I have seen and I really like the Pinnacle's felt... It's a very nice hat.

If you get one at the outlet store I think you will be thrilled with it. Mine came from the outlet store via JP design who added edge binding at a total cost of $175. That was a great buy... but at $300+ retail, I don't think the Pinnacle holds up against other options like a VS (or other custom) hat.

 

[Mr. Paladin]

I hope you don't think I was bashing the Pinnacle, Mr Paladine. I have liked the modern Stetsons I have seen and I really like the Pinnacle's felt... It's a very nice hat.

Not at all, sir! I was referring to some of the commentary which seems to come regarding Stetson quality in the last 20 years or so, and is just downright derisive sometimes. [bad] [bad] [bad] It seems to be moderating a bit overall however, and a couple of really good threads have been started lately regarding Stetson and their new line of fedoras. A representative of HATCO posts on Stetson issues sometimes, and I appreciate his willingness to face the questions and provide information. I think the quality must be improving in the last few years, in conjunction with more new members trying them for themselves and finding that they are not really the "junk hats" they have sometimes been made out to be. Stetson has been a unique American tradition for years and has provided hats for the workingman as well as the president. I'm just glad to support the company in its current configuration and to help keep the brand in play (yes, I know its not the John B. Co. it once was). I love the look of the customs and other brands as well, and I am developing a fondness for vintage e-Bay finds. All seem to fill a different, sometimes overlapping niche and all have their place.

As to the Pinnacle, I have seen a couple at the outlet store in Garland in the last year but both were grey and had obvious defects (over-runs and seconds are sold there I believe, but with careful examination, I have never bought a hat from there where I could discern what the defect was). I did however, love the feel of the felt and its buttery smooth pliability. I keep hanging around there because I really want a black Pinnacle for my use and I do love the hunt!