Stretch or Reblock?

[IndyFan89]

I took a break from Gear for quite some time, but back in 06 or 07 I was a very active member on this board. I purchased several hats including two Akubras (size 61, fits perfect) and an AB Raiders from Steve Delk. (Pictured below) The AB was snug but it fit and for a while was my favorite hat. I didn't wear it much though... (only on special occasions, my Akubras was more "everyday")

Fast forward 10 years and now my AB is super snug. I mean, it fits, but it's so snug that after no time at all I have a headache. (Gained 70lbs after getting married in 2010) I bought a cheap stretcher from Amazon, steamed my hat out in a hot shower, and tried to stretch it out. No luck. It settled right back into its tight fit.

Do I need to have it stretched or reblocked professionally or is there something else I can do? I live in Southern California; Is there someplace I can take it to have it stretched? Should I sell it and use the money for another hat? Please help.





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[Michaelson]

Had the same thing happen to me with my Ford felt beaver AB that Steve made me back in '06.

Tried exactly the same thing you did, and what finally solved the problem was a reblock and new sweatband.

The hat was made in your pre-weight gain size (as was mine), so no matter how hard you stretch it, it's not going to work, and it can eventually warp your brim if you stretch it too much.

Anyway, that was my experience, and the way I had to finally solve the problem.

Good to see you again!

Regards! Michaelson

[Indiana Jeff]

I would suggest a reblock. If you've tried the stretcher and it's not working, you could risk damaging the hat if you stretch it too much.

Wellema Hat Company https://www.wellemahatco.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and

The Wise Hatter http://www.thewisehatter.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

are both located in California. I don't have hats from either, but both seem to have solid reputations. Also, neither specifically make Indy hats so you could end up with something moving away from strict SA.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Michaelson]

Dave Garrison did mine, by the way.

Regard! M

[Charybdis]

Good to know all the options. I would try a reblock first. If, for some reason that doesn't work, then I guess you can still sell it and save up for a new one...

[IndyFan89]

Dave Garrison did mine, by the way.

Regard! M

Is he here in CA? I don't want to give up screen accuracy. I know Todd's is a couple hours away; does he offer reblocks?


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EDIT: I'm willing to send it off to preserve screen accuracy so if you guys have any suggestions on someone to reblock I'm all ears.

[Indiana Jeff]

I don't think Todd offers reblocks, the hats he offered were factory made.

If you are willing to send outside of CA, then David Garrison is my suggestion. I have a number of hats by him and the work is outstanding and David trained directly with Steve Delk "back in the day". A number of members, as Michaelson did, have sent their ABs to David and have been pleased with the results.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[IndyFan89]

I don't think Todd offers reblocks, the hats he offered were factory made.

If you are willing to send outside of CA, then David Garrison is my suggestion. I have a number of hats by him and the work is outstanding and David trained directly with Steve Delk "back in the day". A number of members, as Michaelson did, have sent their ABs to David and have been pleased with the results.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Anyone, by chance, have his contact info?


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[Indiana Jeff]

David is located in Georgia. http://garrisonhatters.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; He is Local Land Surveyor here.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[IndyFan89]

David is located in Georgia. http://garrisonhatters.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; He is Local Land Surveyor here.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Thanks so much!


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[micsteam]

IndyFan89, you're getting good advise.. yes I'd try David Garrison or John Penman. If the hat in question was worn in wet weather it can shrink to, FYI.

[IndyFan89]

IndyFan89, you're getting good advise.. yes I'd try David Garrison or John Penman. If the hat in question was worn in wet weather it can shrink to, FYI.

Does anyone know what David's turn around time is or what he charges?


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[Indiana Jeff]

His website lists 6-10 weeks, but that can be variable.

Best to contact him directly to get total pricing and what his timeline looks like.



Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[micsteam]

I don't know Garrison's turn around time or price but go to his website garrisonhatters.com to find out or contact him, I know John Penman at penmanhats.com has a wait list but $105 full reblock but he's got a connection with Steve at AB so you might get a price decrease but you'd still have to call him to discuss your issues and the same as well with Garrison. My advise, with whomever you speak to, get on the phone and speak directly with them so you can correctly address your issues/concerns with your hat.

[Michaelson]

Dave Garrison did mine, by the way.

Regard! M

Is he here in CA? I don't want to give up screen accuracy. I know Todd's is a couple hours away; does he offer reblocks?

Unfortunately, no.....like Jeff said, North Georgia, but I mention him as someone who knows what we want, and has experience at fixing exactly what we're talking about here through 'fixing' two of MY AB's that had exactly the same problem.

Regards! Michaelson

[Chewbacca Jones]

I agree with the reblock and sweat replacement, but would add one thing. Whoever does the reblock, have them check the sizing. I had a similar problem, and I didn't even gain weight. It turned out that a sizing error had occurred, and the sweatband size didn't even match the hat itself.