My quest regarding the ultimate sweatband is over

[Marc]

Or in other words: the finest sweatbands you can imagine vs. the lousiest digicam on earth...

Well, I finally got 'em. The long awaited prototypes of the roo hide sweatbands. Gotta admit, that they put everything I've seen to date to shame, unless you compare them with the fine sweatbands from "back in the days" - which was the intention.

Colorwise, they're an exact replica of the vintage HJ sweatbands (what a surprise...). They have a contrasting dark brown reeding tape, and a nice chocolate brown color on the leather. I REALLY like how they look

However the leather isn't the same as on the vintage HJs but a traditionally tanned roo hide leather with an invisible coating on the surface, to prevent them from darkening up (which might be desired on a bullwhip, but not on a sweatband ). The leather is colored all the way through and has that vintage feel to it. I can't say how happy I am with these prototypes and wanted to share even though the pictures are crappy.

Hope the give you a small impression though:



(without flash)



(with flash - closer to the original)

Regards,

Marc

[The real Henry]

Wow, the sweatband looks great and as you said it has a vintage feel it also has to feel great.

With the golden writing on it it's one of my favourite sweatband design.

... and I even like the colour!




Regards,
Henrik

[WConly]

Being 'roo', those puppys will probably outlast the hats they are placed into....good find! W>

[rick5150]

WOW Those pictures ARE crappy!

Just kidding! But I have been amazed through the years as I find myself really noticing the difference in the comfort provided by the sweatbands. I am glad to hear that you found your ultimate hat.

Knowing you though, it is temporary until you get a sealskin sweatband or someone captures Bigfoot or something and we find that is the ultimate... But congratulations for now, anyways

[Fedora]

Congratulations on finally getting them lined up Marc. I know you have been looking for the ultimate sweat for your hats. I hear they are practically indestructible and very comfortable. I look forward to one in that hat you are gonna make me. I love the fact that they are brown all the way through the leather, which is of course indicative that these are vegetable tanned skins.


If there are any leather experts on here, I need to ask an important question in regards to chrome tanned versus vegetable tanned leather. Perhaps it would be better to ask it in the jacket section. Fedora

[Marc]

Being 'roo', those puppys will probably outlast the hats they are placed into....good find! W>

You underestimate the quality of my felt

Knowing you though, it is temporary until you get a sealskin sweatband or someone captures Bigfoot or something and we find that is the ultimate... But congratulations for now, anyways

Dang, some people in here just know me too well

Congratulations on finally getting them lined up Marc. I know you have been looking for the ultimate sweat for your hats. I hear they are practically indestructible and very comfortable. I look forward to one in that hat you are gonna make me. I love the fact that they are brown all the way through the leather, which is of course indicative that these are vegetable tanned skins.

Thanks Steve! Yeah, it's taken a while (and even more money as you know), but well worth it IMHO! Once you get your hat, the similarities to you vintage HJ will hit you like a hammer

[Fedora]

the similarities to you vintage HJ will hit you like a hammer

Now that is the sort of pain that I welcome. Fedora

[randystokes]

Looks gorgeous. Congratulations on the end of your quest, Marc. Just remember that you can't take your sweatband past the Great Seal.

Randy