When it comes to X’s there are no industry standards or government regulations.
That is why it is so important to know the maker of the hat and what THEIR standards are.
For example, one companies 10X could be better than another companies 40X.
X’s were originally used to grade a beaver pelt when shipping it to Europe, to make a standard between old world and new world communications. The bigger and nicer the pelt was, the more X’s were marked on the back.
Jump ahead to the 1940’s and each X was equal to 10 percent beaver and 10 dollars. You could look in a 10X hat and know it was 100 percent beaver and 100 dollars.
Then the big companies started getting wise to the original “X Games”.
More X’s and less quality gave to bigger profits and less quality. You can know buy a 100X, 200X, 500X, and even a 1000X hat!!!
That is why, here at Greeley Hat Works, we don’t use X’s.
Here is what WE make hats out of…
All the blends, weights, and stiffnesses of our bodies are exclusive to us. We have very close relationships with 3 of the top felt makers in the world and have worked in their factories to get our “recipe” just right.
Remember, we only use fine European Hare, blends of European Hare and Beaver, Pure Beaver (belly hair only—no guard hair), and a Beaver and Mink blend.
The more beaver is in the hat it will make the hat more durable, hold its shape better, clean up better, and more weather resistant.
CLASSIC- This is our entry level hat.
This is a European Hare blend that many of our retailer partners compare to other companies 10X to 15X hat.
PURE ROUGHIE- a European Hare blend that is felted with sometimes several colors and finished with shark skin to give the nap a longer finish.
COMPETITOR- This is where our custom hats start and where we offer the most colors
This is better blend of European Hare that many of our retail partners compare to other companies 20X-30X hat.
Beaver20- 20% Beaver Blended with European Hare
This hat is thinner, lighter weight, more weather resistant, and durable.
Many of our retail partners compare this hat to 40X and better
Beaver Blend- 50% European Hare 50% Beaver
Pure Beaver- Just that. Pure Beaver belly hair.
This is our #1 selling hat. A little more expensive up front, but cheaper in the long run. If you ride a horse everyday, you don’t buy a cheap work saddle. Why would you skimp on a hat?
The Tycoon- Our most expensive hat
This Beaver hat is blended with about 20% Mink to give it more luster and a rich feel
It is also important to remember what is inside the hat…
What is next to your skin?
What is absorbing your perspiration?
The sweatband is key!
Many companies use Genuine Synthetic Taiwanese Leather (aka plastic).
Other companies use a “Bonded Leather”. That is like particle board…Sure it is leather (bonded together with glue)
WE ONLY USE the finest hand reeded Roan Leather Sweatbands.
We also offer a High Performance Sweatband that is raw leather and grips more.
Due to the fact that it is “raw” it patina’s and gets darker with wear. That is why it is only offered in our custom hats.