Anyone ever bought a non-fitted hat?

[IABlue]

I am thinking specifically of those Richardson "System5" or whatever they're called things that basically covers two different hat-sizes with one hat, i.e 7 1/8-7 1/4.

I wore of the flexfit hats for one base game last year, and it didn't seem too bad. I am sick and tired of buying fitted hats where the same size fits drastically different depending on each hat.

Anyone have a thought on the look/feel/comfort of these things?

[Replacematt]

I am thinking specifically of those Richardson "System5" or whatever they're called things that basically covers two different hat-sizes with one hat, i.e 7 1/8-7 1/4.

I wore of the flexfit hats for one base game last year, and it didn't seem too bad. I am sick and tired of buying fitted hats where the same size fits drastically different depending on each hat.

Anyone have a thought on the look/feel/comfort of these things?

You're going to have the same issue with the System 5. I always try them on, because sometimes a 2 works, and sometimes a 3.

[JaxRolo]

I have had good luck with the 3 .

[Triguy29]

They are the only hats I wear. I think I'm between fitted sizes because I can't find a comfortable size but the m/lg Richardson fits me and looks the best on me.

[Thunderheads]

I wear the Richardson FlexFit on the bases (NOT THE MESH) ...

It's a nice cap that does not look like a flexfit, ...it looks fitted and is comfy. Sometimes, I'll wear them working the stick, but usually it's a fitted for plate.

[UmpJM]

I did ONCE - for a "special occasion".

Never again.

JM

[NWA_UMP]

I use nothing but fitted...however, Richardson NEEDS to work on it's sizing. They are not consistent...

[semper_fi_72]

Only thing I wear is Flex Fits.

Can not get a fitted cap to fit. They are either to big or to small.

[noumpere]

I use nothing but fitted...however, Richardson NEEDS to work on it's sizing. They are not consistent...

It was the same with NewEra and with some other brand I had. No solution other than to try a bunch on when the vendors come to town for clinics ect.

[NWA_UMP]

I use nothing but fitted...however, Richardson NEEDS to work on it's sizing. They are not consistent...

It was the same with NewEra and with some other brand I had. No solution other than to try a bunch on when the vendors come to town for clinics ect.

I only wish I had that option...Small market and EVERYTHING has to be ordered online.

[Kevin Finnerty]

If I ever wore a flex-fit, it would be on the bases, where I wouldn't run the risk of displacing it by taking off my mask. Thr Richardson System 5 is a good one.

I ordered New Era and now order Richardson caps by the box. I usually buy a box of six six-stitch and four eight-stitch at a time. (Plate caps wear out faster.)

As for the sometimes odd sizing: I am normally a 7 1/2, but Richardson seemingly come a little large. I wear a 7 3/8 six-stitch Richardson on the plate and stretch it slightly. (I like my plate cap fairly tight.) And I wear a 7 1/2 eight-stitch on the bases and leave it the way it is. Out of that last box of New Eras (before they discontinued them), they were all labeled 7 1/2, but only six of them were properly sized. Out of a recently purchased box of Richardsons, only one was improperly sized (a too-small six-stitch).

I save so much by buying them by the box that I can just give away or sell (cheaply) the ones that I can't stretch or shrink to fit. I still have several new, uncreased New Eras, but as I mix a couple of the Richardsons in, I have to say that the new ones that they're putting out are pretty damned good caps. They crease beautifully, and they are pretty comfortable. I think I actually prefer them to the New Era.

[NWA_UMP]

Kev-

How do you shrink them down if need be?

[Umpire in Chief]

Flex fit reviews: http://umpire-empire.com/reviews/browse/umpire_equipment_reviews/uniforms/richardson_flex_fit_caps_/index.html

I prefer fitted overall, but have no problem with the flex fit on the bases.

And I agree with those who posted Richardson sizing needs to be more consistent.

[noumpere]

I ordered New Era and now order Richardson caps by the box.

Who do you order these from? Because Im in the need for some new caps.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I bought them most recently from Epic Sports, but Ump-Attire has the six-stitch for just a little more per cap. Epic has them for $6.89 per cap for 10, and $7.39 per cap for fewer than 10 on the six or eight-stitch. Ump-Attire Has the six-stitch for $7.99, but their eight-stitch is $11.99.

When New Era was being discontinued, I grabbed up a box full from Lester's. As long as you know what you're ordering, Epic is safe, but if you need to make any returns, forget it. Ump-Attire, on the other hand, has the best service. But a case of caps for $69 is pretty cool, and a rather safe purchase.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Kev-

How do you shrink them down if need be?

I boil a pot of water and dunk it in and swirl it around a little while holding onto the cap's bill. Then, I dry it in a 200 degree oven.

The natural way is to sweat it up and then toss it on the dashboard on a hot day. But the boiling water/oven method is king. (It may hasten the fading, however.)

[johnnyg08]

Kev-

How do you shrink them down if need be?

I boil a pot of water and dunk it in and swirl it around a little while holding onto the cap's bill. Then, I dry it in a 200 degree oven.

The natural way is to sweat it up and then toss it on the dashboard on a hot day. But the boiling water/oven method is king. (It may hasten the fading, however.)

I wonder if you could wrap it in aluminum foil before putting it in the oven. leave a vent or two for steam.