Zephyr XLine, Refresh, And ReVault Snapbacks Explained

The topic I am about to discuss has been somewhat confusing to me; I am still researching into it. However, as many Zephyr fanatics know, Zephyr has recently unveiled the following snapback styles: XLine, Refresh, and ReVault. While each display their own uniqueness, they also share some characteristics.

These sets of Fresno State University and University of Maryland snapbacks will help illustrate the differences between the ReVault and the Refresh snapbacks. The main graphic design of any ReVault snapback is that it features a retro logo of the school or team. Much of the time, the ReVault will feature an old-school logo of the mascot. The Refresh features the current logo of the school. The Fresno State ReVault snapback is on the left, while the snapback on the right is a Refresh.

The next two pictures further clarify the differences of the ReVault and Refresh. The Maryland ReVault is on the right, featuring a retro logo; the Maryland Refresh is on the left, featuring the current logo.

The next set of snapbacks with help identify between the Refresh and the Xline. The Xline is essentially the logo of the Refresh with a snapback. Notice the difference between the BYU Refresh on the left; the Xline on the right. As far as I know, only certain Refresh designs have been used to form Xline snapbacks.


An exclusive, notable design of an Xline snapback is for Arizona State University. What makes this extremely unique is the fact that "this is the only time the school has allowed anyone to remake Sparky in a different way." All three of these colorways are still available on Hatmonster.com, which is extremely surprising. Be sure to get one before they run out; they "will be only for sale from now until August."


 
The nominee for "Snapback of the Week" is the Gonzaga Bulldogs Blockbuster 2 Snapback. The white-crowned Blockbuster 2 snapbacks are one of my favorite designs; although I should not say that because I like every design Zephyr has made on snapbacks.

     
I am once again sorry that I did not post last week: it was filled with taking exams, attending choir practices, graduation practices, and open houses. While graduating was the main highlight of last week, another cherished moment of last week was Zephyr's announcing me to be a super-fan. It truly is a honor to be named super-fan, and I intend to live up to the title. 

 

Zephyr Square Brim Fitteds, Snapback Rant, Snapback Of The Week

This week's post is a collaboration of ideas for the Zephyr Super-fan blog. Included is a preview of a project that Zephyr is working on that is to be released during the fall of 2012, a rant on snapbacks that I have been thinking about, and lastly, the snapback the week.

Projects that Zephyr is currently working on include bringing back the square brim fitted hat, pictured above. These were part of what Zephyr made in 1993 when they first begun. Zephyr's new version of the 1993 fitted has the "feel of a snapback but in the original fitted shape." It is due to be released sometime during the fall of 2012. I have a feeling this hats are going to be extremely popular! To see more of these pictures, check out Zephyr's Facebook Page, and look at their albums. Buy them on Hatmonster.

Snapback Rant: it has occurred to me that individuals who wear snapbacks are biased. A bias that labels the individual as reckless, rebellious, etc. You are probably familiar with this bias, or stereotype. I am not completely opposed to this bias, because many people I see around my city present themselves and act accordingly. However, I do not want this bias is placed upon me when I go into public, or even am around acquaintances. I do not want to be associated with recklessness or rebellion. While the bias is true because of the reckless people who wear snapbacks, I also think that it came about because of some (not all) rap icons who present themselves and their music as 'gangster', 'reckless', and 'I do what I want', who too wear snapbacks. It seems that the music presented has an underlying ideal that the hearer embraces without knowing. Afterward, the hearer begins to live by the same ideals, often a 'reckless' way of living. Why should a fantastic, quality-made Zephyr snapback be accompanied with this bias? It shouldn't. I want to encourage snapback-wearers to act self-controlled and caring in public; therefore disproving public opinion, and giving the snapback a respectable reputation.

"The Snapback Of The Week" this week is not one individual snapback, but a collaboration done with Zephyr. It was released May 11, 2012 in celebration of the Denver Nuggets convincing 113-96 win against the L.A. Lakers. Zephyr was founded in Colorado, so implementing the Denver area code of "303" onto a snapback would be very appropriate. Designed in twelve different colorways, the Zephyr '303' Snapbacks features colorways for the Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, as well as others. 

Zephyr Hats Super-fan: Snapback Styles Pt. 2

In Snapback Styles Pt. 1, I briefly summarized popular styles Zephyr uses on their snapbacks. I plan on doing the same in this post, displaying other lively colors and designs that are featured on Zephyr snapbacks.

The first style I'd like to discuss is exemplified in the X-Ray snapbacks, a style that looks like what it is called: an x-ray. Made in both curved and flat bills, stretch fit and snapback.

Another style Zephyr has recently ushered in is the Razzle snapback. I think one of the most fitting teams to be featured on the Razzle is the Colorado Avalanche, because of its chilling lettering describes the word 'Avalanche' very well.

On the left and right are shots the Supersonic snapback, which has an attractive, retro look on the front of the crown. As far as I know, these are only made with rounded-brims, but I wouldn't be disappointed if they had square-brims either.


Something unique about Zephyr is that they make Blanks. Blanks are simply hats that do not have a design or logo on them, allowing the buyer to have custom embroidery and designing on their hats. Zephyr makes blank snapbacks, fitteds, curved bills, flat bills, round brims, square brims, and more! One can get custom embroidery for a school name, city league intramural team, or anything else you want to represent on the quality material of a Zephyr.

Above, and to the right, are examples of the Headliner Snapback, a simple yet stunning design for a snapback. Available in all black (above), or original (right).

One of Zephyr's newer designs is on the Shadow Script snapbacks. Obviously, the script has a shadow in the background, along with a team logo near the bottom right part of the crown. Made solely in square brims.

To the right and left are Zephyr Flashback snapbacks. To be honest, this is one of my favorite designs, although I wish they were made with square brims. Not to be confused with the New Wave or the Rally, which I'll address next.

To the left, a Hatclub exclusive, is the New Wave snapback that has similarities to that of a Flashback. Note how the script on the New Wave decreases in size, and then slightly increases. The Flashback's font remains the same size, and simply swivels from left to right. Lastly, to the right, is the Rally Snapback, which also is similar to the Flashback. The Rally is square-brimmed, and also features another swiveled script across the front of the crown. The Rally is due to release sometime in 2012.

I know I didn't cover every snapback style Zephyr has ever created. These two posts were intended to overview some confusing styles as well as unveil the most popular styles Zephyr has made. As time progresses, and Zephyr reveals more styles, I can discuss them, and provide other information on them.

Zephyr Hats Super-fan: Snapback Styles Pt. 1

When it comes to styles of snapbacks, Zephyr has variegated, uniquely-designed, and often imitated styles. I intend to show some of Zephyr's designs that get popular feedback online, and that I've seen in actuality. Seeing hats online does harm to the design and colors of a hat. Being in the presence of a hat allows for better distinguishing of colors, and studying of design. This one of two posts dealing with Zephyr styles.

To the right is a Zephyr custom Chicago Blackhawks snapback, not to be confused with the Oregon Ducks Blockout, which is on the left. Both are similarly designed, but to note the small differences: 1) The dividing line between the name of the mascot and the name where the team can be found. 2) The  placement of the team logo.




Next are a Zephyr BYU and Kansas Hype Snapback, a newer design with a unique design that cannot be rightly captured by a camera. I saw many in stores, and was more impressed in person than on the screen.

 









To the left is a rare design Zephyr has made, called the Swoop, which I have never seen in person; but the design is captivating, and I don't know where you can buy them. I was told that "the Swoop is coming out in bits and pieces as various retailers are buying their own version of them." 

Below is a series of shots of a Florida Gators Zephyr Upshot Snapback, a creative design not to be confused with, but similar to, the Zig Zag.

The photo on the left pictures a UConn Refresh Snapback, a logo oriented line of hats for schools. The Penguins Zig Zag Snapback to the right has a thrilling design, and could be often confused with the Upshot.

To the right, and above, are Superstar Snapbacks. Made in both round and square brims, the Superstar features not only schools, but cities and countries like Brooklyn, Sweden, and Italy.

Lastly, I want to cover the Blockbuster collection. To the left is a Blockbuster 2, which basically is the square-brimmed version with the color-filled design of the regular Blockbuster, which is to the right. You can buy both styles of the Blockbuster on Hatmonster.

Launching of Zephyr Hats Super-fan Blog

This marks my first post of my Zephyr Hats Super-fan Blog. My intention with this blog is to prove to Zephyr my loyalty and passion for their brand, and will post various times throughout the 'Super-fan Contest'. If this blog becomes popular, I would continue to post about Zephyr, including reviews, styles, and why Zephyr has the best hats out the market!

This first post will simply uncover how I came across Zephyr, and then how and why I am dedicated to the "Z". During the summer of 2011, I was sidelined from basketball due to a ankle-injury. I started to spend hours on Facebook, and I always had a positive bias towards Zephyr because my oldest brother worked for them and wore their hats. I suddenly became an avid follower of the Zephyr Facebook Page, and began learning more about their brand. Over the summer I learned about different styles and information, and got my first Zephyr snapback. My enthusiasm for Zephyr continued into the beginning of my senior year of high school when I saw a friend wearing a University of Colorado Zephyr Fitted hat. It has now been almost a year from when I started becoming interested in Zephyr Hats, and I don't see my craze ending anytime soon.

So. How and why the dedication? As I learned about Zephyr of the summer of 2011, I started answering customer questions on the Facebook page if they went unanswered from David Gormley, the President of Zephyr Headwear. My internet activity with Zephyr was often talked about among my friends at school, and soon Zephyr would be a part of our everyday conversation. I'd update them with new styles that were coming out, explain the Zephyr licenses for different sports, and other information. Any time hats were mentioned at school, I'd be sure to include Zephyr in the conversation. The reason behind my actions are simple. What Zephyr is doing is providing quality, creatively-designed hats. And what they say about their hats is evident in their product. Honesty is a rare trait one finds in doing business. Another characteristic that stood out to me was their involvement with customers. Then there is the fact that I live within 5 miles of the Zephyr Headquarters, and Zephyr was established the same year I was born: 1993.

As I close this opening post, I will tell more what I plan to do with this blog. Posting at least once a week is a goal of mine, which will include posting pictures of hats, reviewing hats, and other new ideas that come to mind. I appreciate any feedback from anyone. Also, I do not claim to be the biggest Zephyr super-fan; I just enjoy hats for what they are and would be thrilled to be part of the Zephyr Street Team. The hat I am wearing in second picture is a Notre Dame Flashback Snapback.