This isnt what you want to hear. I'm more of a legit 7 7/8 to where a 8 can fit me slightly snug. I have both a sz8 and a 7 3/4 of the mets '86 grey under. The 7 3/4 is almost too snug, to the point of me needing to stretch it a bit, and the 8 is probably more like a 8 1/4. Finger width on the sides easily
. The 3/4 is basically the right size. Compared to the 8, which is really closer to a 8 1/4. Neither perfectly fit.
They somewhat get a pass given their price. I would never pay retail online
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Question for those with older on field grey unders (1992-2006 era). Do you tend to see the crown just become sort of soft after time? Is that from storage conditions of prior owners? I have some that still seem stiff (like when you first see it on the store shelves). Where as others which are still brand new, feel completely soft and worn in. They have a true low crown vibe. I have some from 92 that have a stiff high crown and some from '92 that look 20 years old. Same with some from 2006. My latest 2000 mets ws and the 06 grey under have crowns that have sort of lost their "pop".
What sucks is you cant tell from photos. I may be done buying older stock for awhile. A deflated crown is cool and all if youre the one breaking it in. Otherwise, it just doesnt always feel right