Need a New Hat!

[UpstateIndy]

I'm on a budget here so be gentle.

looking for the best / SA Raiders for $200.00USD or less.

Any opinions?

[djd]

I'd recommend Todds Uptowner. Very nice hat for the money with a good Raiders look

[indyclone]

yes i also recommend the todds uptowner, great hat for the $150 price tag
or even the downtowner which is a bit stiffer but only 99 dollars

the uptowner is on the left and the downtowner is on the right

[Texan Scott]

If you are going Raiders style, the Fed IV. Deluxe from hatsdirect.com (Australia) lends itself to a great Raiders look, as others have shown with their SoC bash (Holt and Fedoraraiders) and distressing work. It was my first fedora, and I have never regretted the purchase. Also it is a tough wearing rabbit/hare blended felt, weathers the elements well. Sweatband is one of the best/most comfortable in the forum.

Fedora also says, $/$, best deal in the "Indy universe".

[BendingOak]

I would say for under 200 mark the fed. Would be the best bang for the buck.

[Ranger36]

Heres a thread that might be of some help.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43162

[Mulceber]

Fed. -M

[whipcracker]

What about the Explorador 36 by Indiego Jones?

[theinterchange]

How much do those run, and where can they be seen besides here? I know I've seen his pics somewhere on here.

Randy

[whipcracker]

I was quoted $160 shipped to where I live (UT). It seemed like a pretty good deal, and there are lots of pictures on the Spanish Indy forum. I hate to say it but do a search under Explorador 36 and there are some posts on it. (I would just put the posts link for you but I don't know how

[UpstateIndy]

I'm very much leaning toward the Fed Deluxe. However, i hear the brim is huge. Some have been trimming, taking an 1/8in off. How do you do that? Is there a special tool?

[Clutters]

Get a Fed IV Deluxe. Tough as old boots and extremely comfortable. I got one, there is no need to cut the brim at all, just give it enough turn, following the Youtube tutorial posted above. It really is a quality hat.

[binkmeisterRick]

I'm very much leaning toward the Fed Deluxe. However, i hear the brim is huge. Some have been trimming, taking an 1/8in off. How do you do that? Is there a special tool?

First of all, if you do decide the trim a brim, wear the hat as is for a couple of weeks. You might come to realize you like the brim as is, which means there is no reason to trim it. If you do decide to trim, keep in mind you do this at your own risk. There's no way of returning a hat after you take a blade to it. Also, start with a little, like even a 1/16th of an inch. 1/8th is a LOT more than you think. You'll be surprised how much difference either could make. Wear the new "trim" for a week or two before cutting again, as per the first comment of getting accustomed to a brim size. Okay, now the nitty-gritty:

1. Get a sharp tailor's chalk pencil. Using a ruler, measure off 1/16th or NO MORE than 1/8th of an inch around the edge of the brim.

2. Get a SHARP pair of fabric scissors, not something you cut paper with or your "use for everything" pair of scissors. A bad pair of scissors will maul your brim. Using your chalked line, cut to the OUTSIDE of that line. Take your time. Don't rush it.

3. Use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth off the bumps and edges to your cut. After that, you should be good to go.

4. Remember, you do this at your own risk!

[Texan Scott]

Upstate, you may be confusing this:

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info ... ts_id=1128
The open crown is 5-1/2 inches, the raw edge brim is 3-1/8 inches on the front and back, 2-3/4 inches on the sides.

with this:

http://www.hatsdirect.com/federation/index.html

With the David Morgan product, I could see where you might want to cut the brim down. However, with the hats direct, Fed. IV model, you don't have to cut the brim down at all. Those specs were supplied by Steve (Fedora), per the specs of the movie. The brim will be 2 3/4" front to back , and 2 1/2" side to side.

[binkmeisterRick]

TS is right, the two hats he links to are COMPLETELY different models. Hats Direct is the only place to get the more SA Federation line.

[MustangLoverMex]

I'll go with a FED IV

Regards,
-Alfonso

[UpstateIndy]

OOOH i get it

well, i have definately decided on the fed IV. Now to make sure i get the right size. My first and current hat (sad to say DP, but at least the fur felt) has shrunk like crazy and is cutting off circulation to my knogg'n.

I really wish i had discovered this site before i purchased my first fedora.

[Clutters]

Sizing? Check this out: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42651

My size 59 is still a great fit after a few weeks of wear and many many many hours of bashing. Also, when you bash it, don't use tap water, use demineralised water and only a small amount of steam, if at all.

[UpstateIndy]

why demineralized? I have just used a clothes steamer in the past with no issues.

Does this felt react to tap water? and if so can it not be wore in the rain? Just curious.

about size: i'm on the fence because i measure exactly 56, but don't want to end up with another tight hat. I think I may be measuring too low as you said you did clutters. i'll have to recheck.

[Texan Scott]

The minerals in the tap water might discolor it, calcium scale, etc.

[UpstateIndy]

Another Big question......

Is the Henry more SA / better built than the Fed IV? Is it worth the $100 more? Which one could i wear everyday and not be dead in a year?

and whos Henry is better? Penman or Kitter?

[VP]

Both are excellent hats, the Henry is a bit dressier IMO with a smoother surface. Worth the hundred bucks but not necessarily that much better. Both can be worn every day and not be dead in a year. jpenman is just the US distributor, he sells the same hats as Marc.

[djd]

Sorry to chime in again- but I really wouldn't discount Todds Uptowner. It's a really nice hat and comes already looking like a decent Raiders hat...

[Texan Scott]

Henry is a beaver/rabbit blend, 20%/80%. You get the softness of rabbit with the durability of beaver, the ability to weather the elements. The Fed. IV is a tough hat that you can wear every day and then some. The Henry passes through Marc's hands before John receives them for distribution and John can pre-bash it if needed. Either way, a Henry is a Henry.

[DR Ulloa]

The Henry is worth the extra money. It is much more SA, if that is a big concern. Better block and felt color and SA ribbon. The added beaver content makes it more durable and finishes nicer. I would go with the Henry over the Federation. If yo don't know if yo want to dish out the extra cash, then I'd say go with the Federation. Its the best in that price range. It won't die in a year, as you said. It won't hold up as well as the Henry in the long run, but it will hold up alright.

Dave

[cowboy827]

I own both a Henry and an original Fed Deluxe. I bought my Fed several years ago and wore it in all kinds of weather. It has really held up well and it's very comfortable.

However, my Henry is now really my hat of choice. I like the feel and color of the felt and I prefer the ribbon on the Henry. In order to increase its durability, I recently sent my Henry to Steve Delk, who has a new treatment for making his AB's more water (and taper) resistant. Steve charged me a very modest fee and I believe it was more than worth the investment.

Another thing to consider is whether you want to bash the hat yourself or if you prefer to have someone else bash it for you. The Fed is only available in an open crown, so you have to bash it yourself. On the other hand, if you buy a Henry, you have the option of requesting a specific bash and letting Marc or John handle the technique.

If cost is a major factor in your decision, then you can't go wrong with the Fed. But if you can spend a little extra, the Henry is worth it.

[Michaelson]

If cost is a major factor in your decision, then you can't go wrong with the Fed. But if you can spend a little extra, the Henry is worth it.

Totally agree with cowboy.

Regards! Michaelson

[UpstateIndy]

unfortunately cost is a factor, but i think i'll hold out to Christmas time and sweet talk the Mrs. She knows i really want an AB someday.

but honestly i am really looking for a good solid hat with at least an inch think felt, kinda like this...



So is the uptowner's felt/ribbon more SA? How is quality vs. fed?

[Texan Scott]

Heck, just get a hard hat! I'll send you a brown marksalot!

[DR Ulloa]

I don't know why you would want inch thick felt, but if you think that equals durability, that isn't the case. Plus, you'll be so hot in that thing you will never end up wearing it!

Dave

[djd]

So is the uptowner's felt/ribbon more SA? How is quality vs. fed?

Sorry didn't se this at the bottom of your post... I'd say the quality stands up pretty well against my Magnoli HJ (I have a Henry on the way so I'll let you know how it compares to that). The felt is thicker on the Uptowner than on the HJ and the hat is a little stiffer. To me it looks about as SA but I'm sure others will disagree!

Not the greatest picture but all I have just now-

[Michaelson]

If cost is a major factor in your decision, then you can't go wrong with the Fed. But if you can spend a little extra, the Henry is worth it.

Totally agree with cowboy.

Regards! Michaelson

I just read (I wasn't aware of this either) that the Henry has gone up $100, and now costs $300 plus shipping from Penman, so I'm afraid we're more than jus 'a little extra' cash wise on that selection now.

So, I'd now just say the Fed...either standard OR Deluxe (though I lean toward the Deluxe myself)

Regards! Michaelson

[Texan Scott]

Yeah, if it's $200 and no more, I'd say Fed IV Deluxe, whic hwas eluded to above. Otherwise, if you can save and then wait a little longer, the the Henry is worth it.

[UpstateIndy]

Well Ladies and Gents...

Sorry for the fire drill, but i have shifted gears completely! I've beem PMing Bending Oak with some questions and...

I've decided to wait a month or so and order a Penman Rabbit Raiders! To me it seems worth it to have a raiders fedora that has been painstakingly hand made by a true fan and in the same material as the movie hats. I know it won't hold up as well as beaver, but i like what i hear about rabbit. And the price!

Thanks for all your input.

[DR Ulloa]

I think you've made a great decision. I don't yet have one of Johns rabbit hats, but I hve two beavers and like the so much I have one on the way. His hats are second to none. And it will last you a lifetime. These hats can be reblocked and brought back to life when necessary. So, it will become an old friend. You re going to love this hat!

Dave

[Michaelson]

May as well lock this one then. Mission accomplished.

Regards! Michaelson