Beaver or rabbit?

[bleyd]

OK, I looked and didn't see a comparison on the two so I created this thread.

Other than the type animal it is what's the differance in Beaver and Rabbit felt hats? I'm looking at getting a new fedora and noticed the rabbit is cheaper. Is Beaver really that much better? What are the pros and cons between the two.

ready.........

set........

go!!!

[Bufflehead Jones]

If you are looking at an AB, he doesn't sell the rabbit anymore. If rabbit is what you want, Fedora will probably tell you that your best bet would be to get an Akubra.

Since you asked, generally beaver is better than rabbit. But, there is good and bad beaver felt, and there is good and bad rabbit felt. The AB beaver is hard to beat anywhere, at any price.

[Mulceber]

Maybe I'm not being bipartisan enough, but really the only advantage rabbit has over beaver is price. Beaver will take more abuse, reblock better, is softer, and repells water better. If money isn't a huge issue for you, I'd say definitely go for the AB. :junior: -IJ

[BendingOak]

I agree with both jones's.

[Kaleponi Craig]

I"ve had both a rabbit and a beaver hat. In its first rainstorm, the rabbit felt tapered a lot. As for the beaver hat, an Adventurebilt, it has gone through many rainstorms without any taper problems and has held up remarkably well. To me, there is no comparison, beaver (at least an Adventurebilt beaver) fedora is by far the best...KC

[bleyd]

Thanks guys for the advice. I think I already had the same answer but needed to hear it from the veterans that have gone through some fedoras. The only one I've owned is the cheapie that came out in the 80's. It's been through alot and it's time for it to retire so I'm shopping for a new one. I'm sure I'll go with an AB seeing the great reputation they have. Thanks again guys!

[BendingOak]

bleyd, you will be very happy with the Adventurebilt. Photo's don't do that hat justice ( even though they look grreat in photos). The AB is much better in person (You really need to see it in person).