David Morgan's new "Explorer" Akubra Indy hat

Bernardodc · Post by **Bernardodc** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 7:30 pm

Hey guys,

I don't normally post in this fedora section, but while browsing David Morgan's website I noticed he's added a new "Indy" hat to his catalog. It says:

"The Explorer is our newest fedora, in the same shape, style and color as the fedora worn by Indiana Jones in the "Indiana Jones" movies. The open crown is 5-1/2 inches, the raw edge brim is 2-7/8 inches on the front and back, 2-5/8 inches on the sides. It is made in Akubra’s Imperial Quality fur felt in a mid brown color. It is finished with a matching 1-3/8 inch grosgrain ribbon band. Fully lined, with a reeded roan leather sweatband. This is a durable hat that will stand up to long-term hard use. Made in Australia."

You might want to check it out. Here's the link:

http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info ... 59a247ac45

Regards,

Bernardo
www.delcarpiowhips.com

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 7:52 pm

Good grief.....it's a Federation!

I wonder if HatsDirect know he's offering this one under this description?

Regards! Michaelson

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:22 pm

Is that the regular federation that sells for $89 on hatsdirect ? the only difference being that they bashed it?

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:33 pm

Looks like it to me....

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:37 pm

Actually, even Morgan states it's open crown, so it's not pre-bashed either.

I've sent an email to Ron at HatsDirect to see if he knows.

Regards! Michaelson

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:38 pm

The words "in the same shape" seem to imply that the hat comes bashed, but that doesn't necessarily mean that that is the case. "Same shape" could imply as much of a stovepipe block as possible instead of a tapered block.

This is kind of disappointing. I wonder who's idea this was?

[edit]Michaelson, you and I had the same thought at the same time.[/edit]

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:43 pm

Michaelson wrote:Actually, even Morgan states it's open crown, so it's not pre-bashed either.

So they would cost even more to bash it like the pic?

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:07 pm

If it looks like a Federation, and smells like a Federation.....

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:18 pm

the ribbon is not the same colour as the fed though.....where did this creature come from?

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:55 pm

What's everybodyrolling their eyes for? I personally would rather order the Fed from DM and avoid the shipping and possible custom fees on one from Down Under. $104 is a pretty good price unless things have changed since I looked at them last. Dad bought one from Hats Direct a few years ago and it cost him $140 shipping and all.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:05 pm

Hmmm. Looks like he got Akubra to make him an Indy fedora. The crown height, ribbon and brim width do not match the Federation from Ron though. I think Mr. Morgan may have added an Indy hat so it will be in place for the new film. I imagine you will see a few more hatters do this as the time get closer. Fedora

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:05 pm

I personally would rather order the Fed from DM and avoid the shipping and possible custom fees on one from Down Under

Right on!!

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:09 pm

Wait! I thought the webpage said the hat had a Indy style to it. What do you call this??

It's still a nice hat, though. I'd buy one.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:17 pm

is it me or can this be the twin of baron hats' cliffhanger?

perhaps its the way its photographed but if i was a fedora layman and paid for baron hat and got the explorer....i couldn't tell the difference

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:22 pm

The bow is different and the Cliffhanger's ribbon is a nicer color. Aren't Cliffhanger's pricey?

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:28 pm

very very pricey. i am under the assumption that you can make a killer TOD hat out of them....the village scene hat. almost pulled the trigger on it a while back.

the explorer pic makes me wonder though.....has anyone ever put a teardrop bash in their federation?....i think it looks quite nice.

Jaredraptor · Post by **Jaredraptor** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:29 pm

Indiana G wrote:very very pricey. i am under the assumption that you can make a killer TOD hat out of them....the village scene hat. almost pulled the trigger on it a while back.

the explorer pic makes me wonder though.....has anyone ever put a teardrop bash in their federation?....i think it looks quite nice.

I plan on putting a teardrop bash on a Federation once I get one. It does look quite nice.

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:32 pm

I wouldn't put a teardrop bash simply 'cause I don't like the way it looks. I've seen hats that can sport it, but my feds can't.

fatwoul · Post by **fatwoul** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:53 pm

- - -

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:58 pm

i'm gonna hold my breath on this issue till michaelson finds out whats going on

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:25 pm

Well, it's got two things going for it right off the bat. It's an Akubra so you know the material is good and the hat's specs are pretty good for an "off the rack" hat.

The only thing I don't like is the color of that ribbon. It reminds me of my old TOD Dorfman that I owned.

I wonder if maybe the lighting is off in that pic and the ribbon is actually darker.

If I get one I would want it open crowned for sure.

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:27 pm

A lot of times, people use the word "style" to describe virtually anything. "In the style of" is the phrase I used to see on ebay a lot when you saw auctions up for Dorfmans, which is what I belive that hat up there that Indyfan89 posted is, not a clone of the Cliffhanger. Anything with a decently tall crown and wide enough brim can be called an Indy "style" hat, as long as they use the word style and don't omit it, thereby causing buyers to think it's the genuine article (if you can call a DP that

), then it's all street legal to do.

Maybe DM just got the OK from Ron at Hatsdirect to sell 'em, bought them at a wholesale price, and put them up. I think that's what Todd of Todd's Costumes did, as he is selling WPG bags and shirts.

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:28 pm

If I get one I would want it open crowned for sure.

For sure.

ANZAC_1915 · Post by **ANZAC_1915** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:38 pm

I will try and drop in to DM's tomorrow or early next week and take my Fed Dlx in with me to compare.

David had offered to take me out on the grass to see how my bullwhip technique is going. (note to self, bring helmet and safety gear!)

My opinion, the price is good, good to have additional choices of hats/places to buy them. (no real opinion on the hat itself except to say the open crown pic looks like a Fed (regular))

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:41 pm

anzac, i hope you bring a camera!

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:46 pm

J_Weaver wrote:What's everybodyrolling their eyes for? I personally would rather order the Fed from DM and avoid the shipping and possible custom fees on one from Down Under. $104 is a pretty good price unless things have changed since I looked at them last. Dad bought one from Hats Direct a few years ago and it cost him $140 shipping and all.

Based on Fatwouls, Erin's and Michaelson experience with them I ordered a regular federation a day ago from hats direct. $114 including shipping to Florida. So not knowing what the shipping from DM they may be about the same.

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:53 pm

I was thinking the same thing, Indycop. When I ordered my fed from Hats Direct, that's what I paid, and had it within a week. If anyone paid 140$ for theirs, what's the most likely explanation is that the exchange rate has changed since then (in our favor

).

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:03 am

And although I haven't received it yet, they responded quickly to my emails and the ordering process was simple. They were very nice!

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:55 am

Indiana G wrote: the explorer pic makes me wonder though.....has anyone ever put a teardrop bash in their federation?....i think it looks quite nice.

I did a simple c-crown on my first Fed, which stayed there until the recent reblock. I also have the same c-crown in my Campdraft. It's not what you see in the "Explorer" pic, but it has gotten compliments. Maybe I'll rebash my new Fed. I mean, how many Indy hats does a guy need?

Doh · Post by **Doh** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 2:44 am

Pitfall Harry wrote: The only thing I don't like is the color of that ribbon. It reminds me of my old TOD Dorfman that I owned.

It would definitely look better with a darker ribbon. I usually like a bit of contrast, regardless of hat color. Although black on black usually works.

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 2:46 am

Strider wrote:I was thinking the same thing, Indycop. When I ordered my fed from Hats Direct, that's what I paid, and had it within a week. If anyone paid 140$ for theirs, what's the most likely explanation is that the exchange rate has changed since then (in our favor ).

I paid about $70 or $80 for my Fed regular when I got it only 3 years ago.

In Christ,
Shane

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 8:22 am

To answer the question about why I'M rolling my eyes, the Federation line was supposed to be an exclusive hat to HatsDirect by Akubra, made SPECIFICALLY for HatsDirect sales. If this is exactly the same hat from Akubra to David Morgan, that's gone by the wayside, and no one was told.

We worked with RON to develop the Federation line, NOT David Morgan. At the time we were working to obtain a replacement hat for the Miller and Stetson, Morgan was approached, and he told us he could care less. He made whips, and sold supplied Akubras we saw in the catalog, and nothing else. Now he's selling an Akubra Indy???? Yeah. Sure.

If it's a completely different hat, well, cool!

The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned, but I'm not impressed considering our past history with David Morgan and the attempt to get him involved in creating a hat for us when we needed one and he just blew us off.

Sorry, but I tend to remember things like that.

Regards! Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 9:26 am

I guess when folks realize there's a chance to rake in more cash from folks on the horizon, they could care less about previous opportunities. I'd be interested in Ron's take from Hats Direct if this is indeed the same "exclusive" hat. But if it is a new offering, it's still interesting that Morgan "suddenly" decided to jump on the bandwagon.

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 9:42 am

michaelson thanks for the history lesson for those of us who are new around here. Now I can have breakfast and cl_l !
I would say your work with ron at hats direct is still paying off when new people like me are going to them based on others experiences from here.
P.S. Here have some cl_l! Got extra!

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:49 am

I think the open crown shape looks very similar to my 58 Fed when I got it, but Fedora says no, and he's the expert.

Please don't misuderstand me. I was only referring to the advertised crown height of the DM offering, and the brim width. Federations are generaly 5 3/4 open crwon, 2 7/8 by 2 3/4 brim. The DM hat, while it looks like a Federation has the smaller specs, including ribbon width, I think.
Perhaps this is a hat already offered by Akubra(have not checked lately on what they sell).

Personally if I was after an Akubra, I would have to give my money to Hatdirect. He was the guy who helped uo out back when the pickings were slim. But then I never was one to 'forget" who the good guys are.

The price of the Akubra from Hatdirect used to be the bargain of the century. It's a new century now, and with that comes the power of the US dollar that is not as strong as it was when we first started shopping with Hatsdirect. I think I paid around 50 bucks plus shipping for my first Federation. Fedora

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:21 am

Well, I think it might help if someone who has had some experience with all of the different hats purchased this one to see just exactly what it is.....I doubt the guys over Hatsdirect know anything about this.

I just wish Hatsdirect offered these specs on both the Fed and Fed Deluxe.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:30 am

I sent them the link last night, so mabye we'll hear something today.

Regards! Michaelson

GCR · Post by **GCR** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:31 am

Pitfall Harry wrote:Well, I think it might help if someone who has had some experience with all of the different hats purchased this one to see just exactly what it is.....I doubt the guys over Hatsdirect know anything about this.

I just wish Hatsdirect offered these specs on both the Fed and Fed Deluxe.

The perfect Akubra (for me) lies somewhere between this new DM offering and the Federation line. I like the brim specs and crown height of this DM explorer more than the standard crown and brim specs of the Feds, but I think the Fed Deluxe has the better color by far, and both Feds have a better ribbon (color and width).

If someone could get Akubra to make a hat with these "Explorer" crown and brim specs, the Fed Deluxe ribbon and felt color, but with the felt finish of the regular Federation, I'd say they'd have a BIG winner. Heck, I'd buy one.

-GCR

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 11:35 am

If someone could get Akubra to make a hat with these "Explorer" crown and brim specs, the Fed Deluxe ribbon and felt color, but with the felt finish of the regular Federation, I'd say they'd have a BIG winner. Heck, I'd buy one.

-GCR

You want to know the ironic part about this, GCR! That's about what Fedora and _ created on their own when they were experimenting with different Akubra hats back in the 'dark days' of the hobby!

Fedora went on to create his AB line, and _ veered off to jacket research.

Regards! Michaelson

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:35 pm

So do you think Hatdirect would be more open to doing something like GCR suggested now that DM's got his hat out there?

I loved my Fed. Deluxe but the crown height and brim width was a little bit to tall and wide for me. Now I know you can trim the brim and I applaud the brave people that do that but there's nothing you can do with the crown.

I've wanted to get another Fed. Deluxe for a while now but those two little things have had me on the fence for a while now.

I'd hate to buy the DM and then have to sit there and change the ribbon. I did that once already with my other hat and it wasn't fun.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Fri Aug 17, 2007 12:40 pm

Aeris_Canon wrote:
Pitfall Harry wrote:Well, I think it might help if someone who has had some experience with all of the different hats purchased this one to see just exactly what it is.....I doubt the guys over Hatsdirect know anything about this.

I just wish Hatsdirect offered these specs on both the Fed and Fed Deluxe.
Makes no difference if someone had experience with a bunch of different hats or not. Would only take anyone who's owned a Fed to be able to tell whether or not this hat is similar or exact. If it's an Akubra felt it's a decent hat.

I totally get the loyalty to Hatsidirect, Fedora, and the history behind it. The Feds are really good hats but there are just some of us who'd love to see a shorter crown come out of their shop.

Can't blame DM for trying to get in on the niche, though. I'm wondering what took him this long, really.

Believe me, if Hatsdirect put out a hat within these dimensions, I'd be more than happy to buy one from them instead. Just saying, those specs on this hat aren't too shabby in terms of appeal.

Well, all I was suggesting was someone to "bite the bullet" and order one of these so we could all get a better idea of what this actually is. I'm SERIOUSLY thinking about ordering one once I get some cash built back up in my account.

I'm just a little "iffy" on that ribbon color.

This does look like a great deal. Especially if you can get this hat open crowned.

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 1:55 pm

I went on hatsdirect last night and I could swear all the akubras were $10 less!

when I ordered my regular federation last week it was $89 U.S. Last night on there it was $79 U.S. the deluxe was also showing ten less! either I was hallucinating (it was in the middle of the night) or they even cheaper now! Maybe this is in answer to the explorer. definitely makes you have to rethink the explorer

So if any one can check the site and confirm that I am not crazy then this would make an already excellent vendor with an excellent reputation and product even better!

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:16 pm

Yeah, it's showing $79.27 for the regular and $130.04 for the Deluxe.

It seems to me they are cheaper.

I still want to know more about DM's hat. The only reason is because of the hat's specs. If I could get a Deluxe from Hatsdirect in those specs I'd be in heaven.

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:17 pm

Maybe they will make some changes too

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 2:24 pm

I'll de driving up to visit DM and his shop and I'll let you guys know what I think.

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 3:55 pm

That's cool, Oak.

Can't wait to hear back on what you find out.

fatwoul · Post by **fatwoul** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 4:25 pm

- - -

Indycop · Post by **Indycop** » Sun Aug 19, 2007 5:21 pm

Your experience with hats direct and Erin's with the regular fed, i think thats right. Of course now that they less expensive I may have to get that Bogart or stylemaster!

Bernardodc · Post by **Bernardodc** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:12 am

Hatsdirect prices haven't changed; what has is the exchange rate as the Australian dollar is going down. Perhaps now is a good time to buy and save some bucks!

Bernardo

Post by **Tennessee Smith** » Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:42 pm

Indycop wrote:Your experience with hats direct and Erin's with the regular fed, i think thats right. Of course now that they less expensive I may have to get that Bogart or stylemaster!

Yeah, I'm kinda diggin' the Hampton right now

David Morgan's new "Explorer" Akubra Indy hat

David Morgan's new "Explorer" Akubra Indy hat

hat making