UPDATE Choose a Keppler or new Federation?

IndianaSolo · Post by **IndianaSolo** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:32 pm

I received information from both vendors. Lee is using 8X Blend Felt and takes about 8 weeks. The New Federation(IV) will be available in 4-6 weeks and is rabbit.
Afew years ago there was a similar discussion. But to bring it back I Now ask:
I'm mainly looking for a hat that can stand a fair deal of beating and weather, can last a few years, and still have some screen accuracy.

UPDATE
I spoke to Lee and he provided useful information.

My budget analysis shows that I can afford an AB and another hat of up to $150. I am currently in the process of ordering an AB which leaves me with the other hat
A Keppler would be available in 6-8 weeks, and if you consider that the new Federation would go up in price, the price of a Keppler($148 after S&H) would come out to about the same as the new federation (after S & H) The only difference would be the quality of the felt and the time it takes to recieve it.
Now that the new Fed and the Keppler are on somewhat equal playing fields in terms of price and time to delivery (as of 03/05) the Fed would still arrive a couple of weeks sooner but in terms of OVERALL quality, durability, SA, and bang for buck...
Would you recommend a new Federation or a Keppler??

GoldenHistorian · Post by **GoldenHistorian** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:34 pm

like michealson says federations were made for outdoorsmen.
dont know about the keppler though but i think a federation.

Steve27752 · Post by **Steve27752** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:37 pm

I have had several Akubra`s over the years and I am now waiting for a `New` Federation in a dark brown.
Steve

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 4:39 pm

True, they are made for outdoorman, but we're comparing apples to oranges here, in my opinion.

The Keppler is indeed a beaver blend. Not comparible to any rabbit. It's a tough, VERY well made hat, comfortable, and one that will take a licking and keep on ticking.

That said, the Akubra is at the top of the food chain in terms of a hardy rabbit that will do the same.

The prices, though, are pretty different too, so if we're just talking about the time comparisons, I'd give the Keppler the nod, and just because of the beaver blend factor.

If you're talking cost, the Akubra would be the clear winner, and just as tough a customer in the field survivability end of things, as many folks can personally attest to after years of field work and wear.

Regards! Michaelson

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:40 pm

What about the Deluxe Federation? Is it also rabiit or a blend?

Randoman

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:47 pm

BTW, I would love to have a Keppler, but He doesn't return e-mails very quickly. What is the best way to get in touch with him?

Randoman

Magnum Jones · Post by **Magnum Jones** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:57 pm

rrhanselka wrote:BTW, I would love to have a Keppler, but He doesn't return e-mails very quickly. What is the best way to get in touch with him?

Randoman

Call him, I dont have his number anymore. Im sure someone here does.

IndianaSolo · Post by **IndianaSolo** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:34 am

His number is on the INDYGEAR.COM contact list. He doesn't like email so its best to call.

Kokopelli · Post by **Kokopelli** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:06 am

rrhanselka wrote:What about the Deluxe Federation? Is it also rabiit or a blend?

Randoman

Rabbit only.

I'm probably going to anger the Akubra gods and all the fans here, but...I just got a Deluxe Federation in yesterday, and I am not impressed. The sweatband feels nice, but other than that- no way was this hat worth the $190 bucks (with shipping) it cost. I spent the extra over the regular Fed thinking the color would be better- actually a 'brown'. It's...well, a taupe/grey/brown-ish color. The felt does feel dense, but no softer than a wool hat I have. The liner is GLUED in. The ribbon is the same color as the hat, only shiny.
In contrast, my Dorfman fur felt Indy hat has a beautiful brown color, soft pliable felt, and a sewn in liner! It's too big, but I'm selling it and will replace it with one that fits me.
Anyway- given the choice of the 2, go with Keppler. I wish I had done that in the first place.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:14 am

My Keppler's lining was glued in. Has BeaverBrand changed that in the past couple years? If not, that's not a condemnation of Akubra. That's just a reflection of what production hat companies are doing these days with their production line hats. Even Camptowns have glued in linings, and it's comparible to the Keppler in build and material.

If you're referring to your 2003 Dorfman that you currently have in the classified, you'll have to pay around $400 to replace it. If you're wanting to compare a $400 to a $190 hat, I'm not sure what the purpose of that would be.

As I keep saying, 'apples to oranges' comparison.

Once again, if the monies are not in the discussion, I totally agree, the Keppler gets the nod from me too!

Someone in the Chattanooga area agrees, as it's the only hat I've ever had stolen, so SOMEBODY thought the grey Keppler I used to have was worth breaking into a car for! :evil:

Regards! Michaelson

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:59 pm

OMG!!!!! I'm expecting an Akubra Federation Deluxe any day now. I expected it to be a blend, not just rabbit, or I would have settled for the standard Federation. I'm not real happy, but then I shouldn't have assumed. I should have asked.

I've got an AB on order, but I would like to have a Keppler, a Peters Brothers, and a Camptown. Would someone in the know tell me what fur these hats are made of?

Randoman

Kokopelli · Post by **Kokopelli** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:06 pm

Keppler=bunny rabbit (some bucky beaver in it)
Peters Bros=bunny rabbit/bucky beaver blend OR all beaver for more $$$
Camptown=bunny rabbit/bucky beaver blend

Akubras=bunny rabbit

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:14 pm

Actually, Lee's telephone number isn't on the contacts page, only N/A. I'd sure like to order a hat. Does anybody out there know how to get in touch with Lee? PLMK ASAP>

Thanks
Randoman

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:18 pm

What makes the Deluxe Federation better than the Federation? In other words, what makes it Deluxe?

randoman

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:20 pm

citRon wrote:Keppler=bunny rabbit (some bucky beaver in it)
Peters Bros=bunny rabbit/bucky beaver blend OR all beaver for more $$$
Camptown=bunny rabbit/bucky beaver blend

Akubras=bunny rabbit

THERE ya go!

Lee's cell number is 619-647-6744. He asked us to give it out to folks needing to reach him on orders, as he's on the road just about all the time.

The Deluxe is a higher grade felt and finer finish.

By the way, where did you get the idea it was a blend? It's never been represented as being anything but Aussie jack rabbit fur felt.

Because it IS jackrabbit felt, it's coarser and therefore tougher and more weather resistant that what we're used to seeing in a rabbit felt hat.

Regards! Michaelson

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:43 pm

Michaelson....
I'm new here and trying to learn all I can about fedoras.
When I looked and saw a Federation and a Federation Deluxe, I figured one had to be considerably better than the other, ergo, a beaver blend. Maybe not too smart, but then I never claimed to be.
BTW, I love your Camptown hat photo. What do you think of Camptown and Peters Brothers. Seems like I'm "hooked on hats".

Thanks
Randoman

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:56 pm

Understood.

The Deluxe IS the higher grade rabbit felt of the two, but the Fed is the top of THAT particular grade of rabbit felt, if that makes any sense.

I own both Camptown's AND PB's. The PB's are custom, where the Camptown's are hand tweaked like the Keppler after coming from the manufacturer.

My PB's are very comfortable, and made to order. The Camptown's have the MOST comfortable vented sweat band of any hat out there....at least for MY head.

Regards! Michaelson

Kokopelli · Post by **Kokopelli** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:08 pm

rrhanselka wrote:What makes the Deluxe Federation better than the Federation? In other words, what makes it Deluxe?

randoman

The PRICE!!

Indiana Max · Post by **Indiana Max** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:07 pm

The felt and don´t forget the colour, much much better

Kokopelli · Post by **Kokopelli** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:27 pm

Indiana Max wrote:The felt and don´t forget the colour, much much better

...that's a joke, right?

IndianaSolo · Post by **IndianaSolo** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:14 pm

With all the options available out there, I now place more value on the AB considering it topped them all. If I ever get through to Steve I bet the wait will be worth it.

On that note, I've decided to go with Lee's hat. I like the color, The style, the shape, it just seems more SA than any other Fed that Ive seen yet. Sure the Fed is a good hat but Lee's has that look.
I just hope it will stand up well to the elements as Michaelson says.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:15 pm

It will.

Regards! Michaelson

Kokopelli · Post by **Kokopelli** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 8:17 pm

You have chosen...wisely.

IndianaSolo · Post by **IndianaSolo** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 8:34 pm

I'm really excited. I feel confident about the decision, considering I got duped into buying a wool DP

but I found a friend who wants to buy it. He's not into SA as I am.
Now I am trying to get in touch with Steve about an AB order, does anyone know if everything's ok with him? I'm sure he's REALLY busy but I can't send him the order until I find out exactly how much to send.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:29 pm

IndianaSolo wrote: I'm really excited. I feel confident about the decision, considering I got duped into buying a wool DP but I found a friend who wants to buy it. He's not into SA as I am.
Now I am trying to get in touch with Steve about an AB order, does anyone know if everything's ok with him? I'm sure he's REALLY busy but I can't send him the order until I find out exactly how much to send.

I ordered a wool DP.. then saw it and really disliked it. I think I'll sell it on eBay.. or something.

rrhanselka · Post by **rrhanselka** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:18 pm

Why not both?

I've had an Akubra Fed Deluxe on order now for a while, so today I talked to Lee and ordered a Keppler ROTLA bash. I also have an AB on order, so my question is "Is there a cure for this obsession, a pill, or a tonic? Maybe a tonic will do it, gin and tonic that is. After all, it's 5:00 somewhere.

BTW, Lee is a super great guy. I really enjoyed our conversation.

Salud
Randoman

IndianaSolo · Post by **IndianaSolo** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:25 pm

I don't want to get into having too many hats. I already have 1 fedora that I got from BCF that I wear for rainy days. I want an AB because it's beaver and for nicer days and a Keppler for all others. And when it's REALLY bad outside I'll wear the BCF

Mississippi Jones · Post by **Mississippi Jones** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 5:31 pm

I have a question about the color of the Federation. Looking at the pics on COW, it looks like the Feds are a very dark chocolate brown. On the Hat's Direct website, they look lighter, like Indy's. Indy's hat looks alot lighter to me. Are the Feds really as dark as they appear on the pics on COW?

Argonaut · Post by **Argonaut** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:32 pm

Mississippi Jones wrote:I have a question about the color of the Federation. Looking at the pics on COW, it looks like the Feds are a very dark chocolate brown. On the Hat's Direct website, they look lighter, like Indy's. Indy's hat looks alot lighter to me. Are the Feds really as dark as they appear on the pics on COW?

I'd kind of like to know that myself. I wish I knew what changes were being made to the Federation too.

Kokopelli · Post by **Kokopelli** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:31 pm

Mississippi Jones wrote:I have a question about the color of the Federation. Looking at the pics on COW, it looks like the Feds are a very dark chocolate brown. On the Hat's Direct website, they look lighter, like Indy's. Indy's hat looks alot lighter to me. Are the Feds really as dark as they appear on the pics on COW?

#

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:33 pm

Regard! Michaelson

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:04 pm

Seems like Keppler is getting quite a bit of business lately.. several threads regarding his hats.

IndyMo · Post by **IndyMo** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:58 am

theinterchange wrote:Seems like Keppler is getting quite a bit of business lately.. several threads regarding his hats.

Lee's a great guy - I have one of his hat's (LC BASH) and it wears like iron. He is a pioneer when it comes to recreating these hat's.

Mike

Lee Keppler · Post by **Lee Keppler** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:02 pm

Just to avoid any confusion, my phone(which I prefer) is on the contacts page. I just checked to make sure.

619-647-6744

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:08 pm

The Keppler does look good and I've been considering ordering one myself.

Jack