Dorfman Pacific vs Stetson

[crismans]

I've lurked here for a couple of weeks now but just recently joined up. I thought my first thread should be one that allows everyone to ridicule me for years to come.

I bought a Dorfman Pacific.

Yes, I know but 3 factors led to this. 1.) I've been trying to get rid of this strange sickness I've dubbed "Indy Gear Fever" and thought buying the hat might help, which leads to 2.) I got the hat for $26. 3.) I remember fondly my Indy Stetson (long since gone unfortunately). Now, I don't know if this is just the gleam of nostalgia or wavering memory but the Stetson seemed like a decent hat--a real hat.

The DP doesn't (as everyone here knows). It feels like a toy. Not to mention inaccurate. I thought I might be able to style it more SA but it doesn't take to shaping at all.

Live and learn. Now, I've got to feed this sickness with a better hat.

[Vegeta]

You need to buy a Federation 4 from Hats direct.

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi/products. ... edora+Hats

[Buchanan Bob]

Welcome aboard, crismans. Vegeta is right. The Fed IV is a great lid. It feels like a REAL hat. You won't be sorry.

Bob

[Piker]

Dorfman v. Stetson.

They are a lot like a shop-vac. Turn the switch one way and it *****, turn the switch the other way and it blows......

[Fink]

It’s quite simple, I believe:

Christys´ is the best “costume” hat; cheat and it look really really good!
Akubra Fed IV is a real hat, for a real man.
AdventureBilt, simply *THE HAT*!!!

There are others, of course, but these are the only ones worth paying for...

[gabrielle]

You must add in Jimmy Pierce hats, they are tough and look great.

Also the Fieldmaster is a tough, well made and nicely priced hat.

And the Keppler, great quality and customer service from my man Lee.

[crismans]

Dorfman v. Stetson.

They are a lot like a shop-vac. Turn the switch one way and it *****, turn the switch the other way and it blows......

That's a great analogy! Of course, back around '84 (I was 12 or so) I thought that Stetson was the greatest thing ever.

[IndianaBogart]

I'm gonna have to agree with everyone else here. The Akubra Federation is the way to go. I've had mine for nearly a year and I love it. As a kid I had a cheap knock-off hat and thats exactly what it felt like. When I got my Federation though I got a real hat. So unless you have the $$$$ for an AB, which I don't then go for the Federation.

[crismans]

I have heard a lot of good things about the Federation. Bashing the hat myself isn't that intimidating but don't you have to cut the brim to get the dimensional cut? The thought of having to do that is really unnerving.

[Fink]

The Federation IV have a crown height of 5 5/8ths inches, the brim have a dimensional cut of 2 1/2" on the sides and 2 3/4" front and back.

You can check everything about the Federation IV here:

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

[Indycrazy5187]

Magnoli aint bad either.

[Fink]

Magnoli have the best HJ, but I’m not sure I would recommend any HJ for a first fedora! I would love to have one, but for collector purposes only.

More info here:

viewtopic.php?t=25584

[Chewbacca Jones]

If you've already gone through the DP experience, check and see if you have the wool of fur felt version. If you have the fur felt, then you pretty much have the Stetson Temple all over again. The Stetson does not look the part.

Within the general price range of a Stetson, a standard Federation might be you best bet. It's one tough sombrero!