Thought I'd ask the experts

carolinamike · Post by **carolinamike** » Mon May 26, 2008 11:22 pm

I'm looking to buy a fedora, but I'm a recent college grad with very little money. So, while I would love to order a beaver felt like an AB or a Camptown, I cannot right now afford it. I was just wondering which of the less than $100 fedoras would work the best. I was considering ordering a Nostalgia from the Stetson Outlet Store and abashing it myself. Just wondering if the forum could help me.
Thank You,
Mike Wallace

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Mon May 26, 2008 11:28 pm

fed 4 standard is just over a benjamin....but you'll still need some change for the shipping. akubra is the best bang for the buck in turn-around and cost imo.

blueoakleyz · Post by **blueoakleyz** » Mon May 26, 2008 11:36 pm

OO I just graduated college too
I'm going to order the Fed IV

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Mon May 26, 2008 11:44 pm

My advice: forget the Stetson and save a few extra bucks for an Akubra Federation IV. By far, the best bang for your buck, as was stated earlier. With the shipping charges though, it may be in your best interest to pruchase a Keppler or a Camptown.

Dave

Fink · Post by **Fink** » Mon May 26, 2008 11:58 pm

I love my Christys'!

I got mine from:

http://themovieshop.com/

carolinamike · Post by **carolinamike** » Tue May 27, 2008 12:21 am

Now I'm known to be a little rough on my hats. Will the Fed IV or the Christy's stand up to overseas travel, deserts, and/or the inside of a bag?

Fink · Post by **Fink** » Tue May 27, 2008 12:36 am

Christy's have stand my use so far, haven’t tested it for real yet. Still, I know these are like Gremlins; don’t ever let them get wet or you will regret it!!!

So, I guess a Fed IV is what you are looking for after all.

gabrielle · Post by **gabrielle** » Tue May 27, 2008 7:25 am

Go with an Akubra Fed. even if it is a little more. It will last forever, is screen accurate and there's little wait time.

The Aviator · Post by **The Aviator** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:01 am

Yeah the federation is by far the best choice...I have yet to get an IV but im pretty sure my old one could take a bullet and come out looking all the better....There TOUGH as nails imo...and to top it the new IV is far more screen accurate with height and ribbon and all

...its a no brainer for a reasonable fedora with screen accurecy with Steve Delk's recommendation!!

Cheers

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:35 am

I can do nothing but second the Fed IV recommendation---I have 2 Deluxes, and they're absolutely top notch...And tough as nails!

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:41 am

For just a little over $100, you just cannot beat the Fed.

Georgia Jones · Post by **Georgia Jones** » Tue May 27, 2008 11:46 am

Ditto all comments re: the Fed, great hat, have a Fed III deluxe and a Fed IV reg, love em' both...b.t.w., did not realize Stetson was offering the Nostalgia again, when I started looking about 6-8 months ago, they did not have them, even at the oulet...

carolinamike · Post by **carolinamike** » Tue May 27, 2008 5:33 pm

What's the difference between the Fed IV and the Fed Deluxe? Akubra doesn't have them on their website. Hats direct just says that the Fed IV has Akubra Imperial Quality felt and that the Fed Deluxe has the highest quality felt.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Tue May 27, 2008 5:56 pm

fed iv has an upgraded sweatband and further pouncing on the 'highest quality felt'.

carolinamike · Post by **carolinamike** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:00 pm

So is that a rabbbit , rabbit/beaver, or rabbit/wool? They never mention the material.

scot2525 · Post by **scot2525** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:23 pm

Not wanting to be repetitive but the Fed IV is absolutely outstanding. I just recieved mine today. I am still working on getting a bash I like.

If I ever decide to replace my Fed IV it would only be for a HJ Poet sable from Indy Magnoli or Todd's costume and I would have both bash it for me.

Mississippi Jones · Post by **Mississippi Jones** » Tue May 27, 2008 8:49 pm

Fed IV Fed IV Fed IV Fed IV Fed IV Fed IV Fed IV

Piker · Post by **Piker** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:49 pm

carolinamike wrote:So is that a rabbbit , rabbit/beaver, or rabbit/wool? They never mention the material.

All rabbit.

Piker · Post by **Piker** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:51 pm

carolinamike wrote:What's the difference between the Fed IV and the Fed Deluxe? Akubra doesn't have them on their website. Hats direct just says that the Fed IV has Akubra Imperial Quality felt and that the Fed Deluxe has the highest quality felt.

Deluxe is sanded and finished a little finer and from slightly better fur.

Georgia Jones · Post by **Georgia Jones** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:02 am

I believe the fur is from the underbelly of wild hares...gotta love those specifics...

Doctor_Jones · Post by **Doctor_Jones** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:32 am

Fink wrote:I love my Christys'!

I got mine from:

http://themovieshop.com/

Fink, does the chrysty's look like that in the picture? got any pics of yourself? they look quite great. no?
anyone else got some feedback about these fedora's?

Indiana Strones · Post by **Indiana Strones** » Wed May 28, 2008 9:55 am

Fed 4 forever!!!

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed May 28, 2008 1:53 pm

Just to keep things democratic, if you're wanting to delve into the world of 'custom', you may also want to look at the Peters Brothers soft rabbit/hare blend Indy fedora too.

Custom made to order, and $200 plus shipping. A bit more than the Fed IV deluxe, but like I said, custom made.

Something else to ponder.

Regards! Michaelson

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Wed May 28, 2008 1:59 pm

We're so lucky these days, there are such a lot of great options out there!

The more the hobby develops, the better for the fans.

I'm (once again) hatless at the moment as my AB deluxe found it's way onto a 'celebrity' head, no less!

But I'm looking at a Fed IV for my next hat-related purchase.

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:08 pm

I'm (once again) hatless at the moment as my AB deluxe found it's way onto a 'celebrity' head, no less!

:

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:10 pm

Keep watching 'mythbusters'.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:12 pm

So, he finally decided to move away from an Akubra and get an AB, eh? VERY good!

Regards! Michaelson

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:14 pm

Indeed - I'm waiting for it to show up on TV so I can bore my good lady with cries of 'Look! There's my hat!'.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:19 pm

ob1al wrote:Indeed - I'm waiting for it to show up on TV so I can bore my good lady with cries of 'Look! There's my hat!'.

what's the myth? if a fedora can actually be stapled to your head to prevent it from blowing off while riding an arabian horse? adam is gonna need some band aids for this one........

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:21 pm

Maybe they could see if a hat will stay on one's head after three waterfall drops..?

Piker · Post by **Piker** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:26 pm

Tao Berman's helmet does...

http://www.taoberman.com/images/gallery ... r_1_lg.jpg

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:42 pm

not fair, he's using a chin strap......cheater.........

it seems the train is tipping on this thread, i'll give it a good kick back on the tracks.

i ordered a fed 4 deluxe on the weekend as i don't have a fedora to go with my gear {ducks a punch from my wife}.....all right, i don't have a KOTCS fedora to go with my {steps away from a kick from my wife}....'k, i wanted i hat that i could practice throwing on the pavement and pick up and put on my head while staring at my shadow (r u happy honey?!?!).

i confirmed with jenny at hats direct to measure that hat so that it fits my noggin as there has been some sizing issues. i believe she's in the air right now.

from what i've seen of the felt, it looks very smooth and rich....i can't wait to bash it. will post pics when she gets here.........

carolinamike · Post by **carolinamike** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:53 pm

Thanks for all the help guys. I guess I'm going to order a Fed IV. I still wish I could get an AB though. Maybe in a couple of years.

Georgia Jones · Post by **Georgia Jones** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:55 pm

you'll be happy with the new fed IV deluxe, I have the fed III deluxe and a reg. fed IV, the deluxe is much softer than the reg., the reg. almost felt like cardboard out of the box, but since I have been breaking her in she is getting nice and soft...has just taken longer than the deluxe...love em both...

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:58 pm

The only difference is the deluxe uses the better quality felt, then?

Is there also a colour difference between the regular and deluxe?

Piker · Post by **Piker** » Wed May 28, 2008 3:09 pm

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

Imperial Quality
Akubra Hats reputation for tough wearing qualities and fine fedora styles is based on this grade of felt. It is tough, hard wearing and can take any punishment dished out to it. These hats like hard wearing.

The Heritage Quality
This felt is a relatively recent addition and is made from finer fibres taken from a select part of the rabbit pelt and mixed with the native Hare resulting in a grade which is denser and smoother than the Imperial grade. Parts of the pelt not required are discarded. It is more stable over time and less prone to shrinkage and distortions such as the tapering of the crown.

The Heritage Grade is the closest rabbit fur grade to Beaver Felt.

As far as color goes, you would need to ask the SA HardCore.

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Wed May 28, 2008 3:13 pm

Keep watching 'mythbusters'.

Adam finally retired his hat? Awesome! Man, those two are what I dream of doing when I grow up....

NICE!

carolinamike · Post by **carolinamike** » Wed May 28, 2008 7:46 pm

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

Quote:
Imperial Quality
Akubra Hats reputation for tough wearing qualities and fine fedora styles is based on this grade of felt. It is tough, hard wearing and can take any punishment dished out to it. These hats like hard wearing.

The Heritage Quality
This felt is a relatively recent addition and is made from finer fibres taken from a select part of the rabbit pelt and mixed with the native Hare resulting in a grade which is denser and smoother than the Imperial grade. Parts of the pelt not required are discarded. It is more stable over time and less prone to shrinkage and distortions such as the tapering of the crown.

The Heritage Grade is the closest rabbit fur grade to Beaver Felt.

As far as color goes, you would need to ask the SA HardCore.

So is that saying that the Fed IV is tougher than the Fed IV Deluxe, or that the Deluxe is just as tough but softer?

Digger · Post by **Digger** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:13 pm

And again, call Lee Keppler I have a 4 year old Keppler and have a new one on order

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:22 pm

I believe he is upping the beaver content and changing the ribbon. I think that is all, but I am not sure. If the manm himself could shed some light on the matter, that would be great. I have to say, I am loving my Keppler and could not possibly be happier with it. I believe he told me that the batch of felt he had for my hat was recieved from Fedora. I may have missunderstood him though. If that one is in the running, my vote goes for the Keppler. You won't be let down.

Dave

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:26 pm

Just the beaver content and ribbon as far as I know. When we spoke, he didn't mention different crown heights or brim widths. I believe it is just that. I also remember him mentioning something about a new sweat band, but that I am unsure about.

Dave

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:37 pm

I believe the price is going up to $175. Not a bad deal. I would have paid $175 for the current Keppler. I guess that would put the hat in direct competion to the Camptown Fieldmaster. Two different animals though, totally different hats.

Dave

Lee Keppler · Post by **Lee Keppler** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:49 pm

Boy, let me nip this in the bud! Fedora does NOT supply the felt. This a higher grade of Portugese felt obtained by Beaver Brand. The new crown is now 5 1/2" unbashed. The ribbon is dark brown. The brim is 2 1/2" on the sides and 2 3/4" front and rear. This felt is very soft, resulting in a very comfortable hat to wear.

Now, should they have a white liner or a gold liner? I may run a seperate post on this. All in all, this is a hand bashed, very high quality factory hat. I am quite proud of it.

I know,"this thread is worthless without pictures", but I'm an old guy and a bit challenged when it comes to things like this. I can e-mail a pic I took with my phone of the prototype, however. My daughter may be able to walk me through my new camera.

I have a big batch arriving in about 3 weeks.

carolinamike · Post by **carolinamike** » Wed May 28, 2008 8:59 pm

If Indiana Jones had really existed back in 1936---assuming that he was, after all, only a fictional character---what kind of fedora would he have worn? Something brown and broad-brimmed, obviously, but would it have had his name stamped in gold on the sweatband and a little logo pin with his name on the hatband?

No, all those modern reproductions you can buy at Disneyland and so on are pale imitations of a classic original---a traditional fedora in rich brown fur felt that Indy probably bought off the rack in some upscale big-city haberdasher's shop before years of gritty adventure, combined with dust and sweat, turned it into the personal trademark that we have come to know and love. As a cultural icon, it ranks right up there with Dorothy's ruby slippers, Sam Spade's trench coat, or Darth Vader's helmet.

The hat Indy bought in 1936---when Harrison Ford was still just a twinkle in his daddy's eye---might well have been something like this vintage fedora from the venerable (and now defunct) New York/Boston haberdashery Rogers Peet, which first opened for business in 1874. This hat's probably not as old as 1936, but it has just about the right style to capture the Indiana Jones mystique: 2 1/4" brim; tall, vertical 5" pinch-front crown, and wide 2" grayish-brown grosgrain ribbon hatband to match the color of the felt. The inside is unlined; the brown leather sweatband is gold-embossed with the Rogers Peet script and the model name EDGELEY. The size tag is marked 7 1/4, and the interior circumference is almost 22 1/4".

This is a high-quality, well-made hat. Just run your fingers over that soft fur felt: it's gotta have a high fur content, maybe beaver. Look at the classic welted edge on the brim: that's what they used to call the Cavanagh Edge, a felted-in welt with no visible seam or stitching, very expensive to make. This is no cheesy Disneyland hat!

Condition: Although it has a vintage look about it, this old fedora hasn't seen much adventure so far. There are no apparent rips, holes, moth bites, or globs of organic crud; your biggest clue that it's been around the block a couple of times is the small worn spots on the welt around the bottom of the sweatband, and nobody will ever see that if you don't take the hat off (and Indy never did, did he?).

Found this on ebay. What do y'all think. Anyone heard of these hats?

Lee Keppler · Post by **Lee Keppler** » Wed May 28, 2008 9:20 pm

Actually, the old blocks were 5 1/4" where the new blocks are 5 1/2"

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu May 29, 2008 12:33 am

Sorry, didn't mean to mislead anyone. Like I said, I had probably misunderstood and now I know I did. I may pick up another hat, Lee. My father really liked the one you sent me last week. Let us know when you get the new hats in.

Dave

Lee Keppler · Post by **Lee Keppler** » Thu May 29, 2008 1:10 am

When you see all the posts from happy owners , you'll know they have arrived!

YARVTON · Post by **YARVTON** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 8:04 pm

Are you still offering the Indy Fedora in "China Clipper Gray"?

Thought I'd ask the experts

Thought I'd ask the experts

Attention: Lee Keppler