Opinion needed for a new hat

[FtrPlt]

Hi,
I've been lurking for about 6-8 months getting a feel for what's available for hats, etc. Great info and superb photos of the various hats on offer.

I'm looking to purchase a new hat and am flip-flopping between an a Fed IV and a Keppler. Both look great. Similar costs, etc.

My current hat is an unnamed 1950s-era Fedora that has since been worn to pieces. It's been my hiking/riding/boating/outdoors hat for 25+ years and, unfortunately, needs to be replaced.

My next hat will be used the same way. Is one more likely to hold up better than the other?

Chris

[indy89]

I own a Fed IV dlx and it is one tough hat. I haven't owned a Keppler, but I know that they taper if heavily rained on. A Fed is likely to hold up better against the elements... but the Keppler is a really nice hat. I really like the color of them.

[Alex]

I too am new but have already ordered a Fed IV. That one just seemed the best "bang for the buck" in terms of wear and tear. Plus, to really get the real look of Raiders, it needs to be weathered anyway.

[mufflowne]

You can MURDER a FedIV and it'll still be alive. I recommend the Dix.

Otherwise, wait for the factory AB.

[DanielJones]

Just another to add to the mix. The Camptown 1936 Fieldmaster has been on tough customer in my book. It'll handle the task you wish to put it through.

Cheers!

Dan

[Jones Boy]

Gotta be the FedIV - reg or dlx, cannot go wrong.

Cheers
Jonesy

[BazzanoJones]

I have a standard Fed IV and it's a beautiful hat made with very strong materials! But I haven't owned a Keppler to compare the two hats...

[DR Ulloa]

I own a Fed IV dlx and it is one tough hat. I haven't owned a Keppler, but I know that they taper if heavily rained on. A Fed is likely to hold up better against the elements... but the Keppler is a really nice hat. I really like the color of them.

My Keppler has been through a few rain storms now and still shows no sign of taper. I actually got caught in a decent storm yesterday (you know how unpredictable South Florida weather can be) and the hat is still looking new. I have heard nothing but great reviews about the new Federation, but am always surprised how Lee's hat tends to be branded as not being able to "stand up to the elements." I do know one member had an issue with severe taper on his Keppler a few weeks ago after only a few days of having the hat, but in the time I have been here (and I know that is not long) that has been the only time a Keppler has ever been reported to taper so quickly.

Maybe I lucked out and got an unusually great hat from Lee, but I don't think so. Keep the Keppler in the running. And the new Keppler's are looking to be even better than the old ones!

Dave

[lpa53]

I'm new to this too but have been wanting an Indy for years. Finally took the plunge into hats when the hair dissppearred up top (it's cold in Chi-town) and now it's time.

My wife's thinks it a bit odd to spend so much for a hat so the first time out I'm planning on going with the Keppler. Lee sent me some pictures of the new ones and they look great. And, coming with the bash the way you want it, especially if you've never done it yourself, the price is right.

I've written Lee and am waiting to learn what I have to do to get the order going.

I'm not all that adventurous so I won't be worrying too much about the rain. Everyday it's just drive to the office, work, drive home, record my guitar work, get up and do it all over again.

The most adventure I get these days is on my bike, and what with coming through brain surgery last year, I'll stick with wearing a bike helmet - don't think the best fedora would help me in a tumble.

[gabrielle]

Consider the Jimmy Pierce too. He offers a rabbit for around $160.00 that I have fallen in love with. I beat this thing all over the place and it just looks better and better and fits better and better. I have been in touch with Jimmy to get another because I absolutely think his lids are top notch...I love they way they look and feel. Softening them up and tweaking the crease is easy. I just really love this hat. I almost never take it off. I recently removed the lining for hot weather and have it folded neatly to push back under the sweat band when it gets cold again.

I'll add more pics of how it looks now maybe this coming weekend. But it's a tough and good looking lid.

[FtrPlt]

Gents,
Thanks for all your replies. Sounds like there are quite a few robust hats out there. Still not sure which hat I'll go with but am leaning towards the Fed IV at the moment.

Thanks again for your opinions.

[Digger]

I agree with Dr. Ulloa. My Keppler is going on 4 years old. and it just keeps on truckin'. Neither rain, nor snow, or dark of night will stay this hat...oh, sorry. that's the post office motto!. And, yes I have a new Keppler on order. Love the new look. May get a gray too. Can't wait.

[FtrPlt]

Still mulling which hat to get. Are the photo's on Lee's site the current version of his Raider's hat?

[DR Ulloa]

Actually, that is Lee's old hat you posted there, Aeris. Maybe he changed some sepcs as time has gone by. It does look slightly different to your Keppler, Aeris. I think Lee is sending photos of the new Keppler on request. Give him a call and he will shoot you an e-mail with the new hat.

FtrPlt, yes, the photos on Lee's site are the old Kepplers. The color shown on the site, however, is not really indicative of the true color. It is very SA. I love it.

Dave

[DR Ulloa]

Yeah, I know!

The things has been through some rain storms recently too. It looks even better than the day I received it. When I get home, I'll post some updated photos of my Keppler for you Aeris. After playing with the bash a couple of times I think I have really got the Kipu Falls hat down.

Dave

[Renderking Fisk]

Best advice - buy one of each. Get an Akubra Federation IV, unabashed. Then wear it and bash it the way YOU like it. Then when you're ready, send pictures of yourself in your Akubra to your favorite vendor like Steve, Art Fawcett or Camptown Ken and tell them what you want.

Keep these vendors in business!

[Lee Keppler]

Actually Areis, I don't have photos of my NEW hat on the site(which will be totally reworked shortly), but I can e-mail you a couple.

Kind regards, Lee 619-647-6744 rotla007@aol.com

[DR Ulloa]

Here's my Keppler now.



I have no idea what those spots are, just pretend they are not there.

Dave

[Indiana G]

wow ulloa.....looks like the raiders waterfall hat.......nice!

[DR Ulloa]

Thanks G! The water fall hat is exactly what I was going for. I'm glad I somewhat achieved that. My next Raiders hat will probably be a SOC. Which puts me in the same dilemma that FtrPlt is in; I don't know which hat to get next. I have an AB on order from Steve in a CS, so I have that down. I know I am going to get one of Bending Oak's travel gray hats when they become available. I was thinking about picking up the Mag/HJ or possibly a Camptown. Maybe I'll get both.

Dave

[FtrPlt]

Gents:
Thanks to all who posted on this thread. I really appreciate your comments and opinions.

I've decided to go with a Fed IV reg. Still debating the color. Translation: my wife is pushing for something other than brown. I suspect I'll end up with both a brown and grey hat although I'm trying to imagine a Raiders bash on a carbon grey!

[gabrielle]

I love the Christy's and want one myself, but as a dressier hat, not for out bouncing around. For that I'm picking up a Fed IV and a Camptown. I think since I have a few Indy hats I will get a Camptown Fieldmaster and have it bashed in a different style from an old movie or photo. I'll be on the lookout for a bash to send Ken as a model.

BTW I softened up my JPD enough to sit on it and have tweaked the bash some, I will post pics as soon as I find the time!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU PAPAS OUT THERE!!!