Which of these hats should I buy?

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:16 am

Which one of these would you guys recommend? I plan on buying a hat.

http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/ ... y-551.html

http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-Jones-Cru ... pd_sbs_a_1

http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/ ... y-552.html

http://www.toddscostumes.com/cgi/commer ... egory=3537

They're all the same price range... around $40 - $50.
My budget is $100 including shipping. Shipping to the Philippines costs as much or more than the purchased item.

If you guys could recommend other brands that fit the budget, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:25 am

Oh boy, be prepared for the "save up and get x hat in stead"

Which is good advice though, but not what you are asking for, right?

Regards, Geert

djd · Post by **djd** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:28 am

I'd go for Todds Downtowner which is a much better looking hat than any of those and is $99. The Uptowner is even better if you can stretch to $149

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:44 am

Yes, it looks better but if I add shipping, it's gonna be too expensive.

I was hoping people could recommend which one's the best from the 4 items I picked that fit my budget.

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:49 am

How much would shipping be to the Philippines?

Regards, Geert

djd · Post by **djd** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:51 am

I think the general view is that all those official Indy hats are pretty dreadful sadly

enigmata_wood · Post by **enigmata_wood** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:52 am

If it's your first fedora I suggest you get the best crushable wool one you can afford and then re-shape it.
I had a go at something similar when i joined up here, here's my instructions
viewtopic.php?t=33549

djd · Post by **djd** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:07 am

LOL! That's a good read and certainly produces a unique hat

matt black · Post by **matt black** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:23 am

You could try www.themovieshop.com .They do a wool felt and IMO it is far better than the DP.

djd · Post by **djd** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:28 am

Good link! As you say, looks better than the DP by far

matt black · Post by **matt black** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:04 am

Thanks djd. I have one and for what it is, its a good hat. It comes unbashed and the felt is floppy, not rock hard like most of the wool felts.

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:21 am

If I get the crushable wool felt, which should I get? A Dorfman or the other link which I gave?

matt black · Post by **matt black** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:31 am

I think all the hats in the links you gave are Dorfman's.

mrkaboom · Post by **mrkaboom** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:32 am

From the 4 on the table Todds is the best.

MK

matt black · Post by **matt black** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:54 am

Is'nt the Todd's link thats been posted just for the DP that Todd sells?

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:04 am

Yep. I think the two crushables are essentially the same hat sold by different vendors. In fact, pretty much all of the "official" wool Indy hats with the pin on the ribbon will be about the same quality.

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:26 am

I thought Renton Western Wear was a hat manufacturer... so this is also a DP hat?

indyclone · Post by **indyclone** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:29 am

go with the todds downtowner , its only 99.95 and a very nice hat , yes it will be stiff but it will have a decent raiders bash , you cant go wrong with it for a first indy hat --- believe me , i had a dorfman for my first indy hat , i liked it but always longed for a raiders bashed style for my hat , so think about the downtowner

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:32 am

Renton Western Wear is likely just a vendor, like all the other companies selling these hats. The "official" hats with the pins in them are most likely make by one manufacturer (or at least manufacturers owned by the same umbrella company) and distributed to various vendors who actually sell the hats to the public.

Dangerman009 · Post by **Dangerman009** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:39 am

matt black is right! This is the one to get!
http://www.themovieshop.com/Indiana-Jon ... Fedora-Hat
Good spot matt black.

matt black · Post by **matt black** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:48 am

Thankyou

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:09 am

From all the crushable wool hats, I kinda like this one...

http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/ ... y-552.html

Watcha guys think? Decent enough?

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:14 am

oh... just to add, I like the hat to have the Indiana Jones pin. Cuz a lot of people in this country are apparently ignorant about Indy. They see a hat and they assume "cowboy" or worse... they say I'm like a local celebrity weatherman here (I HATE THAT!!!). *****, right?

...with the pin, I could just point to it and say 'Indiana Jones."

beaverlid · Post by **beaverlid** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:35 am

Fenris, ano na kumoesta

I have a wool hat from hats in the belfry. It is a year old and I will let the pictures I will post tonight speak for themselves. I have been to the Philippines and I know how it can rain there. This hat will not hold up to the elements in that tropical climate. If you can get the todds downtowner I would go for that. I believe however you were looking at his wool felt he offers and not the downtowner and that wool hat will react the same way as any other. I will send you a picture tonight so you can see how the wool will shrink and taper. I learned a valueable lesson here from the experienced members that you will spend less in the long run if you save longer and buy a little more expensive hat. If you buy a bunch of cheaper wool hats in the course of a few years you will have purchased enough cheap hats that you could have bought a lifetime hat.

Anyway I know this wasn't what you were asking but just trying to give the helpful advice I was given when I was new here.

Welcome to COW my friend!

Beaverlid

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:38 am

You might consider looking through the Cairo Bazaar here in the Classified section. A lot of members put up gear that they no longer need or hae space for and let them go for good prices. You might be able to find an Akubra Federation there for something around your price range.

Dave

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:10 am

fenris wrote:From all the crushable wool hats, I kinda like this one...

http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/ ... y-552.html

Watcha guys think? Decent enough?

I can't tell you strongly enough, having bought these cheap hats before, don't do it. Ever. You will hate this hat and it is so incorrect you won't even get the Indy look when you wear it. You might think it sounds like a good idea now to buy the cheap hat to save money, but you will just get frustrated and eventually hate the thing anyway.

Trust me, these hats are trash (especially the Dorfman Pacific). If you buy one of these hats looking for an Indy hat, you are making a terrible mistake.

Sorry to be so blunt, but I wish someone had smacked me on the side of head when I considered buying one of these disasters.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:18 am

But to play devil's advocate, I know folks who DO like their Dorfman Pacific hats and have been pleased with them for what they are. You can't put a blanket statement that everyone will hate these hats, otherwise they would've fallen off the market years ago.

As for the wool versus felt argument, the quality and durability factor of most any wool hat versus a felt hat are fairly well proven. However, that's not what the question was.

gwyddion wrote:Oh boy, be prepared for the "save up and get x hat in stead" Which is good advice though, but not what you are asking for, right?

Regards, Geert

You had it right, Geert! fenris, if the hats you linked to are truly what you are after for the time being, then remember it is your choice to make as it's your money that's being spent. I'm not here to tell you which hat you should or should not choose, but just keep in mind that if you have certain criteria in your purchasing decision, and a strict budget is one of them, don't feel you have to spend beyond your means. It's your choice, so choose what's right for you. Good luck!

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:23 am

Nah Bink, the reason DP hasn't fallen off is exactly the same reason why I bought one.....ignorance. If you haven't spent a lot of time on COW, you might think "well, it is the OFFICIAL hat after all", and buy it, not realizing that just beause it has an Indiana Jones pin on it, doesn't make it right. I could put an Indiana Jones pin on my Red Sox cap to make it OFFICIAL, but that doesn't make it Indy's hat.

The DPs are a horrible hat. They hurt your head, they don't wear well, they are the wrong bash, wrong ribbon, wrong material, wrong everything. They are a toy hat. I think it is safe to say this as a blanket statement, since I'd be willing to bet there are only 2 people in the world who like their DP, of which you are one!

Know what I'm saying? I really can't stress enough how much I wish I folks had been more honest with me when I contemplated buying a DP, so now I'm doing for fenris what I wish had been done for me......give the straight scoop.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:27 am

Just to be fair, over the past several years I also know of several new fans who were driven away from the hobby due to the pressure on them to buy something they just couldn't afford at the time they asked their question.

A balanced approach is needed, and it appears it's been offered in this thread.

Regards! Michaelson

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:32 am

Good point Michaelson. I'm just overly opiniated on this I guess due to personal experience.

Buy whatever hat you want. Nobody is going to say "You idiot, that's a terrible hat". In fact, if you can buy that hat and make it work, you'll be my hero! Right now your budget doesn't allow for a $100 Fed IV or a $8,000,000.00 Adventurebilt Deluxe, then go with a DP. I'm just willing to bet that eventually you'll want that $50 back, so better not to spend it at all.

Either way, we'll look forward to seeing pics of the you and your gear, and will definitely look forward to getting to know you as a fellow Indy fan!!!!!

I hope I didn't sound too offputting earlier.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:35 am

Nothing wrong with 'passion', old friend!

Nobody is going to say "You idiot, that's a terrible hat".

SURE they might....but we'll all beat them into submission with the posted rule to not do so, that's all!

Regards! Michaelson

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:40 am

Maboot, gearheads are a far different and more selective breed than 99% of the overall population. I don't actually own a DP (though I wanted one as a kid and am still tempted to get one for the nostalgia factor). I've seen these hats on plenty of non-gearheads who are quite happy with them. If you want a 100% screen accurate Indy fedora which will stand up to abuse and bad weather, this is certainly not the hat. But calling every consumer who buys one ignorant is just as, well, ignorant. Sure, most may not be hat snobs like us, but it fits their criteria just fine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I saw several kids with Dorfmans on their heads at the Queen Mary Summit this past weekend who adored their hats. Are those kids ignorant, then?

Everyone has their own criteria in buying an Indy hat, including you. For you, the DP did not fit your criteria, there is nothing wrong with that, but your aims are not necessarily those of everyone else on the boards. From the newbie point of view, there is a lot to read and learn, but it is also up to those people to do the research and find what hat suits their needs. I am not trying to be the patron saint of Dorfman, rather, I am trying to show that there is always more than one side to the argument. Geert hit the nail on the head in guessing that this thread would quickly turn to "get hat x instead," which it has. If fenris is interested in more options, then it is his job to inquire. As it stands, he was very clear in his question:

fenris wrote:Which one of these would you guys recommend? I plan on buying a hat.

(links edited out for space)

They're all the same price range... around $40 - $50.
My budget is $100 including shipping. Shipping to the Philippines costs as much or more than the purchased item.

If you guys could recommend other brands that fit the budget, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

He also said he wanted the Indy pin, so that appears to be another part of his criteria.

Sorry to rile things up, fenris, but you can see we take hats very (and sometimes TOO) seriously around here! Again, the choice is YOURS. Read the boards, take notes, and if you need a hat now within the budget you posted, stick to your guns, regardless of the manufacturer!

So can we get back to the original question posted, please?

And I see Michaelson and you posted back and forth before I finished writing, too.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:40 am

I just did an internet search on "Indiana Jones fedora" and the first thing that popped up was the IJ licensed hat, oil hat, and crushable wool fedora. People are used to paying less than $50 for what they perceive to be a 'good' hat. Not necessarily an IJ styled hat, but any hat or baseball cap. This is simply a mindset going in to a first purchase. Also, if you do a search and it appears at the top, then you tend to go for the most hits, most popular, etc., thinking that it will lead you to the 'best'. One of the first things to overcome is the mindset, to some degree, and this only happens through, educating yourself, as Bink would say, using the 'search' function.

Even in this forum, you can find a reasonably SA hat in fur felt for about $100. Again you get what you pay for, but the ones that come to mind in that price range are the Christy's Adventurer and the Fed IV Standard, and if I were going for the Raiders look, (with the straighter block shape) I'd recommend the Fed IV standard over the Christy's.

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/produ ... Federation

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:50 am

I agree with the Fed IV recommendation for a start. That really is the best bet for entry level Indy hat that actually looks like an Indy hat.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:55 am

binkmeisterRick wrote: And I see Michaelson and you posted back and forth before I finished writing, too.

We're old. We type faster. YEARS of practice.

Ironically, in the 'early years' of this hobby, I never EVER came across a DP hat. Ever. All I found were Stetsons, Broners and Baileys....wool and fur felt....but never a DP.

The first DP I EVER personally saw was ITG's at the very first QM summit in the late 90's.

Regards! Micahelson

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:58 am

Texan Scott wrote:I just did an internet search on "Indiana Jones fedora" and the first thing that popped up was the IJ licensed hat, oil hat, and crushable wool fedora. People are used to paying less than $50 for what they perceive to be a 'good' hat. Not necessarily an IJ styled hat, but any hat or baseball cap. This is simply a mindset going in to a first purchase. Also, if you do a search and it appears at the top, then you tend to go for the most hits, most popular, etc., thinking that it will lead you to the 'best'. One of the first things to overcome is the mindset, to some degree, and this only happens through, educating yourself, as Bink would say, using the 'search' function.

Even in this forum, you can find a reasonably SA hat in fur felt for about $100. Again you get what you pay for, but the ones that come to mind in that price range are the Christy's Adventurer and the Fed IV Standard, and if I were going for the Raiders look, (with the straighter block shape) I'd recommend the Fed IV standard over the Christy's.

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/produ ... Federation

Yes but that would still break his $100 including shipping budget and doesn't have a pin

Now if someone is willing to play good Samaritan and pay the shipping costs for him, and I would send him my pin it would fit his criteria. Otherwise we just need to pick one from his original post

Regards, Geert

TheExit148 · Post by **TheExit148** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:07 pm

Your best bet is to save up more $ for your budget, and purchase a better quality hat. "Buy once, enjoy for life" type deal. If you don't need it right away, wait a few more months, save some more money for your budget, because you won't regret it. I may have a pin from an older DP hat from a while ago that I can probably send if your interested. Just gotta find it first

Let me know.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:10 pm

I'll throw down for the shipping. The pin is a distinguishing feature of a local celebrity.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:29 pm

Texan Scott wrote:I'll throw down for the shipping.

That's the gearhead spirit!

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:34 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:I saw several kids with Dorfmans on their heads at the Queen Mary Summit this past weekend who adored their hats. Are those kids ignorant, then?

Well, according to Mr. Webster, if those kids think their hat is just like Indiana Jones, then yes, they are ignorant. Ignorant isn't a bad word, nor is it an insult. It simply means they don't know. I'm certainly not trying to insult anyone. I'm just saying buying a DP thinking you are getting a hat that looks like Indiana Jones's hat is an act done in ignorance. I speak from PERSONAL experience on this.

Anyway, I think you know what I mean Bink. I'm not calling anyone names. I'm saying that if he wants an Indy hat, and he chooses the hats he's mentioned, he's not getting an Indy hat.

Tell you what, fenris, I have a nice straw fedora with a blue ribbon on it. I'll take the Indiana Jones pin off my DP, put it on the straw hat, and sell it to you for $25. That's some significant savings, and you can have the Indiana Jones pin.

I don't think this discussion is off topic at all. Here we have a new member, who is asking us for guidance, and I'm giving my opinion. He doesn't have to take my advice, but I'm pretty sure I haven't said anything "incorrect" or even "misleading". If this guy didn't care about getting the right hat, he wouldn't have posted the question at all.

My intention is to help. I think I am doing that. You can't assume that he is going to be turned away because I am trying to tell him that in my opinion the hats he is looking at are no good.

So, that's all I have to say about that.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:37 pm

maboot38 wrote:So, that's all I have to say about that.

...life is like a box of chocolates.

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:38 pm

Go with the DOWNTOWNER! It's a great hat and you won't be disappointed. There are several threads with pics to be found.

I have one and love it. I abuse it, have crushed it, have had it soaking wet (and I mean soaking), reblocked on a pot and it still looks great and holds up. For $99 you really can't go wrong. It's pre-bashed with a great look.

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:52 pm

Texan Scott wrote:
maboot38 wrote:So, that's all I have to say about that.

...life is like a box of chocolates.

Ha ha! I almost wrote " -Forrest Gump" after that, but I figured the line spoke for itself.

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:57 pm

Texan Scott wrote:I'll throw down for the shipping. The pin is a distinguishing feature of a local celebrity.

Good show! And I'll take the pin off of my DP and send it to you fenris if you will take Texan Scott up on his offer

Regards, Geert

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:15 pm

I disagree. I think the DP is an Indy hat. I may have some of the most selective taste when it comes to hats, but I can agree that the DP is an Indy hat. In my opinion, the DP pulls off the Indy look better than 99% of other hats out there. The only ones I think do it better are the Penman, AB(D), AKubra Federation, Christy's Adventurer, and Stetson Temple. Even though the DP is not a good quality hat, it emobodies the Indy spirit and that may be all Fenris is looking for. I will never recommend one, in fact, my advice is to save up for a good quality hat that will last you a life time because in three months, the hat may not even fit you any more, but it certainly IS an Indy hat.

Dave

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:28 pm

DR Ulloa wrote:I think the DP is an Indy hat.
Dave

OK. So is this one, along with an "Indy Jacket".

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:36 pm

maboot38 wrote:
DR Ulloa wrote:I think the DP is an Indy hat.
Dave
OK. So is this one, along with an "Indy Jacket".

Of course it is...why, it say's it right on the jacket!!! Just like the DP's do on the pin.

(j/k)

but i do think the shoes are off...

maboot38 · Post by **maboot38** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:36 pm

fenris wrote: http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/ ... y-551.html
http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-Jones-Cru ... pd_sbs_a_1
http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/ ... y-552.html
http://www.toddscostumes.com/cgi/commer ... egory=3537

Hey fenris, just so you know, I looked again at all the links you posted. I figured I would let you know that 3 of those are the same hat. They are all the Dorfman Pacific Indiana Jones Wool/Felt hat. The only one that is different is this one:
http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/ ... y-552.html

So that should help you narrow down your choice. You even though you posted 4 links, you are actually only choosing between two hats.

Hope that helps.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:45 pm

IJ always wore his name on his lapel, so guys like Belloq could find him.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:45 pm

maboot38 wrote:
DR Ulloa wrote:I think the DP is an Indy hat.
Dave
OK. So is this one, along with an "Indy Jacket".

No, and I think your argument is absurd. You are comparing a costume to a hat. It may not be a good hat but is a felt hat that is blocked and lightly pounced (albeit by machine) with a proper ribbon and cloth sweat band. The DP is a hat, though not a very good one, in my humble opinion. You are comparing apples and oranges, as my friend and yours

would say. Lets not go into the realm of the rediculous to make our arguments, my friend.

Dave