My first post! My quest for my Indy fedora...

[generalFROSTY]

Hello Club Obi Wan!
I am a long time RPF member, and recently been doing a lot of research on all things Indy in order to compliment my replica prop/costume collection with the iconic offerings of Indiana Jones.
I want to say how happy I am to be a member here, and though most of my forum posting will always take place on the RPF, I will utilize this forum to research all the Indy gear and props that I intend on adding to my collection in the future. I want to make the best, most informed decisions on my purchases and I am gratefull for the fantastic reputation of this forum as I now have a place to get the best information on anything Indy.
For the past few days I have spent many tireless hours in front of my computer researching the Fedora (the logical item to start with) and found that buying an Indy fedora is far from 'cut and dry'.
Though the 'perfect' Indy fedora may be an arbitrary thing, I had to think about my personal requirements.
First and foremost, I am a strict collector who won't buy a prop replica or costume replica without first doing some research on the item. I am an extreme stickler for accuracy and quality and often times had to turn down potential purchases because they did not meet those needs.
When researching the fedora, I found many available for sale and had to do a lot of homework to figure out which one was the best - problem is, everyone has an opinion as to which is THE best, making my dicision a bit more difficult.
I narrowed the list down to three possibilities that suit my budget and quality needs:
-Akubra
-AB Henry
-Penman
Since talking a bit with John at Penman, I am leaning towards his Raiders fedora. I will make a firm decision after I give him a call tomorrow to pick his brain a bit more.
I look forward to learning from the members here and sharing my personal experiences - as well as sharing plenty of photos of the itms I obtain!

[Indiana Jeff]

Welcome! As it says right over the door, "Come for the Gear, Stay for the People."

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Imahomer]

Welcome aboard. I think you'll find that many of us are RPF members as well. Also, there is a ton of information here just ready to be picked up.

Mike

[binkmeisterRick]

Welcome, Frosty! And good for you for diving straight in and doing your homework by reading everything you can! It shows that you've come to your current decisions based on what is right for you.

[A.J. Cairo]

Welcome to the asylum Frosty

[beaverlid]

Welcome aboard!

[Indyzane]

Nice post and welcome aboard! I have a AB Henry from John and I got the SOC bash. It's my favorite hat and I can't stop looking at it! Anyways have fun choosing your new fedora! 

[Hollowpond]

Welcome Frosty! Your wallet shall be melted!

Travis

[enigmata_wood]

hail and welcome! I hope you'll find more than just gearheads here, but honourable friends as I have. You may retain your sanity or your cash but never both!

[Texan Scott]

Unusual, but I happen to have all three of those hats on your short list. Ask away if you need any help.

[DR Ulloa]

Welcome. Since you didn't ask about any of the hats, I won't go into them, but if you have any questions, just ask.

Dave

[nicktheguy]

Welcome to the money draining place

[generalFROSTY]

This hobby has certainly drained my wallet over the past ten years!
Lately, I was thinking a lot about my collection - there is SO many props and costumes I want to add but since I am not a wealthy collector, I know I must pick and choose my items wisely, based on what really matters the most to me as a fan and a collector.
It did not take me long to realize that not only did I not have ANY Indy items in my collection, but the Indiana Jones movies are indeed near and dear to me - I simply love them - the stories, the music, the characters...and of course, the props!
At this point, I'm pretty much gearing towards getting a Penman in Rabbit felt. Many have praised the Akubra, it looks pretty good and the price is great, but I'm not totally convinced that I should invest in that as I would rather take a little more time to save up for something of better quality.
If anyone has comparison photos to share of the various hats, please post them.
Thanks again for your welcomes and I look forward to learning from all of you.
-Jimmy

[djd]

Hi there! Welcome aboard

[DR Ulloa]

I'm not totally convinced that I should invest in that as I would rather take a little more time to save up for something of better quality.

I'm glad to meet another person who thinks the way I do.

Dave

[Ranger36]

Welcome aboard!

[jlee562]

Glad to see you made it over, General Frosty!

John makes some great looking hats.....I placed on order for one of his hats over the summer. I didn't get an Indy hat though, as I have an AB on order and a Christy's in hand, but honestly, I just wanted one of John's hats.

[knibs7]

Welcome, Frosty!

Kyle