Hat ratings

jlee562 · Post by **jlee562** » Tue Jan 19, 2010 2:13 am

BendingOak wrote:
jlee562 wrote:The Temple can be problematic because Stetson's quality has varied over the years. I have a modern temple, I believe mine is powder dyed, because I got some brown marks when handling it with sweaty hands. It's my understanding that Stetson has recently changed this practice though.

On top of that, I don't think the Temple really has the qualities that a gearhead looks for in an Indy hat....ie, it doesn't really look like an Indy hat.

If you add the DP, then the Stetson Temple should be in.

touche!

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:24 am

So here's the list:

Akubra Federation IV Deluxe
Akubra Federation IV
Todd's Uptowner
Todd's Downtowner
Christy's Adventurer
Lee Keppler's Fedora
Peters Brothers Custom
Stetson Temple
Miller Hats
Dorfman Pacific (fur felt)

Let's start rating!!!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:02 am

fenris wrote:So here's the list:

Akubra Federation IV Deluxe
Akubra Federation IV
Todd's Uptowner
Todd's Downtowner
Christy's Adventurer
Lee Keppler's Fedora
Peters Brothers Custom
Stetson Temple
Miller Hats
Dorfman Pacific (fur felt)

Let's start rating!!!

you forgot Camptown and Peters brothers is over 200.

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 10:10 am

Akubra Federation IV Deluxe
Akubra Federation IV
Todd's Uptowner
Todd's Downtowner
Christy's Adventurer
Lee Keppler's Fedora
Camptown
Stetson Temple
Miller Hats
Dorfman Pacific (fur felt)

There........ Did I miss anything else?

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:21 am

why did you drop the Peters Bros. ? I thought the limit was $250 at the start...

maybe it changed to $200 somewhere and I missed it, but $5 over the limit hardly seems to be a budget buster and it seems to be a good hat in that price range.......

jlee562 · Post by **jlee562** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 2:21 pm

I've seen a few Peter bros hats on here and the RPF and the ribbon just doesn't look right. It's a weird purplish color.

What's the criteria for rating? Are we trying to measure them all against each other? Or are we offering our opinions on each hat and then averaging the votes on each hat?

I have a Christy's, a Fed IV (regular) and a (modern) Stetson Temple....

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:22 pm

fenris wrote:Akubra Federation IV Deluxe
Akubra Federation IV
Todd's Uptowner
Todd's Downtowner
Christy's Adventurer
Lee Keppler's Fedora
Camptown
Stetson Temple
Miller Hats
Dorfman Pacific (fur felt)

There........ Did I miss anything else?

Sorry, just trying to help out.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 4:40 pm

RaidersBash wrote:why did you drop the Peters Bros. ? I thought the limit was $250 at the start...

maybe it changed to $200 somewhere and I missed it, but $5 over the limit hardly seems to be a budget buster and it seems to be a good hat in that price range.......

It is, and you don't see that 'purplish' color with hat in hand. Basing a decision/comparison simply by viewing a photo isn't a good idea with anything. The best advice I can offer is that you need to have first hand experience with an item to really be able to make a good comparison/decision.

Regard! Michaelson

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:46 pm

BendingOak wrote:
fenris wrote:Akubra Federation IV Deluxe
Akubra Federation IV
Todd's Uptowner
Todd's Downtowner
Christy's Adventurer
Lee Keppler's Fedora
Camptown
Stetson Temple
Miller Hats
Dorfman Pacific (fur felt)

There........ Did I miss anything else?

Sorry, just trying to help out.

Weird... why are you apologizing? I was honestly just asking if there was anything else I missed on the list. Anyone care to add another manufacturer/brand? I have no idea what other Indy hats are out on the market.

Oh, and to update everyone... the price range is $100 - $200 now as per John's suggestion which I totally agree with. Having it go up to $250 is kinda bordering on the higher-end quality hats.

RaidersBash · Post by **RaidersBash** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:49 pm

Well, maybe push it to $205 and put the Peters Brothers offering back on it.

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:52 pm

$100 a $205 it is!

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 10:18 am

Well, thing about Peters Bros' would be that even at $205, they're custom made, so it really doesn't fit in the suggested category of 'manufactured' hats like the rest.

Granted the Kepper and Camptown are custom bashed....but they don't MAKE the hats, they just shape them.

The PB, on the other hand, is custom made to customer specs, so though in the upper price range, it's not really a product that belongs in this list, in my opinion.

The old 'apples to oranges' comparison.

Regards! Michaelson

Indiana Jake · Post by **Indiana Jake** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 12:36 pm

Something to juggle the list a little. Lee Keppler's hats are made by Beaver Brand Hat co. I have a number of Beaver Brand hats in other styles and they are fine hats. They are definitely nicer and more durable than a Christie's hat. Unfortunately I have nothing but bad things to say about a Christie's hat.

It lures you in a first giving the appearance of a good hat. I used a steamer on my hat to change the shape a little and in an instant the hat was ruined. I have never seen a hat so impervious to steam. I sold it for $20.00 to a co-worker who said it will make him a fine Freddy Kreuger hat.

I'm sorry, did I forget to mention how disappointed I was with the Christies hat.

I had a Fed IV hat only long enough to try it on and find out it was not my size. Had it fit, I'd have kept it. John Penman

kept me from looking at other hats, but we have determined his hats are not part of this thread.

Indiana Jake

Will_Morgan · Post by **Will_Morgan** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 5:41 pm

Akubra also makes The Adventurer!

This Akubra is stocked in the US so size exchanges are not a problem for US customers, and we or one of our dealers will happily send one to the Philippines.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:23 pm

Hey Jake. How you doing buddy?

Flawless Cowboy · Post by **Flawless Cowboy** » Sat May 14, 2011 10:27 am

Well this thread has been a great resource for my research but I fear it has left me at a bit of a cliffhanger. Being so new I really don't have any say on the ratings of any of these ats really, but I'm trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible. That said I would really like one of Lee Keppler's hats...just hope to get an email response from his site. then again a Deluxe Fed IV would be pretty awesome to get too though...

Flawless Cowboy · Post by **Flawless Cowboy** » Tue Jul 05, 2011 10:50 pm

I don't think we ever got all the hats rated, just listed. Think we can have it out and organize them? I'm really unsure which hat to go with.

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:18 am

Hmmm... yeah. Let's give this thread a nudge in the right direction.

Here's the old list... Now all we need is someone to rate 'em. I can't, because I have never seen or touched all of those hats first-hand.

Akubra Federation IV Deluxe
Akubra Federation IV
Todd's Uptowner
Todd's Downtowner
Christy's Adventurer
Lee Keppler's Fedora
Camptown
Stetson Temple
Miller Hats
Dorfman Pacific (fur felt)

John? Steve? Marc? Michaelson? You guys seem to know a lot about these hats... you may have even, at one time or another, owned all of these hat brands.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:44 am

I have owned all but the Todd's offerings, DP, or Christies.

If I remove those from your list, I rate them as follows. Keep in mind, this is simply MY opinion, and where I believe they fall due to my use and their performance:

1. Camptown and Keppler tied for first (rabbit/beaver blends. I rank the Camptown just a frog hair over the Keppler, but ONLY due to it's vented sweat band. It's a cooler wear in hot weather)
2. Akubra Federation IV Deluxe (highest end rabbit/hare blend they make. VERY nice pouncing job)
3. Akubra Federation IV (rabbit/hare blend, but not highest rated felt in Akubra's arsonal. Still tough)
4. Miller Hats (domestic rabbit. Tapers badly after a few wettings, but strong felt)
5. Stetson Temple (domestic rabbit. Uses powdered dye that can run in the hat is soaked. Tapers something terrible. Not very highly regarded, but in dry situation performs ok)

Like I said, JMO, but based on my personal wear and use of all hats posted above.

Regards! Michaelson

Gorak · Post by **Gorak** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 10:40 am

I haven't had all of these but I'll toss in my two cents with what I've owned...
Akubra Fed Delux- Best vintage hat out there. Tough, versatile. Just an all over
adventure feel.
Akubra Fed- Just like above except that felt kinda wants to do its own thing.
A little more work getting that tight front pinch. Eventually just
teardopped soft pinched and let it do its own thing..
Keppler- Looked great but quickly tapered with regular use.
Temple-Tapered..quickly
Miller- Tapered..real quickly but very nice felt. Too bad.
Dorfman-tapered and generally just miss-shaped itself.
All of these went thru regular use, no distressing. This was long ago and quality may have changed but, well, there it is.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 10:46 am

I haven't owned all of these hats but I have worked on all of these hats more than a few times. I'm not sure how it would be taken having me rate them. I will say this I would only change M order ever so slightly.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 10:54 am

...and as you can see, right out of the gate with only three posted opinions, they differ a great deal....which makes polls like this, though interesting exercises, are pretty much useless to a new buyer.

It's all subjective as to what falls where in a 'best to worse' list.

No offense intended with this comment, but it's pretty much the norm for any type poll or question requesting 'ranking' of items we collect/use.

As John points out, too, you're running into opinions of those of us who just wear these hats, and folks who not only wear them, but have completely rebuilt them and know OTHER points we (as wearers alone) would have no clue.

Regards! Michaelson

Flawless Cowboy · Post by **Flawless Cowboy** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 11:22 am

I actually found it helpful, kinda builds a general consensus. Still need more research before I choose, but now I have even more to chew on. Does anyone have hands on with the Steele and Jones Explorador? I/m curious to see how it compares with the Akubra Deluxe.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 11:50 am

Concensus?

The only concensus I can find is this:

Akubra Federation IV Deluxe
Akubra Federation IV
Todd's Uptowner
Todd's Downtowner
Christy's Adventurer
Lee Keppler's Fedora
Camptown
Stetson Temple
Miller Hats
Dorfman Pacific (fur felt)

Add the Explorador to the list, and the concensus is these are the hats we're aware of that fall in the price range $100 to $205 dollars.
Everything else is subjective.

Regards! Michaelson

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:01 pm

Yes, that is very true. These land between 100-205 dollars.

I agree 100%

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:03 pm

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:05 pm

Fenris,

One advantage you would have is to use the Bazaar, as you can find many good deals there.

I'd start with the Fed, S&J, Henry, Penman & AB.

This is the best ranking I could give you. A 80/20 rabbit/beaver blend or a pure beaver hat would be the way to go for longivity and 100% rabbit for a cool, Raiders look, jmo. Now that you have a smattering of pure rabbits, it might be worth it to find a good deal on a higher end hat? It is possible to find one occasionally for around $200.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:08 pm

Keep in mind your location, Fenris. Beaver hats are very warm, even with the liner removed.

Rabbit hats are a bit cooler.

So, that said, are you ranking based on price brackets, use for location, or longevity?

Regards! Michaelson

Flawless Cowboy · Post by **Flawless Cowboy** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:14 pm

Well from the two ratings I've got I see the Fed IV deluxe is doing quite well among the list. It isn't much, but shows it's a good hat. I think I'll end up going with a rabbit blended hat after your remark about heat. Florida certainly has plenty of heat.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:24 pm

I know. I lived and worked in Tallahassee for over 3 years, spending a LOT of time Miami, and found rabbit the way to go when it came to felt hats.

It wasn't so much the heat as the humidity that wiped ME out.

The Akubra Fed's weren't available at that time, but the rabbit/hare blend is tougher than a pine knot, and can be reblocked.

It's a good choice for Florida.

Regards! Michaelson

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 12:31 pm

Actually, I just resurrected this thread as per Flawless Cowboy's request. Also, I thought it would help others who may be looking to buy their first hat.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 1:06 pm

Well, then we're back to the list of what's available in that price range.

Regards! Michaelson

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 1:41 pm

Flawless Cowboy wrote:Well from the two ratings I've got I see the Fed IV deluxe is doing quite well among the list. It isn't much, but shows it's a good hat. I think I'll end up going with a rabbit blended hat after your remark about heat. Florida certainly has plenty of heat.

If it's a concensus you want, I have seen a large number of people liking the Akubras (either one, really). I have only owned a standard, and within the under $200 price range, they have my total confidence. However, there are a few of those hats I've never encountered, most notably the Explorador. I don't even know the prices on all of the hats on the list.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:54 pm

The Fed Deluxe is a good fedora, as M pointed out, a blend of rabbit and hare. Sweatband is really comfortable and as mentioned-is a true staple in the forum. Also noteworthy in this price range is the S&J Explorador, as it is hare felt, customized, and these guys do very nice ribbon and bow work as well.

Flawless Cowboy · Post by **Flawless Cowboy** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:50 pm

I'm very seriously considering the Explorador as it comes ready to wear out of the box and I've never bashed a hat before.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 11:52 pm

Don't let the bash, pinch and center dent get the best you.

It's not a big deal, once you get the hang of it, you'll be done in, well, a pinch, or maybe 5 minutes.

I believe Penman has a tutorial on bashing a hat in the upper reaches of this hat sub-forum. He uses a different technique. I bash mine in hand, and he bashes his with his hat on his head!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 12:41 am

Texan Scott wrote:Don't let the bash, pinch and center dent get the best you. It's not a big deal, once you get the hang of it, you'll be done in, well, a pinch, or maybe 5 minutes. I believe Penman has a tutorial on bashing a hat in the upper reaches of this hat sub-forum. He uses a different technique. I bash mine in hand, and he bashes his with his hat on his head!

What vid have you been watching???

jlee562 · Post by **jlee562** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 12:52 am

Creasing a hat is really stupid easy. It's really only difficult if you're trying to get an exact match to a particular scene. I promise!

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 8:12 am

I agree: I was a bit nervous the first time I had to bash (or crease) a hat, but with some help from here it was easy! And now we have BendingOak's great Penman tutorial videos it has become even easier

Whatever you decide to buy, do check those out because, believe me, they will come in handy. Wheter it is because the bash has come out a bit during shipping (which happens a lot) when going the pre-bashed route or just for maintanance in the years to come, knowing how to bash a hat is a valuable skill for someone who wears hats

Regards, Geert

Flawless Cowboy · Post by **Flawless Cowboy** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:27 am

I'll lok those up, thanks. I didn't know Penman had those videos, that's good of of them.

indyclone · Post by **indyclone** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 11:48 am

hi all,
well i can only tell you about the hats i have .
i have two todds downtowner's ,
* the "version one'' with the high crown. the hat is stiff like a cowboy hat but looks very nice (in pictures anyways) my wife hates the high crown. i have had the hat for about two years and it still looks great . my rating is a 9 , ( only cause the high crown bothers some people .)
* the ''version two'' downtowner , looks more screen accurate. granted many people say it's more for costumes , but i wear mine everyday. the hat is again stiff but just fit's so well . my rating is a 9 , ( only cause people say it's a costume piece.)
* the uptowner . very soft and pliable hat , it has weathered snow storms and rain in the last year and half i have had it . a great looking hat ,that compliments any wardrobe choice i wear. my rating is 10.
* i have the steston from 1984, i haven"t worn it for a lot of years , screen accurate it is not , but i have passed it on to my son and he loves it.it still looks good and has kept it's shape , my rating is 7.5 for having the teradrop bash .
* and lastly the dorfman pacific hat. when i bought it i just wanted a hat to wear to the movie kotcs. the hat warped on me twice and i had to bend the shape i wanted back twice.the color was washed out during rainstorms and snow. the hat doesn't hold up well when you wear it it the heat , sweat stains are visible right away. my rating a 5.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 12:20 pm

Michaelson wrote:...and as you can see, right out of the gate with only three posted opinions, they differ a great deal....which makes polls like this, though interesting exercises, are pretty much useless to a new buyer.

It's all subjective as to what falls where in a 'best to worse' list.

No offense intended with this comment, but it's pretty much the norm for any type poll or question requesting 'ranking' of items we collect/use.

As John points out, too, you're running into opinions of those of us who just wear these hats, and folks who not only wear them, but have completely rebuilt them and know OTHER points we (as wearers alone) would have no clue.

Regards! Michaelson

Again. How true this statement is.

If you only had a couple of hats. Your opinion of lets say rings 9 out of 10. Then you see the rest thats on this list and that same hat becomes , lets say a 5 out of 10.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:27 pm

..and if you wait awhile, it is possible to get a high end hat for $200, making these withing reach as well. Depends on what you have your sights set on, Fenris.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:29 pm

BendingOak wrote:
Texan Scott wrote:Don't let the bash, pinch and center dent get the best you. It's not a big deal, once you get the hang of it, you'll be done in, well, a pinch, or maybe 5 minutes. I believe Penman has a tutorial on bashing a hat in the upper reaches of this hat sub-forum. He uses a different technique. I bash mine in hand, and he bashes his with his hat on his head!

What vid have you been watching???

It's been awhile, but I remember the one with you stomping around on it. Imagine stomping around on a Penman...?

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:35 pm

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42046" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:39 pm

That's the one! Puttin' out fires again, John? Stomping roaches?

Good pic, M.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 3:47 pm

fenris · Post by **fenris** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:18 pm

Texan Scott wrote:..and if you wait awhile, it is possible to get a high end hat for $200, making these withing reach as well. Depends on what you have your sights set on, Fenris.

...but I'm not looking for a hat. I'm perfectly satisfied with the ones I got from you (thanks!).

Flawless Cowboy wanted to resurrect this thread since there was no consensus on the ratings.

Oh, I'm planning on resurrecting the Christy's as a non-Indy hat... just don't know what ribbon color(s) would go well with it. I'm thinking definitely something lighter colored. Two-tone bow or something to make it really look like a non-Indy hat.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:26 pm

Oh!

What a tangent!

Maybe FC has his answer somewhere in there?

Flawless Cowboy · Post by **Flawless Cowboy** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:03 pm

It has certain;y helped and gotten me around the web a bit more looking at them. Also I now know I prefer rabbit fur because I live in Florida. Also that Penman vid was really impressive, you know the one. Perhaps that will be the hat I get after I'm out of college. Soon I'll move onto whip research. but honestly will probably go with Todd's do to price.