First fedora (well, sort of...)

[bilbo524]

Hi all! First off I'd like to say hi and introduce myself: I'm William, a 28-year-old IT Engineer from North Carolina.

I've been an Indy fan all my life, but never got into gear collecting or anything like that. I must admit that growing up, much like Lucas himself, Indy took kind of a back seat to Star Wars for me. Now, after seeing Raiders in IMAX, my love for Indy has been rekindled, and I'm going to my family's halloween party as the whip-wielding archeologist himself. I figured this is as good an excuse as any to start collecting some Indy gear, so...

I originally bought a Dorfman Pacific hat on ebay. I heard that these were decent hats for the price, though not very SA. However, I was not happy with the hat, as the color is bad in my opinion (almost a dark olive green instead of brown). I've purchased a Todd's jacket and 8' whip (natural tan), and am extremely happy with them so far. The rest of my gear so far is mostly close-enough (shirt, pants, tan web belt, leather gun belt, green canvas gasmask bag), or hand made (leather whip holder). I still need to get a pistol and holster, but that is another thread

My reason for posting this thread is: I want to get a nicer hat. That simple. I want it to be as screen accurate as possible on my budget (~$150 including shipping), and to get here before halloween

I have had my eye on the Federation IV by Akubra, but I know that there are other possibilities out there. I would just get a Coyles Raider from Todd, but they do not appear to have my size in stock (58, 7 1/4). What are my other options, keeping my timeline and budget in mind? I'd like to be as close to Raiders style as possible.

Thanks everyone!

[jlee562]

I'm not a big fan of Todd's hats to be completely honest. I don't think the ribbon looks right, and I don't think the block shape looks right. Plus, the jury is still kinda out on their durability.

I do like the block on the Christy's Adventurer, but their felt is not of the best quality, nor is their ribbon work. The Fed IV is always a good choice, and makes a pretty good Raiders hat, but not 100% SA without a reblock. But it's an Akubra and will handle the elements well. You might want to inquire with Garrison hatters to see if he can knock one out before Halloween, but I think his lead times are longer than that.

[Dr. Nebraska S.]

Within your budget, those may be your best options. For just $25 more than your budget (not including shipping), you could get a handmade Raiders fedora by Garrison, which IMHO is among the best Raiders fedoras and among the best deals out there right now:
http://garrisonhatters.com/garrison_hat ... te_004.htm

Sorry, I know this is just a bit above your budget, but the options after that are much more than $25 outside of your budget, so thought I'd mention it!

Best wishes,
Nebraska S.

EDIT: looks like jlee and I were posting at the same time with similar ideas.

[bilbo524]

I have looked at his website, and was very pleased with that hat. $25 more for a hand-made rabbit fur fedora is not a deal-breaker I have just sent David (at Garrison's) an email and hopefully he can make it happen.

If not, I may very well go the Akubra route. Are the Adventurers that David Morgan sells really as dark as the photos suggest? That is my only turn-off with that hat. Also, anyone have any experience with hatsdirect and their shipping times? Will I need to spend the ~$20 more for Express Courier Service, or is the regular Aus Post Airmail good enough?

Thanks for your replies!

[Michaelson]

Shipping is usually 8 to 10 days from receipt order to on your door step. That's been my experience, and I'm in Tennessee.

Regard! Michaelson

[bilbo524]

Shipping is usually 8 to 10 days from receipt order to on your door step. That's been my experience, and I'm in Tennessee.

Thanks! Was that with the standard shipping, or express?

[Michaelson]

Standard.

[Tennessee Smith]

That's standard, they're quick

I've also had both the Fed IV and Garrison Cairo, both are great hats. If you can pull that extra $25 though, it's worth it.

[bilbo524]

Awesome, that's what I was hoping. Thanks again.

[Zuiun]

Hopefully David can squeeze a hat in for you in time for Halloween. But if not, I'd highly recommend considering *ALSO* getting a Garrison at some point. I love my Garrison -- I'd wear it while sleeping if I could...

And even if you go with a Fed IV for Halloween, you *will* want another hat at some point anyway. As a wise man once said... trust me.

[Michaelson]

. As a wise man once said... trust me.

Welll, it was actually his script writer....but you get the point.

[bilbo524]

Yes, I know I'll end up with more than one hat if I start down this road (which I guess I already have, with my Todd's purchase ). I was thinking of saving up for a Penman eventually, it's just the combination of disposable funds and timeframe is not the best at the moment

[Zuiun]

Welll, it was actually his script writer....but you get the point.

Did the script writer actually SAY it? Or just write it??? Hmmm? HMMMM???

[Michaelson]

I'm sure he had to have read it to his wife at least once after he wrote it.

[Texan Scott]

The rest of my gear so far is mostly close-enough (shirt, pants, tan web belt, leather gun belt, green canvas gasmask bag), or hand made (leather whip holder). I still need to get a pistol and holster, but that is another thread

The rest can be purchased from Todd's, as well. Wested makes fine pants if going for LC.

[bilbo524]

How could I have missed the holster at Todd's? I saw the M1917 he has, but it's a bit too pricey for me. Completely missed the holster

Ordering one now

Also, FWIW, I plan on ordering this airsoft revolver for a close-enough S&W M1917: http://www.ebay.com/itm/270901407730

[Indiana Jeff]

I have looked at his website, and was very pleased with that hat. $25 more for a hand-made rabbit fur fedora is not a deal-breaker I have just sent David (at Garrison's) an email and hopefully he can make it happen.

If not, I may very well go the Akubra route. Are the Adventurers that David Morgan sells really as dark as the photos suggest? That is my only turn-off with that hat. Also, anyone have any experience with hatsdirect and their shipping times? Will I need to spend the ~$20 more for Express Courier Service, or is the regular Aus Post Airmail good enough?

Thanks for your replies!

If you want an Akubra, definitely go with the Fed IV from Hatsdirect. They developed that hat with fan input from here. The Adventurer that David sells, while still a good hat, does not have the details of a true Indy fedora.

I can't recommend David Garrison too highly. I have two non-Indy hats from him and they are superb. You'll get your money's worth for the extra $25 to go custom.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[bilbo524]

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger and ordered the Akubra from hatsdirect. I'll still probably get a Garrison later on down the road, based on the high praise from you all, when I don't have to put David on such a short schedule

When it comes in, along with my pistol and holster, my ensemble should be basically complete. I'll post pics once it does.

Thanks everyone!

[Indiana Jeff]

Ah, you have chosen wisely.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Dalexs]

Good choice! For the money, you really can't go wrong. Unfortunately, the Aussie dollar is about on par with ours now.
A few years back, they were a great deal because of the rate.

I still have my Gen1 hat from them I purchased back in '97 just after my son was born.
He's been borrowing it for a project they're doing in his HS TV class.
15 years and still going. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' ...
Wait, wrong product placement...

[bilbo524]

Now, I know that the Akubras come open-crowned and I will have to do my own bash (which I am not too worried about, given all the info I've found on COW about it so far), but does the brim have the dimentional cut already? I am a lot more apprehensive about cutting the brim than I am about bashing it...

[Indiana Jeff]

Taken directly from hatsdirect:

The brim is dimensional cut to 2 1/2" on the sides and 2 3/4" front and back. This is converted to mm's on the order page. The brim flange is a little flatter than the previous Federation model and will make styling the brim easier. This hat can take on a number of styles including a look similar to the Indiana Jones hat and other hats from that era.

so you are all set.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[bilbo524]

I swear I looked around on their site before asking here. Guess I just didn't dig deep enough. I'd better correct that habit if I'm going to start dressing like an archeologist...

Thanks!