Ordering an Akubra Federation IV

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Fri Jan 06, 2017 11:24 pm

I'm planning to upgrade from my vintage 84' Stetson fedora to an Akubra Federation IV (Standard) very soon.

I've scoured the forums looking at all the reviews and hopefully I'm making a good decision.

On Akubra's website, it states, "As many of our hats are sold to Indiana Jones fans we are of course sensitive to requests they make regarding the specifications of the hat."

I was wondering if there are any specific requests that I should make when ordering so that I get what I'm looking for? Not sure what they offer as far as special requests.

Post by **Dalexs** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 9:25 am

https://hatsdirect.com/pages/the-federation-iv" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These are factory made hats. They are shipped open crown, as is.
There really isn't any special requests on a per order basis.

I read the description you mentioned, and I believe they are referring to requests made to improve aspects
of the hat in future production. Things like the ribbon, bow design, etc...

But honestly, these are one of the best off the rack hats you are going to find.
And the price is always right.

Dalexs

Synycyl · Post by **Synycyl** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 9:50 am

How well do open crown hats hold their shape? Do they eventually establish a "memory" or do they require constant reshaping?

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 10:29 am

Dalexs wrote:https://hatsdirect.com/pages/the-federation-iv

These are factory made hats. They are shipped open crown, as is.
There really isn't any special requests on a per order basis.

I read the description you mentioned, and I believe they are referring to requests made to improve aspects
of the hat in future production. Things like the ribbon, bow design, etc...

But honestly, these are one of the best off the rack hats you are going to find.
And the price is always right.

Dalexs

Okay, thanks. It kind of threw me for a loop because I didn't think they would have time in a factory to make requests. I can see all the Indy fans sending in their screen caps.

Post by **Dalexs** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 12:08 pm

Synycyl wrote:How well do open crown hats hold their shape? Do they eventually establish a "memory" or do they require constant reshaping?

It's not so much about open crown. All hats start out that way.
Like any hat, it really depends on the felt and how much stiffener is in the hat.

I have an original Fed Deluxe that's held it shape from day 1, and I wear it in all sorts of weather.

My original regular Fed needed tweaks after getting extremely wet (talking Pacific Northwest wet!)
but it was never that big of a deal. 15 years later, it's definitely seen better days.

I have no experience with current Fed's, so maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Dalexs

Glenville86 · Post by **Glenville86** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 1:19 pm

I have some newer feds and once you bash them, they keep the bash. Sides may taper a little if they get pretty wet.

I also have the Campdraft and Squatter that come open crown and they are great hats as well.

kozmoedave · Post by **kozmoedave** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 5:01 pm

I have two Fed IV deluxe that are a few months old. Neither has any trouble keeping their bash.

Synycyl · Post by **Synycyl** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 6:39 pm

Looks like a great entry level fedora. I may have just found my next purchase.

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Sat Jan 07, 2017 11:23 pm

Nothing entry level about it, other than the price. FedIVs are great hats that will serve you well for years.

The addition I will make to the conversation is to carefully measure yourself.

Over the years it's been said that the FedIV runs both small and large to size so that's not much help.

What has been helpful is a tip Michaelson has shared. Get your head measurement and when you place your order, give them your exact measurement (59.3cm, for example) and ask them to measure the specific hat they are going to ship to make sure it's as close to your measurement as possible. They size their hats by centimeters so you'll only be able to get so close if you aren't exact on a whole number, but as there is some "wiggle room" up or down in any given hat, they can help fit you as custom as possible for a factory hat.

That's some of the "we are sensitive to requests" customer service they will provide due to the positive relationship COW has built over the years.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Synycyl · Post by **Synycyl** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 11:28 am

Sorry. Poor word choice on my part. I meant it was a good first fedora for me, nothing more. Looks like a great hat. Thanks for passing on the measurement tip.

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Sun Jan 08, 2017 1:33 pm

Indiana Jeff wrote:Nothing entry level about it, other than the price. FedIVs are great hats that will serve you well for years.

The addition I will make to the conversation is to carefully measure yourself.

Over the years it's been said that the FedIV runs both small and large to size so that's not much help.

What has been helpful is a tip Michaelson has shared. Get your head measurement and when you place your order, give them your exact measurement (59.3cm, for example) and ask them to measure the specific hat they are going to ship to make sure it's as close to your measurement as possible. They size their hats by centimeters so you'll only be able to get so close if you aren't exact on a whole number, but as there is some "wiggle room" up or down in any given hat, they can help fit you as custom as possible for a factory hat.

That's some of the "we are sensitive to requests" customer service they will provide due to the positive relationship COW has built over the years.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Thanks, that really helps.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 7:28 am

Indiana Jeff wrote:That's some of the "we are sensitive to requests" customer service they will provide due to the positive relationship COW has built over the years.
Regards,
Indiana Jeff

....that, and the fact a couple of us actually helped them DEVELOP the Federation might help too!

Regards! Michaelson

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:48 am

I am ordering my Akubra Fed IV Deluxe today. Couple of questions:

1) Should I measure my head tightly or leave a little wiggle room?

2) Should I email them with my order to tell them my exact size if I am in between?

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 12:09 pm

Not tight on the measurement, just "there.". I would send measurements just in case.

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:06 pm

It's official! Ordered!

Now I have only to anxiously await it's arrival.

Synycyl · Post by **Synycyl** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:35 pm

I have decided on the same hat, but I'm probably a month or two away from pulling the trigger on that purchase. Please share how your purchase turns out.

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:46 pm

Synycyl wrote:I have decided on the same hat, but I'm probably a month or two away from pulling the trigger on that purchase. Please share how your purchase turns out.

Most people said it will show up in less than a week, so keep a look out and I will post some pics and a review.

I've been saving for a few months. Originally I was going to buy a new pistol for myself, but decided I had too many of those and needed an everyday hat. It's cold out.

Synycyl · Post by **Synycyl** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 2:29 pm

It sounds like we share some similar interests. Remember, it's not that you have too many, but rather you have just enough at this point in time!

Charybdis · Post by **Charybdis** » Mon Jan 09, 2017 3:47 pm

I just wanted to mention this since we are talking entry level price point but everyone wanting to order should have as much info about the hats as possible.

A standard Fed IV is priced at $105US.
The Deluxe is $137.
And just to throw a wrench into it, for $200 you can start to get into custom hats with a Garrison.

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 6:03 pm

Today I received a box all the way from Katoomba, Australia, which could only mean one thing: the Alkubra Federation IV Deluxe has arrived!

Below are some unboxing photos and some photos of me wearing the hat after a very quick steam-assisted bashing. Definitely need to work on the front some more.

The people at Alkubra did a very good job packaging this hat and even included a note about the proper sizing they did for me. I took the advice from this site and included my exact measurements, which paid off.

I've found the bashing much more difficult than I expected. Not that the hat does not respond well, but now every little detail is available to be molded to my liking. Too many options! I'm sure I'll be working the bash over and over until it's perfect.

Enjoy!

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 6:25 pm

WELL done!

A lot of folks never believe us when we recommend sending your actual head measurement, as that way THEY don't have to deal with a return, and YOU don't end up with a hat that doesn't fit!

Thank you for listening to us!!

You did a GREAT job on the bash. It will slowly take on it's own personal characteristics as you wear and handle it on a daily basis.

Once again, WELL done!

Regard! Michaelson

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 6:31 pm

When I sent in my measurement, I thought to myself, "They aren't really gonna read this."

Then, I never received a reply or comment, so I was sure. I think the inclusion of a handwritten note really shows they go the extra mile. I am really impressed with their company.

Thanks for the compliment on the bash. This hat sure feels WWWAAAYYYY better on my head than the old $20 Dorfman-Pacific or $1 Stetson from 1984. You can feel the quality.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 6:37 pm

They're nice, personable folks, and yep, you have a REAL quality hat on your head now!

Regard! Michaelson

Synycyl · Post by **Synycyl** » Mon Jan 23, 2017 7:46 pm

Nice hat and great looking bash. Thanks for sharing.

Syn

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Tue Jan 24, 2017 1:46 am

Well done. The fedora looks very natural on you, wear in in good health.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Jeremiah · Post by **Jeremiah** » Tue Jan 24, 2017 6:06 am

Looks great.

Howard Weinstein · Post by **Howard Weinstein** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 1:59 pm

Glad you like it. Good choice (I have 3 Fed IVs), and Naomi and Trudi are very helpful.
Your initial bash looks good! But, yeah, it's hard to resist tweaking (and re-tweaking!).

A word of caution about steam (which it sounds like you already know): steam sparingly! Over-steaming may shrink/taper the hat. (I know, I've done it

)

If you're relatively new at doing your own bashing, it's actually a lot of fun. And when you wear your hat, you'll know it's truly customized.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Thu Feb 09, 2017 3:01 pm

temple_runner wrote:Today I received a box all the way from Katoomba, Australia, which could only mean one thing.....

....you have a new boomerang? oh?

jkdbuck76 · Post by **jkdbuck76** » Sat Feb 11, 2017 9:09 am

Can't go wrong with a Fed IV Deluxe. A good hat. They hold up well.

captblitzdawg · Post by **captblitzdawg** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 12:37 pm

Just pulled the trigger on a Fed 4! Now the impatient wait begins!

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 9:44 pm

captblitzdawg wrote:Just pulled the trigger on a Fed 4! Now the impatient wait begins!

I have worn mine for over a month now and I love it!

I have not shied away from rain or weather and it has held up great! I get nothing but compliments (including the rare "Indiana Jones," which I find more appealing than insulting.)

You won't be disappointed!

captblitzdawg · Post by **captblitzdawg** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:23 pm

I wisely followed the suggestions in this thread and measured my head. I included the note with the exact size & mentioned I have fast growing, thick hair that is cut short right now, but if my hair grows out, will the fit still be good? I got a reply a couple hours later where they said their sizing leans to being smaller. The ladies measured hats until they found one that was 0.2 cm bigger to account for hair and shrinkage. I am now waiting for two weeks to get here.

kozmoedave · Post by **kozmoedave** » Wed Feb 22, 2017 11:30 pm

The customer service at Akubra is excellent. I stated above that I have two, and I plan on at least one more from them.
Also, that hat looks great! I found bashing easy, but I'm not going for a particular film or scene, just a general vibe.

elro2k · Post by **elro2k** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 8:15 am

Anyone know how long it takes for an Akubra IV Deluxe to get to the states? Will it be less than a month? Or should I just get a David Morgan Adventurer to cut out some of the wait time?

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 8:36 am

Barring weird shipping/customs delays, Feds usually reach the US in a couple of weeks.

The Adventurer from David Morgan is a (to those of us around here) very different hat. Fine as quality goes, but the Fed was specifically created to be worn as an Indiana Jones fedora.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Chewbacca Jones · Post by **Chewbacca Jones** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 9:02 am

It's been quiet a few years since my last order from HatsDirect, but back then I usually had my hats in a week to 10 days.

kozmoedave · Post by **kozmoedave** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 9:19 am

I'm in Michigan. The two I have took exactly two weeks from the date the order was placed. I looked at the Morgan one, too, but came to the conclusion I'd be happier in the long run with a Fed. It's worth the wait.

captblitzdawg · Post by **captblitzdawg** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 10:59 am

Mine is sitting in New York. Has been for about two days according to the tracking....

elro2k · Post by **elro2k** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 1:20 pm

Thanks everyone. I think I'll order one today or tomorrow. I'll keep you all updated

One more thing. Dark Brown is the accurate color correct?

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Sat Mar 04, 2017 9:09 am

When I was waiting on mine to arrive, I noticed that once it hit the U.S. it took quite a bit of time (3-4 days) before I had any updates. This was probably Customs. After that, it arrived very quickly. All in all, it took probably 10-12 days total from Australia to my doorstep. The packaging was nice and they gave me a handwritten note. Very good service on their part. I'd order another, but, really, this hat will last me a lifetime (barring any Indian spike rooms).

elro2k · Post by **elro2k** » Tue Mar 07, 2017 9:44 pm

Just ordered my Akubra deluxe! I'm super excited. I'm doing a Boy Scout Indy cosplay but I want to do a raiders bash just because it's my favorite. I took the advice of giving them my exact head measurement. And now the waiting begins...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kdragseth · Post by **kdragseth** » Tue Mar 07, 2017 10:43 pm

I ordered my Fed IV last Wednesday. I only check the Australia Post tracking page a dozen times a day.

elro2k · Post by **elro2k** » Thu Mar 09, 2017 8:39 am

kdragseth wrote:I ordered my Fed IV last Wednesday. I only check the Australia Post tracking page a dozen times a day.

Has yours shipped yet? How long does it take to get out of the shop?

elro2k · Post by **elro2k** » Sat Mar 11, 2017 11:31 am

temple_runner wrote:When I was waiting on mine to arrive, I noticed that once it hit the U.S. it took quite a bit of time (3-4 days) before I had any updates. This was probably Customs. After that, it arrived very quickly. All in all, it took probably 10-12 days total from Australia to my doorstep. The packaging was nice and they gave me a handwritten note. Very good service on their part. I'd order another, but, really, this hat will last me a lifetime (barring any Indian spike rooms).

Is that 10-12 days after the order or how long it took after it was shipped. How long does it take to get made?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Sat Mar 11, 2017 8:37 pm

The hats are not handmade, but machine made. It doesn't take but probably a day to make.

elro2k · Post by **elro2k** » Sat Mar 11, 2017 8:53 pm

temple_runner wrote:The hats are not handmade, but machine made. It doesn't take but probably a day to make.

So it took the 10-12 days from ordering to doorstep?

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captblitzdawg · Post by **captblitzdawg** » Sat Mar 11, 2017 11:39 pm

My Akubra arrived a few days ago. I am still getting it broken in, but I honestly like it- even with me having to bash it! The hold up in getting it was the 8 days it sat in NY!
I think I will look into ordering a grey one next year for my "Clipper" hat.

temple_runner · Post by **temple_runner** » Sun Mar 12, 2017 2:56 pm

elro2k wrote:
temple_runner wrote:The hats are not handmade, but machine made. It doesn't take but probably a day to make.
So it took the 10-12 days from ordering to doorstep?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes

Jeremiah · Post by **Jeremiah** » Sun Mar 12, 2017 9:44 pm

Hat looks great Captain.

I have one Akubra. It's a down under model though. Still great hat to take on adventure. Tough as nails.

kdragseth · Post by **kdragseth** » Thu Mar 16, 2017 11:36 pm

elro2k wrote:
kdragseth wrote:I ordered my Fed IV last Wednesday. I only check the Australia Post tracking page a dozen times a day.
Has yours shipped yet? How long does it take to get out of the shop?

It finally arrived yesterday. So that's 15 days from ordering. It shipped right away, but like everyone else said, it sits in New York for ages. The Australian post office can't really track it once it's here. So in a fit of desperation, I tried the tracking number on USPS and it totally works. Finally got my hands on it tonight and implemented the bash. I'm thrilled!