Club Obi Wan

Would you consider the HJ Magnoli to be as durable as an Akubra Fed??

No idea as I don't own either, but for the ultimate durability, you have to pay the price...

100% pure beaver fur felt is the ultimate hat material.

These hold up extremely well in bad weather as well. I would not suggest swimming with it, particularly in a pool with chlorine.

If you try, you can kill ANY hat; the beaver felt is just the best.

As to which of the lesser hats is the best, you have to try and find someone who has both AND has subjected them to the same 'abuse' to know for sure. Since we often wear only one hat, that might be difficult to find...

I personally suggest the Fed IV as it seems to be the "best bang for the buck"

I was planning to get that, but instead got a used hat from a member here. It is a nice hat, but the crown is too short, and my skull pushes the bash out when I wear it!

Now I need to get a Fed IV anyway...

not even in the same league, imo.

Thanks for the input..

What do you plan on doing to it.

Well I have done some more research and I have decided on getting the HJ Magnoli because I have heard some really great things about it and all the extra work he puts into restoring The HJ. It was a difficult decision nontheless.

From what I understand it's a HJ reblocked and reworked by Steve Delk at Adventurebilt. So you'll get the original Raiders hat brand reworked by the maker of the Crystal Skull hats.

Its pretty exciting!!!

Go the Fed IV.
for 134 years, Akubra has stood the test of time that few hatmakers can equal.
No business, no matter what they make, lasts that long by making a crappy product.

I agree- but I just ordered the Christie's hat.

Also a long reputation of superior product and service...

By the way, how old is Dorman Pacific?

Unfortunately there are a lot of old companies making poor quality products so the age of the company isn't much to go by.

However, I do not believe that Akubra is one of these companies. From what I'v heard the Fed line is one of the best rabit fur hats ever.

Regards, Geert

gwyddion wrote:By the way, how old is Dorman Pacific?

Unfortunately there are a lot of old companies making poor quality products so the age of the company isn't much to go by.

However, I do not believe that Akubra is one of these companies. From what I'v heard the Fed line is one of the best rabit fur hats ever.

Regards, Geert

This is true, but to understand how good an Akubra is, you have to understand the iconic nature of the product...
http://www.akubra.com.au/history.html
In Australia, Akubras are THE hat that every other lid is compared to.
They have a proud heritage, and they work hard to preserve it.
When you own an Akubra, you're wearing a little piece of Australian history

If you have the dough, go for the AB Deluxe. There's no better hat than that.

I agree fully, and have the dough, but I don't wear the hat often enough to justify that expense to myself...

I just ordered a Cristie's, and am looking forward to receiving that. A reasonable compromise between expense and quality; however not at all in the same league as an AB- let me make that perfectly clear!

J!m wrote:I agree fully, and have the dough, but I don't wear the hat often enough to justify that expense to myself...

I just ordered a Cristie's, and am looking forward to receiving that. A reasonable compromise between expense and quality; however not at all in the same league as an AB- let me make that perfectly clear!

An educated consumer.

Dave

Just so this doesn't turn down a side track into an AB commercial, let's remember he was asking about the comparison between an HJ and an Akubra Fed.

I have owned several Akubras over the years. To date I've never owned an HJ, so my opinion is only based on the fact it's a regular rabbit felt and I've owned several versions of that particular material.

The regular rabbit makes a fine dress hat. If you're going for quality, but not so much into rough and tumble activity, the HJ is the way to go, especially one from the Magnoli line.

The Akubra has been made as an outdoorsman hat for over a century. The material came first as to it's durability as it's a blend of domestic and wild jackrabbit fur, THEN style was considered....not the other way round.

So, in terms of true durability, any Akubra will out do a standard rabbit fur felt hat in longevity. That's been my experience to date.

Regards! Michaelson

let me elaborate as i own both. the IMHJ is the closest thing you'll get to the raiders hat, but unless you get a hat from a good batch from the factory, there is a significant shrinkage factor looming on the felt. the crown on my HJ does not look as good as my AB crowns due to this.......still better than the stock HJ for sure....{ducks under the plymouth from AC }. i'm pretty sure when it left steve's hands it looked like an AB crown....over time/shipping/wearing in the heat (never in the rain of course), HJ's cheap felt does strange things. i love my HJ just because its an HJ and thats what steve and harrison supposedly chose when they walked into the london shop all those years ago. its a good hat to wear on a pleasant day and you can roughhouse with it too....just don't plan on having it last longer than the akubra.

akubra fed 4 is built like a tank and i have worn it in heat and rain with no ill effects. i do find that the hat in my size is relatively small. perhaps i should try a size up. my fed 3 looked more raiders and i wouldn't dare bash a raiders crease into my fed 4 as it will end up looking like a DP. i'd like to buy a size up and do a raiders bash into it as i know the bigger size would probably lend itself better to the creasing.

if your an indyfan and can afford multiple hats, go with the IMHJ....wear it till she dies or cones and then reblock it as many times as it takes to kill the felt.

just my 2 cents.

It depends so much on how you intend to use the hat, as others have pointed out. The Fed would be the clear choice for hard, regular outdoor use.

If your heart is set on an HJ but you are unsure of its stability over time, you might want to explore another, less orthodox option: get a less expensive, easily replaceable hat that looks similar, like the Christys Adventurer, to wear on a regular basis, and keep the Magnoli as a collector's item that you only wear occasionally. I like to think of the Christys as Magnoli Lite.

This can provide a measure of peace of mind if you can afford both hats (I couldn't, but bought both anyway ).

Jack

If it comes down to a choice between an Akubra Fed and a Magnoli HJ, I think even the vendors would agree that the Akubra is more durable. Nevermoind how long they've been in business. The hats have proven, again and again, to be nye indestructible. The Magnoli HJ is a nice hat, and is made as best as possible. But in the end, it's still made of HJ materials. What Steve Delk does to them will make them out perform a normal HJ, but as they no doubt learning in the middle ages, a wooden gate with iron reinforcement still burns like wood.

In my opinion (and that's all it is), the Magnoli HJ is best for two kinds of people; The Completist and the Stitch Nazi. The completist can't rest until he has every decent Indy hat available, and the Stitch Nazi can't rest until he has the most authentic and accurate hat available (which it is). But for function and price, the Akubra wins out.

As an Indy collector, I spent over 20 years looking for the most accurate Raiders hat, and found it in the Magnoli HJ/AB. Durability didn't even enter into the equation, which is why, for me, comparing these 2 hats is like comparing apples and oranges, as I believe Michaelson is fond of saying.

If you study the films, it's pretty obvious the HJ's don't hold up very well to heavy abuse; that's part of their charm and character, though. Even though the AB in CS is a much tougher hat, it just didn't distress as interestingly as the HJ's in the previous 3 films.

Again, it all boils down to what you personally want and need from the hat.

Jack

Durability didn't even enter into the equation, which is why, for me, comparing these 2 hats is like comparing apples and oranges, as I believe Michaelson is fond of saying.

Yeah, but I'm usually talking about folks trying to compare beaver felt hats to rabbit hats. This is almost a 1:1 comparison, so it's all good.

Regard! Michaelson

Chewbacca Jones wrote:
In my opinion (and that's all it is), the Magnoli HJ is best for two kinds of people; The Completist and the Stitch Nazi. The completist can't rest until he has every decent Indy hat available, and the Stitch Nazi can't rest until he has the most authentic and accurate hat available (which it is). But for function and price, the Akubra wins out.

now, you're just getting nasty!!!! :evil:

easybox, it's not a magnoli light....its a IMHJOAB ....if you don't know what that means, perhaps spend some time in the whip section

Indiana G wrote:

Chewbacca Jones wrote:
In my opinion (and that's all it is), the Magnoli HJ is best for two kinds of people; The Completist and the Stitch Nazi. The completist can't rest until he has every decent Indy hat available, and the Stitch Nazi can't rest until he has the most authentic and accurate hat available (which it is). But for function and price, the Akubra wins out.

now, you're just getting nasty!!!! :evil:

easybox, it's not a magnoli light....its a IMHJOAB ....if you don't know what that means, perhaps spend some time in the whip section

I know what it means, G., and I think you're right.

Jack

Please tell the new guy...

Adam Winrich makes a whip he has dubbed the Indy on a Budget, IOAB. So calling a Christy's a IMHJOAB is referencing the IOAB, Indy Magnoli/HJ on a Budget.

Dave

G was referring to the Indy On A Budget bullwhip (IOAB).

Jack

Looks like you typed a little faster than me, Dr. Ulloa.

Jack

Dave

O I see..... Thats much more understandable now. Thanks for clearing that up guys.....

DR Ulloa wrote:Adam Winrich makes a whip he has dubbed the Indy on a Budget, IOAB. So calling a Christy's a IMHJOAB is referencing the IOAB, Indy Magnoli/HJ on a Budget.

Dave

Yeah, but... an IOAB whip is awesome in a way that a Christy's hat could never be.

Indiana Valentine wrote:Well I have done some more research and I have decided on getting the HJ Magnoli because I have heard some really great things about it and all the extra work he puts into restoring The HJ. It was a difficult decision nontheless.

you wont go wrong with Steve's work.

Michaelson wrote:The regular rabbit makes a fine dress hat. If you're going for quality, but not so much into rough and tumble activity, the HJ is the way to go, especially one from the Magnoli line.

I would add to Michaelson's comment that the Fed Deluxe with its Heritage fur is a cut above your standard Imperial fur - very tight/dense and superbly finished.

Cheers
Jonesy

[quote="Jones Boy
I would add to Michaelson's comment that the Fed Deluxe with its Heritage fur is a cut above your standard Imperial fur - very tight/dense and superbly finished.

Cheers
Jonesy[/quote]

I would echo that comment by JB. Also, if you consider 'durability', and it really is THE consideration, for $50 more, you can have a Penman, pure beaver felt.

I understand the Camptown Fieldmaster is a pretty tough hat, being 50% beaver. I ordered one at the end of May/early June. Ken is doing a trim down and dimensional cut on the brim for me. It will be my first "real hat" (I have one of the old Stetson Temples, a gray one, but its developed a taper over the years). I hope to come home one of these days pretty soon and find that box sitting on the counter . . .

Texan Scott wrote:[quote="Jones Boy
I would add to Michaelson's comment that the Fed Deluxe with its Heritage fur is a cut above your standard Imperial fur - very tight/dense and superbly finished.

Cheers
Jonesy

I would echo that comment by JB. Also, if you consider 'durability', and it really is THE consideration, for $50 more, you can have a Penman, pure beaver felt.[/quote]

That's the smartest thing said this whole thread!

Dave

eazybox wrote:It depends so much on how you intend to use the hat, as others have pointed out. The Fed would be the clear choice for hard, regular outdoor use.

If your heart is set on an HJ but you are unsure of its stability over time, you might want to explore another, less orthodox option: get a less expensive, easily replaceable hat that looks similar, like the Christys Adventurer, to wear on a regular basis, and keep the Magnoli as a collector's item that you only wear occasionally. I like to think of the Christys as Magnoli Lite.

This can provide a measure of peace of mind if you can afford both hats (I couldn't, but bought both anyway ).

Jack

I'm sorry but I had to jump in on this. Christy's is no way should even be put in the same sentence as anything that is made by Steve Delk. the ribbon and the stitching he does alone is worth more than what the Christy's is worth.

The reg. HJ put out by other company's I wouldn't even call a Mag/HJ/AB Lite.

I agree Oak, we're talking handmade, at least close to it in the case of a Mag HJ, vs a factory hat. Simply a different level of craftsmanship. A VERY different level.....

indyrocks wrote:I agree Oak, we're talking handmade, at least close to it in the case of a Mag HJ, vs a factory hat. Simply a different level of craftsmanship. A VERY different level.....

The Mag/HJ/ Made by Steve is a handmade hat. made by Steve's hands.

I believe I've made it plain that I don't think the Christys is in the same league, quality and constructio-wise, with a Magnoli HJ. It is almost in the same league as far as looks go, however, and that makes it a very attractive value.

I'll reserve my final judgment until I've used the Christys for about a year. I've only owned mine since May, but so far it's held up very well, under normal usage, and that was all I wanted from it. I never expected and do not require it to be Super-Hat.

My experience with both the Todd Standard jacket and the Christys Adventurer is leading me to believe that many of us go way overboard with this durability issue. The quest for ultra-high-quality is fine, but it is not really necessary to go bankrupt to get some enjoyment out of this hobby.

While the AB's and the Magnolis are terrific for those who can afford them in this sick economy, there are other, more affordable options that can also yield satisfactory results.

Jack

While the AB's and the Magnolis are terrific for those who can afford them in this sick economy, there are other, more affordable options that can also yield satisfactory results.

I agree Eazy, it's a good cost effective option.

Totally agree. I looked around this board for many a hat and decided on two. I ordered and received one the new Kepplers Idol Grab and ordered a Penman CS. I figured, like other hats, most folks rotate them. I also figured I would have one for wearing around the house, running errands (Keppler) which btw is a fantastic hat in quality for the money ($185). I would also have a hat that looked great, but have confidence in it withstanding the weather. The Penman looks like it is the total package in that it is classy, handmade, 100% beaver and great price and a 2-3 month wait (for now anyway) .

eazybox, I'm sorry if it came off like I was tagging you. Thats not what I wanted to do.

I don't only think that it not in the same league but I don't think it looks as good. take a closer look on how Steve tacks on his ribbon and then look at how Chisty's. It's night and day.

BendingOak wrote:eazybox, I'm sorry if it came off like I was tagging you. Thats not what I wanted to do.

I don't only think that it not in the same league but I don't think it looks as good. take a closer look on how Steve tacks on his ribbon and then look at how Chisty's. It's night and day.

Oak, I didn't take it that way, just as an honest exchangce of viewpoints. But I appreciate your sensitivity and by the way, I also hope to own one of your great looking hats someday. Right now I can't justify it as I've already bought 3 hats and a Nowak jacket in the last year, but someday I'd love to join your waiting list!

As far as the Christys ribbon goes, mine doesn't look bad to me at all, but I have seen photos of some that look worse-- and one photo of a ribbon on one of the expensive HJ offerings that looked absolutely dreadful. Personally, unless I got a sample that looked that bad, I wouldn't worry about the Christys ribbon because this hat looks so good otherwise.

Again, we're talking about an entry level hat at a bargain price, and as such you can't really expect the kind of attention to detail that Steve delivers on his custom Magnoli HJ's.

I think of the Christys as just another option among many we are fortunate to have right now. Perfectionists who fret about every little detail (and I'm one of them, but I still love my Christys) might be better served by saving up for one of the more expensive hats.

But at least we have the choice now, and this forum to help us come to an educated decision.

Jack

Do you still have your?

Several weeks back, I made a decision to get one of each, as initially, it is about two choices: a rabbit felt and/or a beaver felt. Having selected the felt, then it is a matter of who, or the manufacturer? I chose the Fed IV Heritage for its legendary quality and durabilty, for a rabbit felt, and the Penman for obvious reasons, (despite the fact that John is a giants fan)!

In my opinion, to simplify the process, it might look something like this:
Felt, look/quality, price, vendor.

BendingOak wrote:Do you still have your?

Not sure if this was meant for me or to what it refers? Anyway, if you meant the gear I mentioned in my last post, I still have all of it, plus 2 additional jackets I fdorgot to mention. The Nowak just sort of made me forget about them, I guess.

Sorry if I misunderstood or if the question is meant for someone else.

Jack

nope, I think that one was earmarked for you, Jack. I sort of interjected my point of view.

Maybe I should revise my thinking:

Felt, look/quality, price, (NFL team), vendor.

Texan Scott wrote:nope, I think that one was earmarked for you, Jack. I sort of interjected my point of view.

Maybe I should revise my thinking:

Felt, look/quality, price, (NFL team), vendor.

Sounds about right to me.

Jack

Texan Scott wrote:nope, I think that one was earmarked for you, Jack. I sort of interjected my point of view.

Maybe I should revise my thinking:

Felt, look/quality, price, (NFL team), vendor.

Funny man.


I wanted to know if you still had the Chrisy's hat and could you post a pick of the ribbon.

Couldn't get a good sloseup, but here is one of my 3 attempts:

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd12 ... 0_0562.jpg


And here is an earlier shot of the Magnoli HJ next to the Christys:

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd12 ... 0_0529.jpg

The Christys ribbon only has a few neat stitches that are placed in the center of the ribbon and the tacking on the bow is fairly unobtrusive; the Magnoli has numerous stitches around the base of the ribbon.

Jack