Club Obi Wan

I am getting close to pulling the trigger on another good hat, but can anyone give me a solid comparison between the Akubra Fed IV and the Fed IV Deluxe? I have read the description but I am looking for a more in-person impression. Basically, is it worth the extra cost for the Deluxe?

I have found them both at this link. Anyone done business with them before?

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/produ ... Federation

Thanks!

I recently ordered a Fed IV Deluxe, but it hasn't come in yet. But I made my descision based on the thought that if I was going to get a good Indy hat shipped from Australia, I might as well get the best one they have.

It's not that much of a price difference.

But I must admit I have never seen either of them yet, so maybe I just fell for their sales pitch...

Indiana Joosse wrote:I recently ordered a Fed IV Deluxe, but it hasn't come in yet. But I made my descision based on the thought that if I was going to get a good Indy hat shipped from Australia, I might as well get the best one they have.

It's not that much of a price difference.

But I must admit I have never seen either of them yet, so maybe I just fell for their sales pitch...

I agree. After I posted this I re-read it and thought that I'm probably being a bit nitpicky for a price difference of... what? $35?

I'd still be interested in the differences though, as I'm sure others here would. Also, I guess there are a lot of folks to which $35 would be the difference between next week and next month, or never. Fortunately I don't have to base my decision completely on that.

Cammer wrote:I
I have found them both at this link. Anyone done business with them before?

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/produ ... Federation

Thanks!

The Federation is an Hatsdirect exclusive, so every Federation here was sold by Hatsdirect.

I haven't been much of a gear guy thus far, but I'm definitely tempted to get one of these...

Indiana Strones wrote:

Cammer wrote:I
I have found them both at this link. Anyone done business with them before?

http://www.hatsdirect.com/cgi-bin/produ ... Federation

Thanks!

The Federation is an Hatsdirect exclusive, so every Federation here was sold by Hatsdirect.

Thank you for the info! I wasn't aware of that.

I have an original Feration Deluxe in brown, which I purchased several years ago, and a Federation IV in carbon gray that I purchased just last month.

The felt of the Deluxe has a softer feel than my Fed IV. The Fed IV needed a little steam to really take a good bash, but the Deluxe molded into place like soft butter without any steam. Neither hat is really floppy, but the Deluxe certainly feels softer and more pliable.

cowboy827 wrote:I have an original Feration Deluxe in brown, which I purchased several years ago, and a Federation IV in carbon gray that I purchased just last month.

The felt of the Deluxe has a softer feel than my Fed IV. The Fed IV needed a little steam to really take a good bash, but the Deluxe molded into place like soft butter without any steam. Neither hat is really floppy, but the Deluxe certainly feels softer and more pliable.

Thank you Cowboy. That is a good comparison. I think that seals it then. I'll spend the extra few bucks and get the Deluxe.

I've got a brown Deluxe and a moonstone Fed IV. Both are great hats but I think that I'd go the extra (especially since the price is so low right now) and get the deluxe. Like's been said, the deluxe has a smoother feel and seems like it would take a bash easier (I bought my deluxe off a member here so it was already bashed). You can bash the Fed without steam but you have to work with it a little more.

It softens up faster too with use.

I love them both, but do lean toward the Deluxe in terms of overall satisfaction.

Regards! Michaelson

It's done. I've just ordered the Fed IV Dlx. I guess they will contact me with payment details? Not exactly sure what they are going to do next...

Anyhow, I know I'm digging up old news at this point, but I JUST found out there is a sizing discrepancy in the Akubra Fed hats. I ordered my correct size of 59 based on a hat that fits me perfectly which measures precisely 59 cm around the inside of the hat band.

The new Fed sizes convert a 59 to a 58.5, so should I go with a 60 or a 59? Loose hats really bother me, so perhaps I should keep the 59 and use my hat stretcher if the fit is a bit too snug.

How about that? Anyone else try a hat stretcher to bump up a half size or so?

I've done it, and quite successfully, but I'd suggest you drop Ron a line and give him your exact head measurement. Ask him to make sure the hat they send you meet those specifications.

Regard! Michaelson

Yikes I wouldn't ever measure the inside of a hatband for a size for a new hat. That can be way off. Measure your head. That's the only way to be sure. Also have someone else do it if possible as I've heard of many getting the wrong measurement trying to do it themselves.

Thanks guys. Both suggestions seem like really good advice. I appreciate the help.

Both my Fed Deluxe and Fed IV are the same size, and both fit me very well. I honestly did not see any difference between my orginal Fed and the Fed IV.

Hatsdirect.com is incredibly responsive to emails. This is a stark contrast to another vendor on this site and it's a very refreshing change.

A very helpful person named Jenny and I have emailed back and forth several times now and have settled on what should be the correct size for me. Really great service.

I too have received email from Jenny and have found her helpful. I am about to pull the trigger on one of these models myself and appreciate this discussion.

I own both and can honestly say that the difference is marked between the Deluxe and the regular. The Dlx has a great smooth finish and the hatband is very comfy.

Go for the Dlx (as you have done and you have chosen wisely) you will not be disappointed. ;-)

Cheers
Jonesy

Jones Boy wrote:I own both and can honestly say that the difference is marked between the Deluxe and the regular. The Dlx has a great smooth finish and the hatband is very comfy.

Go for the Dlx (as you have done and you have chosen wisely) you will not be disappointed. ;-)

Cheers
Jonesy

Thanks for the help Jonesy.

No probs Cammer. Enjoy!

Cheers
Jonesy

Belegnole wrote:I too have received email from Jenny and have found her helpful. I am about to pull the trigger on one of these models myself and appreciate this discussion.

Jenny is very professional and helpful.

She helped me make the right call on the sizing of my Fed 4 Deluxe (61).

It has become my favorite hat ever (comfort, fit, & style).

I bought the regular Fed and its great. I didn't get a deluxe due to financial reasons, but they're both wonderful hats. Their service was fantastic and it took only days to recive my hat.

Indiana Hutch wrote:I bought the regular Fed and its great. I didn't get a deluxe due to financial reasons, but they're both wonderful hats. Their service was fantastic and it took only days to recive my hat.

I echo these sentiments. I too pondered the Fed IV Deluxe, but opted to save a few pennies and get the "regular." I'm thrilled with it!