Club Obi Wan

Hello all! This is my first post as a new member! This post is really more of a questionnaire type thing. I have a fedora I have had for a long time and honestly don't really remember where it came from but I'm not really satisfied about how it looks on me. For a while I wasn't sure I was meant to wear fedoras but I think it's just this isn't quite my hat. So I'm in the market for a new hat. I'm shooting for a Raiders style and i don't have a price cap really. Problem is I'm not sure where to go. I've been eyeing Penman hats and the Federation for a while but I'm not sure what else is out there. If anyone is willing to give their opinion or suggestion that would be super helpful. Pictures of your fedoras would be awesome for reference! Here is me in my current lid
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Welcome aboard!

No shortage of good hat choices, especially if you aren't limited by budget.

My best advise is to read through the various threads in the Fedora section. 100s of member photos and reviews from hat makers near and far.



Regards,

Indiana Jeff

Yikes! I agree with you: it is definitely time for a new hat!

I have one of Penman's Everyman fedora's. It is great. No wait time if your size is in stock. Rabbit/beaver blend. John can shape it for you to match whatever film you want. At $250 it doesn't break the bank, and it is a huge step up from the Federation. If you want to treat yourself, go for a custom hat. But as far as I can tell, the Everyman is the best factory made out there.

I've had Akubra Fed IVs (standard grade, not deluxe), a Garrison rabbit Raiders, and just got an AdVintage Harrison in the 80/20 rabbit/beaver mix. All have different characteristics and advantages.

Fed IV (Last Crusade style, shaped by me)


Garrison Raiders (I re-bashed it to include elements from different movies)


AdVintage Harrison (Crystal Skull, pretty much as it came out of the box)


The Fed IV is probably the bargain choice -- a very nice hat, especially for the price. Sturdy rabbit, holds its shape well, and great service from the folks at Hats Direct. The color is not quite screen accurate, but a very solid choice.

The Garrison rabbit is very lightweight, pretty floppy (which some people love), with a much redder color, and is a popular choice among the gang here. And you do get a custom fit (if your measurements are accurate). I felt like the crown on my Garrison wasn't quite as tall as it should be.

The AdVintage Harrison is factory made, but doesn't look or feel like it, to me, anyway. The rabbit/beaver felt is very smooth and light, but the hat is stiffer than the Garrison, so I think it may hold its shape better for the long haul. At about $200 (USD) including shipping (only took about 2 weeks to get from Germany to Maryland), I think it's the least-expensive beaver-mix you can find. While I don't know how the Harrison compares to more expensive hats, I'm really impressed by the one I just got -- color, ribbon, fit, and shape are all top-notch. I'm tempted to get another one!

If you have the money and the patience, a custom Penman would serve you very well. Excellent craftsmanship, high accuracy, and made to look the way you want it to.

I can't speak to most of the current offerings, as I don't have experience with them. Except the Akubra, which I stand by as the best mass-produced option, and best value for a "budget" fedora.

I have a Last Crusade Penman in beaver felt.

I have a Federation and an Adventurebilt. If money is not an issue I would go with the Adventurebilt without thinking twice. Next to that I would personally buy a Penman, or a Herbert Johnson. I don’t own one but if I was ever to get another Indiana Jones hat it would be form one of them. If you are looking for a specific look and money isn’t an issue I would not go for a Federation. It takes a fair amount of tweaking to get it to look close to what you want. Where you can get it exactly how you want it to look, straight out the box form one of the custom hatters.
My two cents worth anyway.
Johnny

Yeah, top of the line would be AB, Penman or the HJ.

Mid level would be S&J, Garrison, Advintage or Norhwest.

This is only by price. All are fantastic quality...

If you can handle the 6 month wait and are okay with the price, a Penman will be all you ever need.

I have about a dozen different hats from Penman, but this is my personal favorite. An 8 year old beaver felt Raiders style Penman.

It's been everywhere and has seen and done a lot. This picture was taken after its third reblock.

Sweet ridgerunner.

Here is my AB raiders in beaver which was re blocked once by penman a year and a half ago. Photo taken enroute (Rochester MN) to our new home in Washington state.