Akubra Federation in my mind...

BellyTank · May 25, 2005

The Akubra Federation/Deluxe has attracted my attention in the past and more recently since becoming immersed in the quasi-Indy environment of The Fedora Lounge.

I'd seen it in the past, in my hat-quest and seen the Indy' references, seen the sense in it but due to my non-whip cracking status re- the phenomenon, I saw it more as a 'Hat' than a piece of 'Gear'. Since reading more about the Gear and its following of Heads, I have come to recognise the Akubra Federation as a very viable, faithfully observed and engineered, quality, economical piece for the Gearhead.

Of course now, I see that there are many more alternatives- better, worse, cheaper, more expensive...and on and on...

The Fed' seems to have become a standard and stand-by for many Indy fans but, as I've mentioned, that's not really my reason for the appeal.

The Akubra Federation has, I believe, risen above the Indiana Jones area of interest- beyond its status as trusty companion and faithful stalwart and become a 'Hat' in its own right- in my mind at least.

I like that it's associated with Indy for sure but I like it more as a Hat, it has a certain robust quality about it, a rustic charm that harks back to the '30s- bringing to mind visions of John Walton in the '70s TV show among other idealistically assumed scenarios planted firmly in my mind- a workman-like quality that holds great appeal for me, built from a combination of quality, simplicity and affordability.

It has a sublime elegance of stature and proportion, a golden formula which belies its price- all these factors combining to enhance its intrinsic value-
-in my mind.

It is, in my mind its own commodity.

I like it!
(-sounds like copy...) :kick:

B
T

Feraud · May 25, 2005

:cheers1: I heartily agree. The Fed Deluxe is a hard working, affordable hat. The perfect compromise between the $50 dollar throw away and the higher end 'lifetime investment' models!
My hat has seen quite a bit of snow, rain, and sun and contines to hold up very well.
A great hat at a great price.

Michaelson · May 25, 2005

Both the Federation and the Fed Deluxe models were developed by HatsDirect and several Indygear.com folks several years ago as a 'next step' in the evolution of the Indy hat, while at the same time supplying folks with a source of fedora who were involved in the swing dance craze that was sweeping the world at the time. At that time, modifications were being performed on the then available featherweight Akubra Bushman models by individuals looking for that perfect Indy shaped hat...the featherweight Bushman is no longer available, by the way. After several changes, and LOTS of back and forth discussions were made, a prototype was produced, and showed up for review. Once approved by all concerned, a decision was made to name it in honor of the Australian Federation Centennial, circumventing any foreseeable problems with LucasFilm or like companies with an associated interest in the Indy hobby.

The Fed was first with it's non-dimensional brim cut. The Deluxe was next, about 6 months later, and it came with corrected ribbon width and bow shape, as well as dimensional cut of the brim. That particular prototype came out just before the first Queen Mary Indygear summit 4 years ago. The Feds that were coming out at the same time also began having the dimensional cut done to the brim. They all came open crowned, as they still do to this day.

Both are great fedoras, and workhorses. I'm still more partial to the comfort of the Deluxe, but the standard Fed seems to have a better body in terms of construction and overall strength.

Just a little history for you....

Regards. Michaelson

BellyTank · May 25, 2005

Thanks Michaelson, for the lowdown-
Nice delivery :jeep:

Feraud- nice to know you can have a daily beater from the get-go huh?
B
T

Feraud · May 25, 2005

BellyTank said:
Thanks Michaelson, for the lowdown-
Nice delivery :jeep:

Feraud- nice to know you can have a daily beater from the get-go huh?
B
T

Thanks for that history lesson Michaelson.
BT, I am really happy with my Fed Deluxe. It's like a Timex, "takes a licking and keeps on ticking!"

I have read great things about the AB and look forward to getting one eventually. Until then my Akubra becomes more pliable and 'lived in' as the days go on.

BellyTank · May 25, 2005

So Feraud, Michaelson...
...what are the ins and outs of the Fed and the Deluxe...
...if someone were to enquire...?

What virtues do the each display?

B
T

Michaelson · May 25, 2005

This is just based on my experiences with both hats, and I've owned several of each. The Fed (standard) is a robust rabbit felt hat, and is one that folks refer to as a good 'yard hat' when it comes to taking on just about anything you want to throw at it. It's inexpensive enough to not care to much, and yet made well enough to be worn in dressy situations too when brushed. It covers both ends of the spectrum quite well.

The Deluxe is the highest grade rabbit fur felt Akubra offers, and is softer in feel. Seems to wear in faster too, because of the softer fur. The workmanship is the same on both hats, so there's no down side to owning either, it's just the Deluxe has a higher grade felt than the standard Fed, and the standard is a fine fur felt too. Some hatters even feel the standard is BETTER than the Deluxe in terms of felt, but opinions vary.

Regards! Michaelson

scotrace · May 25, 2005

It DOES sound like copy

And good copy at that.
My Federation Deluxe is a few months old now and it speaks the very language you ascribe. Not wanting an "Indy" hat either, I chose it because of the open crown starting point, wide brim and high crown. I took Michaelson's advice and tootled around with the shape for a few weeks until I had what I wanted, then set it with steam. Soon, maybe I'll have the guts to try the softening method Lee Keppler demonstrates, as the steam activated the stiffener (of course) and it's no longer as buttery as the day it came.
Right now, it's my hat of choice. The roaned sweat is very soft, the liner like snow, and the felt (though it ain't no Optimo, I'm sure) is awfully nice for the money, which turned out to be $123+change.
It looks good with an Orvis Rhinohide jacket, with a leather jacket, Levi denim jacket, and with any suit. Believe it or not, it shines best with a grayish silk windowpane sportcoat and dark brown trousers, white shirt and red & white polka dot necktie. It draws many compliments.
I'd never consider schmutzing it up with fullers earth, the pinch is very light, no side flight wingy thingies, and the front snaps down just a bit, not in an overhang.
It's a nice, thirties type fedora in my hands, not an Indy hat.

wemedge · May 25, 2005

You fine gentlemen are correct! The Federation is a fine hat in its own right indeed.

I wear mine every day, in all weather. Mine is nice and pliable now, but still retains its shape. I need to get a spare; don't know what I'll do if they ever stop making them.

wemedge

Michaelson · May 25, 2005

I don't see that happening anytime soon. Last I heard from Ron, the Fed line is their very best seller in Akubra hats to date, bar none. Regards! Michaelson

wemedge · May 25, 2005

Michaelson said:
I don't see that happening anytime soon. Last I heard from Ron, the Fed line is their very best seller in Akubra hats to date, bar none. Regards! Michaelson

Good to know, Michaelson, Thanks!

regards,
wemedge

Feraud · May 25, 2005

Yes, what they said!
The Fed Deluxe is a quality, affordable and good looking hat. I spent five days hunting in New Mexico and returned to the city to receive a "nice hat" compliment. This hat possesses a great sense of style and substance. I certainly appreciate that.

My hat is approximately 7 months old and I have not encountered any 'outs' yet.

Michaelson · May 25, 2005

I wore a black standard Fed when helping my eldest daughter move one weekend a couple of years ago, and it rained ALL weekend. The hat was totally soaked, but not through! Once it dried, no taper, no nothing. Just a clean, soft hat. That's hard for any hat to do, regardless of quality or maker. I was impressed. Regards! Michaelson

scotrace · May 25, 2005

Then Why Not...

Michaelson said:
I don't see that happening anytime soon. Last I heard from Ron, the Fed line is their very best seller in Akubra hats to date, bar none. Regards! Michaelson

Another colo(u)r would be good since the gray was dropped. Any thoughts?

BellyTank · May 25, 2005

Oh Scotrace!

Hey Mister, I forgot you had a 'Fed'- maybe it was you that reminded me subliminally...
Don't need to allow for English-English Scotrace, it's OK, I can grit my teeth and bare it.

B
T

scotrace · May 25, 2005

Yes, Tank

I traveled the astral plane to plant the Akubra seed...

You need that hat.

fedoralover · May 26, 2005

I've had 6 Akubra's, 4 of them federations and I agree on pretty much all that has just been said. However, if you wouldn' be offended by me offering some other insights just for an objective view, I also have to say that all of mine did taper. One so bad that I couldn't stand it anymore and sent it to "Adventurebilt hats" Steve Delk to reblock, but then I live in Oregon where rain is more common.
Compared to other felts the Akubra is pretty rough, for some that is part of it's appeal, but there are nicer rabbit felt fedora's available for not too much more money if you want a nicer pounced hat.
It's crown shape is one of the better off the shelf one's that you will find for the Indy look if that is your interest, but again be advised that there is some inconsistancy in them. I showed mine to a friend and he really liked it so he got one too. When it came he brought it over for me to shape for him and I was jealous, it's crown was a lot better than mine. Noticably so, when I asked Ron about it, he said that is just the way manufacturing goes, they just don't all turn out the same.
Also keep in mind that a lot of people don't like the way Akubra does the bows. They look more like little propellers than bows, many fans actually e-mailed Ron to see if they could be done different. The answer was no, that is their standard.
Also keep in mind the sizing can be a problem since they do have a tendency to shrink. My first one seemed too big, so I used the foam sizing they send with it, but after a while I had to take it out as it shrunk too much to wear it with it in. I thought it was a fluke and ordered my next one a size smaller and it fit perfect out of the box, in 3 months I had to sell it because it had shrunk too much to wear. This is just to give a balance to the reports about them and not meant to discourage you from getting one. But I believe it's better to be informed on all the pluses and the minus's than not informed at all.

regards fedoralover

Prairie Shade · May 26, 2005

OK You talked me into it

Just ordered one from Hats Direct. I have several Akubra's for everyday wear and thought I would add a dressier hat. Now if I can find room in my closet when it arrives. Gooday Mite!!!!!

BellyTank · May 26, 2005

Fedoralover- No offence taken by me at all...
I was simply extolling the virtues of the hat as just what it is- not trying to compare it.
BUT- if you say there are nicer, similar shaped rabbit fur-felt hats available for
little more cash- what are they specifically- what's the low-down?

B
T

JerseyJones · May 26, 2005

The Akubra Fed is a staple, I still have and love my first one. It was my first Indy ish hat.

The Deluxe, which I also had, was part of my inspiration to build my own Camptown hat and try to get something price competitive with the Deluxe that had better features and a Beaver blend shell. Mine got "fuzzy" over time which was a turnoff for me for the considerable extra cash the Deluxe costs. I agree that IMHO the standard Fed is nicer felt than the Deluxe.

While I have a self interest in my own hats, I can say with admiration that the Classic Akubra Federation is a great value and a great hat.

Now of course if you want a reeeeealllly nice Camptown hat, I have this list of new customers right here..........

:cool2:

Cheers for Ron and the Akubra gang,
Ken

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