Fed IV v. Fed IV Deluxe

CRH said:

This should be good. I can tell from your avatar, S.R., that you are not afraid to pinch and squeeze the felt .

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Correct you are, my friend.

Interesting thing about this hat. I have been wearing it for years. Rarely did I get a comment on it. Since redoing the top shortly after I joined this group a week ago, I've been getting compliments left and right. In the space of about 3 hours last night, a half a dozen people commented on this hat.

Not that that was my purpose in doing the reshaping. I do that kinda stuff for myself. Its just that I've always liked a tight pinch, and so, apparently, do a lot of other people who normally wouldnt even look twice at a hat.

just pulled the trigger

I just ordered a Fed IV Deluxe in Moonstone ... my spawnday present to meself.

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Wil Tam said:

I just ordered a Fed IV Deluxe in Moonstone ... my spawnday present to meself.

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You will not be disappointed my friend Happy birthday :cheers1:

took my time

Carlisle Blues said:

You will not be disappointed my friend Happy birthday :cheers1:

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I had to do the research and a lot of reading ... so it took me a whole five days to take the plunge [huh]

Thanks for the b'day wishes, it's at the end of the month ... maybe it'll get to me by then lol

I'm stoked!!


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Wil Tam said:

I had to do the research and a lot of reading ... so it took me a whole five days to take the plunge [huh]

Thanks for the b'day wishes, it's at the end of the month ... maybe it'll get to me by then lol

I'm stoked!!


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Now playing: Markets, the - Out Of Limits
via FoxyTunes

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It's a great hat. Wore it today and got lots of compliments.
It's just an awesome color


Cheers

xigxag said:

It's a great hat. Wore it today and got lots of compliments.
It's just an awesome color

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You're killin' me with that photo, xigxag! I just got my Tawny Fawn standard in and swore it would be my last purchase for some time...but that Moonstone's looking amazing. Damn, I need a second job!!

Good point about those who laid out extra money tending to think they spent it well...even better point about it being a totally personal decision.

So I'll keep this as objective as possible. I don't own a Fed standard, but do have three other Akubras of Imperial felt, and I understand the difference (if any) between those and the Fed standard is finishing. I also have four Fed deluxes plus another Heritage felt Akubra (can't tell the difference between those, by the way).

Here's a visual comparison - an Imperial felt on the right with binding, a deluxe fed on the left, nearly same color.


Shrinkage:

I have deliberately tried to shrink two Imperial felt Akubras down a half size, with water and hair dryer, and it was super easy. Only problem was to not overshoot!

I have tried to shrink two Heritage felt Akubras down a half size (one Fed III, one Banjo Patterson) around the base of the crown and it was very hard. It eventually worked, but just barely after several sessions.

I have worn three of the deluxe Feds in all kinds of weather, including getting soaked through several times, and haven't seen any size change or tapering. I set the wet hat on a peg, and when it is dry, it fits exactly the same. I have done the same with a Kiandra (Imperial felt) and have to stretch it out a bit every time.

Pliability:

I've beaten up on all the Feds, on purpose. They started out kind of stiff, but ended up very soft, like a decent vintage hat. I've done that with all three of the Imperial felt Akubras, and they softened up somewhat, but still remained substantially stiffer, a bit more cowboy-hat like.

Now I hasten to add - I don't have a Fed in Imperial felt, so I may not know as much as I assume! I think they're all great hats, so don't throw stuff at me or anything! I just suspect you really do get something for the extra bucks, but what that's worth to you is really subjective and personal.

- Bill

I've been notified that my Fed IV is in stock and ready to be shipped. I should have it in less than two weeks. I wish I hadnt just cut my fingernails. I have nothing to bite.

******** gotta get me mine..... it's a matter of time!