Stetson Nostalgia or Akubra Fedora?

[Alchemy5150]

I can't seem to decide on one or the other.

I have a Stetson Temple, but the crown is too low for my taste.

I have a Federation Deluxe, which is very nice, but I'd rather not buy another hat with such a straight-sided crown.

The Akubra Fedora looks nice, but it's had to tell what the crown is like from the photos I've seen of it. Also, I have no use for a trolly cord.

The Stetson Nostalgia also looks nice, and I'm glad they finally offer it in a brown (mink) color, but I'm concerned about their quality and that I'll have yet another stetson on my hands with a crown that's too low.

For some reason, it's hard to find everything I'm looking for in a modern hat:

A tall tapered crown around 5 inches high

A 2 1/2 inch brim OR a 2 5/8 (front/back), 2 3/8 (sides) brim

A front pinch center dent OR a subtle/hand bashed tear drop shape (no irritating little domes in the middle of the tear drop)

Any suggestions?

 

[FurFeltFedora]

I had asked a similar question here:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=40600&highlight=akubra+fedora

You might find your answers in that thread.

 

[Bird's One View]

Stetson Nostalgia is significantly higher and straighter than Temple. It is nearly as straight as Fed IV, and similar in height. I happened to buy both around the same time; here they are unbashed (Stetson with feather):

FWIW my photo software confirms what I see: Stetson's Caribou is a warmer gray (less blue) than Akubra's Moonstone. I prefer Caribou, but in other respects the Akubra holds its own.

 

[handlebar bart]

If you don't like low crowns you won't be happy with a Akubra fedora/sydney
Mine is 4" tall bashed

 

[Mr. Paladin]

Alchemy, I may end up in the minority trying to swim against the great Akubra tidal wave, but I really like the Stetson Nostalgias I have looked at. I have not yet found one in my size at the Garland Outlet but I will buy it when I do. The felt is very nice, but since I don't have one I can't yet comment on the water issue, although I have not had dye problems with the other Stetson models I have. I have a standard moonstone Fed IV and it is nice enough and a good all-around hat, but I think the Stetsons are definitely dressier. The crown should be high enough for you as it is the same height as the Stetson Colony I have and it is just a tad shorter than my Akubra Camp Draft. Hope this is useful.