Akubra Overload

[jazzncocktails]

Hi all, I am new to the forum and actively considering the akubra fed- its a nice looking hat. I like the stove pipe design. I am really confused though. i have read posts here and elsewhere from people saying that the akubra felt is stiff. And that the christy's adventurer is a better hat, both felt quality wise and looks in general. Yet, i have read a lot of bad press on here about them (Christys) as an akubra thread, figured this would be a great place to get some comparison info on the two.

sorry to distract from the pro-akubra rally at the moment

By the way, cybergentleman, welcome to the Fedora Lounge!
Steve

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

Hi all, I am new to the forum and actively considering the akubra fed- its a nice looking hat. I like the stove pipe design. I am really confused though. i have read posts here and elsewhere from people saying that the akubra felt is stiff. And that the christy's adventurer is a better hat, both felt quality wise and looks in general. Yet, i have read a lot of bad press on here about them (Christys) as an akubra thread, figured this would be a great place to get some comparison info on the two.

sorry to distract from the pro-akubra rally at the moment

First, welcome to the Lounge. Sounds like you've done some research, so you've probably seen this. Pretty knowledgeable talent weighing in on this thread...
http://thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=38644

Akubra is popular here and gets more recognition than the Adventurer. Good luck in your research.

 

[cybergentleman]

thanks

I had in fact seen that post- it was one of the first threads I read over.

Those that own a Christy's adventurer really love it. The felt does look like it has a nicer finish than the Akubra.

My confusion stems from the fact that I like the color offerings of Christy's but would feel like a sucker if I received the hat only to be wearing a hat with nice felt and crappy stitching/ribbon work.


I feel like the peatwood color of the christys could work for both daily causal wear or dressier occasions if need be. whereas the brown akubras are little to casual looking for dressier occasions, while the moonstone may be too dressy for daily wear.

black is out of the question, and the carbon looks too dark :eusa_doh:

Bottom line, is that it would be great if someone out there who owns both the christy's and the akubra would post a comparison.

generally posts are either negative or positive from individuals- i'd like to get a side by side review from one poster on both the akubra and christys neg and pos in one post.

besides, akubras are rabbit felt- how rugged can these things really be?

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

...

I feel like the peatwood color of the christys could work for both daily causal wear or dressier occasions if need be. whereas the brown akubras are little to casual looking for dressier occasions, while the moonstone may be too dressy for daily wear.

black is out of the question, and the carbon looks too dark :eusa_doh:

...

besides, akubras are rabbit felt- how rugged can these things really be?

That's why so many people here have so many hats. I have mostly Akubras because of the good press here and the exchange rate made for a great deal. From what I've read, Akubras hold up to harsh weather very well. Hopefully, someone that owns both will chime in.
What is Christys Adventurer felt made from? Are they Chinese or Czech?

 

[Goose.]

Willow Green Squatter came in today. Holding off on a bash until I get an email from HD, or maybe some affirmation from you gents that have a Squatter.

This ribbon bow-loop-thingamajig looks jacked up. It's symmetrical...but odd compared to my other lids that are perfectly squared/straight.

Here's the pic I sent to HD. Snapped it right out of the box...hadn't even taken in the house yet.

So, those with Squatters, please chime in...

Guessing I won't have this quandry with my next lid... Camp Draft. Thin ribbon.

 

[indycop]

Guessing I won't have this quandry with my next lid... Camp Draft. Thin ribbon.

One of these days you'll listen to the po-licelol

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

Willow Green Squatter came in today. Holding off on a bash until I get an email from HD, or maybe some affirmation from you gents that have a Squatter.

This ribbon bow-loop-thingamajig looks jacked up. It's symmetrical...but odd compared to my other lids that are perfectly squared/straight.

Here's the pic I sent to HD. Snapped it right out of the box...hadn't even taken in the house yet.

So, those with Squatters, please chime in...
...
Guessing I won't have this quandry with my next lid... Camp Draft. Thin ribbon.

Looks a little different from mine, not necessarily worse though.. The left part of your bow is bigger, but over-all looks like the same concept. It's not square like the Fed, it's folded over on itself and it's more....squat (?). I don't know for sure, what do you think?

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

Guessing I won't have this quandry with my next lid... Camp Draft. Thin ribbon.

No...but but that wind trolley can mess with your head!!! lol Congrats on the CD, they are a classic hat, especially the silverbelly. I spot them in old 40's-50's movies all the time. Post some pics when you get it! Curious to hear what you think of the CD.

 

[Akubra]

My two Akubras

Here are some pics of my two Akubras, a Cattleman and a Snowy River.

I should be getting a Territory in about a week and a half. I can't wait!


http://share.shutterfly.com/share/r...eIndex=1&fid=29bdfb5254864539bcfd7207a7b1fe91

 

[Goose.]

One of these days you'll listen to the po-licelol

HA HA!!! I figure about a month until my parole hearing. By then I hope to show my compliance on the road to being a model citizen of the Thin Ribbon Society

Looks a little different from mine, not necessarily worse though.. The left part of your bow is bigger, but over-all looks like the same concept. It's not square like the Fed, it's folded over on itself and it's more....squat (?). I don't know for sure, what do you think?

Thanks Chuck. I didn't note that in your original pics. And, I really appreciate the pics!

HD says pretty much the same. Here's their reply to my inquiry; "Yes, it is meant to look like this. It's a "rustic" bow. It's very different to the Federation's more formal bow".

Gotta tell ya, the customer service just in the form of email is great.

Tuesday is Squatter bash day

 

[Woodfluter]

Those that own a Christy's adventurer really love it. The felt does look like it has a nicer finish than the Akubra.

My confusion stems from the fact that I like the color offerings of Christy's but would feel like a sucker if I received the hat only to be wearing a hat with nice felt and crappy stitching/ribbon work.
<<< >>>
Bottom line, is that it would be great if someone out there who owns both the christy's and the akubra would post a comparison.
<<< >>>
besides, akubras are rabbit felt- how rugged can these things really be?

Welcome CyberG!

I don't have one of each so can't help you there. However, the Christy's liner glued to the sweatband would be something of a deal-killer for me - unless I knew I could remove it without damage. It's bad enough that Akubra and most others now use spots of hot-glue to attach liners to the felt but you can peel them off carefully. I like being able to remove liners in very hot weather, you see, and tuck them back in later.

As for rabbit felt, I think you'll find Christy's and most vintage ones are also made of that. Quality differences are there for sure and probably depend on fur grading and how they're processed. Everyone seems to agree that Akubras will take a beating.

Not mentioned and worth researching here - the difference between the deluxe (Heritage felt) and standard (Imperial felt) Akubras. Some folks don't think it amounts to much, I think the difference is considerable. I do know the deluxe will soften up with deliberate kneading and handling, and end up being pretty much like a good dress hat from decades past. My Imperial felt ones don't and are noticeably coarser in finish too.

Good luck to you regardless!

- Bill

 

[Akubra]

I got to say I love your Akubras. I have a cattleman and a snowy river.

Your pictures make me want for a sombrero.

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

Tuesday is Squatter bash day

Pictures please!
I put mine back into a centerdent, little tighter pinch than the 1st time. Also, more good Akubra info...rustic bow and formal bow. Good to know.

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

Here are some pics of my two Akubras, a Cattleman and a Snowy River.

I should be getting a Territory in about a week and a half. I can't wait!

Welcome to the lounge Akubra. Looks like you make good use of your Akubras.
They look good and are functional hats. Post a pic of your Territory when you get it.

 

[Wolfwood]

My latest acquisition: Akubra Federation Deluxe IV in Heritage Fawn. Please, excuse the poor choice of t-shirt for the pic. I just popped outside quickly to take this self-photo.

 

[FurFeltFedora]

Wolfwood - Congrats on the new Fed IV DL.

Goose - Can't wait to see the Squatter (I've been pondering one) and the CD too especially since I just ordered one last night Great minds think alike and fools seldom differ

 

[Mr. Paladin]

One of these days you'll listen to the po-licelol

Yup.

 

[Goose.]

Goose, could you post a photo of your Squatter, after it arrives with a simple center dent - no front or side dents. I think this would be a great look for a Squatter and we haven't seen one yet .

Here ya go CRH...
First pic, the "Kim Darby" bash
Second and third, Center Dent
Last, how I'm wearing it...thinking I'll bring down the rear a half inch more.

This is a BIG hat. Like wearing a felt Plantation with a snap brim.

.

.

.

...Great minds think alike and fools seldom differ

Like that quote FFF. I like the Squatter...mostly for the color. The brim will take some getting used to. May have to cut my doors a bit wider to get through.

Yes, Paladin and IC...I will comply to the terms in order to pass the parole hearing to become a model citizen, or clost to one, of the Thin Ribbon community.

Wolfwood! Great pic of you and your hat Yeah, what's up with wearing t-shirts??? Next thing ya know you'll be wearing aloha shirts with your fedora

 

[FurFeltFedora]

How about one more shot Goose from the front so we can see just how wide the squatter is?

Think of the wide brim as whiskers to help you judge the width on openings

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

Goose, looks great.
3F, welcome to the dark side.