An American Federation?

[Hercule]

Given the popularity of Akubra's Fed IV, why hasn't an American hatter (custom or otherwise) offered an affordable production-model clone? I find that, while the Fed IV's price is indeed good for the quality you get, the addition of it's none too modest shipping cost from Oz gives me serious reservations about making the investment. Surely were a custom hatter to offer an affordable production-model clone, they could easily corner the American market.

 

[job]

Problem is there is only a very small market.

 

[jbucklin]

If you're looking to buy one I would seriously consider getting Art Fawcett to make you one in rabbit fur instead of beaver. It would be much less than the beaver version---probably a little more than a Fed from Oz but a much better hat all around.

 

[Hercule]

Problem is there is only a very small market.

Really? You wouldn't think so to hang around here. But you're probably right, take the Stetson Nostalgia, how long did that last in the market?

 

[jlee562]

Stetson was making the Nostalgia open crown model and our resident HatCo rep (SN: Hatco) said that it sold only about 300 units per year. The market isn't really there for the taller, taper free, open crown hats. It's a very small market indeed.

 

[DJH]

If you're looking to buy one I would seriously consider getting Art Fawcett to make you one in rabbit fur instead of beaver. It would be much less than the beaver version---probably a little more than a Fed from Oz but a much better hat all around.

Yep, Art could make one, the Falcon Park guy would make a rabbit version for his $150 price level and I think David Garrison still has his $175 special offer going on (I have one and a great hat, much better quality than my Akubra).

So there are a few good options out there!

 

[tonyb]

Problem is there is only a very small market.

There you go gettin' all realistic on us.

 

[DJH]

Real life spoils everything, Tony!