GOOD JOB AKUBRA!

[Matt Deckard]

They get a lot of play from the Lounge. I think the main reason for that is that they still make open and high crowned hats like those that were sold in the 20's 30's and 40's. Those are the hats that I try to emulate when i buy a new hat. Makes me wonder why Stetson and many other companies show representations of their old ads though have low crowned hats that look nothing like those worn by the worlds biggest stars and hat wearers. You can shape them how you like and wear them to death and the expense is lower to buy a new one that it would be to replace a modern Stetson or Borsalino. I started out not liking them because I was soo into vintage, though if i need a rough and umble hat that looks vintage I go for Akubra. I love my Optimos and they hold up like vintage hats, though Akubra 'of the mass production companies' knows what they are doing when it comes to style and marketshare. You see their old ad in their liner and you can buy that hat.

I can look at a pic of Ford wearing an Indy hat in old Stetson ads and know they never sold that hat. Anywho ...

GOOD JOB AKUBRA!

 

[besdor]

Akubra hats are good quality hats. The problem is they signed a contract with a certain distributor who has also become a retailer. Thats the days we dropped the entire line. I still get plenty of calls for them and I recommend "Hats Direct" for the hats. They can be bought less expensive online than buying one here in the US.

 

[The Outlaw Kyle]

I couldn't agree more Matt. I've got 2 hats so far, both Akubra, and both a great. A carbon grey Fedora (Sydney) and a Taupe Fawn Campdraft. All around, a fine company. Get 'em while you can boys!

 

[Jerekson]

Oh boy, Akubra. Fantastic hat company. If I'm down after losing a vintage auction...I look to Akubra to cheer me up.

I love Akubra so much-
Don't even get me started lol

 

[Fredthecat]

I agree, I find I enjoy wearing my Akubras more than my vintage hats. And the value/quality per dollar spent exceeds what I see vintage hats now selling for.


Does anyone know if a Campdraft can be ordered with a slightly wider, perhaps 7/8"-1", matching grosgrain ribbon?

 

[fatwoul]

I'm loving my Fed Dlx. Not in a physical way, you understand. That would be quite wrong. But it's definitely the most comfortable thing I've had on my head in a long time.

 

[Anders]

I've only owned an Akubra for three days, but I have to agree! I received a gray federation for my birthday and I can already tell it's going to be my everyday hat from now on.

 

[cookie]

Akubra vs Borsa

Okay I know youse all want to break out the meat pies with all the Akubras youse blokes are talking up but (forget price) are they better per se than a modern Borsa? Please advise.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I love those Akubras too - they are outstanding bargains, tough, and beautifully made. I've got a brown Federation, a grey Stockman, and a sand Cattleman. I'd buy another Akbura in a second if I could convince myself that I actually needed it! (The CEO? The Stylemaster? The Campdraft? The Pilbara? The Jackaroo? The Colly?...)

 

[Rick Blaine]

Okay I know youse all want to break out the meat pies with all the Akubras youse blokes are talking up but (forget price) are they better per se than a modern Borsa? Please advise.

Without a doubt, no question, Akubra is superior in every conceivable way to contemporary Borsalinos. Vintage is a horse of a different color.
Vegemite, however, will never replace bruschetta or panzerotti...

 

[RBH]

Without a doubt, no question, Akubra is superior in every conceivable way to contemporary ....Vintage is a horse of a different color....

I totally agree Rick. And would add, superior to most all modern production hats.
Thought I would add a scan of the mini poster I recieved with my Federation yesterday.
Pretty cool I think.

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9481/akubrawr5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a>

 

[Feraud]

Yep, Akubra makes a sweet hat. My Federation Deluxe is only getting better with age.

 

[HANSOLOJONES]

If you gentlemen don't mind, I also would like to sing the praises of the Akubra. I currently own two. A Regular Fed and a Fed Deluxe. I originally had a Peter Bros Hat. I got the Akubras to hold me over until my AB arrives. Having said that however, I discovered how much I reall like these hats!!I always seem to wear my Deluxe and can't recommend Akubra Hats enough!!!


High Regards,
HSJ.

 

[MattC]

Compared to modern Borsalinos

Akubras are fine hats, but the felt is not really top drawer; it is rough, and they load it up with stiffener. Modern Borsalinos vary enormously. I had one that was a piece of junk. But I also had a Traveler, which I've put through hell on 4 continents, and it remains soft and supple and still holds its shape. And I have an Ichiro I bought a few years ago that is a great hat; incredibly soft, real body, beautiful leather sweat, sewen in liner.

Now, once you factor in price, it gets more complex; a Borso Traveller from Noggintops is around $160. Vintage is still best I think, and you can't beat vintage Cavanaghs and Borsalinos.

 

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Akubras are fine hats, but the felt is not really top drawer; it is rough, and they load it up with stiffener.

Is that also true for the more expensive line (Federation Deluxe)?

 

[deanglen]

Akubras are fine hats, but the felt is not really top drawer; it is rough, and they load it up with stiffener.

Stiffener can be defeated. Takes some work at times. But it's really hard to generalize about top brands. Your wisdom about variations within maker is an excellent point, Matt.

dean

 

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Stiffener can be defeated. Takes some work at times.

Pray tell! By kneading it cautiously?

 

[AlanC]

Yes, enquiring minds want to know. I have a hat with stiff felt that I need to beat into submission.

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Yes, enquiring minds want to know. I have a hat with stiff felt that I need to beat into submission.

Denatured Alcohol will remove the stiffner from your hats...

 

[MattJH]

Akubras are fine hats, but the felt is not really top drawer; it is rough, and they load it up with stiffener.

I have a Fedora, a Traveller, two Casuals, a Stylemaster, and a Cattleman. The first four are extremely soft, especially the Fedora. The Stylemaster is slightly stiffer. The Cattleman is very stiff. I'm fairly certain it all depends on which model of Akubra you're purchasing.