New Model Federation?

[Kaosharper1]

It looks like the Fed has undergone an overhaul. The crown is now 5 1/2 - 5 3/4" and the block is a little straighter based upon a pre-WWII block at Akubra as reported at COW. The brim is still the same, though Hats Direct now emphasizes that its a snap-brim which I don't remember from the old description. Also, the ribbon is 1 1/2" when I think the old one was 2". Does anyone have one of these new models?

 

[indycop]

Is this on the hats direct site now? Because on COW they are talking like it is in the development stage.

 

[Kaosharper1]

The new description's there on Hats Direct but on COW I saw that some found that there is a little wait on delivery. It seems like the development is done, but the supply's not in yet. I also saw on COW that the felt finish is supposed to be a little different as well maybe more like the deluxe though the deluxe is still listed as having the better felt.

On delivery, those thinking of a new Fed may have to wait a little longer than usual.

 

[kiltie]

my kingdom for a horse...

Whatever the case, I don't see a 58 on there in any color to save my life... I wonder if they're closing out one version and bringing in a new one.

 

[johnnycanuck]

I read that on COW and was interested in what the difference would be as well. This is the message I got from Hatsdirect.

Hi John,

good to hear from you again.

We will be announcing firm changes in the next week, we are waiting for samples to arrive from Akubra.

The Tawny Fawn color will lag the new specs by a few months as we have just received a new delivery in the previous specification. Ultimately we will be changing all colors to the new specification.


Best regards,
Ron Lilburne

Hope that helps.

Johnny

 

[indycop]

As long as the Tawny Fawn does not go away! If I spring for another Federation it would be that one!

 

[citRon]

Whatever the case, I don't see a 58 on there in any color to save my life... I wonder if they're closing out one version and bringing in a new one.

-Ron said he is updating the site manually each day to reflect what sizes he still has in stock, as he sells out of the current model. You can pre-order the new Federation, and it's about 4-6 weeks out. The info on the web site describes the current model, with the 5 1/2 to 5 3/4 inch tall crown. The new Fed will ALL be 5 1/2 inch crowns.

 

[Mustang]

As long as the Tawny Fawn does not go away! If I spring for another Federation it would be that one!

Same here. I really like that color too. I'm having a difficult time convincing my wife that $300 is a reasonable amount to pay for a custom hat :cry:. I have a Carbon Grey Federation making its first and last spring migration...on its way from Australia. Depending on how I like that one, I'll probably be getting a Tawny Fawn Federation too. . Then it's back to selling the wife on the merits of a Vintage Sillhouette...I don't give up easily!

 

[Spatterdash]

Any chance these things will be available in a wider colour pallette, like moonstone gray and chestnut?

 

[Stoney]

I would like to see more colors as well, bluish grey and olive would be great. However, I can't complain much since the quality of the hat is decent, the block is straight and it comes in some colors other than black or brown.

 

[NonEntity]

"Confounderation"

When a manufacturer "changes the specifications," they've essentially created a new hat and should, accordingly, also change the name.

This is obviously a move to extend the strong sales record of the old Federation to the new one.

The confusion this will cause will endure for years, and I'm sure there'll soon be a long thread here trying to help confounded people discern one Fed from another.

 

[jdbenson]

What's the difference?

Well, I was just about to buy a Federation, but then heard they would soon be changing specs...

So what's changing? I gather the crown height has changed, but has it gone higher or lower? Is the crown still straight, or have they gone to a taper? The brim is now a snap...was it flat before?

Has anyone actually gotten a new Fed and compared it to an old one?

One of the reasons I want a Fed is for the HIGH untapered crown....

 

[Kaosharper1]

Well, I was just about to buy a Federation, but then heard they would soon be changing specs...

So what's changing? I gather the crown height has changed, but has it gone higher or lower? Is the crown still straight, or have they gone to a taper? The brim is now a snap...was it flat before?

Has anyone actually gotten a new Fed and compared it to an old one?

One of the reasons I want a Fed is for the HIGH untapered crown....

The word is that the new crown is using a pre-wwII block that is untapered but about 5.5" tall as opposed to the 6" or so it is now. The brim is the same, but the finish on the felt will be nicer and closer to the Deluxe. That's all I know now. I don't think the new ones are actually available yet, but it appears that it will still be high, just not as high. 5.5" is the height of the original Raiders hat, so I guess they're going to that. My Adventurer also has a 5.5" crown.

 

[Kaosharper1]

Well, I was just about to buy a Federation, but then heard they would soon be changing specs...

I think they still have the original spec in stock. You should contact them and see if they have it in your color. My understanding is that they're pretty good about that.

 

[Bassman]

Does anyone have one of these new models?

Not just yet.
A gray one would be real nice.

 

[Edward]

Gah, just when you think you've found the perfct hat, they go and change it.... :eusa_doh:

lol

I've got two current Federations (one regular in Carbon, and a deluxe in brown). I really like the high crown - actually, they have very quickly become my favourite hats, and over time I'd probably buy one in each of as many colours as they care to produce. If the only real difference is a half inch lower in the crown (maximum, that is, if the old one is listed as "5 1/2-5 3/4"" - presumably some are the same as new spec already, then?), I don't see it as something much to get worried about. Half an inch at the highest point of the crown I doubt would even be noticeable between two hats. In my mind, if you can't see it or feel it without doing a direct a/b comparison, and/or the hat otherwise feels fine, it's not really a big deal. more noticeable in the ribbon depth, but with half an inch off the crown maybe that's a very subtle proportionality issue?

For those who were wondering (as confirmed above), both the Regular and Deluxe Feds as per "old" spec are snap brims. I can't recall exactly offhand whether they mentioned that on the website, but I suspect they may be making it clear now in response to some of the Indy-fan customers who demand a higher level of screen accuracy, Jones' hat being (if memory serves) flat at the back rather than a snap (though with a little careful steaming this could easily be addressed).

I would agree that it would be nice to see some more colours. A moonstone grey would be superb, as would a midnight blue. I'd like to see more colour options in the deluxe too, myself. Or maybe different ones? A change of lining colour would be nice, too. I love the crisp look of the white in mine, but I suspect a black or a rich scarlet (yummy!) would age better, especially considering my bald and sweaty head in there!

 

[citRon]

the new red liners they are using on some models is fabulous.