New Akubra Croc re-release

[Wildblue]

Akubra is in the process of releasing 7 special edition hats to celebrate their anniversary. #006 was just revealed to be a re-release of the classic Croc model as an homage to the popular Crocodile Dundee film. Due to the crocodile leather band with croc teeth, it is only available for sale inside Australia, no international shipping.

As an American, I'd really like one of these, and am considering buying one from a store for me to pick up when I'm in Sydney next March. I don't really know anyone in Australia that could buy and hold it for me. The other issue is that it's only being made in sizes 56-61, so I'd have to stretch it pretty good to fit my 62/63 massive noggin.

Has anyone seen this model in person yet? Opinions? This would be a big leap of faith for me, and expensive too.

https://akubra.com.au/products/the-croc-tanbark?variant=62625021624691

 

[jlee562]

No opinion on the hat itself, just that you don't want a hat that you're going to have to stretch 2 sizes.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Gary @The Shoe can give you tips on how he does it on his annual trips.

 

[Wildblue]

No opinion on the hat itself, just that you don't want a hat that you're going to have to stretch 2 sizes.

Yeah, not the best

 

[jlee562]

Yeah, not the best

Stretching always has the risk of distorting the crown. Going more than one size is generally not advisable. Akubras are already known to shrink. This is a recipe for you forever fighting with a hat you paid good money for. You are better off commissioning a custom hat and finding someway to get a band.

 

[Edward]

Akubra is in the process of releasing 7 special edition hats to celebrate their anniversary. #006 was just revealed to be a re-release of the classic Croc model as an homage to the popular Crocodile Dundee film. Due to the crocodile leather band with croc teeth, it is only available for sale inside Australia, no international shipping.

As an American, I'd really like one of these, and am considering buying one from a store for me to pick up when I'm in Sydney next March. I don't really know anyone in Australia that could buy and hold it for me. The other issue is that it's only being made in sizes 56-61, so I'd have to stretch it pretty good to fit my 62/63 massive noggin.

Has anyone seen this model in person yet? Opinions? This would be a big leap of faith for me, and expensive too.

https://akubra.com.au/products/the-croc-tanbark?variant=62625021624691

View attachment 799153

I wouldn't think a hat would cope with being stretched two, full sizes, and tbh I wouldn't attempt going up more than maybe half a size with a hat I cared about.

Sizing aside, I see the appeal of the hat, but if they won't ship it to the USA, I wouldn't personally risk shipping one out either, due to the high probability that if caught bringing it into the US, you could end up with legal problems. The hat itself looks very similar to the Snowy River model - maybe pick up one of those instead and buy a hat band separately? Bound to be something similar available in the US, or one with faux teeth that can be imported without any hassle.

 

[Wildblue]

Stretching always has the risk of distorting the crown. Going more than one size is generally not advisable. Akubras are already known to shrink. This is a recipe for you forever fighting with a hat you paid good money for. You are better off commissioning a custom hat and finding someway to get a band.

I was considering going this route as well. Make myself a custom Croc by getting a 63 Snowy River, and adding a thick croc band. I wouldn't need the teeth.

Anybody know where to get a good croc band?

 

[Wildblue]

I wouldn't think a hat would cope with being stretched two, full sizes, and tbh I wouldn't attempt going up more than maybe half a size with a hat I cared about.

Sizing aside, I see the appeal of the hat, but if they won't ship it to the USA, I wouldn't personally risk shipping one out either, due to the high probability that if caught bringing it into the US, you could end up with legal problems. The hat itself looks very similar to the Snowy River model - maybe pick up one of those instead and buy a hat band separately? Bound to be something similar available in the US, or one with faux teeth that can be imported without any hassle.

I talked with Akubra, and they say it'll come with a certificate, that would allow someone to take it out of Australia if they want.

Yes, I'm considering doing exactly what you propose, getting a 63 Snowy River and adding a croc band. Wouldn't need to add the teeth. Would need to find a good croc band

 

[Edward]

I talked with Akubra, and they say it'll come with a certificate, that would allow someone to take it out of Australia if they want.

Yes, I'm considering doing exactly what you propose, getting a 63 Snowy River and adding a croc band. Wouldn't need to add the teeth. Would need to find a good croc band

Interesting they can facilitate that but won't send one out themselves, though I suppose there's a big customs difference re hassle in terms of declaring it on arrival and producing paperwork vs it coming in in the mail; I could see that leading to all sorts of delays.

Does mean though that you shouldn't have trouble importing a croc band (and keeping it separate from the hat means I suppose in a WCS you don't lose the hat as well, which is a plus for peace of mind).

Could be a fun element to the trip finding the hat and the croc band separately - I'm sure there must be a lot of places down there that do them. I've seen a fair few online as well, though I'm sure it'd be nicer to pick one up as a souvenir of the trip rather than mail order. Good luck!