Montecristi Ultrafino hats on EBAY?

[DanielJones]

Has anybody purchased a Panama hat from the e-bay site Montecristi Ultrafino? If you have what is the quality of their hats?

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/70/69850/ultrafinooptima_copy.jpg

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/70/69850/optimo_rollup_005_copy.jpg

I had won an Optimo style roll up for about 30clams. they called it a "CLASSIC COLONIAL PANAMA HAT GRADE 9 FINE STRAW" I'm quite sure it isn't the best quality in the world, but it makes a good introductory panama. I take it it may be just woth the 30 smackers paid. They seem quite proud of what they are selling and have great communication after the sale. What are your thoughts?

Cheers!

Dan

[Marc Chevalier]

Looks good to me. The optimo panama was the second most popular straw hat for men in the 1920s and '30s, right on the heels of the straw boater.


http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/leitner/Chevaliers30sEsquireHats/1930sEsquire037.jpghttp://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/leitner/Chevaliers30sEsquireShirtsTies/1930sEsquire103.jpg

[Panamabob]

I honestly did buy one. I honestly received a nice fino Cuenca hat. I honestly turned her into the Attorney General of Indiana and filed mail fraud on her. Ask her. I'm sure she remembers.

[DanielJones]

Thanks for the heads-up P.B. I'll be keeping my eye out. But I figure for 30 clams I can't go too wrong. I'll be sure to post pics of the hat once I receive it for your review.

Cheers!

Dan

[Visigoth]

I tried emailing those guys -- wanted some sense of weaves per inch -- and never heard back. Not a great sign.

[tonyb]

While I don't like that they suggest they are selling Montecristis (do they indeed come right out and say that, or just imply it through their trade name?) when in fact they are selling Cuencas (according to panamabob, who has the experience to know what he is talking about), I gotta ask: how good are their prices in comparison to what else is available? In other words, did DJ get a reasonably good deal? Thirty bucks seems like a more-than-fair price for such a hat. In light of that, I'm left to wonder why they would even suggest that their product is anything other than what it is.

[Panamabob]

The hat I bought was a Cuenca. Some of their higher dollar hats are sure to be Montecristi. I'm dying to see the photos of the hat that DanielJones won.

[SHARPETOYS]

A few years back I ordered a Montecristi and what I recieved was a Cuenca hat not a Montecristi Panama hat... I sent it back and got a refund including my shipping.

The hat DJ bought is a Cuenca hat and the shipping charges of $14.50 more than cover the cost of the hat plus any Ebay fees...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2998&item=180024578019

[Visigoth]

How can you tell a Cuenca from a Montecristi, by the way? Can it be done even by looking at photographs?

[SHARPETOYS]

The style/type of weave. Some pictures you can and alot you can't. I ask for a picture to be sent by email if I'm not sure.

[DanielJones]

I figure even if it is a Cuenca, I didn't get too stiffed for the price. Now, if I had forked over a high price tag I would probably have some harsh comments.
The hat sohuld be ariving either today or Saturday. In either case I'll post some pics inside and outside the hat. I'll try to get some clear close-ups of the weave and any other marks as well.
Most folks in this area wouldnt know the difference between a real fine hat and one of those wool el cheapos, so I figure they won't know the difference if it's a Montecristi or a Cuenca either, they'll just see a nice looking hat.;) Some folks I talk to about finer hats give me that deer in the headlights look and at that point I know I've lost them. And for the time being this one will be good enough for me until I can get a little more scratch put together to get the real deal.;)

Now, they called it a "CLASSIC COLONIAL PANAMA HAT GRADE 9 FINE STRAW". What is grade 9 fine straw? Is there a rating system for these straws similar to the old 'X' system for felts? Please enlighten me on this subject. Thank you.

Cheers!

Dan

[SHARPETOYS]

I've seen this grading on Cuenca hats... The higher the number the finer the hat is woven etc...

Edith for Correction....

[DanielJones]

Ah, I see. Ok.

Cheers!

Dan

[RBH]

Looks kinda like the one worn by Ryan Oneal in Paper Moon.

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/149/papermoon204gg1.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

[DanielJones]

Jeff Bridges had one very similar to it in Seabiscuit as well, along with Joseph Cotten in A Shadow of a Doubt. Both were worn with a navy blazer and light colored trousers. A great looking combination.

Cheers!

Dan

[Panamabob]

Any photos of the "montecristi" yet?

[Panamabob]

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

[Orgetorix]

What's the difference between a Montecristi and a Cuenca?

[Panamabob]

Quick List:

Montecristi: Woven of paja toquilla in the villages around Montecristi, Ecuador (coastal Ecuador). Llano weave (herringbone-like). Ivory to Tan with some gray and reddish paja thrown in for good measure. Bleached in a sulphur process. The finest "straw" hats in the world. $$$ at the source because even the cheap ones take several weeks to weave and the most expensive ones take 4-5 months.

Cuenca: Woven in dozens of different styles, but the three main are Llano, Brisa (diamond-shaped), and Torcido (hard to explain). Bleached in a wet oxygenated bath for weeks. White, White, White if not asked for no bleach or half bleach. Cheaper at the source because you can whip one out in a day or two.

[Sardou]

PBob,

Some follow-ups, if I might:

Are Cuencas woven from Paja Toquilla grown locally? Paja Toquilla trucked up from the coast? Something else? (if so, what?)

Will the Cuenca I have on order from you be White White White? (:eek: :eek: )

What enables Cuencas to be produced in so much less time than Montecristis? The weave? The straw? The finishing?

Any and all guidance greatly appreciated.

Sardou

[Panamabob]

Are Cuencas woven from Paja Toquilla grown locally? Paja Toquilla trucked up from the coast? Something else? (if so, what?)

The paja comes from the coast.


Will the Cuenca I have on order from you be White White White?
I'll have to figure out your name to see what you've ordered. Cuenca hats are generally white, yes, unless we've made special arrangements.

What enables Cuencas to be produced in so much less time than Montecristis? The weave? The straw? The finishing? The fineness of the weave and the type of weave are the general differences on time. You can get very fine Cuenca hats that take many months to weave, too, but they are quite rare.

[DanielJones]

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Sorry about that Bob. I was away for a while. That and USPS loaded it on the slowest donkey they could find. It shipped on the 13th and got here the 25th. Not the sellers fault. Anyway, Here is the lid.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/DanielJones/Hats/IG006-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/DanielJones/Hats/IG001-1.jpg

It's not a shabby little hat. Fits well & looks nice. I can roll it up and pack it away. The tag inside says Hand Woven in Montecristi Hand Blocked in USA. All in all I think it is worth the price. Quite enjoyable, and I've gotten plenty of compliments on it. Oh, and the shirt is home made.

Cheers!

Dan

[Panamabob]

She shouldn't put the Montecristi label inside the hat. She's an Ecuadorian and really should know better.

[DanielJones]

The auction site never stated that this particular hat is or was a Montecristi. It was advertised as a CLASSIC COLONIAL PANAMA HAT GRADE 9 FINE STRAW. Now, can Cuenca Brisa hats be woven in Montecristi and not carry the name? Personally I don't know. Am I defending her? No. I went into this venture knowing that it most likely was not a true blue Montecristi because of the rock bottom price.
Bob, when I get a little more scratch put together I will definately get one of your lids. Your reputation is top drawer as is Art's, because that would be the only gent I'd have block it. But for the time being this is my close enough that is light & comfortable and I won't worry too much if it gets ruined because of somone else being careless with my lid.
I fully understand where you are coming from, and I appreciate your input and education. I learn from every experience and this is no exception Bob. Thanks again.

Cheers!

Dan

[scotrace]

DanielJones, it is easy to see that a Panama suits you well. It's not a bad idea to have a practice run with a lesser hat to see how you like it. When the time comes to get the best, you'll have a much better feel for what you like, and don't like.

[RBH]

Nice hat... I like it .
Kinda Leon Redbone-ish.

[DanielJones]

Thank you gentlemen.

Cheers!

Dan

[DOUGLAS]

Looks real good DJ. I can't seem to keep any straw hat in shape. they all warp and shrink on me. The shape of yours is a keeper.

[Dinerman]

so- what are those shades?

[RBH]

singer Leon Redbone
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/1563/p08433y84v9fe1.jpg

[DanielJones]

so- what are those shades?

The shades I found on EBAY looking up 'vintage round sunglasses'. They're not vintage but they were cheap enough that if they get lost or broken I won't worry about them. They sort of have a Tick Tock McGlaughlin feel to them.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39488000/jpg/_39488767_seabiscuit_203b.jpg

They're a lot of fun to wear. Now all I need is that pencil thin moustache.;)

I've always loved the shape of this particular hat and have wanted one for a while. I just wasn't sure how an open crown would look until I put one on my knoggin, so I took a chance and got this one. It's been a pleasure to wear.

Cheers!

Dan

[RBH]

A rather sporty ex-007 in his classic style panama.

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7375/manwhokingxe5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

[Marc Chevalier]

The photo on the left is from The Man Who Would Be King. That panama is supposed to look as if it's from the 1890s.

.

[RBH]

check out these prices from 1931 !

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9153/optimomv8.jpg

[RBH]

Joseph Cotten in A Shadow of a Doubt. ....worn with a navy blazer and light colored trousers. A great looking combination.

Cheers!

Dan
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/7539/doubtxd8.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

[Panamabob]

You guys are comparing Montecristis to the lowest dollar Cuenca. Not even close when you have them in your hands.

[feltfan]

While I assume the commercial post from tomatesa will soon be
removed (feel free to remove this response, too), I must point out
that Panamabob's old IDs all have 97-99% positive ratings, which
isn't bad, given his volume on eBay.

But let's not start quibbling here.

[RBH]

I ordered a 'classic' style close to a month ago from PanamaBob.
It was after seeing how c o o l DanielJones looked in his hat he recieved from another place.
I choose to go ahead and order one from Bob, I found nothing wrong with the one DJ had from what I could see. Price has a great deal to do with hats I buy, I love vintage but right now my Campdraft is my favorite lid to wear.{my AdventureBilt has to be right up there with my most vintage Stetson} So old is not the thing I look far in a hat. It is if I like the look and the money suits me.
Back to the last couple of post:
PanamaBob in the e-mails I had with him on what type of hat I wanted was nothing but the GENTLEMAN, he was helpful and I could tell he wanted to be sure I ordered [wrote in a e-mail what I was wanting] the type and style hat I was after.
One thing I found out was Bob was working for the people that make these hats. I think that he was concerned for all of the ones and not just his family.
That is something we all should be trying to do . . .
Support the ones that has made the hats that we love so much...
even if they were made last month.

[Dimiyuri]

I did the research and compared the best three Panama hat companies on the internet and found these site. Ultrafino MontiCristi Panama hat, Brent Black, MontiCristi panama hats. Didn’t look into panamaBob's because he had really bad feedback on eBay. I did eventually go to his site just in case he had good hats but was disappointed. The things I was looking for is price, quality, and service, and I must say, Ultrafino Panama hat was the best.
I recently bought a nice museum Montecristi Panama Hat from Ultrafino and was very pleased with the quality and the customer service. When I called, I found out the owner is from MonteCristi and has lived around the master weavers his entire life. So I was very impressed with the knowledge he had about panama hats. If you have anything you want to know just visit his site and see for yourself.
I read the feedback from PanamaBob and I feel he is lacking in knowledge about what makes a real MontiCristo Pnama hat. I also was curious so I visited his site too, but was not happy with the lack of customer service he proudly post on his site. I feel that the price for the MontiCristo Panama hat is way too expensive to get this kind of crumby customer service!!!
"If you can not wait, please do not order. Best guesstimate is 5 weeks for standard hats, but that is not a promise!"
"In order to keep pricing low, we insist that the sale is final."If you visit PanamaBob's site this is what you get.

[HarpPlayerGene]

... from PanamaBob and I feel he is lacking in knowledge about what makes a real MontiCristo Pnama hat.
lol :rolleyes: lol :rolleyes:

Laughable.

[HungaryTom]

Dimiyuri,

I got some very fine Montecristi hats from Panamabob.
Seeing their quality Robert Weber definitely seems to know what makes a fine Montecristi hat.
Can you post photos of the hat you got?

Tom

[Lefty]

Dimiyuri
Join Date: 11-07-2006
Total Posts: 4

Sum of contributions in that time:

1. Thanks for the article, it was interesting.
2. Personally I can't wait too. I've always loved Indiana Jones movies and Star Trek XI in 2008.
3. I bought too on ebay an Ultrafino for $112 (570 wpi ) and always had a compliment.


For what it's worth, I don't know what a MontiCristo Pnama hat is either.

[duggap]

Ole Chap, you have definitely missed the target on your Panama. Most of us here have bought from PanamaBob, and while his tact may sometime be lacking, he does know his panama hats and his price is the best you will find. Buy Brent Black if you have more money than you know what to do with. ;)

[xigxag]

This is weird.
If Ultrafino Panama Hat is so knowledgeable, why is there a picture of Italy instead of Ecuador in his banner ?
http://marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/hi/70/69850/italian_greathat_prices_service_r.jpg

You speak of service :
On the site of Ultrafino you have only an email address to communicate.
On the site of PanamaBob you got an email address, a telphone number and 2 addresses.

Every time I mailed to Bob, I got an answer within 24 hours.

[Panamabob]

I did the research and compared the best three Panama hat companies on the internet and found these site. Ultrafino MontiCristi Panama hat, Brent Black, MontiCristi panama hats. Didn’t look into panamaBob's because he had really bad feedback on eBay. I did eventually go to his site just in case he had good hats but was disappointed. The things I was looking for is price, quality, and service, and I must say, Ultrafino Panama hat was the best.
I recently bought a nice museum Montecristi Panama Hat from Ultrafino and was very pleased with the quality and the customer service. When I called, I found out the owner is from MonteCristi and has lived around the master weavers his entire life. So I was very impressed with the knowledge he had about panama hats. If you have anything you want to know just visit his site and see for yourself.
I read the feedback from PanamaBob and I feel he is lacking in knowledge about what makes a real MontiCristo Pnama hat. I also was curious so I visited his site too, but was not happy with the lack of customer service he proudly post on his site. I feel that the price for the MontiCristo Panama hat is way too expensive to get this kind of crumby customer service!!!
"If you can not wait, please do not order. Best guesstimate is 5 weeks for standard hats, but that is not a promise!"
"In order to keep pricing low, we insist that the sale is final."If you visit PanamaBob's site this is what you get.
Dimiyuri is offline Reply With Quote


Thanks for the compliments Dimiyuri. Yuri happens to be one of the names that the State Attorney General came up with when I was suing Ultra Fino Panama Hats for selling me a Cuenca hat instead of a Montecristi. Don't you remember?

I've been working with Ecuadorians so long that I'm used to getting ripped off and being lied to. I'm sorry that I have to be defensive on my own webpage. Your people just don't seem to come through on their promises and it makes me look really bad and a as if I am the liar many times. Give my regards to the Mrs. Yvonne, Yvette, can't seem to remember. Oh yes, just found it: Tomatesa Enterprises http://www.anacortesartsfestival.com/ba_list_names.cfm Yuri P.

[HarpPlayerGene]

Ahhhhhh, the plot thickens.

Jeez Bob, I wish I'd known that you are "lacking in knowledge" before I learned so much from you over the last year or so. I could have just closed my mind and avoided all the valuable information you so generously share with us. :)

Some day I hope to have one of them there 'Monty Python' Panama hats myself! :D

[Wil Tam]

I'm always bumping into them though since they saturate the lists with their product... even when I'm not looking for a straw. [huh]

[xigxag]

http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache:-rEGxP-Z6KQJ:www.everyplaceisell.com/cgi-bin/ep/ep.pl%3Fseller%26101%26XkwyOOkrrr+yuri+ultrafino&cd=1&hl=nl&ct=clnk&gl=be&client=firefox-a

There is indeed a Yuri at Ultrafino Panama Hats.
Please, do not post for another 2 years ;)

[jonbuilder]

http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache:-rEGxP-Z6KQJ:www.everyplaceisell.com/cgi-bin/ep/ep.pl%3Fseller%26101%26XkwyOOkrrr+yuri+ultrafino&cd=1&hl=nl&ct=clnk&gl=be&client=firefox-a

There is indeed a Yuri at Ultrafino Panama Hats.
Please, do not post for another 2 years ;)
My anti viruses program advised me not to open this site. Fits into the pattern

[Carlisle Blues]

Only serves to strengthen my conviction that PanamaBob is the go to guy for Panamas. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

[Pilgrim]

I just received the Fino Fino Panama that I won in the drawings that PanamaBob graciously conducts.

He does not HAVE to do the drawings, but his commitment to the people of the area where he does business clearly leads him to contribute to their well-being.

IT IS LAUGHABLE THAT ANYONE WOULD CALL HIM LESS THAN KNOWLEDGEABLE!! But we all knew that. It's shameful and stupid for a shill for another company to come onto this website (where everyone tends to know the regulars) and try to talk down about PanamaBob.

I want to tell all here that in email communications, he and his wife were unfailingly polite, informative and helpful. They responded when asked, and they were very clear about the length of time it would take for the hat to arrive. Yes, it took a while - and that has been discussed here before, and I have no problem with it. If you have no patience, don't buy from a vendor who depends for supply on people who do not live a clock-driven lifestyle!

With that, I offer some pix. Please note that this hat is blocked ONLY - I haven't had time to work the brim at all!

Here's a pic of the hat in box - and the shipping box is a decent quality hat box which can be used for storage:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Hats/Panama%203-09/P3290058.jpg

Interior of hat, showing the reeded sweatband:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Hats/Panama%203-09/P3290060.jpg

Hat with protective plastic still in place over the crown:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Hats/Panama%203-09/P3290061.jpg

Hat with brim up (this brim has not been shaped, remember...:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Hats/Panama%203-09/P3290062.jpg

Hat with brim snapped down:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Hats/Panama%203-09/P3290064.jpg

Hat on my mug:

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/apowell1/Hats/Panama%203-09/P3290067.jpg

Here are the comments I can share about the fino fino:

- It's a very nice, fine weave
- The hat is lighter in weight than I expected
- The flexibility of the material is remarkable!
- The overall quality of the hat appears to be very good indeed.
- The brim is 3" wide and the highest point of the crown is 4" above the brim.

I still need to work the brim, and in the first picture you can see a page of instructions that PanamaBob included with the hat. In that document,he offers suggestions on using a tea kettle, warm iron, or sprayed-on water and weight. He also gives contact information for our own Art Fawcett and another hatter. The document also cites both this forum and thefedorachronicles.com as great places to talk about hats, which I think is highly appropriate for a communication to his customers.

In summation, my gratitude and respect go out to PanamaBob, and I look forward to giving this hat a lot of wear!

[Ordinary Guy]

My anti viruses program advised me not to open this site. Fits into the pattern

What he said,,,, mine did the same thing.....

[xigxag]

http://74.125.77.132/search?q=cache:-rEGxP-Z6KQJ:www.everyplaceisell.com/cgi-bin/ep/ep.pl%3Fseller%26101%26XkwyOOkrrr+yuri+ultrafino&cd=1&hl=nl&ct=clnk&gl=be&client=firefox-a

There is indeed a Yuri at Ultrafino Panama Hats.
Please, do not post for another 2 years ;)

That's probably because it is an "in cache" document.
I uploaded a print screen to photobucket for your convenience :)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/phaeyar/yuri.png

[Neil]

Am I EVER not going near these guys.