Panama Help

[kiltie]

Coupla Panama questions:

I'm liking the kind that has a raised ridge or finial length-wise over the crown. What's this called?

Who do you like for a starter of decent quality?

Related to the second question - where to buy?

I've ebay'd and site surfed, but I'd like some subjective input before I pull the trigger. I'd like to keep it in the $75 range for the high end ( $100 if it's just the bee's knees, uncontested ), as I'm pretty much year round felt.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rcinlv]

You're talking about an Optimo:

There are several places to get such a hat. Mine are from TFL's own PanamaBob- you can search for him here, or find him at www.panamas.biz

Cheers,

RC

 

[Goose.]

You're talking about an Optimo...

There are several places to get such a hat. Mine are from TFL's own PanamaBob- you can search for him here, or find him at www.panamas.biz

Cheers,

RC

Yep.
Google "panama hat roll" and you will see tons.
As for quality, that's relative. I like my Stetson quite a bit and actually wear it more often because I don't "worry" about it so much. But, just so you know, I don't have an Optimo. My Stetson is a Center Dent.
I'm Panamaed out ($$$)...so I'm not up to date...here's some links that may help...

http://www.panamabob.com/
http://www.panamahatsdirect.com/grades.htm
http://www.brentblack.com/pages/how_much_should_you_spend.html

 

[Neil]

The bee and its knees

I'm thinking the bee's knees uncontested might run you a bit more than $100. Just getting the bee's knees blocked might cost you that.
But good luck.

 

[kiltie]

I'm thinking the bee's knees uncontested might run you a bit more than $100. Just getting the bee's knees blocked might cost you that.
But good luck.

Yeah - I thought about that later. I was a bit unclear. I meant the very best "starter kit" uncontested for a hundred dollars. Getting the Les Paul Studio before the ES 335.

 

[Carlisle Blues]

Panama Bob appears to have a very good relationship with people in this forum. My next Panama will most likely come from him.

For my kick around Panama, like Goose, I have Stetson Center Dent. Stylish, durable Cuenca.

 

[Ordinary Guy]

http://www.panamahatsdirect.com/grades.htm

WOW, that is some kind of website..... I can't believe all the info on that site.... a million things to click on and get more info......

Thanks for the link.....

 

[Goose.]

...
Thanks for the link.....

My pleasure.
Here's another I found that has a good selection: http://marketplaceadvisor.channeladvisor.com/StoreFrontProfiles/default.aspx?sfid=92278&sid=1

So OG, whatcha gonna do?