Still looking for a decent yet not way overpriced Panama Hat.

[maxman]

Last year I posted about looking for a Panama Hat.
I didn't end up buying one.

I've been researching them for a long time and I know enough to know that they are a total ripoff.
The middle man jacks up the price way beyond what is necessary to get a good hat.

So forget the $2000+ hats.
That's just silly IMO.

Any Panama Hat wearers out there with a reasonably priced hat have any suggestions?

[insomniac]

Panama Bob's is well-regarded on The Fedora Lounge. While they do have pricey Montecristi models, they have less expensive Cuenca-made hats.
http://panamas.biz/index.html

I currently have an Akubra Capricorn on order. It's not straw but rather polypro, and gets good reviews.
http://www.everythingaustralian.com....exd.asp?id=530

[maxman]

I forgot completely about Bob's hats.

[Fileroman]

Have this one. Bought about 15 years ago and still going strong. Added the pencil roll as shown.

http://031938a.netsolstores.com/optimo.aspx

Ron

[strop]

I have a Cuenca and a Montecristi from Bob. The latter was one of the least expensive models, but is still very nice.

[Moondancer]

I just got a Cuenca made hat from Bob, purchased off eBay. It's my first Panama and I am fairly impressed with the quality / price ratio. It was true-to-size and fits like it was made for me. I am impressed enough with it that I fully intend to order another, better one from his website for next summer.

Regardless, here's a link to the BIN eBay listing:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330727494057...#ht_555wt_1397

The only regret is it's white. I believe I would have preferred one in natural, but he didn't have one in the style I wanted in natural on the 'bay.

[maxman]

I still can't believe I forgot about Bob.
I'm hanging my head in shame.

[way-nuf]

I forgot completely about Bob's hats.

I've got two panama hats from Bob, and two on the way. I had them sent to my hat maker for blocking and trim. You can't go wrong with Panama Bob.

[cb91710]

I spent some time poking around last night, but the longer shipping time of some of the imported hats was a deal breaker.
Ended up buying a $90 Stetson from AZ-Tex

http://www.aztexhats.com/products/89...ora-Dress-Hat/

[Argonaut]

I just purchased this one from hattownusa thanks to this thread. I actually needed a new Panama, my old one was destroyed by one of our dogs, or all three of them, they won't fess up to it. You cannot be a cigar smoker and not own a Panama hat, I'm pretty sure it's an international law. It should arrive this week.

[insomniac]

I got my Akubra Capricorn yesterday, in "natural." Very nice. It will take a bit of adjusting since I have a 'long oval' head and Akubras take a little time to adjust, but in time it will be as comfortable as my other two.