Cuenca vs. Montecristi

[irfan.wayang]

I've been looking at Panama Bob's website for a hat in the 3 - 400 dollar range. In that range, I could get either Montecristi Extra Fino hat Blocked USA OR Fino-Fino Cuenca. So, if you were buying your first panama from PB in the range, which one would you choose and why?

 

[BR Gordon]

I would buy the Montecristi. I think that the extra fino would be a very good choice for a first panama. I've never owned a Cuenca, but I've been very happy with all of my Montecristi panamas. My first Montecristi was a fino that I purchased in 1979, that I'm still wearing it today.I have a super fino that I'm thrilled with. In-fact I don't believe that I would want anything finer than super fino for everyday wear.

 

[irfan.wayang]

Thanks, BR Gordon. Is that the PB Panama you are wearing in your avatar picture?

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I'm more of a cuenca guy, but I have often found that I prefer cheapies when it come to straw. I can't explain why, but I do. So, lower end cuenca is about as high as I'm going to get.

That said, if you are looking for a straw in that price range, and a PB Montecristi is within reach, I think you'd be a fool to pass it up. If I were going to spend that much on a straw hat, that's what I would buy.

 

[BR Gordon]

Thanks, BR Gordon. Is that the PB Panama you are wearing in your avatar picture?

No that's the 1979 Montecristi regular fino.

 

[BR Gordon]

These may be a little better to see the detail.

This is that hat in my avatar, the Montecristi from 1979



This in my PB, super fino.

 

[irfan.wayang]

No that's the 1979 Montecristi regular fino.

Nice!

I probably will go with the Montecristi for the first one, and maybe get a Cuenca as a second, some time in the future. By the way, I get that the very best Montecristi are far better hats than the Cuenca can ever be. But I'm still wondering about a comparison of the two at roughly the same price point (ie, the best available Cuenca against a reasonably good Montecristi, both at around $400 or less).

 

[T Rick]

Nice!

I probably will go with the Montecristi for the first one, and maybe get a Cuenca as a second, some time in the future. By the way, I get that the very best Montecristi are far better hats than the Cuenca can ever be. But I'm still wondering about a comparison of the two at roughly the same price point (ie, the best available Cuenca against a reasonably good Montecristi, both at around $400 or less).

Since you're looking at buying from Bob anyway (a good choice IMO), I'd suggest you ask him about the comparison. No one is in a better position to make it, and from everything I've seen, he'll give you as honest and objective of an opinion as can be made.

 

[new2hats]

I have several cuenca hats for daily use that I have purchased in the past few months and I love them. Just about a month ago I ordered a Fino Monticristi (USA C-Crown) and Extra fine Cuenca (Cuencano) from PB and am waiting on them. I really like the herringbone style of the cuenca, want to see what the monticristi is like.

Will let you know what they're like!

 

[DougC]

BR Gordon--I like that 79...mighty fine!

 

[bond]

Iam curious how tall is that crown on the 79 christo?
Nice hat I like that ribbon too, did that come with it ?

 

[BR Gordon]

Iam curious how tall is that crown on the 79 christo?
Nice hat I like that ribbon too, did that come with it ?

Thanks for the nice comments.

The crown is 4 3/4" at the front and 5" at the highest point on the sides. I purchased this one from Montecristi Custom Hat Works, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
I had my wife's and my panamas cleaned and re-blocked just prior to joining FL.

 

[irfan.wayang]

I asked PB his advice regarding Cuenca vs. Montecristi at the same price level. His advice was if I was looking for semi calado (ventilated crown), stick to Montecristi. He didn't say why, but I'm going to follow his advice.

 

[Ordinary Guy]

I asked PB his advice regarding Cuenca vs. Montecristi at the same price level. His advice was if I was looking for semi calado (ventilated crown), stick to Montecristi. He didn't say why, but I'm going to follow his advice.

That makes two of us, I asked the same question and I am waiting to see the ones he recently purchased this summer...