Panama Hat Thread

[carouselvic]

A 30 weave per inch is a very low count for Montecristi. If i’m Going to send the money for a US blocking(and I have), I’ll only do it for a higher end hat.

 

[Hatyulo]

A 30 weave per inch is a very low count for Montecristi. If i’m Going to send the money for a US blocking(and I have), I’ll only do it for a higher end hat.

Wow!
If 30 WPI is low to you then what counts good by your standards?

 

[Tukwila]

....would I be better off forgetting the custom block and finish in Ecuador and just plan on mailing the hat to Art Fawcett for a reblock and refinish?

Yes. I don't know anyone in Ecuador who will block your hat to LO or put in a leather sweat for you.

I am going to Montecristi in January and will look closer for myself, but that's as much as I know right now. If the hat is really 30 weaves per square inch and is even and consistent, then your quote of $535 is quite fair in my opinion, for a new hat... but then add in the cost to reblock and add the sweat.

My cousin continues to send me pictures of hats he finds in Cuenca and Montecristi and there is almost always a problem with them, and then I don't buy... good luck.

When you buy direct from people like Art, Brent Black, Optimo, John Penman, etc, etc, then those problems are taken care of at the start.

 

[carouselvic]

Wow!
If 30 WPI is low to you then what counts good by your standards?

Are you talking 30x30?

 

[Hatyulo]

Are you talking 30x30?

Yes of couse, 30 WPI = ~ 900 WPSI.

 

[carouselvic]

Yes of couse, 30 WPI = ~ 900 WPSI.

Then that’s a horse of a different color

 

[Hatyulo]

Then that’s a horse of a different color

Oh, so you meant 30 wave per SQUARE inch...
That's indeed junk. A $5-6 hat maybe, and they don't produce such crap in Montecristi I believe.

 

[carouselvic]

not junk, just not worth the price of blocking in the USA, at least to my way of thinking...

 

[tropicalbob]

Yes. I don't know anyone in Ecuador who will block your hat to LO or put in a leather sweat for you.

I am going to Montecristi in January and will look closer for myself, but that's as much as I know right now. If the hat is really 30 weaves per square inch and is even and consistent, then your quote of $535 is quite fair in my opinion, for a new hat... but then add in the cost to reblock and add the sweat.

My cousin continues to send me pictures of hats he finds in Cuenca and Montecristi and there is almost always a problem with them, and then I don't buy... good luck.

When you buy direct from people like Art, Brent Black, Optimo, John Penman, etc, etc, then those problems are taken care of at the start.

This is the best advice on this thread. IMO, you can't go wrong with Art Fawcett, and you'll probably get the best deal.

 

[jonbuilder]

The hats are marketed in weaves per inch indicating 30 x 30 is 900 per sq inch although there is generally more weave in one direction than another at 90 % I would guess a hat marketed at "grade 30" or 30 weaves per inch is close to 900 per sq. inch. Communication is poor in Ecuador but than Optimo Hats will not disclose the number of weaves in the Monticriti hats they sell.

 

[Tukwila]

The problem is the widely inconsistent way people grade the hats... and then the whim thrown into the mix.

I see a grade 10 Cuenca from Stetson and grade it about 5-6. Then I sell a "Grade 12" pick up from Cuenca, hand-picked personally by me, and put my Grade 10 on it (which is 20x20=400 WPSI) and people balk at the price.

There are often natural imperfections in the straw, etc, but the weave needs to be consistent and even. I had a guy from MC try to sell me a 900 wpsi MC hat body for $400... the weave looked like the Dr. Seuss hat from Cat in the Hat. No thanks.

 

[jonbuilder]

I found someone at Modesto that can communicate in English. I asked if a can buy an unfished hat body with a 30 WPI and if they would email close of pictures of the weave before I pay. I was told at this time they can not do Long oval

 

[Bill Hughes]

I found someone at Modesto that can communicate in English. I asked if a can buy an unfished hat body with a 30 WPI and if they would email close of pictures of the weave before I pay. I was told at this time they can not do Long oval

I would think the person you get to block the hat would install the sweatband and block as long oval.

 

[jonbuilder]

Moesdo Hats do sell hat bodies no discount from a finished hat - here are some close-ups of a 29-30 weave per inch

 

[Tukwila]

Do you see the uneven lines of the weave, how they are wavy? Take that into consideration when you buy a hat like this vs. VS, Brent Black, Optimo, etc.

This is a Cuenca weave at 20x20

 

[gabriel100]

I have bought one Montecristi from modesto hats and I have to say that i am very pleased with the quality ,the weaving is good and consistent the sweatband is made of leather but i don’t know if they have the long oval that you are looking for

 

[gabriel100]

The mine is 20 x20 =around 400 wspi

 

[jonbuilder]

After 3 weeks of exchanging emails with Andrea of Modesto Hats I purchased a 35 -36 weave bad body finished to an 11 cm crown and 7 cm brim Andrea uses the term ironed to 23 inches circumference. Once I receive the hat it goes to Art for a teardrop block sweat and ribbon. There is no discount when ordering a hat unblocked and without sweat and ribbon. I was told these services are provided free when buying a hat. Pictures the prior to ironing and finishing the brim. Andrea was precise with all communications. I am the one who got sloppy and extended the process. I told about 3 to 5 days to finish the hat and 3 days delivery through DHL. The hat was $800 plus $40 shipping. I fell a deal; will know best when I receive the hat. I promised Andrea I will do full a review of Modesto Hats. Maybe Art will chime in?

 

[jonbuilder]

Besides the Modesto Hat; I received a Brent Black Montecrsiti this week from William Hughes in trade for a Stetson 7X Clear Beaver through the forum classifieds. I believe Bill received a nice hat in exchange but he certainly did not get the same quality of hat pictures post below

 

[Bill Hughes]

Besides the Modesto Hat; I received a Brent Black Montecrsiti this week from William Hughes in trade for a Stetson 7X Clear Beaver through the forum classifieds. I believe Bill received a nice hat in exchange but he certainly did not get the same quality of hat pictures post below

Enjoy!