Should i buy this Panama? **Update** I bought it.

[Rick2106]

I'm almost out of the rabbit hole new to the group and wearing hats. A couple weeks ago I seen a picture of one of my bluegrass music hero's wearing what i found out to be a Stetson Open Road. I thought that was a cool looking hat. Then i thought about it. I live in Central Florida, we had our 1 week of winter already, mid to upper 80's now and only going up from here on out, so a felt/fur hat is going to be way too hot most of the time. I started looking at shantung OR types, $75-$125 range, sounded ok, tried to find a 7-5/8, most out of stock, reading up on shantung, seems it is very stiff and does not vent that good. Maybe i need a hemp straw hat? Came close to buying a hemp stetson open road but seems they are discontinued now, only a few available in 6-7/8 or 7. The hunt started again, looking for what would be a warm weather hat that holds up pretty good. Decided a good panama hat would fit the bill. Reading up on panama's, i needed a real deal panama. I'm seriously considering (loaded in my cart) buying the Delmonico Panama Grade 20. Was $295 reduced to $195 but with the 10% coupon. $175.50 w/ free shipping. This seems like a decent deal for a fine grade Panama?

 

[deadlyhandsome]

“Should you buy it” is a hard question for anyone other than you to answer. “Grade 20” doesn’t have an agreed upon meaning; maybe the Delmonico website defines it, but that would only apply to their hats.

I don’t know what style or dimensions you prefer. I’d at least give Mike at The Northwest Hat Co. a call. He has some off the rack Panama hats finished in Italy for $185 that are very nice. I also don’t have anything bad to say about Panama Hats Direct other than I don’t like the leather they use in their sweatbands.

Retail — The Northwest Hat Co.

www.northwesthats.com

 

[Rick2106]

“Should you buy it” is a hard question for anyone other than you to answer. “Grade 20” doesn’t have an agreed upon meaning; maybe the Delmonico website defines it, but that would only apply to their hats.

I don’t know what style or dimensions you prefer. I’d at least give Mike at The Northwest Hat Co. a call. He has some off the rack Panama hats finished in Italy for $185 that are very nice. I also don’t have anything bad to say about Panama Hats Direct other than I don’t like the leather they use in their sweatbands.

Retail — The Northwest Hat Co.

www.northwesthats.com

Thank you Brent for the information on the grade factor and recommendations.

 

[dkstott]

Buying that particular hat is a personal decision. I can say that Ben and the group at Delmonico Hats are great folks. Have you chatted with them about this hat or about your needs??

 

[Rick2106]

Buying that particular hat is a personal decision. I can say that Ben and the group at Delmonico Hats are great folks. Have you chatted with them about this hat or about your needs??

Thanks Dave, I have not talked to anyone at Delmonico, I have read good things about them and they seem to be a very reputable company, maybe I should have talked to Ben or shopped other companies but it is too late now. I bought the hat. I think I will like it, If not, I can pass it on to someone else. I have the suspicion Panama hats are not going to be a one and done kinda purchase.