New Art Fawcett / Panama Bob Optimo

[AlanC]

Arriving bright and early this morning is my new Art Fawcett blocked, Panama Bob supplied Montecristi body. Although tempted by so many different block shapes, I finally settled on what I really have been wanting for a long time, a traditional Optimo block. This is by no means a top grade body, I know, but I'm thrilled with it, and it really suits my needs very well. This summer is teaching me that I need a good balance of straw and felt down here in Dixie.

What wpsi would you counting experts estimate?

I'll let you enjoy the look without my head in it now. I'll get an 'in action' shot with me wearing it later.

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Looks great...

What wpsi would you counting experts estimate?

I'd say 400 to 500 weaves per square inch... Nice hat....:eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

Good choice Alan! You are gonna love it!!! :eusa_clap

 

[AlanC]

What wpsi would you counting experts estimate?

I'd say 400 to 500 weaves per square inch... Nice hat....:eusa_clap

Thanks! That's about what I had guesstimated with my amateur eye. I counted ~21 linear weaves.

I've been enjoying my beater Cuencas I got from PB, but this hat is in a whole league altogether.

 

[barrowjh]

Beautiful hat.

 

[Duck]

Wonderfull!!!!!!!:eusa_clap

 

[deanglen]

Great looking hat! How cool wearing is it?

dean

 

[AlanC]

How cool wearing is it?

Well, I look really cool wearing it while typing on the computer.

It just came this morning so hasn't been heat tested yet. I'll be wearing it to church tomorrow, though, so our 97 degree weather ought to let me know.

 

[HungaryTom]

Bravo!

AlanC,

Beautiful hat.
International comparison: just check the Panamas and Goodwood Festival thread. In the quoted article there is also a nice photo series.
Highly recommended for sceptics!
Just compare the Gents wearing their Milan Straw and coarse toquillas called Panamas - and this 500 WPSI Montecristi...

Maybe it is really better this way (the Egoista in me ) to keep this PHM price/quality range among insiders

Regards:

Tom

 

[deanglen]

Well, I look really cool wearing it while typing on the computer.

It just came this morning so hasn't been heat tested yet. I'll be wearing it to church tomorrow, though, so our 97 degree weather ought to let me know.

I'm glad you didn't miss the opportunity to pun there! Resisted it, myself, lol but your heat test tomorrow should be definitive. I've heard that some of these hats can rival felt for holding the heat in. Hope it's otherwise for you. I'll be wearing my Borsa straw as I walk to church tomorrow and my head still sweats profusely, balding as I am, even, when the temp gets above 70.

dean

 

[Razzman]

Beautiful hat. Congratulations. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[BJBAmerica]

Oustanding looking hat, Alan......Wear it well, it's a Beauty!!!! :eusa_clap

 

[AlanC]

In action...

And here it is facing 97+ degree heat:

 

[BigAl]

You look mahvelous.

Great choice of hat. You really complement it with that jacket. Very stylish!
:eusa_clap

 

[SHARPETOYS]

What a nice block on your hat.

Perfect hat... I love the Optimo crease.

Nice brim break, perfect ribbon work and no taper. Great hat.: :eusa_clap

 

[AlanC]

Perfect hat... I love the Optimo crease.

Nice brim break, perfect ribbon work and no taper. Great hat.: :eusa_clap

Thanks, Sharpetoys! That means a lot coming from you. You're the Panama hat king!

 

[ScionPI2005]

That is one sharp look Alan!

 

[Orgetorix]

Beeeeyooutiful hat, Alan! You look great in it.

 

[jeboat]

Great hat!

I have never been a fan of Optimo bashed hats but this one looks great on you! As for it not being a "great hat" that is all in the eye of the beholder. I have had a number of pepole ask me where I got my various Panamas and none look as good as yours.


jeboat:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[AlanC]

Thanks, jeboat. Well, it is a great hat as far as I'm concerned, I just recognize in the grand scheme of Panamas it's not anywhere approaching the highest end. I think it was well worth the money, and was a very good value for the money. I have no complaints at all.