With rodeo time just around the corner I'd like to pick up a nice cowboy hat. Besides Cavenders where else is a good place to check out?

Pinto Ranch (but be ready to shell out some $$$$)

http://www.thehatstore.com/?

+1 the Hat Store

"We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we"

quote:

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+1 the Hat Store

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I bet he doesn't click the link b/c he thinks its a fake.

No I checked it out. Looks like most of the site is under construction and not accessible.

I am not sure if they are still around...I drove by there a month ago or so and their sign wasn't up anymore. I could of had the wrong strip mall though....

I drove by not too long ago and it has open. It's right at Richmond and Chimney Rock. It's where I got my tan felt hat many moons ago. Although if you want the best hat you can get I strongly suggest Catalina Hatters in downtown Bryan.

"We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we"

Pinto Ranch will be ok, but darn expensive, and I find their selections usually lacking, but you can still get a decent one at Cavenders, you are just going to have to shell it out. If you go the Pinto Ranch route, which will probably land you a better quality hat, you will probably have to order it. But their people are substantially more knowledgable, less high school concrete cowboy than Cavenders, and will be able to shape it for you right. If you end up buying it at Cavenders, take it to Pinto Ranch to get it shaped.

How nice of a hat do you want? They are judged by the XXX's that you can see on the inside of the rim. The better the hat, you will be able to feel it holding them. I would say at a minimum, get a 10X.

I must have had the wrong center in my head.

If you are getting only one hat, get a silver belly!!!

+1 for The Hat Store

Gary Cohen is the owner and is one of the best in the business. (especially when it comes to shaping the hat). Family run business for many many years.

I agree with going to Gary's The Hat Store (Richmond/Chimney Rock) too. If you are going to have only one hat, make it silver belly color. That goes with just about everything. I wouldn't get hung up on 10X or better. Just get the best one that is in your price range and have fun.

Catalina's in Downtown Bryan, hand made hat out of higher quality Felt less price! You can get a 100x black for 1/2 the cost of the same 100x at The Hat Store, Pinto Ranch or Cavendars. Now if you have to choose between your options in Houston, Pinto Ranch for quality, Cavendars for less cost, but the less cost come much less quality.

BTW, I agree with all the above concerning Gary and his service/knowledge at the Hat Store. However, it comes with a price and believe it or not, the Pinto Ranch is @ 5-10% less expensive for any given identical hat.

BTW, The Catalina's are Aggies as well.



[This message has been edited by BBQ (edited 1/15/2010 2:49p).]