Why not try to get a custom handmade hat? You can gets a nice 10X for the price of a 4x mass produced hat.

Get the Justin 2xx roper hat it will hold the best Against any thing you can throw at it Lane frost wore one And so did Tuff herder men as do I

Well, not knowing why it has taken you so long to finally get your first hat, one might just say....."It's about time." Bubba asked about getting his first hat. His choice down to two different manufactures with similar styles.

The first one: Stetson 4X Buffalo Corral Fur Felt
The Second: Resistol Colton 4X Fur Felt Western Hat.

Bubba wants either in Brown: First, I think you have to decide which you like best. A man's hat is his signature and it should be yours to decide which hat is truly you.

Both are made about the same since these are your two choices. The Resistol MSRP is higher meaning it cost more but not by that much and shopping around may find it on sale. Sheplers has it for $149 while the Stetson was $119 as of today Dec 2010. Not knowing where you live, what stores are available, there is always shopping on-line with the many companies that sell western wear. Cavenders, Drysdale, Rods are also some other businesses on line who can help you all with good services.

Crowns, I like the lower crown better. However, the extra 5/8 inch Stetson might be desired since the Resistol is 4" inch with 4" inch brim. The Stetson 4 5/8" with 4" inch brim.

The brim and crown can be blocked in any fashion you like so the pictures in the catalog is how the stores may display them but steam blocking any felt has never been a difficult task even at home. Shape the hat the way you want it and how it makes you who you are. Maybe you'll like the Rancher block over a gus look, or hoss look. Shaping is exactly that. Make it you own.

However, the difference I saw between the two is the hat band. The Resistol had a leather band on this model while the Stetson had the belted band. I like the belt look and also horse hair hat bands, but that is my preference. Although, I own a Resistol with this type of hat band too just not this model or color.

What I would do is go to the store and try them both on.... see how it looks and feels. Then decide for yourself which one is you, which one fits you pocket book and which one you really want. Both companies make good hats and they make them for any budget too from the high dollar best selected BEAVER blends to a moderate price Fur Felt....

So as I stated in the beginning, it is your signature....so weight in on the crown, the band and the price and decide which is more important to you. Good Luck as I trust you'll make the right selection for you.