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[jba972]

This is an odd little Optimo Panama I got in a while back. Very stingy-brim for a Panama. I would love to know how we arrived at this configuration.

This is the first Optimo Panama I've had the chance to get my hands on. I'm glad I had a chance to look at it, but to be honest I'm not impressed. Part of that is not Optimo's fault - Pork Pie and stingy-brim neither one work very well for me.

The weave is nice and even, and the color is consistent, but if I'm paying Optimo prices I would expect a higher WPI. I counted this one in two places on the sidewall of the crown and got 323-343. This surprised me, so I pulled the hat back out and checked it again visually and it's accurate. The rest of the finish is consistent with what you would expect from Optimo.

What do you guys think?

Optimo Pork Pie - 323 WPI
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What grade would this be? Do you have any idea what Optimo is charging for this grade?
I agree that brim is very short

 

[Judgmentalist]

What grade would this be? Do you have any idea what Optimo is charging for this grade?
I agree that brim is very short

If you go by the linear “grade” count, it would be grade 19-20, I believe.

If you use Brent Black’s WPI system, where the higher unidirectional count is multiplied by the bidirectional count, this one appears to land just barely within the lowest grade tier he currently offers — roughly grade 18–19.

I don’t know how Optimo priced fhese or when it was produced, but they don’t give the impression of being very interested in offering entry-level pricing, lol.

They aren't very transparent on Montecristi pricing online, unfortunately. I found a listing on Instagram from 2020 with a starting price of $595 at the time. I believe they have been offering Montecristis since at least the 2010s, but I can't confirm.

I sent them an email asking for more information. I will let you know what I find.

 

[jba972]

If you go by the linear “grade” count, it would be grade 19-20, I believe.

If you use Brent Black’s WPI system, where the higher unidirectional count is multiplied by the bidirectional count, this one appears to land just barely within the lowest grade tier he currently offers — roughly grade 18–19.

I don’t know how Optimo priced fhese or when it was produced, but they don’t give the impression of being very interested in offering entry-level pricing, lol.

They aren't very transparent on Montecristi pricing online, unfortunately. I found a listing on Instagram from 2020 with a starting price of $595 at the time. I believe they have been offering Montecristis since at least the 2010s, but I can't confirm.

I sent them an email asking for more information. I will let you know what I find.

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I know they have a few price points. I think the one I tried on was in the 1500 dollar range just bc when they told me the price it was in the context of not bank breaking. Lol I just don't remember what grade they used or wpi.

 

[Judgmentalist]

I know they have a few price points. I think the one I tried on was in the 1500 dollar range just bc when they told me the price it was in the context of not bank breaking. Lol I just don't remember what grade they used or wpi.

That is consistent with what I would expect. If $1,500 is not their starting point, I will be surprised.

Some makers are more transparent about grading than others. I prefer as much information as possible.

If I were selling a Montecristi, I would include my WPI count photos. Even if someone comes up with a different number, they can see exactly how I arrived at mine. It removes the guesswork and gives buyers another useful data point alongside the more subjective factors such as color, consistency, finish, and overall craftsmanship, IMHO.

 

[jba972]

That is consistent with what I would expect. If $1,500 is not their starting point, I will be surprised.

Some makers are more transparent about grading than others. I prefer as much information as possible.

If I were selling a Montecristi, I would include my WPI count photos. Even if someone comes up with a different number, they can see exactly how I arrived at mine. It removes the guesswork and gives buyers another useful data point alongside the more subjective factors such as color, consistency, finish, and overall craftsmanship, IMHO.

Exactly. It wasn't explained in wpi but in grade terminology that were several variant levels of 'fino'
Although there was a guy in there with a 'tres fino' and that is a very high wpi that was valued upwards of 8k.

 

[Judgmentalist]

Exactly. It wasn't explained in wpi but in grade terminology that were several variant levels of 'fino'

This is my least favorite (non)system. Might as well call them super extra really good neato hats or whatever. I need data, not adjectives.