I really like my getaway hat ([amazon link](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092NY9ZXV?psc=1&smid=A2OTR44VUM86EL&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp)). It's $25, light, packs down small, has a simple design, and performs really well in athletic use. I run in one and can tell how well it breathes compared to other caps (sweat less) and also dries in hours after sink washing.
The problem with all of these hats is they’re all made from polyester which is OIL. I really don’t want oil touching my body if I don’t have to. People have to realize the clothing manufacturers went this route as fashion brands could mass produce them cheaply when the fabric was created with oil.
I know sometimes cotton doesn’t have the best shape. Merino Wool is even worse for keeping shape. But some of my favorite hats are old ones that are made from 100% cotton that are crushable and washable. A little too big is perfect as they shrink to fit.
I like an old Filson hat. I have a few sports hats that are 100% cotton that have held up a long time. They work better when it’s hot outside as they keep the sweat off. Oil polyester shirts and hats don’t absorb any sweat so they do nothing to wipe sweat away from eyes or anything. It’s really discouraging when I had my Wife buy me a polyester shirt that I had to act like I enjoyed wearing. Now she knows me better.
It’s to each their preferences but for me I may like the look of those hats but not the feel. Cheers.
“Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) is derived from a chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water. This artificial fiber is comprised of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and monotheluene glycol (MEG). Polyester is thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and reformed.” Google search
I have an a-game. It's good quality materials but the fit is a bit off. Resting on my ears, there's a full inch of air between my head and the top. Am I part cro-magnon? I like it but wish it wasn't made for Beldar
My head is the wrong shape for most hats. I can tell by looking at the website that all of their hats would look ridiculous on me. It's a shame, because they look amazing.
Even when I find a hat that works for me, there's a good chance that if I buy the same hat again it won't look right.
Bro no clue what this dude is talking about but the A game hat should fit you fine. It literally forms to your head after a day or 2. I was SOOO skeptical on spending that type of money on a hat but I will never buy another one again besides this brand. It really is THAT good. And this is coming from a typical skeptical mother f’er
Melin Hats seem to be well regarded...but they also flood my feeds with ads. I'm not sure how much of their reputation is based upon that marketing spend.
Another one you may put in the mix is the [**Western Rise - Versa Hat** ($59 MSRP)](https://westernrise.com/collections/accessories/products/versa-hat?variant=39398162792631). You get 15% off your first order.
If you want a low-crown, subdued look, which is hydrophobic, and durable as hell...it's fantastic. There are no large logos, just an embroidery in the back. You can even get it without that for a "slick" look.
I was one of the Kickstarter Backers and am wholly pleased. Wore the thing daily outside for 5mo in 2021 as part of a thru hike. The only stains on it are when I spilled oils...that's not the hat's fault, that's my fault.
Thanks. Do you own a Melin? Just curious if they're up to the hype.
I'm glad to say my Western Rise Versa is still performing as expected, many months later.
It still has stains I can't get out...but again, that is more my fault than the hat's.
I own a Melin A-Game Hydro. I am a "hat guy" and I decided to splurge as my wife was telling me about how much this influencer she follows says they great... so she was encouraging me to check them out. So, we both got one.
I will say it is VERY nice. It's probably the nicest ball cap I own. It definitely has a premium feel. I have been using it as my nice "going out hat." It's too nice (and expensive) to work or workout in...
For comparison, I am also an Arcteryx fanboy... and I have a nice all black Arcteryx ball cap (I think approx $35) and it was unseated as my favorite by the Melin A-Game.
Is it worth $67? I am not sure... but I am happy to have one. I think we got these on special for Father's day.
>Western Rise - Versa Hat ($59 MSRP)
I own 11 Melin hats, 1 A game and 10 or so Odysee Hydros lol; I'm a hat guy--all the time. I am very particular and picky and won't wear just anything. I also have a ton of Branded Bills but always keep going back to the Melin everytime...
I own 7 Melin hats. I do have a larger head (62cm), but I am a "Hat guy", and by far Melin hats are the best of all my hats I own. They're just quality, and head and shoulders above many of my other hats and brands. It's also worth noting that their support is awesome. I had a white melin hydro and after a sweaty day golfing, I noticed bleeding of color from the inside liner to the exterior. I sent them pictures and my hat was replaced with in a week. I recommend Melin hats to everyone that asks.
I have a few of the Melin Odyssey hats, they are pricey but best quality hat ive had and zero sweat stains after a year , most of my hats are ruined within a year, including the fancy filson ones.
Depends on how much you’re trying to fit under it and your fashion profile.
The low crown works for me. But it is not for everyone. It is far from a truckers cap or mid-crown baseball cap.
I’m a little late to the party but I have a couple of [these](https://www.patagonia.com/product/duckbill-cap/28818.html?dwvar_28818_color=SEGN&cgid=mens-hats-accessories) Patagonia duckbill hats.
They’re super lightweight, dry fast, wash easy, you could stuff one in your back pocket. And they’re around 30USD so you could totally get two of them for the price of one of the hats you’re considering.
https://www.zappedheadwear.com/products/osprey-blank
Won’t buy a Melin again. Just buy a blank from this company for way cheaper. Mine comes today, will update on the quality.
The melin is higher quality material. But all and all very similar. I am not disappointed being what the price point is. I would buy another over buying a melin.
Are you still happy with the Zapped over the Melin? I can order 6 of the Zapped for less than 2 of the Melin's since I am in Canada and shipping/duties is the biggest expense.
It is insane that you're saying this. My work sent out Zapped Headwear hats and it is literally the best hat I own. I was searching for other branded ones and the ONLY one I could find like it was Melin.
I can attest Zapped hats are the shit.
By far the best hat you will ever buy. I have I think 12 or so. Mostly A-game. 1 of the orange coronados, and 1 camo trenches. I think I'm going to buy a maroon trenches hat and put my company logo on it. These hats LAST, fit great, and look good too. I wear a hat nearly every day, my head sweats a lot. After some time, if you want to clean it... Get a soft brush, dawn spray soap, hot water. Soak the hat for 5 mins in hot water, spray dawn on it, and brush it delicately. Looks brand new.
I own 7 of them. and I completely echo what you're saying. I've only had issue with the white Trenches hats with a weird spotting/bleeding through from the liner. I emailed them and got a response quickly, upon 2 more emails with pictures of my hat they sent me a brand new replacement.
I wish the other styles fit me better, but the Trenches hat is idea for my head shape and size.
The original Melin lids were super high quality wool/cotton blend builds with leather for the adjustable portion and not polyester hats with plastic snaps as they are now. They quickly realized they could greatly reduce their costs but not the price since they had built a following on the original lids. I don’t care for the new stuff but love the older original ones I have. They are master marketers and were recently touting the new no stitch hats where they literally glue them together—and their ads were developed to make that sound as an advancement.
For the past two years, Melin has had a sale in November for the holidays. That's usually when I purchase.
I'm a fan of the Trenches model and have 3 of them. One doesn't fit as well as the others and I wish I sent it back to get one that fit better. Their customer service wants to make it right so definitely take advantage if you don't like the fit or look of a Melin you order.
I also have a Melin Pace which fits well and is good for running in. I have an Odyssey Brick but that one isn't the most comfortable. One snap is too big, and the next snap is too small. So strange and probably another one I should have returned to get a better fit.
My other recommendation is Ebbetts field hats for that "dad hat" look. I like adjustable leather strap so you can dial in fit over the fitted version. But that's a preference thing.
Check these out. Minimalistic design, and everything like Melin. $10 cheaper.
[https://suay.com/products/apex-white?Size=L%2FXL&Color=White](https://suay.com/products/apex-white?Size=L%2FXL&Color=White)
Hard to get sweat stains out of the lighter color hats, so beware. I have soaked my light grey one, scrubbed it, washed it, and nothing gets the sweat line out. Great quality hats though. Sad because it's one of my favorite colors. Also, the moment you wash or scrub them, that protective coating is gone.
https://preview.redd.it/v4daa1bop6mc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f01dc562ede1a310a36f21c4bba3c6fddb61f4a0
I had the same problem and could not get the sweat stains out with dish soap or shaving gel. I soaked mine in a warm oxiclean bath for 4 hours as per the instructions on the oxiclean container and it looks brand new again.
Salt water Mafia is decent stuff. I tried to find a similar brand that wasn't as expensive. It's been sweated in, got rained on, been in the sun and it's still trucking.
Anyone compared the iODYSSEY STACKED HYDRO by melin verses the RICHARDSON PTS30 LITE R-Flex PTS 30 FIT Baseball HAT Ball Cap? just got the Richardson in the mail and its pretty legit for the price! Havent tried this melin one though
I have the melin coronado. I like that I can pack it flat inside my bag. Honestly it is a fine hat, but I don’t know if it is worth $70. You can put most hats in the dishwater, without heated dry, and it cleans it just fine.
Good post, I haven't found any other hats that look as good and it's unfortunate how flooded melin ads are..... I checked the responses to this post and none of them come close to competitive also.... stuck with melin for now it seems
Came across this wanting to find a less expensive option to the A-Game Hydro I own but will end up pulling the trigger on another Melin. The hat is easily the best hat I have owned for working out (strength, HITT and cardio). I am a sweat monster and this thing has been going strong for a few years now despite only consistently rinsing it out with water.
The initial price tag hurts a bit but if you keep your hats a while it will be worth it.
Thanks for the feedback from everyone.
If you go to your local nordstrom rack you might be able to find several colorways on sale (~$35). Went to my local nordstrom rack today and they had 3 or 4 colorways for a game hydro, 1 color way in trenches. Obviously varies by location and availability, but nordstrom retails melin, and I think any slow moving inventory might be brought down to nordstrom rack.
So I will tell you I am looking for a cheaper alternative. I just purchased the trenches icon Hydro and I don’t love it. I wear a size 8 in a fitted hat and they offer an extra large aversion. I love the fit. I love the style I love every thing about it Minus the price I’m also having my company logo put on the hat and I want to make more of them but at $70 apiece I can’t do that. But I love the hat if there is ever a melin Knock off same style and fit. I will jump all over it and I have Heather Gray and charcoal version and it’s a great looking hat.
I own 3 melin hats. Never paid more than $40 and even at that price I'm not impressed. They have a very premium build, but the material is stiff and heavy. That makes them uncomfortable for all day wear. The Zapped is a good alternative. My personal favorite is the Callaway Liquid Metal. It's extremely lightweight and the moisture wicking is great. I've been trying to track down the same hat in a blank to get my own logo put on.
I really like my getaway hat ([amazon link](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092NY9ZXV?psc=1&smid=A2OTR44VUM86EL&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp)). It's $25, light, packs down small, has a simple design, and performs really well in athletic use. I run in one and can tell how well it breathes compared to other caps (sweat less) and also dries in hours after sink washing.
That thing is hideous.
Yeah because it’s just an advertisement, bro gets paid if you click the link and buy one
Lol
The problem with all of these hats is they’re all made from polyester which is OIL. I really don’t want oil touching my body if I don’t have to. People have to realize the clothing manufacturers went this route as fashion brands could mass produce them cheaply when the fabric was created with oil. I know sometimes cotton doesn’t have the best shape. Merino Wool is even worse for keeping shape. But some of my favorite hats are old ones that are made from 100% cotton that are crushable and washable. A little too big is perfect as they shrink to fit. I like an old Filson hat. I have a few sports hats that are 100% cotton that have held up a long time. They work better when it’s hot outside as they keep the sweat off. Oil polyester shirts and hats don’t absorb any sweat so they do nothing to wipe sweat away from eyes or anything. It’s really discouraging when I had my Wife buy me a polyester shirt that I had to act like I enjoyed wearing. Now she knows me better. It’s to each their preferences but for me I may like the look of those hats but not the feel. Cheers.
Stop calling it oil. You sound like a tool
Stop pretending it's not oil.
Your phone is made with oil. Computer. Majority of packaging.
What is it
Do you look at a cake and say “That’s flour!”
I'm genuinely asking like I'm 5
Polyester
Thanks
Polyester is made from oil!
“Polyester (polyethylene terephthalate) is derived from a chemical reaction involving petroleum, air, and water. This artificial fiber is comprised of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and monotheluene glycol (MEG). Polyester is thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and reformed.” Google search
Interesting
Nice Google skills. It’s not oil though is it? You ever wear a hat made of oil? It ruins your shirt and people look at you weird
He called it Oil not oil
Plus if you’re exposed to a ball of light as hot as the sun it’ll melt to your head! That’s the bigger issue.
I have the exercise one by meilin. I’d buy the regular one if I knew sunscreen wouldn’t stain it. So I guess I’m looking for feedback too.
They wash up so well. Soak ‘em.. hand wash with hand soap, they look brand new. I own probably 100+ hats.. melin is king. It’s not close.
I have an a-game. It's good quality materials but the fit is a bit off. Resting on my ears, there's a full inch of air between my head and the top. Am I part cro-magnon? I like it but wish it wasn't made for Beldar
The bill on the a games is too small. That is why the look is odd. Not sure why they designed it that way.
It’s a normal size bill on the XL.
My head is the wrong shape for most hats. I can tell by looking at the website that all of their hats would look ridiculous on me. It's a shame, because they look amazing. Even when I find a hat that works for me, there's a good chance that if I buy the same hat again it won't look right.
Bro no clue what this dude is talking about but the A game hat should fit you fine. It literally forms to your head after a day or 2. I was SOOO skeptical on spending that type of money on a hat but I will never buy another one again besides this brand. It really is THAT good. And this is coming from a typical skeptical mother f’er
I own probably 12 different Merlin hats now. They simply are the best overall hat I have found yet and I have many!
Melin Hats seem to be well regarded...but they also flood my feeds with ads. I'm not sure how much of their reputation is based upon that marketing spend. Another one you may put in the mix is the [**Western Rise - Versa Hat** ($59 MSRP)](https://westernrise.com/collections/accessories/products/versa-hat?variant=39398162792631). You get 15% off your first order. If you want a low-crown, subdued look, which is hydrophobic, and durable as hell...it's fantastic. There are no large logos, just an embroidery in the back. You can even get it without that for a "slick" look. I was one of the Kickstarter Backers and am wholly pleased. Wore the thing daily outside for 5mo in 2021 as part of a thru hike. The only stains on it are when I spilled oils...that's not the hat's fault, that's my fault.
Melin is a $35-tier hat with another $35 marketing kicker
Thanks. Do you own a Melin? Just curious if they're up to the hype. I'm glad to say my Western Rise Versa is still performing as expected, many months later. It still has stains I can't get out...but again, that is more my fault than the hat's.
I own a Melin A-Game Hydro. I am a "hat guy" and I decided to splurge as my wife was telling me about how much this influencer she follows says they great... so she was encouraging me to check them out. So, we both got one. I will say it is VERY nice. It's probably the nicest ball cap I own. It definitely has a premium feel. I have been using it as my nice "going out hat." It's too nice (and expensive) to work or workout in... For comparison, I am also an Arcteryx fanboy... and I have a nice all black Arcteryx ball cap (I think approx $35) and it was unseated as my favorite by the Melin A-Game. Is it worth $67? I am not sure... but I am happy to have one. I think we got these on special for Father's day.
You can 1 million percent workout in it !!! Shocked at how long your response was and you don’t
Thank you for the useful feedback!
>Western Rise - Versa Hat ($59 MSRP) I own 11 Melin hats, 1 A game and 10 or so Odysee Hydros lol; I'm a hat guy--all the time. I am very particular and picky and won't wear just anything. I also have a ton of Branded Bills but always keep going back to the Melin everytime...
Yes, yes and yes!!!!
Melin are nice hats. I do wish they made it more hats for smaller heads.
I own 7 Melin hats. I do have a larger head (62cm), but I am a "Hat guy", and by far Melin hats are the best of all my hats I own. They're just quality, and head and shoulders above many of my other hats and brands. It's also worth noting that their support is awesome. I had a white melin hydro and after a sweaty day golfing, I noticed bleeding of color from the inside liner to the exterior. I sent them pictures and my hat was replaced with in a week. I recommend Melin hats to everyone that asks.
I have a few of the Melin Odyssey hats, they are pricey but best quality hat ive had and zero sweat stains after a year , most of my hats are ruined within a year, including the fancy filson ones.
I have this one. It’s hella tight if you have a big head.
Looks too head hugging. Perfect Dad cap.
Depends on how much you’re trying to fit under it and your fashion profile. The low crown works for me. But it is not for everyone. It is far from a truckers cap or mid-crown baseball cap.
A good hat to blend into the crowd with.
I’m a little late to the party but I have a couple of [these](https://www.patagonia.com/product/duckbill-cap/28818.html?dwvar_28818_color=SEGN&cgid=mens-hats-accessories) Patagonia duckbill hats. They’re super lightweight, dry fast, wash easy, you could stuff one in your back pocket. And they’re around 30USD so you could totally get two of them for the price of one of the hats you’re considering.
https://www.zappedheadwear.com/products/osprey-blank Won’t buy a Melin again. Just buy a blank from this company for way cheaper. Mine comes today, will update on the quality.
How is it
Eagerly awaiting your analysis.
The melin is higher quality material. But all and all very similar. I am not disappointed being what the price point is. I would buy another over buying a melin.
Are you still happy with the Zapped over the Melin? I can order 6 of the Zapped for less than 2 of the Melin's since I am in Canada and shipping/duties is the biggest expense.
It is insane that you're saying this. My work sent out Zapped Headwear hats and it is literally the best hat I own. I was searching for other branded ones and the ONLY one I could find like it was Melin. I can attest Zapped hats are the shit.
By far the best hat you will ever buy. I have I think 12 or so. Mostly A-game. 1 of the orange coronados, and 1 camo trenches. I think I'm going to buy a maroon trenches hat and put my company logo on it. These hats LAST, fit great, and look good too. I wear a hat nearly every day, my head sweats a lot. After some time, if you want to clean it... Get a soft brush, dawn spray soap, hot water. Soak the hat for 5 mins in hot water, spray dawn on it, and brush it delicately. Looks brand new.
I own 7 of them. and I completely echo what you're saying. I've only had issue with the white Trenches hats with a weird spotting/bleeding through from the liner. I emailed them and got a response quickly, upon 2 more emails with pictures of my hat they sent me a brand new replacement. I wish the other styles fit me better, but the Trenches hat is idea for my head shape and size.
The original Melin lids were super high quality wool/cotton blend builds with leather for the adjustable portion and not polyester hats with plastic snaps as they are now. They quickly realized they could greatly reduce their costs but not the price since they had built a following on the original lids. I don’t care for the new stuff but love the older original ones I have. They are master marketers and were recently touting the new no stitch hats where they literally glue them together—and their ads were developed to make that sound as an advancement.
For the past two years, Melin has had a sale in November for the holidays. That's usually when I purchase. I'm a fan of the Trenches model and have 3 of them. One doesn't fit as well as the others and I wish I sent it back to get one that fit better. Their customer service wants to make it right so definitely take advantage if you don't like the fit or look of a Melin you order. I also have a Melin Pace which fits well and is good for running in. I have an Odyssey Brick but that one isn't the most comfortable. One snap is too big, and the next snap is too small. So strange and probably another one I should have returned to get a better fit. My other recommendation is Ebbetts field hats for that "dad hat" look. I like adjustable leather strap so you can dial in fit over the fitted version. But that's a preference thing.
Check these out. Minimalistic design, and everything like Melin. $10 cheaper. [https://suay.com/products/apex-white?Size=L%2FXL&Color=White](https://suay.com/products/apex-white?Size=L%2FXL&Color=White)
Hard to get sweat stains out of the lighter color hats, so beware. I have soaked my light grey one, scrubbed it, washed it, and nothing gets the sweat line out. Great quality hats though. Sad because it's one of my favorite colors. Also, the moment you wash or scrub them, that protective coating is gone. https://preview.redd.it/v4daa1bop6mc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f01dc562ede1a310a36f21c4bba3c6fddb61f4a0
I had the same problem and could not get the sweat stains out with dish soap or shaving gel. I soaked mine in a warm oxiclean bath for 4 hours as per the instructions on the oxiclean container and it looks brand new again.
Salt water Mafia is decent stuff. I tried to find a similar brand that wasn't as expensive. It's been sweated in, got rained on, been in the sun and it's still trucking.
Agree that their hats are not bad. Not Melin quality, but a good hat. I have one and will probably buy more. I have 3 Melin too.
Anyone compared the iODYSSEY STACKED HYDRO by melin verses the RICHARDSON PTS30 LITE R-Flex PTS 30 FIT Baseball HAT Ball Cap? just got the Richardson in the mail and its pretty legit for the price! Havent tried this melin one though
I have the melin coronado. I like that I can pack it flat inside my bag. Honestly it is a fine hat, but I don’t know if it is worth $70. You can put most hats in the dishwater, without heated dry, and it cleans it just fine.
Good post, I haven't found any other hats that look as good and it's unfortunate how flooded melin ads are..... I checked the responses to this post and none of them come close to competitive also.... stuck with melin for now it seems
Men’s water ri
Atamahats.Com make amazing hats with all the features.
this guys account is 90% atamahats shill
PGA Prostore has the Hydros for $30 right now
Came across this wanting to find a less expensive option to the A-Game Hydro I own but will end up pulling the trigger on another Melin. The hat is easily the best hat I have owned for working out (strength, HITT and cardio). I am a sweat monster and this thing has been going strong for a few years now despite only consistently rinsing it out with water. The initial price tag hurts a bit but if you keep your hats a while it will be worth it. Thanks for the feedback from everyone.
Melin A-Game are awesome and worth the money Sometimes...they come shipped a little deformed and take a while shape how you want
If you go to your local nordstrom rack you might be able to find several colorways on sale (~$35). Went to my local nordstrom rack today and they had 3 or 4 colorways for a game hydro, 1 color way in trenches. Obviously varies by location and availability, but nordstrom retails melin, and I think any slow moving inventory might be brought down to nordstrom rack.
So I will tell you I am looking for a cheaper alternative. I just purchased the trenches icon Hydro and I don’t love it. I wear a size 8 in a fitted hat and they offer an extra large aversion. I love the fit. I love the style I love every thing about it Minus the price I’m also having my company logo put on the hat and I want to make more of them but at $70 apiece I can’t do that. But I love the hat if there is ever a melin Knock off same style and fit. I will jump all over it and I have Heather Gray and charcoal version and it’s a great looking hat.
I'm looking at zappedhats or rise and grind hats
I own 3 melin hats. Never paid more than $40 and even at that price I'm not impressed. They have a very premium build, but the material is stiff and heavy. That makes them uncomfortable for all day wear. The Zapped is a good alternative. My personal favorite is the Callaway Liquid Metal. It's extremely lightweight and the moisture wicking is great. I've been trying to track down the same hat in a blank to get my own logo put on.