I’m retired Army. My brother is soon to retire. I wanted us to have a fancy hat to commemorate the occasion.

We grew up with limited means. Ranchers in our area took care of us. Bought the football team matching cleats, sponsored kids like us for trips, meals out etc.

Long story, but when anything was mentioned about a lunch, a camp, etc. us poor kids would look at our toes and get real interested in the ground.

Then, occasionally, someone in a fancy hat would walk up to the coach, and whisper in his ear.

As a kid, I just saw the top of a cowboy hat as a conversation would be had. The rancher would step back, wave to the team, and walk away.

We would be (politely) set aside. “James, John, Isaiah, please come into the office, etc.

We’d be measured for shoes, and we’d have matching cleats that our parents could never afford.

Same thing for sports banquets. All are invited to whatever reataraunt for a celebration.

Kind rancher walks up, shake of the hat as secret convos take place, then an announcement…

All meals are paid for.

We were a small town. 13 kids total on the team.

That made the world to me.

Now, I’m successful. Retired army with a great job. My brother is also retired with a great job.

Sorry for the long backstory.

The question is - I posed this scenario with the local saddlery. They said a Rodeo King 100x would be great. On par with a Stetson El Patron, or better.

I’m blessed to have enough extra funds to give my brother the gift of a fancy hat. A sign of “we made it”. Now, we can make the difference.

The question is - Rodeo King 100x vs Stetson El Patron?

Sorry for the lengthy question - I thought the explanation was warranted.