mid range

Rodeo King

Authentic ranch and rodeo wear

Est. 1993📍 New Jersey (W. Alboum Hat Company)

At a Glance

Material Focus
Felt & Straw
Signature Crease
Bullrider
Fit Profile
Long Oval
Price Range
$200 - $350

Western Authority Verdict

Rodeo King delivers quality felt hats with open crown designs that can be shaped to literally ANY crease at no extra charge—a real bonus for those who want custom shaping. The "Slate" felt with its 5" brim is a popular choice that showcases their attention to classic Western proportions. These hats are built to take a beating at a ranch rodeo. The fit runs long oval and a bit generous. Rodeo King hats are an excellent middle-ground choice offering better quality than budget brands while remaining accessible to working cowboys.

What We Like

  • Open crown allows any crease shape—free
  • Long oval fit (rare among major brands)
  • Built for actual work and arena conditions
  • Excellent durability and value
  • Generous 5" brim for practical protection

Room for Improvement

  • Not ideal for round head shapes
  • Runs generous—sizing requires attention
  • Less refined finishing than premium brands
  • Requires shaping before wear (though that's also a feature)
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The Story

Rodeo King is a line of Western hats produced by the W. Alboum Hat Company, a family-owned business established in 1921 by William Alboum in New Jersey. William learned hat-making in Europe before bringing his skills to the United States. After World War II, his son Albert expanded the company into the Western market. The dedicated Rodeo King line was officially introduced in 1993 by Stuart Alboum, the third generation of the family. Today, Justin Alboum, the fourth generation, continues the tradition. The brand built its reputation serving the working rodeo circuit and ranch cowboys who needed hats that could handle real work, focusing on practical features: open crowns ready for custom shaping, durable felt that holds up to arena dust, and fits that work for cowboys spending long hours in the saddle.

Craftsmanship

Rodeo King's signature is the open crown—hats shipped unblocked, ready for custom shaping at your local Western store or by the wearer themselves. This isn't a shortcut; it's a feature. Cowboys can get exactly the crease they want, shaped to their preferences, without paying extra. Their felt is dense and durable, built to hold shape through arena dust, sweat, and the occasional unplanned dismount. The generous brim proportions (often 5") provide practical shade and rain protection.

“You don't survive 100+ years in the hat business by cutting corners.”
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Product Collections

Straw Hats

Rodeo Straw

Various

Durable straw options for summer arena and ranch work.

$75 - $150

Popular Models

JutePalm LeafBangora

Felt Hats

Open Crown Felt

3X - 7X

Signature open crown hats ready for custom shaping. Shape to ANY crease at no extra charge.

$200 - $350

Popular Models

Slate7X FeltOpen Crown CattlemanBullrider
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Sizing & Fit Guide

Runs True to Size?

⚠ NoRuns slightly generous. Consider sizing down if between sizes. Long oval fit.

Break-In Period

Open crown allows immediate custom fit. Expect sweatband to conform within 1 week of wear.

Head Shape Recommendation

Best for long oval (oblong) head shapes. Round heads may find it too loose at the temples.

Long OvalRound Oval
Long Oval
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Weather & Durability

Rain Resistance

good

Sun Protection

excellent

Durability

excellent

Built for rodeo conditions—handles dust, sweat, and weather. The 5" brim provides excellent shade. Felt quality holds up to real work.

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Care & Maintenance

  • Brush after each wear to remove arena dust
  • Store on a wide-brimmed hat rack
  • Reshape with steam as needed—open crown design makes this easy
  • Treat sweatband with leather conditioner periodically
  • For serious dirt/sweat buildup, professional cleaning recommended
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Who Should Buy?

Best For

  • Rodeo competitors and arena cowboys
  • Long oval head shapes
  • Cowboys who want custom crease shaping
  • Working ranchers needing durable felt
  • Those who want premium features at mid-range prices

Not Ideal For

  • Round head shapes (too loose at temples)
  • Those wanting ready-to-wear with no shaping
  • Cowboys seeking ultra-refined dress hats
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How It Compares

Rodeo King competes with Resistol's working cowboy line and American Hat Co. at lower price points. The open crown feature sets them apart—where others charge $25-50 for custom blocking, Rodeo King includes it by design. Against Atwood, Rodeo King offers better felt quality but at higher prices. The long oval fit makes them a go-to for head shapes that Stetson and others don't serve well.

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Where to Buy

Boot Barn

both

Visit Website →

National chain with shaping services

Rodeo Circuit Vendors

physical

Often available at rodeo events and Western trade shows

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Customization Options

Open crown—ANY crease shape freeCustom brim shaping availableHat bands and accessories
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