Balmoral bonnets

[Mael Coluim]

I hear wonderful reviews on Keltoi service.

Checking the exchange rates on Keltoi and Dunadd prices on the Mackie Balmoral here’s what I came up with:

Keltoi CN$
Plain 95 - US$90.48
Diced 105 - 100.01

Dunadd GBP
Plain 45 - US$70.62
Diced 50 - 78.47

And Dunadd includes shipping!!!!!

The service I received from Dunadd it getting my Argyll top hose was superb!

[Farlander]

...
Keltoi CN$
Plain 105 - US$100.01
Diced 114 - 110.34

Dunadd GBP
Plain 45 - US$70.62
Diced 50 - 78.47

And Dunadd includes shipping!!!!!

The service I received from Dunadd it getting my Argyll top hose was superb!

I think your Keltoi prices are for the 'Glengarry'. As such, you are about $10 high. Still, clearly Dunadd comes out as the winner here.

Doing a google search, I come up with one other possible US company. The Carolina Celt. It is not perfectly clear that their 'made in Scotland balmoral' is a Robert Mackie or not, but I think it is. If so, then their price at $59 and $65 US is quite attractive. Of course with shipping, they will still end up about the same as Dunadd, (but without dealing with customs).

[Mael Coluim]

I think your Keltoi prices are for the 'Glengarry'. As such, you are about $10 high. Still, clearly Dunadd comes out as the winner here.

Doing a google search, I come up with one other possible US company. The Carolina Celt. It is not perfectly clear that their 'made in Scotland balmoral' is a Robert Mackie or not, but I think it is. If so, then their price at $59 and $65 US is quite attractive. Of course with shipping, they will still end up about the same as Dunadd, (but without dealing with customs).

Thanks, Michael in pointing out the error, which I have now corrected. In my dealing with both Canadian and UK companies I haven't ever paid custom duties.

[OC Richard]

Yes Redshank you are absolutely right about the fantastic quality and look of genuine Robert Mackie bonnets.

I have a Balmoral that I bought in the 1980's and it still looks new. I also have a Glengarry by them- I wouldn't get any other kind.

There are so many cheap-looking imitation bonnets out there! I wish that all kiltwearers would treat themselves to at least one "real" Scottish-made traditional bonnet.

It's sort of a marvel to examine one of their Balmorals and see how they're knit and shaped.

[cavscout]

Honestly, I can't tell a difference between bonnets. The only characteristic I've ever noticed about bonnets is that many look too small on top to flop over. They end up sitting on top of the head like a Pillsbury dough boy hat rather than folding over like a beret.

If anyone has a mackie and a "cheap" one that could be photographed side by side (or in two separate pics) to show a comparison it would be very educational to me.

[thescot]

Honestly, I can't tell a difference between bonnets. The only characteristic I've ever noticed about bonnets is that many look too small on top to flop over. They end up sitting on top of the head like a Pillsbury dough boy hat rather than folding over like a beret.

If anyone has a mackie and a "cheap" one that could be photographed side by side (or in two separate pics) to show a comparison it would be very educational to me.

Steve, you have just pointed out what I have said in other venues. I have a Mackie and another model from Glengarry hats, and the khaki from Glengarry is much smaller on the top and doesn't "flop" over, as you said.

Of course I also have a black Glengarry (the one shown in my avatar) that does flop over, so I wonder if it's not a quality control issue. The ones from mackie area always consistent, or at least that's my observation. And the Scottish-made bonnets seem to have a better better lining that doesn't show.

I'll try to get pictures up later.

[slohairt]

I hear wonderful reviews on Keltoi service.

Checking the exchange rates on Keltoi and Dunadd prices on the Mackie Balmoral here’s what I came up with:

Keltoi CN$
Plain 95 - US$90.48
Diced 105 - 100.01

Dunadd GBP
Plain 45 - US$70.62
Diced 50 - 78.47

And Dunadd includes shipping!!!!!

The service I received from Dunadd it getting my Argyll top hose was superb!

Actually, with the XMarks discount my prices would be (as of today's exchange):

Plain $85.50 CAD ($82.00 USD)
Diced $94.50 CA ($90.50 USD)

Shipping is around $10.00 to North America, $15.00 to Europe & elsewhere.

[okiwen]

The ribbons in the back are sewn together then up to a delta shape on the bonnet. How does one neatly tie these in a bow with that delta shape? I have tried as a bow-tie would tie and then like a shoe tie. Neither hold fast or is neat.

Pictures would be grand.

[thescot]

I'll have to get you a picture later, but basically, you have to first make sure that the stitching on the ribbon that comes down about 3" is picked out. Then first tie a tight knot, just right over left and pull though, then do the bow tie thing. You'll have to trim the ends on the bias once it's done.

And--take a hint from Scotty Thompson again--run a thread through the knot once you're done to keep it tight. I've had mine tied for 12 years or so.

[JSFMACLJR]

How does one neatly tie these in a bow with that delta shape? I have tried as a bow-tie would tie and then like a shoe tie. Neither hold fast or is neat..

I've always used the same knot to tie my bow ties and my shoe laces. Is there another way?