There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

What We Tried:

Melin hats. Melin is known for premium performance hats so I had to find out if they’re worth the hype. How good can a hat really be? I did my darndest to find out

Who Tried It:

Connor. Director of Soft Goods Testing and resident sneakerhead. I believe golf is better with a pair of cool shoes and comfortable joggers. I’m a firm believer that a good hat can counteract a bad swing (not really—I just tell my wife this so that she’ll buy me new hats).

A Melin for your Melon

What’s so special about Melin’s hats and why the heck do they cost twice as much as your everyday golf hat? I took upon myself the burden of finding out. Yes, I risked it all to try these hats for you (with a little help from other employees around the office). One man can only wear one hat at a time, after all.

So what makes Melin so special? Technology. Despite what we simpletons think, hats can be chock-full of technology. Melin hats are designed to be water-resistant, sweat-resistant, anti-microbial and they float. Science rules! 

Translation? Everything you could ever want in a golf hat. But, as always, I’ll let my on-course testing decide whether Melin hats live up to the hype. Here are my thoughts on the four different Melin hats I tested.

Melin A-Game Hydro Review

The Melin A-Game Hydro is perhaps the flagship hat in Melin’s lineup. It is the most popular shape, after all.

Melin took the quintessential ball cap and kicked it up a notch with a hydrophobic construction and breathable design. Besides providing a comfortable fit, the sleek A-Game Hydro provides sweatproofing on the hottest days. Overall, the A-Game Hydro hat from Melin has a fantastic structure and build quality that is hard to beat.

Pros

Durable construction Sweatproof Brim can be curved or flattened to fit your preference.  Slightly deeper fit (not as deep as the Trenches Icon)

 Cons

The button-snap adjustment system limits the number of fits as opposed to a strap system.

Melin Trenches Icon Hydro Review

The Melin Trenches Icon Hydro hat is best suited for someone with a wide face. This deeper-fitting hat has a flat brim and is extremely comfortable. I love the deep fit which works well for my head shape and size.

Perhaps the best thing about the Melin Trenches Icon Hydro is that I couldn’t sweat through it. Try and try as I might, this hat wicked away my sweat like nothing I’ve ever worn before. No sweat stains here, baby!

Pros

Comfortable fit Fantastic moisture wicking Hidden besom pocket

Cons

Deeper fit won’t fit all face shapes (that’s why I reviewed three other hats)

Melin Coronado Hydro Review

The Coronado Hydro is Melin’s take on the ever-popular rope hat. But it ain’t just an ordinary rope hat. The Coronado Hydro features the same great tech as Melin’s other phenomenal hats while providing a more shallow fit (for those with slim faces or smaller noggins).

The Coronado Hydro is offered in a few different styles. I’m a big fan of the Coronado Drive and the Coronado Brick.

Pros

Great for small heads Structure and build quality is premium Sweat stands no chance (great for mowing the lawn or burning edges on the putting green)

Cons

The shallow fit may not be best for everyone (try before you buy if possible)

Melin Odyssey Hydro Review

The Melin Odyssey Hydro is the brand’s take on the ever-popular trucker hat. This shallow-fitting hat has a narrow, curved brim, pointed crown and open-cell back. As with the other Melin hats I reviewed, it’s hydrophobic, antimicrobial and happens to float (in case you put one in the drink).

Pros

Very easy to clean if it does get too sweaty (soap and water will do the trick) Extra room on the button snaps to dial in your fit, especially if you have a larger head circumference Great, classic-looking trucker hat that feels premium

Cons

Sits a little high on the head Small amounts of sweat did permeate onto the front panel

An Investment Piece

I can’t finish my review without commenting on the elephant in the room: price. Yes, Melin hats are not cheap. A Melin hat will cost you from $69 to $79 depending on the model.

Are Melin hats worth the price? Yes. As someone who’s hired, fired and retired numerous golf hats, a hat that can handle the rigors of the golf course is well worth a little extra cash. I’ve been daily-driving the Melin Trenches Icon Hydro for nearly a month and it has shown no signs of wear. For the same price of two lackluster golf hats, I’d say you’re better off picking up a Melin.

If you aren’t rocking a Melin on your melon, you’re missing out.

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