By Suzanne Roig at The Bulletin
Bandit Hat Cinch CEO Stephen Fuller in his Bandit Hat Cinch warehouse in La Pine. Andy Tullis/The Bulletin
There’s nothing worse for a rodeo competitor than losing a hat. In some cases, the rider can lose points or pay a fine for the failure to secure a cowboy hat. In other cases, it’s just bad etiquette. That’s why La Pine dad Steve Fuller invented and patented the hat cinch, a piece device that attaches to the hat band to ensure a snug fit that keeps a cowboy hat in place.
Fuller’s year-old company, Bandit Hat Cinch Co., took its product to the rodeo circuit last month where flag bearers wore it, as did rodeo competitors. Riders at the National Finals Rodeo — a championship event that is held every December in Las Vegas — used his product, according to Fuller. It works by keeping the hat in place without compromising comfort or style, gripping securely while remaining discreet on the rider’s forehead, Fuller said. “Vegas was a huge success,” Fuller said. “We set up a booth during the Vegas Tuffest race and sold a lot that day. We also had the chance to meet many top rodeo athletes who are already using the product. The brand recognition we saw there, alongside some of the biggest names in western wear, was really encouraging.”
