MMA Shorts - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

[BeltFanDan]

I was speaking to Boomer about this, so I will just paste what I told him:

With shorts, I look for a few different features. The waist has to be adjustable. Shorts like Tapout, Forty Thieves seem to have a "set" size. I much prefer the adjustable waist band that shorts like Sprawl, Everlast MMA, etc have. The stretch material in the crotch is a much wanted feature as well. I think many people overlook this, but for training MMA it is very welcomed. I walk around at 170. 34" shorts fit me fine, but when I am cutting for competition, certain brand of shorts won't fit, and I'm forced to use 32". The shorts with adjustable waist do not let me worry about this. Much more versatility is appreciated. For example, I love the light weight of Clinch Gear shorts, but there is no adjustablity with them, and their front overlap clasp system is useless to me.

I own shorts made by the following: (I'm a gear junkie)

TapouT
Sprawl
Everlast
Forty Thieves
Jaco
Familia Glatoria
Clinch Gear
Combat Corner
Throwdown
Cage Fighter
Cageside
Combat Sports


All have various features I like, and dislike. Some I wear more than others. If you guys really want, I could go in depth on each brand as to my personal likes/dislikes about them.

 

[Mad Sweeps]

I own
nogi (king pins)
Sprawl (grip flex, and standard)
vulkans
korals
clinch gear (primos)

clinch gears are by far the best. comfiest, like to the point where I was almost scared to roll in them, but they have been through some intense training and still look brand new.

 

[BushidoWarfare]

Clinch Gear, Sprawl, and Warrior are my favorites. I've also used Hayabusa, CSI, Familia Gladiatoria, and several others.

 

[canezfan12]

I only own 2 pairs of shorts and my Venum amazonia's are the better of the two by far.

I was so excited to use my Jaco Brazil Resurgence shorts cause they look sweet but the seam on the right side started coming out after my first time training in them. I was devastated

 

[Thai Otoshi]

I only own 2 pairs of shorts and my Venum amazonia's are the better of the two by far.

So Venums are good quality?

I was thinking of getting a pair for competition.

 

[canezfan12]

yeah they're really comfortable, they haven't ripped yet, and they look amazing. Of course I'm only comparing them against Jaco's I've never tried Clinch gear, Sprawl or any other top brands

 

[SUPERGRAPPLER]

I love my Bad Boy Capo 2's! My manto's are good... but the BB's are my fave.

 

[Thai Otoshi]

yeah they're really comfortable, they haven't ripped yet, and they look amazing. Of course I'm only comparing them against Jaco's I've never tried Clinch gear, Sprawl or any other top brands

Well FYI, I still occasionally wear my original Sprawl shorts, which I've had for a good 5 years.

I bought a pair of white CSI Premiums last year, and if it wasn't for the not-quite-white look to them now, you would think I never wore them.

 

[BJJ Addict]

I normally wear Fort Thieves Shorts for grappling. I like 40T because their print designs look laid back, like surf board shorts, so I can also wear then as casual attire and not look like an "MMA toughguy."

 

[cheesesteak]

I wore regular boardshorts for the longest time before I started investing in MMA shorts. I picked up a bunch of Cagewalks on clearance and they have held up great over time. The material is a little on the flimsy side, but I can't complain.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I splurged on some INSPIRIT Compe and Spec 1 shorts and I love them. The Compe model has an elastic waistband, unique double fastener closure system, and is made of a lightweight and stretchable material. I normally wear size 30 in pants, and a Large is perfect with and without a cup.

I bought the Spec 1's in medium and they are a little on the snug side with a cup, but perfect without. I would definitely recommend sizing up. The closure system on this model has a tab that you slip the drawstring through and tie. Kinda weird, but the look is clean and has never came undone on me.

I actually have a pair of Spec 2's in Large as well, but they are HUGE on me, so I have never worn or trained in them. They can be cinched down, but IMO would be better for someone who wears a 32-34 in pant size. Or maybe for someone with a 30 waist with thick legs even. It's a shame not putting them to use.

I really like the clean style and "non-toughguy" appeal of Japanese brands and wished they were more readily available in the states.