In light of the recent Rupture "bashing" that has been going on in this forum, I thought it about time to step in and offer something positive with my FIRST review. Firstly, a bit of history. I am a No-Gi Grappler of a fair few years, 6ft 3in, 170 pounds, with an equipment rotation consisting of Manto/Hayabusa/Jaco/Venum and of course, Rupture. The gear I will be reviewing has been given a fair amount of hell, with the shorts being 2 1/2 years old, and the rash guard suffering 18 months of training.
So, without further delay...
The Company:
Reading some of the comments on the company, mostly regarding their customer service, I can understand where a few people are coming from. I can imagine the frustration etc, but my personal experience couldn't be any different. Living over in the UK, any gear I order from the States always carries a higher risk of being "lost" in transit. So when a couple years back, a Rupture rash guard I ordered never arrived, I emailed straight away. What I got in response was a quick email stating that it would be replaced post haste at cost to the company, and sure enough it arrived on my doorstep a few days later. I understand that they are an exceptionally small company, nothing on the large scales of some of the more mainstream brands, therefore not offering the same level of personal damage limitation as it were. If anything personal happens to them, it's going to hit the company harder. But, I digress, the one time I have had to deal with them personally, I was more than happy with the service I received.
The Shorts
These are the Signature Series Shorts, prior to the release of the new PTSi variety.
A few details. Decent drawstring and velcro system, split seem, stretch panels, triple stitching, embroidered logos, a hidden pocket, and rather thick material.
Over the past 2 1/2 years these shorts have seen it all. Gym sessions, marathons and other runs, food spillages, countless washes, No-Gi Competitions, and maybe even the odd grapple. As you can tell, they could still be considered "like new". The colours and stitching still look fantastic.
The material is rather substantial, but you wouldn't notice any difference whilst rolling. Compared to shorts such as my Venums, they are worlds apart when it comes to thickness, and funny enough, both my Venums have tears in them.
In regards to the logos, embroidered may not suit everyone's tastes, but looking at the style they went for, it was almost mandatory for such an elegant design to be embroidered onto the shorts. They are exceptionally hard wearing and as you can see, have no signs of wear or tear.
One of the things that have made these shorts my "go to" pair so often is the inclusion of that cheeky little pocket just below the waist band. It is the perfect size for an mp3 player or a phone, so whenever I fancy going the gym or for a run, I can dump a couple of things in there knowing they'll be pretty safe. During grapples, I have never had an issue with people inserting various small appendages into the pocket, so it has done it's duty being nicely tucked away.
The styling of the shorts can be described as minimalist, which is absolutely fine by me. Walking around with flaming skulls all over my shorts isn't exactly my style, so for these to just be a nice logo on the back and bottom of the shorts, I can feel comfortable anywhere I go.
In summary, these are probably the best shorts I have ever owned. I cannot fault them in the slightest. From the materials and features, to the minimalist style and workmanship, they really set the bar high in the market.
I understand now that these shorts are pretty much discontinued due to the arrival of the new PTSi shorts, but if these are anything to go by, I am very excited for the arrival of the PTSi's on my shores.
The Rash Guard
I am a previous owner of 2 of Rupture's Signature Series rash guards. Like the shorts of the same name, these were incredibly hard wearing, apart from the logo has started to peel and change colour, but the rash guard itself is in mint condition. Anyway, back to the PTSi.
Depending on the weather, I flick between the short and long sleeve variety, but for the purpose of this review I am going to be talking about the one I've had the longest, the long sleeve rashie.
I don't think I can express how good it is. Again, I have used it for all sorts of things. Gym sessions, running, competitions, grappling lessons (including under a gi), countless washes, and even climbed a couple of mountains wearing it.
The logos are all fully sublimated, the material is completely dyed (unlike other brands that suffer from that "pull me and I turn white" syndrome), the length is perfect for even someone of my size, it never rides up, the design can only be described as awesome, and even after intense sessions, still hugs your body. If anyone asked me what features I wanted in a rash guard, then made me it, this would be it. I've almost abandoned the rest I own for Rupture simply because you can really feel the quality.
After 18 months of pretty hard use, the stitching is still like new. The colour of the fabric hasn't faded at all, despite the numerous washes. I have yet to be brave enough to attempt the "full contact wash" they advertise, because I don't own anything else as tough. You win Rupture!
The material itself feels rather thin compared to the likes of say Hayabusa, and definitely thinner than Manto, but in terms of resistance to wear, easily out does both of them. Also, because of the material they have used, it completely wicks away all sweat. I never feel like I might have been swimming after a roll, which is a huge plus for me.
I have yet to find anything that matches the quality of Rupture PTSi rash guards, anywhere. Despite all the recent comments regarding their customer service and shipping, they are absolutely the brand to beat. I know this review is a bit too gleaming as it were, but that's simply because I cannot fault their brand. Highly rated simply does not express it.
I hope you all enjoyed my first review, comments and criticism always welcome.
So, without further delay...
The Company:
Reading some of the comments on the company, mostly regarding their customer service, I can understand where a few people are coming from. I can imagine the frustration etc, but my personal experience couldn't be any different. Living over in the UK, any gear I order from the States always carries a higher risk of being "lost" in transit. So when a couple years back, a Rupture rash guard I ordered never arrived, I emailed straight away. What I got in response was a quick email stating that it would be replaced post haste at cost to the company, and sure enough it arrived on my doorstep a few days later. I understand that they are an exceptionally small company, nothing on the large scales of some of the more mainstream brands, therefore not offering the same level of personal damage limitation as it were. If anything personal happens to them, it's going to hit the company harder. But, I digress, the one time I have had to deal with them personally, I was more than happy with the service I received.
The Shorts
These are the Signature Series Shorts, prior to the release of the new PTSi variety.
A few details. Decent drawstring and velcro system, split seem, stretch panels, triple stitching, embroidered logos, a hidden pocket, and rather thick material.
Over the past 2 1/2 years these shorts have seen it all. Gym sessions, marathons and other runs, food spillages, countless washes, No-Gi Competitions, and maybe even the odd grapple. As you can tell, they could still be considered "like new". The colours and stitching still look fantastic.
The material is rather substantial, but you wouldn't notice any difference whilst rolling. Compared to shorts such as my Venums, they are worlds apart when it comes to thickness, and funny enough, both my Venums have tears in them.
In regards to the logos, embroidered may not suit everyone's tastes, but looking at the style they went for, it was almost mandatory for such an elegant design to be embroidered onto the shorts. They are exceptionally hard wearing and as you can see, have no signs of wear or tear.
One of the things that have made these shorts my "go to" pair so often is the inclusion of that cheeky little pocket just below the waist band. It is the perfect size for an mp3 player or a phone, so whenever I fancy going the gym or for a run, I can dump a couple of things in there knowing they'll be pretty safe. During grapples, I have never had an issue with people inserting various small appendages into the pocket, so it has done it's duty being nicely tucked away.
The styling of the shorts can be described as minimalist, which is absolutely fine by me. Walking around with flaming skulls all over my shorts isn't exactly my style, so for these to just be a nice logo on the back and bottom of the shorts, I can feel comfortable anywhere I go.
In summary, these are probably the best shorts I have ever owned. I cannot fault them in the slightest. From the materials and features, to the minimalist style and workmanship, they really set the bar high in the market.
I understand now that these shorts are pretty much discontinued due to the arrival of the new PTSi shorts, but if these are anything to go by, I am very excited for the arrival of the PTSi's on my shores.
The Rash Guard
I am a previous owner of 2 of Rupture's Signature Series rash guards. Like the shorts of the same name, these were incredibly hard wearing, apart from the logo has started to peel and change colour, but the rash guard itself is in mint condition. Anyway, back to the PTSi.
Depending on the weather, I flick between the short and long sleeve variety, but for the purpose of this review I am going to be talking about the one I've had the longest, the long sleeve rashie.
I don't think I can express how good it is. Again, I have used it for all sorts of things. Gym sessions, running, competitions, grappling lessons (including under a gi), countless washes, and even climbed a couple of mountains wearing it.
The logos are all fully sublimated, the material is completely dyed (unlike other brands that suffer from that "pull me and I turn white" syndrome), the length is perfect for even someone of my size, it never rides up, the design can only be described as awesome, and even after intense sessions, still hugs your body. If anyone asked me what features I wanted in a rash guard, then made me it, this would be it. I've almost abandoned the rest I own for Rupture simply because you can really feel the quality.
After 18 months of pretty hard use, the stitching is still like new. The colour of the fabric hasn't faded at all, despite the numerous washes. I have yet to be brave enough to attempt the "full contact wash" they advertise, because I don't own anything else as tough. You win Rupture!
The material itself feels rather thin compared to the likes of say Hayabusa, and definitely thinner than Manto, but in terms of resistance to wear, easily out does both of them. Also, because of the material they have used, it completely wicks away all sweat. I never feel like I might have been swimming after a roll, which is a huge plus for me.
I have yet to find anything that matches the quality of Rupture PTSi rash guards, anywhere. Despite all the recent comments regarding their customer service and shipping, they are absolutely the brand to beat. I know this review is a bit too gleaming as it were, but that's simply because I cannot fault their brand. Highly rated simply does not express it.
I hope you all enjoyed my first review, comments and criticism always welcome.
