Shorts: Sprawl vs NOGI...

Ok here goes this is a review on sprawl and nogi, I just recently ordered the Nogi surf pants (white/brown) and a nogi tshirt. From sprawl I ordered the FlexFighter XT comp print and a short sleeve loose rashguard. I'm reviewing these before grappling in them. First time reviewing so it will suck and it seems lengthy sorry...

Nogi:
These shorts are very nice they are 100% polyester and very soft and loose almost flimsy but as you look at the material it looks and feels very strong. They are true to their size as I wear a 36 and they fit just perfect, the material is a tiny bit stretchy and I have no problem kicking in these even with no split like the sprawls. The one thing is that if you are in between sizes these don't have an adjustable waist which is a big minus especially for you guys with the odd sizes. I only have a couple concern which has to do more with nogi then the actual shorts. The shorts and t-shirt where shiped in a priority mail small box, they were rolled up and stuck inside, the problem with this is that they didn't have them in a plastic bag to protect them incase the package got wet or busted open. They also don't have a way for you to track (i could be wrong but didn't find it on their site) your package nor do they send you and email once they have shipped it like sprawl does. On the flip side =) it took right around the same amount of time give or take 1 day, as the sprawls. Lastly and this is more of a "bitch" complaint I ordered a brown with white logo tsunami shirt along with the the white and brown surf shorts and the browns are no were to being the same color no big deal but to some it might be I was expecting the same brown but like i said this is more of a bitch complaint. Ok to sum it up here are the pros and cons based on my opinion.

Pro:
Very comfortable
True to their size
soft semi stretchi material
seem very durable (will see after months of grappling how they hold up)

con:
no adjustable waist no good for those inbetween sizes but could be just a minor concern as I really can't say not being inbetween sizes myself
didn't care for the packaging although they came in perfect condition this might not always be the case
different colors between tshirt and shorts not a big deal but was expecting same brown color to match
$5.50 more then the sprawl comp print $9.50 more then the noncomp sprawl some of us are tight on money so this could be a turn off for some

all in all if you have the money and are in the market for new shorts try these out I doubt you'll be disapointed


Sprawls:
Ok these shorts also look amazing the material is a lot stiffer then the nogi almost like a canvas feel just not as rough as a canvas bag but if anyone has these you know what i mean, not sure what these are made out of. These are extremely tight around the hips even with the xt models and even on someone who wears a size smaller you can tell they are snug as you put them on, once on they are fine but these are definately a pair of shorts that you would want to go a size bigger if you have anything but chicken legs. The good thing is that you get a flexable waist so you are able to go a size higher especially for those who are inbetween sizes, I am still waiting on my 38s so can't say much since I only wore the 36s once and couldnt really move in them. Although the nogi seem very durable it looks like sprawl would outlast them just by the feel of the material although the nogi feel more comfortable and with the sprawls you have the choice of the split on the side or non-split. Packaging is great they put them in plastic bags so there is less chance of them getting jacked on their trip to your crib. They also email you once they have shipped and supply a tracking number to track with usps. As well they insert a return slip incase you have to return them which is great just fill in the blanks and send them back. To sum it up:

Pros:
Adjustable waist for those inbetween sizes
seem more durable then the nogi although not more comfortable
packaging is great
customer service is amazing
option to get split or non-split
cheaper then nogi almost $10 if you go non comp print
emails when shipped with tracking numbers

Cons:
Not true to their size
hip area is extremely tight
material not as soft as nogi although it does seem more durable will have to see after a few washes on both of these shorts

all in all both these companies supply great shorts I can't wait to put them through some intense grappling to see how they truely hold up and to see how comfortable they are when put to the test.

my bad if my review sucks trying to do this fast before I head off to bjj, never really reviewed shit before so take it for what it is.

If your in the market for new shorts you can't go wrong with either of these companies

peace and good luck,
-E

 

I've ordered from both companies before and they are both excellent.

Dont worry about the Nogi's durability, I've used mine for many hard training sessions and they still look like new

 

Yeah just got back and I love my nogi not sure the sprawls will be as comfortable due to the hip size but I'm hoping I get them on friday before open mat. Also my buddy had the 36s I originally ordered and I was feeling them and they don't feel to much different then the nogi but they are slightly stiffer and the stiching seems more durable but I'm sure both shorts won't be giving me any problems anytime soon.

 

I have a pair of Sprawls from when they were "SPRAWL Loose Fit Grappling Shorts" on the waist band and they have lasted 2 years, considering the new stock are improved models with greater flexiblity and improved stitching for durability, I don't think their quality should be in doubt.

 

Well I would first like to thank you for the comparison and then comment on a couple things.

So...Thank you and it was cool of you to do this.

#1 I will take in to consideration about the packaging and look in to that ASAP.

#2 We are also looking in to the tracking thing right now as well.

#3 Now I am not sure what you mean in the non adjustable waist. We have an innner drawstring for adjusting so if you could explain it might help us out.

#4 I was as upset as you with the brown. ALL of our Surf shorts before came with the brown being a micro fiber and non stretch and the rest of the shorts were stretch. Well we just got the new shorts in and they are a stretch material ALL OVER the short but the brown was a Milk Chocolate instead of the older shorts being Dark Chocolate. We are now switching the shirts to the Milk Chocolate by the weekend. So I agree they should match and if you would have bought them last week they would have.

Thank you again for your review and we will look in to all the cons.

PS. We promise you they will last as long as you wear them.

 

I believe they'll last I have no worries there as well I did buy the shorts and shirt last week thursday the 28th and still no match in color. I will wait for my sprawls that should come tomorrow so I can better explain the waist, I could be wrong they might be the same but to me the nogi aren't really adjustable although it does have a drawstring if you have someone who has to use it, it seems as it would just bunch up. I guess I always expect a more elastic waist to accompany the drawstring to make it a true adjustable waist. For example the nogi fit to a T if my waist was a tad bigger but legs stayed the same I couldn't wear the 36's due to the waist not being more elastic.

But like I said I'll wait to get my sprawls for a better explanation.

Either way I'm extremely satisfied with your shorts and the sprawls, I will definately be making more purchases and I await any new products from either company.

Thanks
-E

 

when you do get the sprawls as well, could you post pics of you actually wearing both of tehm for better comparison? i'm not familiar with the NOGI ones...

 

my nogi's came in the mail today but i havent had a chance to look at em or try them out cause the package room at my dorm has shitty/short hours. ill post a review as well.

 

NYU?

 

Was hoping my sprawls would get here today but it looks like it will be tomorrow, as well I'll try to snag my digi cam from my bro so I can take pictures for whomever asked.


Peace
-E

 

Adino already put some pictures up of the Sprawls in his review, I don't think more are needed. NoGi ones would be welcome as I have only seen them as drawings on the website.

 

I know but are they pics being worn, 666 wants to see them on so I'll probably post a pic of both the nogi and sprawls on my phat ass.

 

u bet

 

First,
I am not Chris (to avoid confusion). I would personally like to thank ECM for this review...I am (and know Chris is too) really honored to be put up in the same class as SPRAWL. They are a great company and have an awesome idea/product, as well as service.

As for the drawstring: The idea is to buy a size up, and tie the waist if needed (this sport has weight cutters like no other).

As Chris stated above, we are looking into the tracking and plastic packaging. (Thank you for the input)

We are also going to send you the new brown shirt (you're free to keep the original one) Just because we feel you kind of got hosed on that. Everything else of ours matches, this was just an unfortunate mishap on our part.

All in all, it was a pretty cool review, and again, we thank you for doing so.

Lastly, Since we're still doing the actual clothing pics for the site right now (It'll take a little bit) Here's a shot of the back at ADCC and the front at X1 in Hawaii. Hopefully they help.

 

i got to try mine on and im not sure what you meant when you said the waist was not adjustable. there is an inner drawstring.

 

Yo those shorts are sick man.

 

Colin: Correct, the drawstring is kind of sticking up in the bottom pic. I assume what EC is talking about is the waist itself does not expand (so, if you buy an exact fit, it won't adjust to a higher waist size).

Thanks soid

 

Yes the waist is not elastic on the nogi. The sprawls on the other hand have an elastic waist so the adjustment isn't solely dependant on the drawstring as the nogi would be so as far as comfort level it may suck but thats if your a freak of nature that has problems do to big legs small waist or vice versa.

But I will say this I just got my size 38 sprawls in the mail and I am extremely dissapointed I had to go up a size due to the hip area being way too tight on the size 36 sprawls. I got the 38s and same deal and the waist is way loose but the hips are way too tight and due to the material being stiffer than the nogi I can't do anything with them i can't do side kicks and my front kicks are limited and the only way to get some mobility is to hike them up and then you end up with major wedjie. I love the sprawls I really do but unfortunately they aren't made for big legs. What gets me too is the discription of the 06 sprawls say more hip room I guarantee if thats true the old style there is no way I could get even 40s on when I wear a 36.

I will post some pictures this weekend I have to get my digital camera from my friend but as of right now I laid down the nogi on the ground and the sprawls on top and the nogi have about and inch and it gradually goes up to a couple inches of extra material on the sides and keep in mind these are 36 nogis vs 38 sprawls.

Gotta go to bjj unfortunately not in my sprawls =(

 

I've never ordered sprawl shorts because of a risk that they might be too tight and i don't wanna send shorts back and forth.

Yo nogi, when will you make those shorts out of the stretchy material?

 

You talking about the white shorts? Those white shorts are the ones I just ordered and they are 100% polyester and actually have a bit of stretch to them not much but enough and they are super comfortable if your looking to get shorts I know the nogi are a bit much compared to others but I believe they are well worth it and you won't be sending them back unless you completely get the wrong size but they are true to their size. As far as sprawl I don't think you would be disapointed either unless you have big legs to me they just aint comfortable and are tight I'll remind you though my thighs are about 29.5 in and im a big bone motha.

Like I said earlier I'll try and get my camera so you guys can see the comparison between these shorts.

peace gotta go scrub myself just got done with bjj don't want no nasty shit growing on me