Dim Sum Punch
Blue Belt
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- May 4, 2011
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Today's review is on the latest shorts from Sprawl. This is the 2nd design in the Fusion series. Everyone knows the name Sprawl, they were the first company to come out with loose fit shorts made for MMA and their innovation continues to this day. As of right now these shorts come in two colors, black/charcoal and grey/charcoal. New colors are to be released down the line. The shorts in this review are $61.99 and can be purchased here SPRAWL Shorts - SPRAWL Shirts - SPRAWL Gripflex Shorts - MMAWarehouse.com
First Impressions: When I first held the shorts up to give them a once over, I could not help but smile. They felt heavier than most MMA shorts but in a good way, a sturdy way. At first they don't look revolutionary in their differences when compared to the Fusion I. But in all actuality there are a lot of changes in the design some small some pretty big as far as shorts go. I am a big fan of the color scheme. They are simple but not boring or uninspired. The contrasting color of the piping and the Sprawl logos flow well and don't look cluttered or muddled. These shorts made a good first impression out of the box and there is nothing at first glance that raises a cause for concern.
Construction and Features: First the construction, Sprawl has always been a company with quality products and this one is no different. The shorts are double and triple stitched throughout and don't wander or skip. The stitching is straight and strong and absent of those thread blobs that some shorts have where the stitching stops. All logos are embroidered. The material feels slightly thicker than found on previous incarnations but is still a little stretchy when you tug at it. One interesting design difference is the side sections are made of one piece instead of two as seen on the Fusion I's V-Flex and Grip Flex shorts. I like this because it is one less seam on the shorts and I feel this makes them stronger. I am very pleased at the construction of these shorts; nothing about them makes me feel like any corners were cut concerning the quality or longevity of the product. This particular pair of shorts certainly does not suffer from a lack of nice features. Some were featured on the original Fusions and some are all new. One of the more noticeable differences is the size of the waistband. The Fusion II's elastic waist is 2.5" tall; half an inch taller than any other previous Sprawl shorts. Making another appearance is the rubberized gripping strip that runs along the inside of the waistband. This one measures in at an inch tall versus 3/4" on the previous Fusions. This means more gripping surface, and when combined with the taller waistband they are made to stay in place. They have a flat lace to tie for security and an inside pocket for a mouthpiece which is standard on most shorts these days although I have never put a mouthpiece in those pockets on any shorts I have owned. When I spoke of the colors for these shorts I mentioned the charcoal piping. This is not for pure aesthetics but adds a great deal of strength to the material. You can really pull on them end to end and not get the feeling like they will rip in two. The Fusion II's split seam is a bit shorter coming in at 4" to the Fusion I's 6" and since it is once piece versus two the split seam is placed just behind the middle material strip as opposed to smack dab in the middle of previous shorts. They have your standard lycra stretch panel but something new is instead of the stretch panel running the length of the shorts it is reinforced at the end of the leg with the same material that the shorts are made from. This feels quite a bit stronger but does not restrict the stretch panel. Some other smaller differences are the shape of the velcro closure, these shorts having an upside down trapezoid instead of your usual rectangle. Sprawl has also added a tab on the waist closure for easy opening. I really like this; it is purely for convenience though. I am not sure how many other companies are doing this but my Bad Boys and my NOGIs have the tab and I am glad to see Sprawl using it as well.
Fit and Function: These shorts fit great, I wear a 36 and they are not too tight but not loose at all and they fall just at the kneecap. The cut of these shorts are much less boxy then other Sprawls. Even though they are a bit snugger they are in no way restrictive. There is plenty of room in the hips for striking and grappling. The shorter side slit does not impede on high kicks and there is plenty of movement with the stretch panel. The taller waist band and rubber strip keep the shorts from riding up while grappling off of your back. I can't stand when shorts do that. They wick the sweat away fairly well and don't become quasi transparent like some shorts. I would like to add that even though the waist band is taller it is nowhere near as tall as say Muay Thai shorts.
Final Thoughts: Usually when you have something that works you don't want to mess with a good thing. Sprawl however was able to take a great product and make it even better. I usually have something to complain about in anything I review but I really can't find a gripe. I know some people don't like the rubberized grip band in the waist but I personally do. I also like the heavier feel of the shorts. I honestly think this is the best short that they have made. I have a lot of shorts ....to be exact I have 3 Sprawls, 3 Warriors, 2 Clinch Gear, 2 Sinister, 2 Inspirit, 1 Everlast, 1 Six Duece, 1 Throwdown, 1 Bad Boy, 1 Tapout and 1 NOGI. (Yeah I have a little problem, but not as bad as some I'm sure) I say this because even though I have such a wide variety I always go for my Sprawls more than any other shorts. They are so comfortable and functional it is hard to beat them. If you want a pair of shorts built like a tank and feel like pajamas then try out the Fusion II's
First Impressions: When I first held the shorts up to give them a once over, I could not help but smile. They felt heavier than most MMA shorts but in a good way, a sturdy way. At first they don't look revolutionary in their differences when compared to the Fusion I. But in all actuality there are a lot of changes in the design some small some pretty big as far as shorts go. I am a big fan of the color scheme. They are simple but not boring or uninspired. The contrasting color of the piping and the Sprawl logos flow well and don't look cluttered or muddled. These shorts made a good first impression out of the box and there is nothing at first glance that raises a cause for concern.
Construction and Features: First the construction, Sprawl has always been a company with quality products and this one is no different. The shorts are double and triple stitched throughout and don't wander or skip. The stitching is straight and strong and absent of those thread blobs that some shorts have where the stitching stops. All logos are embroidered. The material feels slightly thicker than found on previous incarnations but is still a little stretchy when you tug at it. One interesting design difference is the side sections are made of one piece instead of two as seen on the Fusion I's V-Flex and Grip Flex shorts. I like this because it is one less seam on the shorts and I feel this makes them stronger. I am very pleased at the construction of these shorts; nothing about them makes me feel like any corners were cut concerning the quality or longevity of the product. This particular pair of shorts certainly does not suffer from a lack of nice features. Some were featured on the original Fusions and some are all new. One of the more noticeable differences is the size of the waistband. The Fusion II's elastic waist is 2.5" tall; half an inch taller than any other previous Sprawl shorts. Making another appearance is the rubberized gripping strip that runs along the inside of the waistband. This one measures in at an inch tall versus 3/4" on the previous Fusions. This means more gripping surface, and when combined with the taller waistband they are made to stay in place. They have a flat lace to tie for security and an inside pocket for a mouthpiece which is standard on most shorts these days although I have never put a mouthpiece in those pockets on any shorts I have owned. When I spoke of the colors for these shorts I mentioned the charcoal piping. This is not for pure aesthetics but adds a great deal of strength to the material. You can really pull on them end to end and not get the feeling like they will rip in two. The Fusion II's split seam is a bit shorter coming in at 4" to the Fusion I's 6" and since it is once piece versus two the split seam is placed just behind the middle material strip as opposed to smack dab in the middle of previous shorts. They have your standard lycra stretch panel but something new is instead of the stretch panel running the length of the shorts it is reinforced at the end of the leg with the same material that the shorts are made from. This feels quite a bit stronger but does not restrict the stretch panel. Some other smaller differences are the shape of the velcro closure, these shorts having an upside down trapezoid instead of your usual rectangle. Sprawl has also added a tab on the waist closure for easy opening. I really like this; it is purely for convenience though. I am not sure how many other companies are doing this but my Bad Boys and my NOGIs have the tab and I am glad to see Sprawl using it as well.
Fit and Function: These shorts fit great, I wear a 36 and they are not too tight but not loose at all and they fall just at the kneecap. The cut of these shorts are much less boxy then other Sprawls. Even though they are a bit snugger they are in no way restrictive. There is plenty of room in the hips for striking and grappling. The shorter side slit does not impede on high kicks and there is plenty of movement with the stretch panel. The taller waist band and rubber strip keep the shorts from riding up while grappling off of your back. I can't stand when shorts do that. They wick the sweat away fairly well and don't become quasi transparent like some shorts. I would like to add that even though the waist band is taller it is nowhere near as tall as say Muay Thai shorts.
Final Thoughts: Usually when you have something that works you don't want to mess with a good thing. Sprawl however was able to take a great product and make it even better. I usually have something to complain about in anything I review but I really can't find a gripe. I know some people don't like the rubberized grip band in the waist but I personally do. I also like the heavier feel of the shorts. I honestly think this is the best short that they have made. I have a lot of shorts ....to be exact I have 3 Sprawls, 3 Warriors, 2 Clinch Gear, 2 Sinister, 2 Inspirit, 1 Everlast, 1 Six Duece, 1 Throwdown, 1 Bad Boy, 1 Tapout and 1 NOGI. (Yeah I have a little problem, but not as bad as some I'm sure) I say this because even though I have such a wide variety I always go for my Sprawls more than any other shorts. They are so comfortable and functional it is hard to beat them. If you want a pair of shorts built like a tank and feel like pajamas then try out the Fusion II's
