What is the best GI?

rute31

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I'm thinking about joining a bjj gym in my local norhtern VA area and I was advised that I would need a gi...But which one? single weave, double, gold.... Any help would be great. Thanks
 
A simple search yields many answers. Unfortunately, the advice is scattered throughout many different threads. (Hopefully one comprehensive thread will be made soon).

But essentially, if you ask 10 people you'd likely get 8 answers. A lot of people talk about Gameness, Keiko, HCK, Sirius, Ouano, Fuji, Atama, and Padilla & Sons (www.matrat.us). Except for the last one, I've found that Budovideos seems to offer the best price on all gi's. For the Padilla, you have to order straight from them.

And I also found a guy who makes a gold weave that gets them out for about $50 after shipping. Called Impact Fightwear. I don't have much to compare it to, but I like it.

People seem to agree that Atama is a great simple gi, but they hiked up prices so now people say for the money they no longer stand alone. Either way...10 people, 8 opinions. I think it comes down to sizing and what you want.

From my understanding on weaves...

Single: lightest, most durable, breathes well but not as good as gold.
Gold: a little heavier than single, but it's woven more loosely so it breathes better (i.e. sweat can dissipate better). Less durable than a single, but we're talking 2-3 years versus 4 years.
Double: heavy weave, much harder for opponents to grab, last the longest, but due to their weight most people just use them for competition so they can't be choked as easily.

Hope this helps, somebody please step in and correct me if I've misunderstood something.
 
I wore an HCK standard single, unbleached for 2 years...worked great...tough as nails...kinda heavy, but meh...whatever, I live in FL and you'll sweat regardless of what you wear...

And it was like $60 with shipping...
 
The reason I reccomend HCk is because of its durability and cheap cost. However, their collars are so damn thick, you develop poor choke defense because nobody can hang onto that shit.

I trained in a new HCK for a few months leading up to a tournament then switched to a new koral and got collar choked. I blame the HCK for teaching me poor habbits...lol
 
Depends on what you are looking for. Weight, color, weave, one or 2 piece coats ect...
 
thanks for all the advise...I guess i will just have to buy one and see how I like it and then compare it to another recommended gi..
 
thanks for all the advise...I guess i will just have to buy one and see how I like it and then compare it to another recommended gi..

Pretty much. I started w/a Gameness Platinum and wanted something a little lighter for really hot training days. I got a Ouano and like it as well. Both are very good gi's.
 
A simple search yields many answers. Unfortunately, the advice is scattered throughout many different threads. (Hopefully one comprehensive thread will be made soon).

But essentially, if you ask 10 people you'd likely get 8 answers. A lot of people talk about Gameness, Keiko, HCK, Sirius, Ouano, Fuji, Atama, and Padilla & Sons (www.matrat.us). Except for the last one, I've found that Budovideos seems to offer the best price on all gi's. For the Padilla, you have to order straight from them.

And I also found a guy who makes a gold weave that gets them out for about $50 after shipping. Called Impact Fightwear. I don't have much to compare it to, but I like it.

People seem to agree that Atama is a great simple gi, but they hiked up prices so now people say for the money they no longer stand alone. Either way...10 people, 8 opinions. I think it comes down to sizing and what you want.

From my understanding on weaves...

Single: lightest, most durable, breathes well but not as good as gold.
Gold: a little heavier than single, but it's woven more loosely so it breathes better (i.e. sweat can dissipate better). Less durable than a single, but we're talking 2-3 years versus 4 years.
Double: heavy weave, much harder for opponents to grab, last the longest, but due to their weight most people just use them for competition so they can't be choked as easily.

Hope this helps, somebody please step in and correct me if I've misunderstood something.


Double weave is more durable, but single breathes much better.
 
For pricing, quality and customer service. I definitely recommend Padilla & Sons. My gold weaves are soft but durable.
 
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