Karate Gi weight comparison

[BDeerC]

Hm... Wonder if anyone could help me, please?

I currently own a Shureido KW-11 gi, which is a great "middle-weight" gi made from Japanese #11 canvas. Having previously owned an "economical" Danrho suit, it was sort of a revelation. Better quality allround and with use it has gotten quite soft (being quite stiff to start with, at least compared to the raggy Danrho) and smooth. Even in summer it's great. To put this in a different perspective, the (being pants and jacket) Danrho weighs in at about 900 grams while the Shureido weighs in at about 1600 grams. Both size 6 (190 - 200 cm). Quite a difference but I retired the Danrho permanently.

Now, I'm looking to buy another quality gi, but this time I'm tempted to try a "heavyweight" one, which would be more suitable for winter practice, while the KW-11 would be for spring-summer practice.

I have narrowed it down to a couple of models but the thing that bothers me is... weight. I have tried the Kamikaze America, which is quite a bit stiffer and somewhat heavier than the KW-11. The America suit, size 6, (jacket and pants, as before) weighs in close to 2100 grams so that will be a reference point.

What interests me is how these models below compare to the Kamikaze America. I'm looking forward to personal experience, I read all the product descriptions on every page from the manufacturers.

* Shureido K-10: This is the next step from KW-11. How does it compare to Kamikaze America? How stiff and heavy is it?

* Tokaido TSA/SAW: Same as above.

* Kamikaze Europa, Monarch, Emperor and Sovereign: Same as above.

For those that have been using the abovementioned "heavyweight" models - how much softer and smoother do they ger with use. The America is frighteningly stiff when wet, and although comfortable to wear when dry, it's still stiff and not the type of suit that feels like second skin. More like armor. The Danrho was raggy to begin with and got raggy-raggy with use, the KW-11 was stiff but soon became perfectly smooth and soft (although far from raggy), what about America and other heavyweights mentioned?

Thank you very much!

[White_Tiger]

Shureido is the best uniform I have ever worn. I have a Tokaido, and not real impressed for the price. I really like the Century heavyweight uniforms. They are inexpensive, and give that 'snap' you look for in a heavyweight. I hope that helps.

[TheUSPS]

ican't stand the feel of new apparel do the uniforms feel itchy?

[Ninjanoir78]

hi BDeerC, please contact me in private or at ninja_noir78@hotmail.com..

[aefibird]

I have a Tokaido heavyweight, which I keep for tournaments. It is very stiff and very heavy, but that is due to the fact that it doesn't get worn much.

IMO, it wasn't worth the extra money I spent on buying it and I've a feeling that if I wore it everyday for the dojo that it would soon wear out.

A friend of mine swears by Shureido but the best heavyweight gi I've found has been the Karate-Kid own brand. https://www.karate-kid.co.uk

They're a UK company but will ship all over the world. Their Accent Heavyweight gi is the best uniform I've had, miles better than Blitz, Century, Dae Do and Tokaido, as well as the "no-name" student unifoms I had as a coloured belt.

As well as the KK, Kwon uniforms are good, although their sizing can be a little on the small side compared with other brands.

[Muki]

The topic is quite old, but someone else might find the info useful, so here it goes...

I have a Tokaido heavyweight, which I keep for tournaments. It is very stiff and very heavy, but that is due to the fact that it doesn't get worn much.

IMO, it wasn't worth the extra money I spent on buying it and I've a feeling that if I wore it everyday for the dojo that it would soon wear out.

Totally different experience from my side. My Tokaido heavyweight gets plenty of use (cca. 5hrs/week) and needless to say it's washed often. After 2 years it still holds it's shape, it hasn't gone noticably softer, the pants don't stick to my legs when the sweat starts running, it has a nice snap when kicking and punching and it shows no signs of wear... In short it's the best thing I've ever had.

One of senior instructors at my school has had one for 10 years and altough it has some tiny holes and it is a little softer - you can still see and feel it's made of quality fabric.