In the Market for a new Gi

[camotheman]

Hey all!

I’m looking to buy a new Gi, what are some of your favorites that you’ve used over the years? I’d really like a heavyweight gi that can take some abuse. Preferably cotton, but I’d be open to some sort of blend. I’ve looked at Shureido, but I wanted to get your input before I made a decision. 

 

Thanks!

[DarthPenguin]

Hi,

I gota Hirota gi a couple of years ago an i was very impressed with it (still am). Tbh i am about to buy another one of them! I have also got several training partners who wear the same gi and all are happy with theirs. Seems like a good combination of quality and price: not cheap but not as expensive as Shureido. Before i got mine i spoke to some people who had both brands (i am very much a buy once cry once type of person) and asked their opinions and they all said they would get another Hirota before they got the Shureido

[Furinkazan]

2 hours ago, DarthPenguin said:

Hi,

I gota Hirota gi a couple of years ago an i was very impressed with it (still am). Tbh i am about to buy another one of them! I have also got several training partners who wear the same gi and all are happy with theirs. Seems like a good combination of quality and price: not cheap but not as expensive as Shureido. Before i got mine i spoke to some people who had both brands (i am very much a buy once cry once type of person) and asked their opinions and they all said they would get another Hirota before they got the Shureido

Shureido is cheaper than Hirota.

Let's assume you're a man of average height (i.e., 5'9" or 175 cm), and you want a heavyweight (#10 cotton) gi.  At that height, you wear a size 4 1/2 in Shureido and 5 1/2 in Hirota.

The Shureido K10 is ¥21,120 (K10 – Shureido – Karate WKF Kumite Karategi Karatedo Karate-do Kata)

The Hirota MH-10 is ¥23,650 (Hirota MH-10 Heavyweight Karate Dogi (READY MADE) [MH-10] - ¥17,710 : KUROOBIYA, Customized Karate Dogi and Obi Direct From Japan)

The difference seems small, but then it expands when you add in the fact that Shureido hems the trousers and jacket sleeves for free.

Tokyodo International, which is also sold on Kuro Obo Ya, gives you a cut that is similar to Shureido.  The only difference that the jacket is shorter.  And it's even cheaper than Shureido (The Tokyodo International K-10 size 4 1/2 is only ¥17,000 -  Tokyodo Int. K-10 Heavyweight Karate Gi [K10] - ¥12,700 : KUROOBIYA, Customized Karate Dogi and Obi Direct From Japan), and they also hem for free.  Dollar for dollar, Tokyodo International is the absolute best deal in karate gis.  The only way I wouldn't get a Tokoydo International is if having your organization's label is important to you and it's only available with another brand.

Edited Thursday at 11:59 AM by Furinkazan

[DarthPenguin]

Must be regional / international differences in pricing - i am in Scotland and when i compared them i found Hirota to be cheaper (though it could have changed in the interim). Could also be due to the size i need (i'm 6'4 and about 230lb in American units).

I am interested to hear about the Tokyodo one though, i could do with another Gi...

[aurik]

Meijin gis are very popular at our dojo.  They're available in 10oz (medium weight) or 14oz (heavyweight) cotton.  They are extremely durable (we have students who have worn the same gi for 5+ years and it still looks pretty good), embroidery is available and a certain amount of embroidery is included.  The prices are also very reasonable for a premium gi.