On forums people frequently cite the reason they want a wide, thick, heavy lapel on their gi is because it is more difficult to grip. I don't consider the difference in gripability between a thick and thin collar to be important. However, a thin collar does make your gi look shitty while a thick collar makes it look nice. A thick collar makes a gi look impressive.
There are collars which have folded fabric cores and collars with rubber/foam cores. The claim is a rubber/foam core collar will not develop mildew/fungus buildup in the core of the collar.
On Weave:
There are three basic types of weave that are used on gis: Single, Gold, and Double.
Single weave is standard and a very durable fabric. Double weave is heavier and extremely durable. Gold weave is supposed to provide the lightness of a single weave with the durability of a double weave.
Almost all gis that claim to be "pearl weave," "diamond weave," "summer weave" or "hybrid weave" are essentially single weave gis.
That's not to say all single weaves are the same. All of these different types of weaves can come in different fabric weights. A 350gsm (grams per square meter) single weave will be significantly lighter, flimsier and less durable than a 550gsm single weave.
Typically, single weaves are very durable and you will get a lot of wear even from a single weave gi. Of course, gold weave and double weave are heavier and more durable and will last longer.
On Patches:
Most gis come with a fair number of patches. The standard model for gi patching is one going from the collar to each shoulder, one running down the left lapel, and one on each side of the hip.
Many Jiu Jitsu greats had tons of sponsorship patches on their gis for championship fights and the image of those fighters' gis has made an impression on how people imagine Jiu Jitsu to look. Having a gi with a lot of patches doesn't mean you're showing off, it doesn't mean you're challenging the people in your gym, it just reflects how we think Jiu Jitsu looks.
On Drawstrings:
The drawstring is an area where I believe there is only one correct answer. Canvas drawstring. Your drawstring has to not stretch. You have to be able to tighten it so it will stay above your hips and ass. It must be secure so that your opponent won't pull your pants down when he makes a grip on the back.
This is the worst design feature on Shoyoroll: they have stretchy drawstrings. I saw so many black belts wearing SYR gis get their pants pulled down and their asses displayed to the crowds. Drawstrings should not be stretchy.
Also, no cord drawstrings. The reputation of cord drawstrings is that they come apart and fray immensely in the wash. They can't hold up.
On Materials/Cottons:
(Update: 12-10-10) - (from http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=forum.posts&thread=1739840&forum=11&page=1&pc=25)
"Shen - what I had always heard about dyed gis lasting longer than bleached gis, appears to be true. Dyed gis are generally “natural” gis that have been dyed, whereas white gis are obviously “natural” gis that have been bleached --and bleaching weakens fabric by taking moisture out of the fibers."
(from http://faq.jokerjitsu.com/faq/soreallywhatsthedifferencebetweenkimono)
"Cotton producers have a somewhat complicated formula by which they grade cotton. Cotton is graded by using a complicated system of tests that measures everything from fiber length and thickness to individual fiber strength, maturity ratio (the amount of cellulose in the fiber) and permeability of compressed fibers, to name a few. So basically, the higher the quality of the fiber, the longer, stronger, lighter, better moisture absorption, breathbalilty and better dye holding properties it has.
So in relation to gi, companies will do anything to sell and make a profit. The latest marketing tool is to market a heavier gi. You will notice that most times, the heaver the gi, the coarser it feels, right? That's because companies are using a lower grade of cotton to produce those gi. The logic is that there is a lot more fabric and it is a much denser weave so the fiber strength of the cotton doesn't have to be as high as a high quality lighter weaves. Using lower grade cotton, even in higher amounts, is cheaper than using a higher-grade cotton. Companies are also savvy with marketing research and they know very well that there are few people who really wear out gis before they buy new ones. Try asking some companies for a data sheet on the cotton they use. You'll never get it. I won't even go into the cost difference per bail between the low, mid and high-grade cottons. You would flip.
Ever wonder why some blue gi fade so fast? Bad cotton. Wonder why a DAX moskito (for instance) weighs so much more than a Mizuno double deluxe, but the advertisedâ fabric weight is only slightly heavier? The cotton used is lesser quality and has much shorter, denser fibers. This is also the reason that some gis are so hot and donât seem to breathe. Once again, itâs due to bad, dense cotton. It's like the difference between a cotton shirt that one would buy at a discount store and one bought from a shirt maker that uses a fine Egyptian cotton. Wash them both a hundred times and see which one lasts, still looks good, breathes well and shrinks less."
On how your gi affects your performance:Some blogs that review gis make disclaimers that a gi will not affect your performance. This isn't true. A good fitting gi that you can move well in will make Jiu Jitsu much easier for you.
I'm on the border of A2 and A3 in the sizing charts and for the longest time I wore A3 gis. When I finally switched over and got used to the snugness of an A2, I couldn't wear my old A3 gis anymore. It felt like I was swimming in them. The fabric got all wrapped up around me. They felt ridiculous. Your gis should be fitted, tight, but competition legal.
The sleeves only need to be long enough for IBJJF approval. The sleeve must be at least as long as 4 fingers back from your wrist.
As I mentioned above, I don't think a heavier collar is a significant issue in gi performance, but more of an aesthetic issue.
For more articles on general information about BJJ gis, please see these links:
http://meerkat69.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-bjj-gi-should-i-buy.html
http://www.slideyfoot.com/2006/10/bjj-beginner-faq.html#buyingagi
2 comments:
You've sold me. I'll change my "next gi to buy" from Shoyoroll (trying to see what the hype's about) to a Breakpoint Ultralight.
Congrats on the Worlds results. I saw a couple of your matches, including the Ian one. Enjoy the summer.
Hey,
Not sure if you're going to check this but I might as well try. I'm in the market for a new gi and I was wondering if the standard Breakpoint gi is pretty much the same as the deluxe version only without the fancy patches and interior lining (and 80 dollars less). Like is it the same weave and is the overall quality similar?
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