[social][/social][bjjad][/bjjad]Since it didn't make sense to design and manufacture stuff for just a couple of people or limit it to our work-out partners, we took the big plunge and by 2004 we had a business. Our first product was a white single-weave Jiu-Jitsu Kimono. In the first month, we sold 3 on eBay under the seller name "Jiu-Jitsu-Style" and we were thrilled!
While we don't sell on eBay anymore, today Piranha Gear ships our three different brands to schools, academies, and individuals around the world. We feel grateful for the wonderful feedback from literally thousands of customers every year.
We try to treat everyone the way we like to be treated. It’s not a “company mission statement” (so many companies seem to ignore theirs anyway) – it’s just the right thing to do.
First Impression of this Jiu-Jitsu Gi:
- Kimono top fabric is very soft
- Very lightweight pants
- Overall weight of the uniform is about 4.5 lbs
- Sleeves and pants more than long enough
- Double stitching at most of the seams
After trying the gi on out of the package I decided to wash it in hot water and dry with high heat before rolling or drilling in it. I did this because this is probably one the longest gis that I’ve ever seen. Washing and drying did shrink it up some, as you can see from the measurements below:
Kimono |
Out of the box |
One Wash & Drying in Hot |
A - Cuff |
7.5" |
7" |
B - Chest |
25.75" |
24" |
C - Wingspan |
76.5" |
71.5" |
D - Length |
35.75" |
34.75" |
Pants |
Out of the box |
One Wash & Drying in Hot |
A - Cuff |
9" |
9" |
B - Waist |
14.5" (23") |
13.75"(22.5") |
C - Length |
49.5" |
47.75" |
D - Inseam |
40" |
39" |
Test Run:
After washing and drying gi I took it out for a spin that night. The gi was perfectly fine for warm-ups, drilling and technique work. Even during drilling the overall length of the gi was evident, my partner had plenty of fabric to grab onto and use. While the gi is baggy and long it was still comfortable to wear and would be perfectly suitable for drilling techniques.
After technique work I did a few rounds of rolling in the gi. The overall size and length of the gi did work against me somewhat while rolling. On the plus side, I did manage to hit an Ezekiel choke from the bottom that I would never have been able to get in any other gi. While rolling the gi seemed to hold up well. While rolling and drilling I never noticed the elastic pants, as either good or bad. The drawstring made sure that they were tight enough and they didn't loosen up. To be honest, I was more worried about having to pull them up. When I had them pulled up enough to not touch the mats, I looked like Erkel. :-) Several of my partners were thoroughly entertained. I did notice a little stretching and my partner stopped once because he thought he heard a rip in my pants (I couldn’t find anything wrong after class).
Final Thoughts:
This gi is best suited to the BJJ hobbyist and/or someone who only rolls occasionally. For those new to BJJ this is a comfortable gi that is available at a price that is accessible to anyone. The large number of sizing options and simple design make this a gi that can be used by anyone at almost any academy. This is also a gi that many BJJ practitioners may outgrow (from a training perspective) once they’ve decided that they’re in it for the long haul and/or would like to compete.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Would fit Stefan Struve. If you’re extremely tall this will fit you.
- Great price point for a tall gi
Cons:
- Too loose/big for competitive rolling
- Would fit Stefan Struve. If you’re not at least 6’4” the A4S will be too long for you. Go ahead and look at the normal size ones and/or the A3S
- Double stitching may not be durable enough for long-term heavy use while rolling
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http://www.bjjlegends.com/index.php/reviews/item/972-piranha-gear%E2%80%99s-tall-and-slim-gi-review?tmpl=component&print=1#sigProIde83e9149e2