8yd Balmoral vs. 8yd Top Value

[cavscout]

Does anyone with a better understanding, know the difference between the 8 yard Balmoral kilt and the 8 yard Top Value kilt on Kilt Store?

They both appear to be handmade and have all the same features. The only thing I notice is the Top Value kilt wool comes from smaller weavers. Am I missing anything else? Anyone have one of the Top Value kilts? I'd be hard pressed to pay an additonal $100 to get wool from the big weavers unless there is a quality difference.

Oh, it also appears you get flashes with the Balmoral to match the kilt...not a big selling point to me.

[Jerry]

The major difference that I see is the number of available tartans. There may be some with heavier weights available in the Balmoral, but in the time I was looking I didn't really see any. I did notice that most were somewhat more expensive than the quoted "From price". That was in both models though. I may just have to invest in a Macneil of Barra if I get a decent tax refund this year.

[cavscout]

You're correct. I think most of that price difference is due to which mill the fabric comes from. I'm comparing the Fraser Ancient hunting and they are both available in 16 oz. and are almost $100 different. As long as the quality of the fabric is equal I can deal with a slightly different shade to the colors. I really need to stop looking at that kilt till I'm ready to pull the trigger, it just makes me crazy

[Robin]

Check this...

TartanKilts.com (House of Edgar)

I now have 2 13oz 8 yard kilts from them and I'm really pleased.

Both kilts within 4 weeks, high quality, not over expensive, wide range of tartans, good service.


MacLaren muted (old and rare)


MacLaren Ancient 1819 (old and rare)

[cavscout]

But with a price tag of nearly $400 I'm afraid it's out of budget

[whiteravenJr.]

The only difference that i can see is what you mentioned good luck

[davedove]

I think the only real difference is that the Top Value wools are from lesser known mills. So if they have the tartan you want, I think it would be a good deal.

[freddie]

As well as offering a limited range of tartans from lesser known mills they also don't ask for a surcharge for a larger seat/waist. This would mean that the pleating may suffer in larger sizes where nine yards of cloth would be better (and boy I'd need nine yards !). As for the quality of cloth Martin Mills is really good although I don't think the colours are as bright as House of Edgar.

[cavscout]

That's a good point to watch out for Freddie. Although, I did notice that if I were to order the Top Value Fraser Ancient, the cloth would still come from Marton. So in the case of this tartan at least and the fact that I'm only a 38 waist, I'm not having to compromise much at all.