SWK standard saffron vs heavyweight saffron

[Ayin McFye]

Greetings everyone, tonight when I get home I'm probably going to purchase a new SWK saffron kilt, but i'm not sure which one to purchase. The choices are either a Standard Saffron, or a Heavyweight Shadow Saffron. I know the Heavyweight is a much nicer kilt, but HOW much nicer is it really? I have compiled a few pictures of the two kilts and there seems to be a drastic color difference as well.

this first picture is from Captain Karrot, of him wearing the SWK Standard Saffron.


And these pictures are from Tattoo Bradley when he sold his Heavyweight Shadow Tartan.




I love the color of the Heavyweight much more than the standard, BUT I can't tell if it's just a lighting issue or if they are really that different. Also I can see that the heavyweight has about 25 pleats in the back, and I don't know how many are on the Standard Saffron.

So my question is this. Do you own a heavyweight AND a Standard from SWK. What are your opinions in the difference in quality, number of pleats, fabric, and everything else?

Again I know the Heavyweight is a better product, I just want to know why. Thanks!

[cavscout]

I may be wrong on this but I do not think the Standard has the shadow tartan effect.

That being said, the pleat count should be about the same as they are both made from the same yardage.

The kilt straps are beefier on the HW, material is thicker and more tightly woven.

All in all, if you have the money, I'd go with the HW.

[turpin]

I agree with Steve. I have three SWK HWs and one Standard. After just a few wearings the material pilled in the fell and apron, and one of the pleats popped it's stitches. No problems with the wool at all. Call jerry to see if he has any heavies on sale. I gotmy weathered Lamont for $70 because it had a little water damage at the waist band (I can't really tell, myself.

[gilmore]

I have a heavy weight saffron and am quite happy with it. I have a couple of standards, though none is saffron, and they just aren't as well put together. IMHO it's well worth the relatively few extra dollars to buy the heavyweight.

[fluter]

Here's another take on the color of the saffron wool --- the tie on the left is the SWK:



Unfortunately, inventory seems to be low on all of SWK's wool kilts. I had it in mind to get another wool SWK this winter, but my size has been MIA in the Black Watch, saffron, and green.

The standard and heavyweight are comparable in yardage and similar in construction. I'd go for the wool if possible, but both are good value.

[PiobBear]

I got the standard because I didn't want the "shadow tartan" effect, and have been quite happy with it.

[Mr. MacDougall]

If it's a consideration for you, Jerry has the fly plaids which match the Acrylic standard, rather than the Wool heavyweight.

[ccga3359]

Heavyweight all the way. Although I have the black, the shadow effect alone is worth it. I have seen the hw SWk (Mexpiper's & Kaptain Karrot's) and was impressed. Aside from that it's the shade you like. $40 difference, yes. Look at it this way your saving a bunch going with SW, so you save a little less but get a better product for your investment.

[beloitpiper]

I have the heavyweight saffron and it is one of my most worn kilts. I really enjoy it. Very well put together, and an excellent value. If you can afford the extra $$$, definitely go for it.

[NewKilt]

I have 3 SWK standards and 3 SWK wools including the wool saffron. It appears that the wool saffron is a lighter color. I ordered SWK saffron flashes and the are somewhat darker than the kilt - they look like they are the same color as the SWK standard saffron.

With all that said, I would go with the wool saffron if you're not going to be wearing it outside very much in hot weather. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside in the kilt when the weather is hot, I would go with the standard saffron because of the lighter weight.

Darrell