Tartan Flashes: You Get What You Pay For

[Riverkilt]

Been meaning to post about this for some time. Another thread reminded me.

When I first ordered up a bunch of USA Kilts Casuals I didn't order flashes with them. Didn't think I'd need them. After finding out how well they went at the office too I decided I needed flashes. SportKilt offered tartan flashes in some of the tartan's I had so I ordered them up from SportKilt.

What I found was that SportKilt tartan flashes aren't cut the way I expected. They are cut on the bias, almost seemingly from scrap materials. Nothing wrong with that since its how they show they're done



SportKilt charges $16.95 for their tartan flashes. They use a 5/8" wide elastic.

I sort of backordered all the other flashes I needed from Rocky at USA Kilts. He charges $25.00 for tartan flashes. The USA Kilt tartan flashes are cut on the square, show the tartan to advantage, and use a 1" wide elastic.

In my opinion, its a much sharper look.




Interestingly, Rocky is using the same 1" elastic supplier as Kathy Lare uses for her flashes. Kathy charges $22.00 and also makes a most elegant tartan flash to go with her handsewn kilts.



A shot of Kathy Lare's flashes and how they are cut from the tartan to match.

I learned the hard way to ALWAYS remember to order matching tartan flashes when I order a kilt. Was unable to get flashes for the Red Gordon USA Casual that was part of that old special order of that tartan.

Anyway, there are tartan flashes, and then there are tartan flashes. Pay attention.

Ron

[McMurdo]

Yove got that right Ron.
When I ordered my Black Stewart Semi-Trad from USA Kilts I got the matching flashes and was blown away by the quality of them, they are as good as any I had ever seen.

Now I have gone to the traditional garter ties that Matt Newsome supplies and I really do not see me going back.

[pdcorlis]

A lesson some of us have had to learn the hard way brother Ron - I hope others are paying attention so they can learn from our mistakes!

[McFarkus]

Yove got that right Ron.
Now I have gone to the traditional garter ties that Matt Newsome supplies and I really do not see me going back.

I plan to try them out.

[Riverkilt]

Another addiction for sure!... so far...I ONLY have three pair of the traditional garter ties - certainly fair value for the money. Wear them a lot. But I like the option of choosing between them, the tartan flashes, the solid color flashes, or no flashes.

Ron

[McMurdo]

I should have some traditional garter ties in tartan tonight, I will of course post pictures of them.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I have actually become more a fan of solid colored flashes rather than the tartan. But, it is nice to have the choice. I thought well enough ahead to order matching flashes for two of my USAKs. I didn't order any for my Gunn USAK because I have a pair of solid red flash and a set of homemade "traditional garter ties" like Matt sells in Navy blue.

Something to ponder: Rocky is pretty open to requests. I requested the "frayed" style flashes in the St. David's tartan for something a little different. I will definitely ask for the same when I order another USAK some day.

USAK flash.


Homemade "traditional garter ties. Both made from cotton webbing from Hobby Lobby. If I remember right it was like a dollar or two a yard. Good price, quick make, and it was something to do while our routine Cosby and Roseanne on Nick at Night

[ccga3359]

USAK flash.

I do like the look of the raveled flashes. I wonder if the were cut to a point or angle and then frayed if they'd look alright.

[McMurdo]

I do like the look of the raveled flashes. I wonder if the were cut to a point or angle and then frayed if they'd look alright.

I've never seen it done like that, I guess it depends how much you fray them, but I am not sure that it would look right.

[ChattanCat]

I did some tartan flashes, that were cut to the point and frayed.
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