usa or stillwater?

[kilted in kleaveland]

First of all, THANKS to all of you X-members! Your advice has been invaluable. I'm looking for another kilt (much to my wife's dismay), and I can't decide on a USA philabeg or a stillwater standard. I like the pv that Rocky offers, but I also like the SW's ( so do my wife's purse strings ).

Any thoughts?

[Randy]

I have a SWK 2006 Standard and SWK economy- I like both economy for laying about and the standard for running around.
My friend has a casual kilt from USAK. He loves it. My next kilt will most likely be a USAK casual. It goes on real easy, and looks good (modern Gunn).

[Barclay]

I don't have a USAK, but I have a couple of SWKs - standard and economy that
are *almost* as nice and wear as well as my handmade tanks. If you go with a Stillwater, you won't go wrong (IMHO).

[ByDand]

I have two SWK standard kilts. One is the Nightstalker and the other is the Irish National. Both wear beautifully and look great. You are right about the wallet not being hit as hard and you won't be disappointed.

[millar]

It depends on what you are looking for. For the immediacy you can't beat SW. For a made to measure product USA is the way to go. It's apples and oranges.

[mddock58]

Another thing to think about is the Tartan you want. Stillwater has a limited number of Tartans, USA Kilts has a good number more to choose from.

They do not compare directly to one another as Millar has stated, so you need to look at what you want, not just at the price.

Both are great products, as you can find by comments here.
Stillwaters have a fixed length, and do not fit everyone exactly the same. Some here do not like tem because of this.
USA Kilts can be bought "off the rack" or specifically measured for YOU! This is why they are a bit more expensive, not to mention that they are lovingly hand made by Rocky or Kelly!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

While I like my 3 SWK's (Nightstalker standard, 2005 Shadow HW, and Weathered Lamont HW), especially for the price, I LOVE my USAK's. I rarely wear the shadow tartan anymore, and will likely sell it soon. If you go with SWK, then I would recommend the HW's unless you just want something to kick around in. The HW's are wool and very nice. However, that also puts you into the price range for a USAK casual. As has been stated, what is your primary purpose for buying another one? Beyond just wanting one!

[jjoseph]

I have had all 3 Stillwaters (econo, std, heavy)... just SKIP the economy; for the $$'s difference, their Standard is an amazing jump up in quality. I also have a wonderful kilt from Rocky at USA and its only drawback is a pet peeve of mine. VELCRO... it secures via velcro instead of straps and I just happen to despise velcro. I will tell you this: my USA is beaucoup sturdier than the Stills. Although I handwash both and hang dry, I suspect the USA would do well on a gently cycle; I can guarantee the Stillwater will NOT. So while SW standards are lighter and more felted than my USA, the twill fabric of my Thomson Grey from USA is just a much, much better fabric yet still quite light. (And the no iron pleats are a great help too!). All that to say, if you need a kilt that will wear a long time, talk to Rocky at USA about the fabric you are choosing. You can't go wrong. He'll steer you right. And know that Stills are GREAT buy for the price, but a bit fragile.

[Iñaki]

I don't have a USAK, but I have a couple of SWKs - standard and economy that
are *almost* as nice and wear as well as my handmade tanks. If you go with a Stillwater, you won't go wrong (IMHO).

I find that a bit excessive...but back to the question...USAK, all the way, custom made product, nicer material, good price.

[kilted in kleaveland]

I also am not a big fan of velcro. Much rather have the straps. However I'm looking for a tank that can stand up to some consistant usage.