USAK Casual vs Ebay

[bricelythgoe]

Today I recieved my USAK casual from Rocky. It was an off-the-rack American Heritage. I absolutely love the colors of this tartan. Since there have been several threads about eBay kilts vs the kilts made by some of the sponsors on this site, I decided to do a comparison. This will also allow me to show off the new kilt from Rocky and at the same time compare it to the one I bought on eBay from the Heritage of Scotland. Remember, this is my opinion and nothing else. I am by far a kilt expert.


As some of you may have read a while back, I had some comfort issues with the kilt that was purchased on eBay. After wearing it several times and sending through the wash, the material loosened up and it was quite a bit more comfortable. However, when I put on the USAK, I felt like I was in heaven. It felt so much more comfortable in every possible way. It is going to be the kilt I wear on 'Kasual' Kilted Fridays at my school. USAK is much more comfortable than the eBay kilt. No contest at all.

I wanted something that looked good. I never liked how the pleats looked on my eBay kilt. I knew they did not look like typical kilt pleats should. That was even after I basted the pleats and spent two day ironing them. Again, the kilt from USAK just blew me away. For the price, the pleats not only hang great, but look great as well. If you look at the pictures that follow, I think you will all agree with me. Again, A+ for Rocky.

The eBay kilt has a few more pleats (I think due to the fact that it is made of more material). However, when I purchased the kilt it said it was made of 16 oz PV. As has been discussed, many of the kilt makers on this have never even heard of such heavy weight PV. Having them side by side, it does not seem like 16 oz to me. I am no expert, but they seem like about the same weight. I could be wrong, however.

The last thing I wanted to talk about was the Velcro closure system. I was a little worried about that since most kilts are made with buckles. Once I put it on, I had no worries at all. It fits perfectly and holds really well. I was pleasantly surprised.

Summary: No more eBay kilts for me (at least the ones like the one I purchased). I know there are some that love the kilts from Heritage of Scotland on eBay. However, for me, there is no going back. I am hooked on custom made kilts. I appreciate all your help in making this decision. I know for some of you it is not a big deal, but for me it was a HUGE decision. Except for my suit, I have never spent so much on a article of clothing. Thanks again for the help.

Now for the pics. I think you will all agree with me when I put the pictures up. I have both front and back views of both kilts. Please ignore the outfit. I need some new flashes, they don't match very well. I was in a hurry (my son wanted to play "choo choos" with me).











Let me know what you think!

Brice

[sathor]

the usak seems more 'narrow' overall. Nice.

[Tatonka]

Jonesing is over! It looks good, Brice! Now enjoy the choo-choos

JT

[bricelythgoe]

Jonesing is over! It looks good, Brice! Now enjoy the choo-choos

JT

Hardly had any jonesing to go through! Ordered on Thursday and arrived on Monday. Can't complain about that!

[SteveB]

Bricekolob,
The other wonderful thing you have with the USAK is that it will stand out for some time to come. The tartan is one that gets a lot of questions, and when explained gets a lot of approvals.
My students think that the American Heritage is the kilt that I should wear everyday.
Welcome to the USAK American Heritage Society!
Slainte

[bricelythgoe]

Bricekolob,
The other wonderful thing you have with the USAK is that it will stand out for some time to come. The tartan is one that gets a lot of questions, and when explained gets a lot of approvals.
My students think that the American Heritage is the kilt that I should wear everyday.
Welcome to the USAK American Heritage Society!
Slainte

I hope my students think the same thing!

[Riverkilt]

I'm prejudice - flat out spoiled by Rocky and Kelley's quality and value. Next stage of your USA Kilts addiction is gonna be semi-trads...

Looks like the ebay kilt is a Macdonald tartan...you a cousin?

Ron

[bricelythgoe]

Looks like the ebay kilt is a Macdonald tartan...you a cousin?

Ron

Actually, Macdonald belongs to my wife and her family. Hers are a bit easier to find than mine.

Brice

[Andy HPADC]

Greetings from a fellow MacDonald Modern wearer!

[thecompaqguy]

I'm not buying any more Ebay kilts, the quality isn't great. I bought a Heritage of Scotland one in black, too many pleats so it has too much of an A-shape... Never again. I prefer narrower kilts... I guess I'll have to save up. How much are the USA Kilts?