My New USAKs

[BigRedBeard]

Here are my new kilts purchased from USA Kilts. I'm a little late to post pictures and these aren't eh best quality, but I wanted to put out my praise for USAK. My wife and I took a road-trip up to PA with the intent to purchase an 8-yd wool kilt in Lewis of Wales tartan. We departed with a receipt for: the original kilt, a PC jacket and vest, tartan shawl for the missus, and a 5 yd PV Traditional Kilt in Glyndwr Tartan. The service was excellent, the products are truly exceptional and I couldn't be any more satisfied.
I apologize for the quality of these photos, they don't do justice to the beautiful kilts. I'll do better next time. :-)


The Glyndwr Semi-Trad as I wore it to work on my first Kilted Friday (alternating with Fun-Tie Fridays).


The same day, changed over for pub crawling.


Dressed up for a USMC Mess Night.

[OC Richard]

Wow, jump in with both feet! I like it!

You look very 'smart' as the British say.

I would be interested to hear about the differences and similarities between the 5-yard and 8-yard kilts, from your point of view. Yes I've read about them on Rocky's site, but it would be informative to hear about it from a customer's point of view.

BTW I have no personal experience with Rocky's kilts, but the consistently high marks he gets from customers regarding both product and service, and his wide range of offerings, make him the person I recommend whenever newbies ask me about getting their first kilt. I don't know of another website where, in one place, somebody can see so many different styles of kilt, so many different tartans, such an assortment of accessories.

[James Hood]

Hoo-rah on you; wear your new kilts with profound joy!

Thank you for the images, you look great.

[Mike S]

I too would like to hear your thoughts about the USAKilts 5yard kilt. I've thought about getting one of those as well.

[RockyR]

I too would like to hear your thoughts about the USAKilts 5yard kilt. I've thought about getting one of those as well.

You'll find a few reviews of our 5 Yarders in our subsection. Here's one that was pretty recent and has a few pictures: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...rd-kilt-87826/

[BigRedBeard]

@Mike S: I actually have the USAK Semi=traditional Kilt which is different than their 5 yd Wool Kilt. The material in their Semi-Trad is Poly Viscose (PV) and, according to the website varies from 5-7 yds of fabric.
@OC Richard: I can compare the Semi-traditional kilt and the Premier 8yd Kilt but, as I am a newbie, I will caveat my comments with acknowledging mu bias: I LOVE both kilts! My experience with USAK has been truly outstanding and I can assure you that my photos and comments will not do their craftsmanship justice.

Again, the Semi-Trad is Glyndwr Welsh Tartan (Black/Grey/Red) and the Premier 8yd is in Lewis of Wales (Green/Blue/Tan)

Fabric: The PV material isn't wool, by any means, but that's actually one of the reasons I like it USAK uses an excellent supplier that produces Teflon coated, stain resistant material that has great coloring and feel. The pleats are crisp and the material seems like it will last for a long time. The Premier is wool and therefore has more texture, weight, and flow (my perception). The waist lining is a soft fabric that is very comfortable on the skin.





Construction: The Semi kilt doesn't have the same lining and strengthening that you will find in a 8yd tank, but that doesn't mean Rocky and crew shortchanged the construction. All stress areas seem to be well-reinforced and the machine-sewn pleats are tight and straight. The kilt hangs very well. The Premier Kilt has more reinforcement (probably needed for wool) and several nicer details including embossed leather straps and hand-sewn pleats which mean that the stitching is invisible. The Premier seems to have a hem (virtually unnoticeable) at the bottom.
















Pleats: As was demonstrated to me when I visited their store, the pleats on a 5=7yd kilt will not be as deep as those on an 8-yarder. The Semi are about 2 3/8 in deep while the Premier are over 3 inches.(see next post for pleat pictures)

[Angela Kaye Bodine]

BigRedBeard, hi ! You look terrific and the kilts are beautiful...Angie