SportKilt - USA Kilts Casual Comparison Part II

[UmAnOnion]

thanks for that very indepth analysis. now i feel very well informed about the differencs between thiose two kilts!

Great pics too!!!

[Southern Breeze]

Thanks for the very excellant review and pics.

[MacSimoin]

Thanks for the impromptu 'sticky', Ron...this is sure to be a big help for those looking for a casual kilt. Great post.

[toadinakilt]

Hmmm...honestly, I have to say that I think Rocky wins...

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Ron, great review. And I love that Maclean Hunting. I have been jonesing for a new kilt and I think I have my answer...

TIAK, I think that I agree. While both have their places, for the prices, I think that Rocky provides a superior product and wind hands down. The sewn down pleats alone are a huge advantage in daily wear and care of a kilt. And his quality is top notch. Not knocking SK's (well, just a little bit), but the price for the value is not there for me. When I can get a USAK for less money and it is custom made to my measurements, I have to go with it. The only slight advantage SK might have is including the underapron pocket, ala PK's, which I really like. However, for Ron it is a non-value added item as he can't use it.

Thanks again Ron.

[andyfg]

Very helpful and full analysis. I am going to buy my son a kilt for his birthday. I think I'll get a Rocky (which I was leaning toward anyway). Thanks.

[Chris Webb]

Incredible analysis!

I can only add a little, but it has significant implications for those who do more that just walk about in their kilts.

I work in construction every day in a SportKilt. I've tried other kilts, but the SportKilt, 4 layered, narrow apron is the most practical design I've tried. The 4 layers provide ample protection from materials, nails, etc... and the narrow apron falls between your legs to provide coverage with out any help from your hands.

When the apron covers past the center of your thighs it simply will not fall between your legs by itself. Of course, the SportKilt is designed with 'sport' in mind.

The SportKilt is damned near windproof in the front, keeps it's pleats even when wet, and washes back to near original color time after time after time. Except for Cammo, which fades noticably wash after wash.

The waist band of the Sport kilt allows for expansion and contraction of your waist, not just because of weight loss or gain, but also due to shirts tucked in or out, waist folded over to allow the kilt to be shorter and cooler, and VERY easy removal in case of an emergency (intrusion of ants into kilt, unexpected receipt of toxic or flamable liquids and, of course, the unexpected arrival of your amourous girlfriend).

I have put SportKilts through just about the most extreme tests available in the field and they have won the right to be my single supplier of work kilts. In terms of comfort and cost they are even better at work than a Utilikilt, although I usually wear a Utilikilt Workman to Chamber of Commerce functions and the like ... it's the Levi's of kilts, after all, and the business ladies just go nuts over it.

Anyway, mine is not near the analysis provided, but I have come to really appreciate SportKilt as a company, kilt, and even a friend. As many of their kilts as I buy and wear, well, they just treat me great.

Kilt On!

Chris Webb

[Yaish]

Just a correction to the gent who mentioned the SK underapron pocket, being similar to the PK.

It's not. The PK pocket is on the outer side of the under apron, and is easily accessable. The SK pouch (not really a pocket) is on the inside of the waistband, between the outer and underaprons and is actually closed off when the velcro is closed. Like Ron, I have never been able to use it, as you just cant get to it. Maybe if you had shorts underneath and could partially undo the apron...

[Riverkilt]

Some good points Chris, thanks. Nice to have feedback from day-to-day wearing of the kilts.

The weight of the triple top apron on the SportKilt has helped me when I'm seated too ( I sit for a living)...reminds me of the even narrower Utilikilt aprons that I don't even think about anymore when sitting or seated.

One thing the SportKilt does when I sit is sort of pull away on the left side of the apron...where the USA Kilt and most kilts have sort of a reverse pleat that opens up, the SportKilt has that huge run of fabric. Think of a backwards Z where the fabric that is making the pleats is pulled across as the apron, then doubled back and folded back again....kind of diffuclt to describe, but result is three layers and an open left side...not open in terms of exposure, but open in terms of expansion.

I just received the USA Kilt today, but of course have tried sitting in it. One thing I noticed is that the underapron drops between my legs and covers the boys well when I sit. Important to me since I often wear a vest or jacket instead of a sporran. That gave me confidence.

And, thanks for the tip about "rolling" the waistband down to shorten the SportKilt. I mostly wear mine for hiking and had not thought of that. Good idea.

Roses and Orchids....they're both beautiful in their own way...people choosing one, doesn't belittle the other.

Ron