Time for a New Gi...

[De_Franza]

I just discovered that Amazon.com sells Gi's! They are from Karate Depot, so maybe it makes sense to just go to Karatedepot.com... except for my annual Amazon.com gift certificate from the in-laws....

So here are my questions:
1) Obviosly, the "heavyier" a gi, the higher it's "Ounce" count, i.e.: a 8oz gi is that light pajamas-type gi that comes with a white belt and the kids are so fond of, while a 14 oz gi is like stiff burlap and will probably last 10 years if cared for correctly, but costs about $100......
Is there any more to it (weight only) that I need to consider? I'd like a "snappy" Gi that will last, but not cost me much, as I'm both cheap and poor.

2) I've had this one particular gi for about 5 years, and I swear it shrinks each time I wash it (before anyone says it, I've actually been losing weight for a while now...). Which brands offer pre-shrunk Gi's? Do they shrink because I insist on 100% cotton? Are the cotton nylon blends any good? I assume they don't breathe or wick away sweat as well as 100% cotton... is this true?

3) What's your favorite Gi? / What do you recommend for a middle-to-heavy weight, pre-shrunk, white Gi for a serious student?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

[De_Franza]

how does THIS gi strike you? (no pun intended)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009RSI4/qid=1072633918/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3_sg/104-4150151-2169563?v=glance&s=sporting-goods&n=3375301

Is this a good one, or should I buy books instead?

[Jeff Burger]

I like JUKA I can get them for like $75...less when sales come up.

I just started breaking in a new one.
I hate breaking in a new gi.
Fightgrrl says...
"you got to teach it karate"

I like the snap a gi makes but I worry about students and myself thinking too much about snapping at the cost of proper punching.


Jeff

[Luebbers]

I have a Judo gi (the thicker weave kind) and mine shrank the first time I washed and dried it (which it needed) and the other people at my school tell me that it will shrink everytime you dry it or wash it in warm water. So, I wash mine in cold water and hang dry it and haven't had any problems.

[De_Franza]

Originally posted by Jeff Burger

I like the snap a gi makes but I worry about students and myself thinking too much about snapping at the cost of proper punching.

Jeff

True... it can be a bit of an ego thing, which is best let go of, but I really am interested in the longevity of the garment. I always wash it in cold water and line dry it... it's probably mental, it can't literally shrink every time... it's probably because my newer ones fit so much better. Got a good one on ebay for a great price, but would like a heavier one.

[jakmak52]

Here are some sites that may help you:

http://www.tokaidojapan.com/

http://www.juka.com/

http://www.kamikazeusa.com/index.htm

[Pacificshore]

I purchased one of the Macho Heavyweights from the Karate Depot for about $52.00 w/their $2.95 shipping. That was awhile ago. It is a nice gi for what I paid for it. It's still on the big side for me, and that is after several washings and dryings.

If your still in the market, you can also check with KI international at www.ki-international.com

[Shorin-ryu Diciple]

I would recommend a gi form tokaido like I have, but they will run you about 150$ however those Gis could stop a katana I tell ya'