Vulkan Gi (question about size)

Prior · 08-28-2006, 06:58 PM

Hello all,
I am looking to buy a BJJ gi. I checked everything they got at Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear, and got hooked by the Vulkan ones, especially the black gi. The price seemed fine, but I have a serious problem with the size.

I'm 5'7, and about 125 pounds. Normally, A1 should fits me perfectly, seing as they are traditionally 5'3'' - 5'8''ft / 160 - 168cm and 110 - 140lb / 50 - 64Kg
The brands I'm looking for are not preshrunk, so I'm expecting it to lose a few inches.
However, the Vulkan A1 gi is different, as he is 5'2"-5'5" | 110-149 . The weight is excellent but if the numbers are right, I might be too tall for this kimono (remember it's 100% cotton, so it will get smaller). Someone might suggest me to order A2, but it will surely be too big for me, as the weight minimal limit is 150.

So here are my questions, to anyone who has a Vulkan gi or is knowledgeable about kimonos : will A1 be too small for me? Is Vulkan A1 smaller in height than other A1 gis, or do they just give a slightly different perception of the users typical body?

Thanks in advance.

ur2submit · 08-28-2006, 11:49 PM

Call Gilberto @ JJProgear and ask him. He is very friendly and knowledgeable. The A1 would probably be fine for you as it is slightly larger than A1 (it is shrink to fit). You can wash it in hot and dry in hot to shrink it to your taste.

I am 5'8" 180lbs... and I still fit in a Koral A1 (tight fit tho). I say A1.. but call Gilberto to be sure.

blanko · 08-29-2006, 12:12 AM

vulcans shrink alot so take that into consideration.

Prior · 08-29-2006, 02:20 AM

Thanks a ton for the answers. I had already heard that Keiko gis were shrinking a lot, but it's the first time I hear about the Vulkan's. However, I figure that the size is studied to fit after being washed?

Also, what does "it is shrink to fit" mean? Does it mean that it's slightly larger than indicated, but fits well the numbers after being washed?

Thanks in advance,

blanko · 08-29-2006, 03:01 AM

the sleeves shrink about 3 fingers

UncannySage · 08-29-2006, 02:00 PM

Hi Prior.

I own two Vulkans. Shrink to Fit means that when received the gi will be too large (huge in fact). You then wash it and stick it in the dryer. You keep it in the dryer, checking every few minutes until it has shrunk to fit you just right. Once shrunk to fit you'll have to line dry the gi (or hang dry, whatever). Be careful the gi shrinks tremendously!

I would recommend going with jiujitsuprogears size charts. Don't freak out whent the gi arrives. Before shrinkage my gi (an A3) looked like a A5 or A6.

All in all I love this gi (having tried many brands) and plan to stick with it.

Hope this helps, let me know if you got further questions.

Prior · 08-29-2006, 02:17 PM

I'm grateful for all those informations, thanks a lot. I'm glad to know the meaning of "shrink to fit", because as Blanko said, shrinking almost 1 feet is scary!
1 last question, especially for you guys that own black gis (Vulkan). If I wash it inside out, how long will it stays black before fading? I've done some searches through the forum, and I heard that it starts to fade "after several months", but it was not specifical about the Vulkan gis.
Thanks in advance,