Jaco Shorts, Shirt and Hat Review.
Format stolen from Sengoku.
Product Overview
Price: $60 (well worth it in my opinion)
Color: Olive (black is also available)
Materials: 90% Polyester/ 10% Spandex
Washing Instructions: 30.oc and Dry low
Link:
Jaco Clothing - MMA Fight Shorts, Bamboo Shirts, Tees, Hoodies and Hats
First Impressions
When I first pulled them out of the package, I was actually sort of nervous because I’d never felt a pair of shorts like this before. They are vastly different than my Sprawl (3 pair), Tapout (2 pair), and Stagr fight shorts. I was, however, very pleased with the olive color (very true and bold color).
Waist Band
It appears as if Jaco has attempted to combine the best aspects of other shorts. They’ve succeeded.
Closure – Very similar to the Clinch Gear Shorts with the ‘over the top’ closure system. These shorts are not coming open during competition. All of the closure system is done with ‘hook and loop’ material (read: velcro). The difference from Clinch gear is, however, that jaco’s shorts also include a solid drawstring system similar to sprawl. One might this that this is too much going on, but when you’re training for hours on end, adjusting your shorts 5-10 times and retying them (sprawl) or having to buy new ones if you gain/lose weight (clinch gear) can be quite a pain.
In the time that I’ve used them in training (the last few weeks or so, they haven’t slipped or budged at all.)
Crotch – I initially thought that the shorts included a cup holder. After trying to put my cup in it (it fit, although it was heck to get it in there), I realized that it’d be terrible in that function. I was confused so I contacted a Jaco representative and they got back to me very quickly (this is a common theme for them) and informed me thqat it was simply to protect my ‘region’ from unnecessary chaffing. They also informed me that they’d be selling a new cup holder similar to, but definitely better than, shock doctor.
Look - Lastly, I like how the waist band ties up to a panel in the back (very sturdy). I like that when I wear them, they don't cinch up and look like I'm wearing my older brother's clothes. I have a pair of Tapouts that I bought when I was a bit bigger that look ridiculous now that I have to pull them so tight. That will never be a problem with these shorts.
Material
The entire short is made from flex-panel material. Imagine your entire shorts being made out of the material that most short companies only put in the crotch (clinch gear) or inside of the leg (sprawl). The difference between Jaco’s short and others is that Jaco dries in about 5 minutes. With my coach training for an upcoming fight, my gym is regularly 90-100 degrees inside. Even though I sweat all over the Jaco shorts, they are usually dry by the time I get home (and, for now, smell brand new unlike my other shorts that wreak of the gym).
Length and Fit
These shorts really fit anybody because of the 4-way fabric. The length is very typical of fight shorts, but definitely NOT baggy.
Logos/ Mouth-guard pocket
The logos on the shorts have show zero signs of peeling and are rubber and not cheaply screen-printed on. Also, the mouth-guard pocket is on the bottom inside of the left leg. This is MUCH more convenient than having to tie and untie your shorts every time you want to store your mouth-guard (sprawl).
Conclusions
It seems to me that Jaco has made a lot of modifications to the traditional fight short and I am not surprised that their new Jock-strap system will change the game the same way their shorts have. I imagine that in the coming year, we’ll see a lot of other companies mimic what Jaco have done (mouth-guard pocket, closure system, etc.).
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Jaco Clothing
**Pictures will be added later today**
