Originally here:
http://mma-journey.blogspot.com/2007...gi-review.html
Since I've started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I've had to repurchase a bunch of gis since all my existing aikido gis have cut down sleeves (to make wrist techniques easier and more visible). Because I live in a warm weather climate, and also because I don't compete, a double-weave gi doesn't make much sense. Sure, double-weave is more durable but it's also hot, stiff, and heavy. And takes forever to dry.
There are a slew of BJJ lightweight gis available on the market from well known companies like Gameness and Koral, and also from smaller, more boutique companies like Howard Combat Kimonos, MKimonos, Padilla & Sons, and Kikskin.
I purchased a blue Gameness Pearl Gi because it was relatively inexpensive ($110 USD) and I could try it on before buying (unlike the boutique stuff, which you typically have to order online). I purchased this at the OTM Shop in San Diego.
Construction
Like most Brazilian jiu-jitsu gis the Gameness is a single piece design, which means no separate skirt from jacket and no seam in the back. It's a single weave, light-weight design that only weighs 4 lbs 6 oz in size A3.
The pants are medium weight and feel beefy. They use the rope style draw string which I prefer and have two loops in the front, spaced fairly close to each other.
Appearance
Unlike the higher end Gameness Platinum weave kimonos, the Pearl is relatively understated, with no back, chest, or leg patches. A Gameness stripe is on the shoulders and legs and that's it. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you like being a billboard.
Sizing
I'm 5'10" and 205 pounds. According to the official Gameness sizing chart an A3 is for 5'9" to 6'1" and 170 to 200 pounds. This puts me at the bottom of the height range and the top of the weight range.
The actual fit is pretty damned snug. The sleeves, as you can see, are a little long, but the shoulders are kind of narrow and it doesn't quite close properly. Even if I dropped another 10 pounds I don't think it would be baggy. If you're like 5'11" and 180 pounds I bet this would fit perfectly. For me, it's just barely okay, but if I wore an A4 I'd be swimming in the thing.
The pants fit okay. The drawstring doesn't pull tight enough -- it's actually too loose around my hips -- but the pant legs are pretty snug against me. Not enough to be a problem, but it's definitely not baggy.
Also of note is that the Gameness Pearl is not preshrunk, which means that if it's a little big for you you can shrink it down to size, but if it fits okay you have to be very careful that you don't let it shrink anymore.
Summary
Overall this is a very nice gi, especially given that it's in the midrange of price for a BJJ gi. The fit is a little snug for me, but it's still comfortable. The Pearl is understated, affordable, and comfortable, particularly for warm weather training.
Pros
* reasonable price ($110 USD)
* understated graphics
* extremely light and cool
* rope drawstring
Cons
* snug fit for guys with stocky builds
* not preshrunk
