Before I take the Plunge.....

**Casey_in_Carolina** · 31st July 08, 05:01 AM

OK, I have permission from the better half, and paychecks come out today, so I'm planning to order my first kilt tomorrow

. Currently planning on getting a SportKilt in Clark/Clergy with the 'Works' package. Belt loops, Fringed Apron, Sewn Down Pleats, etc, etc. Because that looks like the best price I can find, that will leave me enough cash left over from my allotment to scrounge a belt/buckle/kilt pin/sporran/etc. off of eBay.

So, before I take the plunge, is their any better offer going on out there that I should know about? I've heard that SportKilt makes good quality stuff, that, while not on par with a 16 oz. Scottish Wool original, will be good for a starter kilt, and get me through until such time as I might be able to afford the real deal. I should be placing the order tomorrow, and just want to make sure that I'm not overlooking anything.

Appreciate any advice, or tips you can give.

Thanks,

Casey

**robthehiker** · 31st July 08, 05:17 AM

Congratulations! Ordering the first kilt is very exciting. I'd consider the Clark (aka Clerk) casual kilt from USA Kilts too. It would be around the same price as the Sport Kilt and it comes highly recommended.

billmcc · 31st July 08, 07:15 AM

Originally Posted by robthehiker

I'd consider the Clark (aka Clerk) casual kilt from USA Kilts too. It would be around the same price as the Sport Kilt and it comes highly recommended.

I second this recommendation. The quality of the material and workmanship is much better on the USAK Casual than the Sport Kilt.

See the USAK Casual here: http://www.usakilts.com/casual_kilts.php

The WPG website has a good deal on a brown leather sporran and sporran strap for $25. See it here: http://onlinemilitaria.net/shopdispl...2&cat=SPORRANS

**sydnie7** · 31st July 08, 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by billmcc

[snip]The WPG website has a good deal on a brown leather sporran and sporran strap for $25. See it here: http://onlinemilitaria.net/shopdispl...2&cat=SPORRANS

Not to hijack, but does anybody have a picture of this sporran? No graphic on the seller's website. . . thanks!

**fshguy** · 31st July 08, 09:01 AM

I have to echo the comments also. I have the same kilt in MacLaren and while it is fine for playing soccer or walking around in the woods, I don't feel it is substantial enough to wear about town. Depending on your intended use, you should definitely give USAK a hard look.

**Zardoz** · 31st July 08, 09:49 AM

I have to agree, the Sportkilt is great for some applications, (I have a couple) But for about the same money, you can get a USA Casual. Custom fit, nicer material and construction, etc... You'll be happier in the long run.

**Nighthawk** · 1st August 08, 05:03 PM

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO !!!!! Get a USA Kilt casual! Sport Kilts are not good. You get the slightest breeze and they go up to your ears! They're not much more than skirts. I regret having ever bought one. Unless you're getting one for your wife/girlfriend (they're skirts are excellent!) don't get one! For the love of God, please!!

OK, on a serious note, USA kilts are so vastly superior, and not significantly more expensive. You would be doing yourself a huge favor to get a USAK. Especially if it's your first kilt.

Originally Posted by Casey_in_Carolina

Argghhhh!!! Another monkey into the wrench indeed!! Does anyone have any experience with the Frugal Corner Kilt? It looks like a good package deal they offer. And 16 oz. material would be nice, I know it's not wool, but would give more of a feel for the movement I would think.

Criminy!! Two days ago I was all set, and all I had to do was order, now I'm all up in the air again, and don't know what to do.....this kilt money is practically burning a hole in my pocket, but I don't want to make a rash decision which I'll regret in six months....

Help please!!!

Casey

Let me reiterate what everyone is saying- Get a USA Kilt! You need no more help than that. A Frugal Corner kilt is fine, and not at all bad, but a USAK will last you a long, long time, while the FC kilts are acrylic, which is a very loose weave. It pills quickly, and snags on everything!! I have so many runners and snags in my acrylics... You really want a kilt in PV. The acrylic is also flamable. very flamable. I learned that the hard way once. I will personally never buy another acrylic. Seriously, a USA Kilt is all you need. Even the casuals look good enough to wear for semi dress. As to the buckles thing, you can get straps and buckles from Stillwater Kilts. They're not all that expensive to have put on. And Sport Kilts straps are really, really thin and cheap leather. (Have you figured out that I was seriously disapointed with my SK yet?)

billmcc · 31st July 08, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

Not to hijack, but does anybody have a picture of this sporran? No graphic on the seller's website. . . thanks!

David White provides a picture of the sporran in this thread:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/n...484#post557484

**Galb** · 31st July 08, 06:05 AM

Also take a look at Stillwater. They do not have the Clark tartan, however, their accessories may just meet some of your expectations.

**Galician** · 31st July 08, 07:13 AM

I wear that very kilt myself, as does a good friend of mine (see the pics in my album). I am very happy with it and plan (when financially possible) to get another with pockets, now that they're available.

I would just point out that Sportkilt and USA Kilts have different shades of this tartan. The Sportkilt one comes in Ancient (sometimes seen as the Clergy style), while the USAK comes in the Modern (seen as more the Clarke way).

The Sportkilt IS a good starter kilt and GREAT for hot, muggy weather. It doesn't compare, of course, to a woolen kilt in terms of feel and hang--and the swoosh factor.