Bear Kilt: Grizzly or Classic?

**KMacT** · 19th July 05, 01:45 PM

I have on order a 8-yard Classic Cut kilt from Bear Kilts. It will be in the Maple leaf tartan. The main reason I chose 8-yard was because the Maple Leaf polyviscose is a rather light fabric (8 oz, I think), and I thought the extra fabric would help to give the kilt some needed heft.

For a million reasons I'm thinking of switching my order to a 4-yard Grizzly Cut (the Grizzly Cut is not available in 8-yards). Bear says that ther Grizzly is actually more of a 6 yard kilt, but I guess it depends somewhat on my particular measurements.

My question: Would those with experience with Bear Kilts recommend the Grizzly Cut with the lighter Maple leaf tarten, or should I stick with the full 8 yard Classic Cut? I'm trying to figure out if one or the other best suits the light Maple Leaf tartan material.

Any and all comments appreciated. Address issues like the weight of the material, it's likelihood to fly in a wind, whether the extra cloth makes any difference in that regard, as well as general comments about the cut and hang and general appearance of the two styles (e.g. does the Classic Cut hang better?).

Kevin

**sav** · 19th July 05, 02:01 PM

I don't personally own a Bear, but I have seen several up close and have seen many worn. My impression is that with a lightweight fabric, such as the Maple Leaf you have on order, would hang better with an 8-yd, rather than the 4-yd Grizzly. Again, I don't have a Bear to speak of, but this is my opinion based on the many Bear Kilts I have seen. Hope that helps some.
~Sav

**Colin** · 19th July 05, 02:09 PM

The maple Leaf fabric is indeed quite light (lighter than the clan tartan fabrics). Personnally I would stick with the 8 yard Maple Leaf. Mind you I don't own a Grizzly cut kilt from Bear, only 3 classic cuts (2 - yard, 1-8 yard). I do however have one of the lighter fabric kilts, and it would be better if it were 8 yards instead of 4. The 4 yard in the ligh tfabric is perfect for the hot summer, but not so good for the cold. If it were in the 8 yards, I t would be a better most-weather kilt.

**bikercelt1** · 19th July 05, 02:46 PM

I have a classic cut in Gordon and I love it. I only have the one Bear Kilt but it compares most favorably with my other kilts, in fact it's fast becoming my daily wear choice. The "fly factor" is just fine. It will fly a bit more readily than my wool tank but no where near as easily as my other poly-v kilts which is odd because the fabric of my Bear feels lighter to the touch than my others. I even wore it to a recent "Tall Ships" festival in Tacoma and had absolutely no trouble climbing on and off the sailboats in spite of a fair breeze that was blowing. Maybe it has to do with the unique design, but it stays down very well unless you want to spin and make it fly on purpose and oh-boy-howdy will it ever do that!

Go for the classic, I predict you'll love it too!

Jamie

**Raphael** · 19th July 05, 03:18 PM

Trust me, you don't want to get a maple leaf in 4 yard. The material is far too light to make a sharp looking kilt.

I don't have a Grizzly cut yet, but the Grizzly cut's Apron isn't as wide as the Classic cut. If you want a wide apron, stick with the Classic Cut.

**Hamish** · 19th July 05, 05:52 PM

Bear is making me an 8 yard, woollen, Classic cut kilt in the British Columbia tartan, which I will be picking up at the start (I hope) of The Gathering fortnight in Vancouver in a couple of weeks.

This will be my first BearKilt, so I have no previous experience of this or the Grizzly cut styles, I am afraid. However, because of Bear's fine reputation, I am so looking forward to wearing this tribute to my host Province as I go about the city for those two weeks. Additionally, of course, it means there will be a BearKilt in my Kollection, at last!

Sorry, this doesn't help you - but I could not help mentioning it!!

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 19th July 05, 06:07 PM

Here's what you're looking for...

I own TWO GrizzlyCut BearKilts, and would own nothing else! The things are truly original, beautiful, and ALWAYS get great comments from for everyone. The latest one, the Cape Breton, is absolutely WONDERFUL. As with anyone else with ANY TALENT and actual care... the latest kilt is superior to the one from two years ago. It hangs PERFECTLY, is quite substantial in weight, and is a perfect fit. His ORIGINAL design in the Grizzly is rugged. It's a kilt... but it could pass as a backwoods kilt. I can not rave about it enough.

Eventhough I'm NOT a large guy, the yardage is FAR from 4 yards. My earlier-made Maple Leaf Grizzly Cut was much lighter and thinner because it was closer to an actual 4 yards. The Cape Breton is far superior and has withstood MUCH more abuse than the lighter kilt.

The Grizzly Cut is truly original, and should be a BearKilts trademark. Anyone can make a "relatively normal" kilt... but it takes some talent, craftsmanship and a good eye to create something like the Grizzly.

Do you get the jist on just how much I love the things?

**KMacT** · 19th July 05, 06:33 PM

Jimmy,

Yes, I'm hearing an endorsement. Loud and clear. And I expected nothing less from you (based on what you have said previously).

Correct me if I am wrong, but both of your Grizzly Cut kilts are the lighter PV material that the Maple Leaf tartan is made of (i.e. the Cape Bretan and the Maple Leaf are the same weight). The difference between the two is that the Cape Bretan has more than 4 yards of material and this results in a better kilt. Is that what you mean when you say it is "quite substantial in weight"? The Cape Bretan kilt is also of better overall quality of craftmanship which resulted from two extra years of Bear's experience going into it (as compared to the earlier made Maple Leaf kilt).

Do I have this right? (and especially the part of the cloth of the two being of the same weight).

Kevin

**Riverkilt** · 19th July 05, 10:25 PM

Thanks Jimmy,

Another kilt added to the wish list. May finally try a poly viscose kilt.

I really like the Cape Breton tartan, my family came to Skye Glen near Whycocomagh on CBI from Skye. The family land was there for generations.

When I get these two tanks paid for will sign up for a Bear jones.

Ron

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 20th July 05, 05:55 AM

Kevin, you understand me perfectly!

The first Grizzly-cut was in Maple Leaf, and was an early Bear creation. It was a marvelous kilt that fit well, but was thinner.

The second Grizzly-cut was in Cape Breton, and was a later Bear edition. It was closer to 6 yards of material, and improved the kilt in SO many ways.

Basically, it just shows that kilt makers can greatly improve with time when there's talent and creativity to go with it. I would buy another BearKilt Grizzly-cut in a heartbeat!!! I can get a "traditional" kilt from any number of makers and sources... and I prefer wool. Since I was going to try the poly/viscose stuff, I decided to go with the kilt maker that was the trend-setter... originator... pioneer... original in PV kilts. What better way to go with the company than to get an original design that reflects the maker?

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not going to go to casual kilt company for a "formal" kilt... just as I'm not going to hit UtiliKilts for a tartan. That's me.