Usa Kilts vs. Sport Kilt

[Nolan11]

Hello, I am looking at purchasing a budget-friendly 5-yard wool kilt in a Galway Irish tartan. From doing some research online Usa Kilts and Sport Kilts would run about $400 total. Have any of you had experience with these two manufacturers as far as finish quality? The whole velcro closure on the Sport kilt seams very untraditional, but not a deal breaker if the quality is there. Thank you in advance for any help.

[Richrail]

I have no experience with Sport Kilt but I do have five 5 yard wool kilts from USAkilts. I know USAkilts are second to none in customer service, Rocky and crew are amazing.

[Steve Ashton]

I have had both USA Kilts and Sport Kilts in my hand. There simply is no way to compare the two. They are totally different products. Designed and built for a totally different customer base.

Then,

Take a look at who supports this forum. One does and one does not. In fact one tried to buy this forum at one time. I was not the owner at the time but the history was relayed to me. I was told that the offer was ridiculously low and was made not with the intent of running a forum but of buying a potential customer database to include all your contact information and personal data. It was relayed that the intent was to turn this forum into a one company advertising venue.
When the offer was turned down, the company who tried to buy X Marks refused to participate here or support the X Marks community in any way.

I can, and will, vouch for any company who advertises here. They are the best, the most honest, and the most supporting of, not just their customers but, all kilt wearers. You can buy from an X Marks advertiser with my personal assurance that you will get the exact product advertised and the level of customer service equal to the level of participation, of selfless giving, you see here.

[SunriseEarth]

As much as I love my Sport Kilts for their versatility, I'm hesitant to invest in one of their wool kilts. They are constructed the same way as a standard Sport Kilt, but in wool. You probably could go for the "Ultimate" build and get the "double the pleats" option and it would look good. However, once you get to that price level, you could get the USAK for the same price and it would have a sturdier construction.

[Liam]

First of all, welcome to the forum. I have a wool kilt from SportKilt, so am speaking with some authority. (I own about 20 kilts.) The customer relations of SportKilt was great, the kilt not so. The pleats are so shallow I need to press it following each time I wear unless I never sit. It also has the weird triple front apron that is unique to SportKilt. I do not own a kilt from Rocky at USA Kilts, but many here do and are very happy with both his customer service and their kilt.
I have no vested interest in either.
Cheers!

[Steve Ashton]

There is another way to look at the original question. If you have what you think are two comparable products at comparable prices, forget looking at the product. Look at the company. Which company would you feel comfortable giving your hard earned money to?
You have to look behind or beyond the "We make the best product in the world" advertising. Everybody says that.

Does the advertising come across as believable or does it come across like hype and fluff? Do they perpetuate myth or fact?

All companies are trying to sell you something. But in the end it is the company that really matters. Does customer service mean making it easier to get you to the check-out faster or does customer service mean helping you to make an informed decision?

When you get beyond all the advertising, it really is true that, the better company will deliver the better product.

[Tarheel]

Well met Nolan and welcome. It is good of you to ask members here to help with your purchase. We have varied people with varied tastes and needs in kilts. I don't have a kilt from either company but can tell you that years of reading the posts here have led me to this conclusion; you can get a kilt from either company that will meet your requirements. The members that have many kilts can give you comparisons but they will fit that persons needs (maybe not your own).

Glad to have you with us and hope you find the kilt that is right for you. Either choice you make, I hope you give us feedback that will help other members or new people in the future that face your situation.

[dutchy kilted]

Greetings Nolan and welcome to the Rabble!
I freely admit that I have never owned a Sport Kilt so I really can't give a fair opinion of them, I have owned seven USA Kilts and have never had any complaints with any of them. All look and fit wonderfully and the quality and customer service are first rate.

Realize that if you are spending that kind of money for a kilt you will have it most likely for the rest of your life. Choose wisely!

[kingandrew]

Hello Nolan!

I have purchased a few items from Sport Kilt and have been very happy with the customer service. They were my source for a very budget-conscious, but attractive and durable Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat (and black Balmoral bonnet to wear on my way to the event) when I needed it. It's still my go-to outfit for formal occasions.

I also own a Sport Kilt "Comfy Kilt," which is made of cotton flannel. I use it for running races, and it is excellent for that purpose. No one would confuse it with a full-dress wool kilt, but their web site states that clearly. It is as comfy as the name would indicate, but not dressy.

I have a 5-yard wool kilt from Scotweb and it has been my kilt for everything other than racing for about 10 years. It's in Boyd Modern tartan and the cost was in the range you're talking about. The customer service at Scotweb was great and the kilt is good quality. It has held up fine and still looks practically brand new, despite little care beyond hanging on a proper kilt hanger.

I do not have a kilt from USA Kilts, but am considering buying one in the not so distant future, since I have lost quite a bit of weight and my Scotweb kilt is starting to get too big for me.

If you are looking for a budget-conscious way to get started with a heavyweight wool dress kilt, I would suggest taking a look at Stillwater Kilts. They offer a basic model under $200, but you're limited to a choice of just a couple of tartans. But it might be a good way of getting your feet wet, if you are new to kilt wearing.

I hope the above is some help to you, even though I can't answer your original question.

I am pretty confident that whatever kilt you pick up will not be your last. They definitely have a way of multiplying in your closet.

Andrew

[Mael Coluim]

From USA Kilts, I have; three 5-yarders, 4 semi-trads, 5 casuals.

From Sportkilts, one comfy and one original.

No hesitation here to say go for the USA Kilt.