What about Sport Kilts?

[Colin]

Whoa, while I agree with Colin's advice about saving and investing in a better kilt (Wish I would have) I don't think SportKilts are "that" bad...

I think of them as a step above the Stillwater Kilts folks rave about here.

I'd rather have poly fabric than acrylic (that's just me) and SportKilt will at least custom fit my length for me, something Stillwater still doesn't choose to do.

My guess is also that the SportKilt is made here in the U.S. of A so costs more to make it, but less shipping/import costs.

But all that matters not if you're wiser than I was and save for a quality kilt(s) first then back fill later with the "inexpensive" kilts.

Ron

I think that is were a lot of people here will just agree to disagree. While I don't own either, I tend to think that the Stillwater kilts with a fell line, tapered apron, and higher waistband would be quite a bit closer to a traditional kilt.
I would think you would have a hard time finding many more people that think the SportKilt is a step above the Stillwater, Ron. I don't see how a kilt that comes with an elasticized waistband is a step above a kilt that, while made with an alternate fabric, is cut to look more like a traditional kilt. I have been on this forum for years now and have heard praise after praise of Stillwater's products, and I have seen Jerry implement alot of the changes his target market was looking for (ok, custom length hasn't been done yet), where as I have heard alot of negative feedback about Sportkilt's service and products.
As I said before, there are those of you guys on this forum that have Sportkilts and love them, but their are also guys that have ordered Sportkilts and ditched them shortly after delivery. It's all a matter of opinion I guess.

[Riverkilt]

Aye,

The rating is my own. I rate the poly fabric over the acrylic for endurance etc.

I rate the custom length over "take what we make." I believe there's a wider choice of tartans from SportKilts.

And, for me, for a low priced "kilt" to have the size flexibility of the elastic waist is more important than having thin leather straps that are mostly covered anyway.

But that's just me....and, the irony of me touting SportKilts has not escaped me...

And, a risky question....does your listing of Bear Kilts mean he's taking orders again...?

Thanks,

Ron

[Colin]

And, a risky question....does your listing of Bear Kilts mean he's taking orders again...?

I haven't spoken to him in months, so I couldn't tell you. Never hurts to know who is out there offering kilts though. From what I gather, Bear is trying to use this break in orders to get caught up. You'd have to ask him though.

[Manu]

I wouldnt consider a SW a casual kilt. They are heavier and warmer than the Philabeg. I, like Ron, prefer Poly materials to acrylic, but Ill get a casual from Rocky any day before a Sportkilt, or a SW. (Not to put them down, I just dont like how acrylic gets after a few washes and some use).

[Blu (Ontario)]

A cheap kilt is cheap for a reason. They are very lightweight, of cheap fabric, and are thrown together. I've seen sportkilts and they look tatty, plain and simple. A complete waste of money from what I've seen.

By comparison, a "real" kilt costs about $1.50 per day (or less) spread over a year. That's less than coffee, cigarettes, fast food lunches, snack foods, etc. etc. that most people seem to be able to find cash for.

caveat emptor

.

[Zardoz]

By comparison, a "real" kilt costs about $1.50 per day (or less) spread over a year. That's less than coffee, cigarettes, fast food lunches, snack foods, etc. etc. that most people seem to be able to find cash for.

I never thought of it that way! And thanks to credit cards, you don't have to wait a whole year to spend that cash!

[NewKilt]

I had several Sportkilts, but sold them. As Ron has said, with sewn down pleats they are not that bad. However, I consider my SWKs, AKs and Buzz Kidders to be better kilts. The workmanship is better, and I'm glad to be free of the elastic waist band. The SWKs in acrylic material are more prone to getting snagged than the polyblend material of the Sportkilts, but the wide tappered apron, the 6-8 yards of material, deep pleats, the traditional strap and bukle closure, IMHO wins hands down.

Buzz Kidders are traditional style kilts in solid colors, made from 6-8 yards of 10 oz canvas. They are more prone to wrinkling, but are as rugged as nails. The AKs are rugged contemporary kilts. I've noticed that the weight of these is quite different. For instance, the tan is very lightweight and great for summer. The Khaki is relatively heavy - almost like canvas. The brown corduroy is also relatively heavy and stays vitually wrinkle free.

For me, the AKs are my favorite kilts. I love the style and the way they look on me. Excellent workmanship and service - plus, Mike Butler, the owner of Amerikilts is a great guy.

Darrell

[CameronTaylor]

If ye be patient for a bit, there'll be news here you might find interesting in your quest.


CT - not til they're ready tho -

[Norbydog]

I own two Sportkilt, one cotton and one Poly. I also own a Stillwater heavyweight and a Stillwater standard.

I have considered selling my Sportkilts, but I have found good reasons to keep them- the cotton is good as a loaner, and when I have a situation where I really don't care it the kilt dies. The Poly is on the chopping block, and a good offer may make me let it go. I had the pleats sewd down, but I can't get the material to put loops on it, so it falls in the very casual, very hot days kilt. Possibly it will be the "party" kilt.

The Stillwaters are heavier and in my opinion, a better kilt, but that is just me. I like the straps better than the velcro, and that they ride higher up the body.

Ask me in a few weeks, when I hope to have my new scottish.net kilt and my new USAkilt.

[Colin]

Ask me in a few weeks, when I hope to have my new scottish.net kilt and my new USAkilt.

I am sure you will be blown away by both and you won't want to go back to anything else