usa or stillwater?

**jjoseph** · 18th May 06, 09:02 AM

I have had all 3 Stillwaters (econo, std, heavy)... just SKIP the economy; for the $$'s difference, their Standard is an amazing jump up in quality. I also have a wonderful kilt from Rocky at USA and its only drawback is a pet peeve of mine. VELCRO... it secures via velcro instead of straps and I just happen to despise velcro. I will tell you this: my USA is beaucoup sturdier than the Stills. Although I handwash both and hang dry, I suspect the USA would do well on a gently cycle; I can guarantee the Stillwater will NOT. So while SW standards are lighter and more felted than my USA, the twill fabric of my Thomson Grey from USA is just a much, much better fabric yet still quite light. (And the no iron pleats are a great help too!). All that to say, if you need a kilt that will wear a long time, talk to Rocky at USA about the fabric you are choosing. You can't go wrong. He'll steer you right. And know that Stills are GREAT buy for the price, but a bit fragile.

**kilted in kleaveland** · 18th May 06, 09:28 AM

I also am not a big fan of velcro. Much rather have the straps. However I'm looking for a tank that can stand up to some consistant usage.

**Colin** · 18th May 06, 09:32 AM

Why not try the semi-traditional from USA Kilts. It's a bit more expensive, but it's got the look of a traditional style kilt with the straps and buckle, but it is still the smae machine washable PV.

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 18th May 06, 09:39 AM

I CONSTANTLY recommend both to people who ask me about kilts. It's pretty easy to tell which way they will go with their purchase, and what they're looking for.

Stillwater Kilts: wonderful kilts with numerous pleats and straps for the guy that's going to wear any tartan and enjoy the look. They're a "generic" fit for most, but may be easily tailored for a more precise length. All-in-all, I've never had one complaint about them as far as getting what you pay for! Beyond that... the customer service is second to none.

USAKilts: a WIDE range of looks, materials, tartans and prices. The whole spectrum has been covered for the tartan-wearing guy. Even the lowest price kilts are worthy of proud display... and you really can't say that about some other products available. The fit IS tailored to YOUR own size. This can be VERY important for when you're not exactly "normal" (in shape that is). The majority of my "redirects" do go to USAKilts because I deal with a load of Scots/Irish that are looking for a certain tartan. From St. Pats Day, Tartan Day, Talisker Sailors Ball, the Festivals, the Saw Doctors gig, and the other appearances... I KNOW that people have been ordering since they've written me to thank me for the advise.

With BOTH companies, you just can't go wrong. IF (for some fluke) something's not completely right, you can be assured that it WILL be corrected to your pleasing. Just determine what your need is and feel comfortable with your choice. There's MORE than enough guys here that can attest to both!

**switchblade5984** · 18th May 06, 10:00 AM

i love my still standards

i am thinking about usak

**Roan Carter** · 18th May 06, 10:33 AM

I beileve something to consider is that Stillwater Kilts suit a large kilt belt. USA Kilts' casual model uses a smaller, more normal belt loop. Their semi-traditional kilt uses large loops for a kilt belt. Consider what kinda belt you want to wear, as somehow the large ornate belts do not go as well with some of my casual "Kiss me, I'm Irish!" type shirts.

Also, this may not matter to some people, but it kinda sticks me. If you buy a casual USA Kilt, you'll have a Celtic cross patch on the bottom right corner of the front apron. As a matter of personal faith, I couldn't wear it. (And where do I stick a pin?) I believe the semi-traditional model does not have this cross patch.

I will vouch for the standard Stillwater Kilt's quality. Acrylic wool feels (imo) much better than my pv Sport Kilt. I'm not sure about the pv material USA Kilts uses, as I have not bought one, although I'm assumign it's similar. My standard Stillwater Kilt is just ... everything I want right now, but I will say there is a chance I will buy from USA Kilts in the future for their tartan selection and custom sizes.

**jjoseph** · 18th May 06, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by Roan Carter

Also, this may not matter to some people, but it kinda sticks me. If you buy a casual USA Kilt, you'll have a Celtic cross patch on the bottom right corner of the front apron. As a matter of personal faith, I couldn't wear it. (And where do I stick a pin?) I believe the semi-traditional model does not have this cross patch.

I had forgotten about that pesky patch... I carefully used a seam ripper to remove it prior to my first wearing (it left no mark). I too prefer my kiltpin to a logo. I get so many compliments on their kilt and sing USA's praises, so I figure I am making up for the lost branding.

**Colin** · 18th May 06, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by jjoseph

I had forgotten about that pesky patch... I carefully used a seam ripper to remove it prior to my first wearing (it left no mark). I too prefer my kiltpin to a logo. I get so many compliments on it and sing USA's praises, so I figure I am making up for the lost branding.

Apparently Rocky and Kelly will leave the patch off it you ask them to.

**bubba** · 18th May 06, 10:42 AM

Rocky and Kelly will put on the larger belt loops and leave the USAK patch off if you ask. That's what custom service is all about, getting it the way you want it.

**RockyR** · 18th May 06, 10:47 AM

I'm staying out of this thread except to correct a few misgivings...

Originally Posted by Roan Carter

I beileve something to consider is that Stillwater Kilts suit a large kilt belt. USA Kilts' casual model uses a smaller, more normal belt loop. Their semi-traditional kilt uses large loops for a kilt belt. Consider what kinda belt you want to wear, as somehow the large ornate belts do not go as well with some of my casual "Kiss me, I'm Irish!" type shirts.

If you want larger belt loops (to accomidate a 2.5" belt), just ask! We'll gladly give you bigger loops for no extra charge. The REASON we put on 1.5" loops is b/c the "typical" customer who spends $110 for a kilt, DOESN'T want to spend $75 on a belt and buckle.

Originally Posted by Roan Carter

Also, this may not matter to some people, but it kinda sticks me. If you buy a casual USA Kilt, you'll have a Celtic cross patch on the bottom right corner of the front apron. As a matter of personal faith, I couldn't wear it. (And where do I stick a pin?) I believe the semi-traditional model does not have this cross patch.

Same as above... if you DON'T want the patch on the kilt, just ask! We'll gladly leave it off. Also... the "traditional" place for the kilt pin is about 6" up from the bottom of the kilt, not on the very corner. Basically, the pin would go above the logo.

Originally Posted by Roan Carter

I will vouch for the standard Stillwater Kilt's quality. Acrylic wool feels (imo) much better than my pv Sport Kilt. I'm not sure about the pv material USA Kilts uses, as I have not bought one, although I'm assumign it's similar. My standard Stillwater Kilt is just ... everything I want right now, but I will say there is a chance I will buy from USA Kilts in the future for their tartan selection and custom sizes.

As a point of fact... SK uses 8 oz Cotton Poly. While the names are similar, it's a FAR CRY from 11 oz Poly Viscose in look, feel, texture, durability, quality and cost.

*stepping off my soapbox*