Well then

[cavscout]

Well it's either going to be Utilikilt or SK, I'm not really sure which I'd rather get. If I get the UK it's going to have to be the Original. Good point on all the upgrades with the SK though, almost sways me to go with the UK.
As soon as I order it or as soon as it gets here and I put it on and wear it about?

Oooooh, you should have said you're mind was made up. Now you have inadvertantly asked for advise on kilt makers

My top choice for a solid color, utility styled kilt is a Freedom Kilt. If you go with his casual model you are very close to what you are looking at paying for a kilt form these other two makers but Steve will custom fit his kilt to your exact (waist, hips, length) size as well as he offers some great options on customizing it to your taste. You just aren't going to get that from SK or UK.

One other point,

UK has recently been having shortages in their inventory, so unless you've talked to UKHQ directly and they say they have your kilt on the rack or you can go to a festival where they have your kilt, you can probably be looking at as many weeks to get it as you would to get a custom kilt from FK.

Sportkilt was my first kilt and it serves it's purpose (pajamas), but if you think this may be the only kilt you have a for a while, I would suggest investing the money you have saved up and getting a kilt that will be versatile, durable and look and fit great. Your lead time will be about as much, and you get a tailor made garment. Tailor made didn't mean anything to me when I started researching kilts because I was used to the mass produced clothing that are fitted to the widest cross-section of people. When you finally wear a fitted kilt, you will realize what comfort really is. If you have the "scratch" to invest, go with the quality kilt while you can, especially if you know you will be wearing for a long time. If this will be a trial kilt to test the waters, then a less expensive kilt would be wise but then I'd not spend anything more than the money for a Stillwater Economy to do that.

Sorry to unload all that when you thought the decision was made, but hind sight is 20/20 and I think you'll be happier if you can factor in as many variables as possible.

[solstice]

Oooooh, you should have said you're mind was made up. Now you have inadvertantly asked for advise on kilt makers

My top choice for a solid color, utility styled kilt is a Freedom Kilt. If you go with his casual model you are very close to what you are looking at paying for a kilt form these other two makers but Steve will custom fit his kilt to your exact (waist, hips, length) size as well as he offers some great options on customizing it to your taste. You just aren't going to get that from SK or UK.

One other point,

UK has recently been having shortages in their inventory, so unless you've talked to UKHQ directly and they say they have your kilt on the rack or you can go to a festival where they have your kilt, you can probably be looking at as many weeks to get it as you would to get a custom kilt from FK.

Sportkilt was my first kilt and it serves it's purpose (pajamas), but if you think this may be the only kilt you have a for a while, I would suggest investing the money you have saved up and getting a kilt that will be versatile, durable and look and fit great. Your lead time will be about as much, and you get a tailor made garment. Tailor made didn't mean anything to me when I started researching kilts because I was used to the mass produced clothing that are fitted to the widest cross-section of people. When you finally wear a fitted kilt, you will realize what comfort really is. If you have the "scratch" to invest, go with the quality kilt while you can, especially if you know you will be wearing for a long time. If this will be a trial kilt to test the waters, then a less expensive kilt would be wise but then I'd not spend anything more than the money for a Stillwater Economy to do that.

Sorry to unload all that when you thought the decision was made, but hind sight is 20/20 and I think you'll be happier if you can factor in as many variables as possible.

So you finally give me what I was looking for! Thanks friend! It had been a while since I last visited the UK site and last time I was there everything was in stock, now things are looking rather slim. That's terribly depressing but it's their loss, eh? Freedom Kilt looks pretty good but it'll take me another week to get the extra cash on hand (and I wants it now! heh.) I know that this isn't going to be the only kilt I purchase but the next one might take a long while to find its way into my budget. Customs fees are another concern, I don't really care to pay extra to get something I own across any imaginary lines.

[RockyR]

You may also want to check out Steve's low end model... "the Industrial" Freedom Kilt (www.freedomkilts.com)

Or... www.amerikilts.com (for a solid contemporary around $100)

[cavscout]

Oh, yeah Rocky. I forgot about that one since it's not on his web site. Great option!

Amerikilt is a great one too, and you get a sporran with it. The material is a lighter weight, but here in GA it will be fine when the Summer Humidity sets in ... next week

[Raphael]

ALthough I don't have an Amerikilt but they have around for a few years. It comes with a detachable cloth sporran and it is cheaper than either UK or Sports kilt. You can also upgrade to a proper sporran, like a nightstalker sporran from Stillwater kilts. I have seen one in person and it is sturdy.