PV Kilts and Fire

**Homer** · 27th April 11, 08:18 AM

Hey all,
I've recently purchased an 8 yard USAK tank and have worn it a bit to some functions. However, I feel the need to get something I can be a bit more rugged in. So I want a third kilt to be casual in basically. On for the fare, one for some flare and one that I won't have to take to much to care. Little rhyme I made in my boredom.
I've considered a Works Sport Kilt, and a Casual Model from USAK and a Semi-Traditional from the same. I like the feel of wool and have never owned a PV one, so I'd like to hear some opinions. Also I've read that PV is flammable... Fire is a favorite for me. As well as cooking, so I can't become the steak I try to grill. Thank you all for any comments or readings. Feel the breeze.

**RockyR** · 27th April 11, 08:36 AM

The MM PV fabric (used by USAK, Freedom Kilts, CCC, SHO, etc) is a VERY tight weave. Less air between the fibers means it won't light from a small spark. Also, less 'hairs' sticking out means less flamable.

LOOSER weave acrylic kilts and loosely woven PV (the '16 oz' stuff coming out of Pakistan and China) do light a bit easier.

**Galician** · 27th April 11, 08:37 AM

You have a little backwards, dood.

It's acrylic which is highly flammable, not PV. I have a couple and they feel great, especially in the summer. You are looking right where you should be.
Now you have to post a photo of yourself once you get that one, if not sooner!

**Zardoz** · 27th April 11, 08:39 AM

Actually, the acrylic fabrics such as used by Stillwater or Frugal Corner are frequently mentioned as flammable, not the PV like USAK uses.
There is a big difference between the two, not just the fire thing. PV is IMO a much better "wool analog" in terms of look, feel, and handling.
As the owner of 5 USAK Semi-trads, I suggest looking into one, the Semi-trad can go to the faire, and have some flare, and doesn't take much to care.

**lethearen** · 27th April 11, 08:39 AM

Other experts will weigh in, but my thoughts. PV is essentially plastic. It's not as bad as say acrylic... but still not what I would call flame-retardant.

That said, there was a video in one thread on here that burned various different kilting materials. I believe PV was amongst the ones test, but couldn't tell you how it faired. I remember acrylic went up dramatically, and wool wouldn't really burn at all. PV I think was somewhere in the middle.

Does anyone have a link to that page?

**Nighthawk** · 27th April 11, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by lethearen

Other experts will weigh in, but my thoughts. PV is essentially plastic. It's not as bad as say acrylic... but still not what I would call flame-retardant.

That said, there was a video in one thread on here that burned various different kilting materials. I believe PV was amongst the ones test, but couldn't tell you how it faired. I remember acrylic went up dramatically, and wool wouldn't really burn at all. PV I think was somewhere in the middle.

Does anyone have a link to that page?

I don't have a link, but I can speak from experience. I will never, ever own another acrylic for the reason mentioned- they burn voraciously. I had one catch on fire in my lap on a camping trip once. However, I've worn my USA Kilt PV camping on a fairly regular basis with no problems at all. I would echo Zardoz- USA Kilts kilts are excellent for whatever you need, from camping to to weddings.

**Spartan Tartan** · 27th April 11, 09:54 AM

I seriously understand where you are coming from.

I have a nice 8 yd wool that I wish to preserve and decided similarly to find something that as you say, "On for the fare, one for some flare and one that I won't have to take to much to care".

I actually got both a Sportkilt and a USAK Casual (in truth the USAK casual was a moment of opportunity). Actually, I bought the Sportkilt and I was not satisfied with it and went on the hunt to actually satisfy my wish for a comfortable casual that can be worn in public. I simply will NOT wear the Sportkilt outside of my house and fenced in backyard--and honestly, I have not put it on since getting the USAK Casual. Hindsight is 20-20, and from my "glasses" I would have just bought the USAK Casual to begin with. My USAK Casual was not even made to my specifications, but looks great.

I know others have positive things to say about Sportkilt. I am not saying anything bad about them. However, my personal preference is for a heavier feeling kilt and I find that the PV does that better than acrylic. I do not wear my kilt to participate in athletic events, but if I did I would wear the Sportkilt for certain.

I do not have a USAK Semi-trad, but if it's within your budget I suspect you will be even happier with that.

Just my personal opinion and two cents worth.

**Nighthawk** · 27th April 11, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

I seriously understand where you are coming from.

I have a nice 8 yd wool that I wish to preserve and decided similarly to find something that as you say, "On for the fare, one for some flare and one that I won't have to take to much to care".

I actually got both a Sportkilt and a USAK Casual (in truth the USAK casual was a moment of opportunity). Actually, I bought the Sportkilt and I was not satisfied with it and went on the hunt to actually satisfy my wish for a comfortable casual that can be worn in public. I simply will NOT wear the Sportkilt outside of my house and fenced in backyard--and honestly, I have not put it on since getting the USAK Casual. Hindsight is 20-20, and from my "glasses" I would have just bought the USAK Casual to begin with. My USAK Casual was not even made to my specifications, but looks great.

I know others have positive things to say about Sportkilt. I am not saying anything bad about them. However, my personal preference is for a heavier feeling kilt and I find that the PV does that better than acrylic. I do not wear my kilt to participate in athletic events, but if I did I would wear the Sportkilt for certain.

I do not have a USAK Semi-trad, but if it's within your budget I suspect you will be even happier with that.

Just my personal opinion and two cents worth.

This mirrors my own experience with both Sport Kilt and USAK. The USAK is the much better value.

**Joshua** · 27th April 11, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

This mirrors my own experience with both Sport Kilt and USAK. The USAK is the much better value.

Considering I've given away my sportkilt, and I've got an 8yard PV inbound from SHO - I guess that's what I get to throw in, as I don't want to throw in my acrylics (the fuzzy cloth picks up too much crap, and I tend to end up on my butt way more than I should when throwing).

**Sharkman** · 27th April 11, 10:31 AM

I wonder if the fear of fire thing is a bit over done.

I camp and hike quite a bit and the materials prefered for clothing for this activity uses a lot of polyesters and man made materials that are very flammable and if you take care and pay attention you don't and won't have problems around fire. Believe me while camping I always have some kind of fire and I always exercise caution and care when using it. I think kilts made from similar materials all pretty much fall into this catagory too.

Just my 2 cents.