[Leo]

I'd like to try something new. This is something that I think many students can do whether you're a die-hard martial arts person, or just one that enjoys a good work out.

Product reviews are very hard to find in our field of study. Most of the time when you find them, they are very sketchy and don't provide enough information to justify the purchase, or they are biased opinions based on someone who is receiving "kick-backs" or residuals to gear their audience to a specific vendor. Be that as it may, what better way to keep each other "informed" than on a bulletin board where the information can always be searched for.

Since we all know each other (for the most part ), I thought it'd be a good idea to do some product reviews as a way to keep each other informed. I know I don't like wasting my hard earned money!

Here is a link to the product I'm reviewing today:

http://www.centurymartialarts.com/default.aspx?tabid=53&ItemGUID=11388544-2f26-4143-a0e8-75c85696f761



Pros: Very comfortable, quick shipping, easy to order, very thick material so it should last a long time, makes some pretty sweet noises when I kick! LOL! Very strong hem/sew job.

Cons: A little pricey (some entire dobaks cost this much), color (I chose black) does fade in the wash (it recommends dry cleaning them, but I never will), due to thickness of material... these can build up a nice sweat! But, that's kind-of a pro to some people.

I have always purchased the entire dobak and just lived with the pants they came with. The pants that come with most of them are pretty resiliant, but over time they tend to lose color, rip, and get stretched out. Most dobaks are 6-8 ounce material, but these pants boast a whopping 10 ounces! You can definitely tell the difference when you get them.

I know that many students are not allowed to buy colored pants until they are at an intermediate level (green belt at Koguryo). But, these pants are offered in white, as well. The one's offered at most schools are great for a loooong time (I still have mine) but they due tend to start discoloring and they will rip over time just due to how thin they are. These new pants should last me many years. Of course, if they end up being junk, I'll reply to this post. So far, I'm very pleased with them.

The sound they make when I'm kicking really gets the adrenaline pumping! It sounds like something you'd hear on a movie. My sparring partners are a little intimidated by my feet now, but that's to be expected. Afterall, I did train at Koguryo MA Academy for 7 months.

On a scale of 1 to 5, I give these pants a solid 4. The only thing that would make them better is if they were like Master Circles greenish dobak (I think it's his SHJM traditional uniform). I like how those hug the ankles. If I were to wear something like that, I'd be out of uniform. Other than that, I think that I would have been happier if I went with a pair that just had a draw string, and no elastic band. Elastic bands are great when you are working with a bunch of kids, but as an adult, heck... we know how to tie strong knots.

That's it. Tell me what you all think. You no likey? Are product reviews okay with you?

Have a good one!

Tang Soo!
Leo

[treebeardgoddess]

I like the idea of product reviews, I just haven't bought anything to be able to review.
Anything that keeps me from wasting money.

[Master Circle]

Nice idea Leo.

I will try to put some of the products we use on here. I just acquired some Combat Swords for the Advanced students to use in sword sparring, so I should be able to review them soon.

As for pants, I am in the process of setting up an arrangement with a local tailor to provide all of our black belts with custom fitted pants. I hope they will be everything I expect
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[Leo]

Just wanted to follow-up on these pants I got 6 months ago. They are starting to fade a little. Also, I had to get them hemmed, but that's because I was tired of them dragging when doing forms. Other than those things, I really love the weight and the comfort. I think the fading is because I've been drying them in the dryer. It specifically tells you to line dry them... oh well... live and learn.

I'm in the market for a couple of new pairs. This time, I'm going to go with something that doesn't have the elastic band thingy. I just want the drawstring. I do think I'll stay with the 10 oz though. It really provides good feedback when snapping out kicks. Oh, and I'll probably just go with solid white and solid black. My Koguryo dobak is getting pretty beat up because I still train with it when my other dobak is grungy.

I'll fill you all in on what I get, and look forward to your reviews as time progresses.

Laterz!
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- Leo

Please email me for site ideas and/or concerns:
leo.seefeldt@gmail.com