Can a very affordable gi (read cheap) be a worthwhile part of your training rotation? That is the question you’ll ask yourself when you’re in a sudden need of a new gi, and it is completely unexpected.
Sure, you can save some skrilla to cop that hot new Shoyo when you plan for it, but what if one of your gis happens to rip during training? What if you just bought a new car so your discretionary money is a lot tighter? What if I just keep coming up with a million hypothetical scenarios when we all totally understand already? We get it Ruben, we’re broke...
I sought out to review one of the lowest cost gis on the market. The Elite Sports Ultra Light gi.
You can purchase it on Amazon, and get back on the mats in a jiffy. But, is it a worthwhile purchase?
In short, yes. Although it is partially made with polyester, the gi performs just as you’d expect any other gi to perform. The design is understated and if you utilize my process for washing black gis, you’ll keep it dark and dangerously sexy.
BJJ Gi Elite Sports Ultra Light Design
The Ultra Light has little branding on the Gi top and the Gi pants. I wouldn’t quite call it minimal, as it has three total company patches on the Gi top, but they aren’t visually busy. For my gi reviews, I base my overall opinion on the design based on what my training partners say of the gi. I don’t go around showing off my new gi. I just wear it, and if they make a comment, I make a note of it. The Ultra Light did not compel any of my traning partners to make comments. I received neither praise nor criticism for the gi. This is a good thing for people who do not like to call attention to themselves.
The Ultra Light comes in White, Black, Blue, Navy, Gray, and Green in sizes A0-A5 (as well as A2L, A2H, A3L, A3H).
Elite Sports Ultra Light Gi Quality/Fit
The Ultra Light is a 400 gsm pearl weave kimono made from 60% cotton and 40% polyester. Per their website, the fabric is antibacterial and preshrunk.
This gi is decently built; I think it will it last an appropriate amount. The fit is adequate, in my opinion, if not just a bit roomy in the pants.
The top fits my torse well; the sleeve length is about an inch longer than I’d like (if we are being nitpicky). However, your mileage may vary. We all have different anatomical configurations. That’s all that needs to be said in that department. For the price, the fit is right.
The pants drop short of the instep of my ankle, which is perfect.
I thought the polyester would be rough and uncomfortable, but I was pleasantly surprised. The gi performs as you’d expect from something at twice the price point of the Ultra Light.
The rope drawstrings are generous in length, which mitigates the fact that there is no stretch to that fabric.
Elite Sports Ultra Light Gi Weight
Their website does not state how much each gi size weighs, but it is one of the lighter gis in my rotation.
Ultimately, at the price point this product is sold, I believe it to be a good bargain. I don’t think you’d be disappointed by picking up one or a few of these gis. The design is understated and not obtrusive. And, the fit gets the job done.
Pick yourself up a cheap workhorse of a Gi:
Here are more reviews on the Ultra Light, for your convenience:
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