Review: Black Eagle Raptor Kimono
Posted by Robert Visnick on August 21st, 2011
You may have missed their name, as there’s a lot of competition out there — but Black Eagle has been an online distributor for martial arts gear for the UK and beyond since 2005. If you check out their website, you’ll find they a variety of products for your Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu needs, whether it’s Gi or No Gi — including rash guards and grappling pants. I’ll admit, I can’t say I’ve tried any of their products before this one.
But, after checking out their Black Eagle Raptor Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi, I can say they’ve got a new loyal customer.
Just taking this gi out of the package I could tell it was quality — great stitch work, a very nice feel to it. The look of this gi is a little flashy, and definitely geared more towards a younger BJJ practitioner.
I received the black Raptor gi in a A2. I am 5′10″ and can weigh in anywhere between 135 lbs and 155 lbs. Since I have long limbs for such a thin person, I have had problems in the past with gi’s fitting me well. For example, a Vulkan was too loose around the legs (the collar was uncomfortable too). The fit of this Raptor Gi is amazing on me.
Examining the Gi I could tell right away that this is a Gi that can stay in rotation, and make it through years of training.
My initial concern of a receiving a black gi is how much the color will fade after a few rounds in the washer. But I washed the gi three times last week and gave it a round in the dryer, and the color looks just as good as when I took it out of the package. The gi barely shrunk, too. After a wash and round in the dryer the Gi fit perfectly.
The jacket has a rash guard lining, which may be a little hot for summer training in Texas but definitely great for fall and winter training. Of course, in the winter, the lining could definitely be a upside to the top.
The lining does give a good feel, providing extra protection during hard training. The lapel is very nicely constructed, with a nice and thick, stiff feel. Your opponent has to have a good grip to get a hold of this thing.
The pants are what I was most impressed with. As I said before, the cut and fit is perfect on me. No baggy crotch area. A good weight to them, especially for the heavy duty 100% cotton that they are constructed out of. Like the lapel, your opponent has to have a solid grip to get (and keep) a hold of these pants. A lazy grip will not work on these.
Overall I have no complaints about the Gi. I was very impressed from the time I pulled it out of the package to the time I stepped off the mats. This is the first Black Eagle product I have owned — but it won’t be the last.