SWK Standard v. Heavyweight?

[Nick]

Due to some unexpected expenses, I can't get a SWK as soon as I had hoped, but the next kilt I get is definitly going to be a SWK. I figured I'd take the time to ask everyone's opinion on which one would be best.

There have been lots of very good reviews of SWK here. I've been looking at their website, and searching our archives. The question I have is: how much better is the Heavyweight over the Standard, and is it worth waiting that extra bit longer to save up my pennies to get a Heavyweight rather than a Standard?

Thanks,
Nick

[Iolaus]

That depends on what kind of weather you experience most!

I imagine that, in Michigan, you'll occasionally need something warmer, but here in SoCal, I'm sticking with the standard.

[NewKilt]

I agree with Iolaus, about the weather factor. I live in mid-missouri, so the majority of my Stillwaters are the standards. But, I also have two heavywieghts for really cold days. Even the standards are fairly heavy with 6-8 yards of material. I'm not sure of the weight per yard of the standards, but I would guess that it is at least 10 oz.

Our mid-Missouri summers are very hot and humid. I would suspect that in Michigan that your summers may have some occasional hot days, maybe even in the 90s, but the humidy would be less of a factor. If I were in your local I would lean more towards the heavywieghts for all year wear. They are very substantial with 6-8 yards of 13 oz. wool.

Of course there are people on Xmarks that live in the southern states, and where Stillwater hevyweights during the summer. They have advised me, that when doing so, it is important to keep moving, so that you get the ventilation.

Basically, I have found that the heavyweights and the standards are both high quality. The 2006 model standards have the same features as the heavyweights. Both excellent kilts for the money IMO.

Hope this helps.

Darrell

[lcjones]

I've got both Standard and Heavy. I much prefer the SWK-Heavy. I've spent a lot of time the last couple of years in Michigan in the lower and on the U-per both winter and summer. The Standard is way too light for the cooler months. The Heavy is, on a scale of 1 - 10 [10 being best] about a 5, perhaps a 6 for warmth. On those steamier Michigan days, the Heavy may be a tad warm around the waist, but not uncomfortable.

Also, if you're near the lakes, the Standard will most assuredly require weights, i.e., a nice X-Marks kilt pin, a sporran and perhaps a couple of crimpable lead sinkers strategically placed!

SWK has the new Hunting McLeod which is quite nice on the eyes. I'd like to get one, but it's only available in the Standard. I exchanged notes with Jerry earlier this week asking if the Hunting McLeod will go Heavy. At this time there are no plans to go heavy with it. Too bad! I'd pop in a heart beat for a Heavy Hunting McLeod from SWK.

In the meantime, get what you can afford, and rest assured, though it may be your first kilt, it most certainly will not be your last kilt!

I'm in South Central KY and today the temps are in the mid 30's. I've got the Black Watch heavy on and it's very comfortable. Just warm enough! As long as the breeze stays under 10 knots, it's good to go!

Best to you.

Les

[Nick]

I'm glad to hear that the Standard is comperable in quality to the heavyweight. I was concerned that a lighter weight might be more akin to a tablecloth weight kilt, but it sounds like it's much better.

This won't be my first kilt, LC, it'll be my fifth bought kilt, but it will be my first traditionally styled kilt.

I live right on the shores of Lake Superior, so I get my share of wind! It's never been a major problem, never had it blow up, though I've had a few close calls.

I'm considering the Heavyweight, but it may come down to what I can afford. I'll know in at least two months, I'm thinking.

[GMan]

I find my Standard warm enough. It definetly does keep me warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

[lcjones]

"I live right on the shores of Lake Superior, so I get my share of wind! "

very cool .. one of my favorite places is the Paradise/Whitefish Point area. thought about moving up that-a-way. some one was raffling off a piece of land over by Grand Marais. i bought a few tickets ... but alas. it wasn't in the cards .....

les

[NewKilt]

I e-mailed Jerry to ask him the weight of the SWK standards. He said the are about 10 oz. The wool heavyweights are 16 oz. So the SWK standards are close to the weight of lightweight wool even though they are acrylic. I have found the standards plenty warm in the 30-40 degree range. Of course, if there is a strong wind that brings the windchill factor into the 20s, the standards can feel cold if you remain outside.

Darrell