Any experience with...

[Scottish Chi]

My first post of what will more than likely be many. I am curious about the SWK Heavyweight Kilt new for 2006. A few months ago I bought my first kilt (Ferguson medium weight 6 yards but a wool mixed fiber) for about $280. It was fine at first (just a little lifting at the bottom apron corners) and I was pleased until I was invited to a Robert Burns dinner. Now I was seeing these beautiful, heavyweight, 8+ yard, kilts and got the itch for one. It will take some time to justify the expense as well as determining a good choice of kilt maker. I also need to become more educated regarding what to ask when buying online. I will need help in all those things. (Buyers remorse is not a good thing!)
In the meantime I saw the "SWK Heavyweight Kilt new for 2006". Even though I should be saving for a traditional 8 yard 16 oz "once in a lifetime" purchase, would it be a good idea to look into the SWK Heavyweight? My concern is I have read reviews about the less expensive SWK kilts but not their most expensive. Does any one have any experience with the Heavyweight? After reading the description the price seems VERY reasonable almost too good to be true.

Cheers!

[Mattg]

I have a Standard, and I love it. But no clue on the Heavyweight. Sorry, I really really really wish I had one to tell you about

[Riverkilt]

No clue on SWK since they don't offer my kilt length. That would be an important consideration - does the length they offer actually fit your body.

If it helps with figuring out kiltmakers my gallery has pictures of four hand sewn kilts made up for me by Kathy Lare of Kathy's Kilts in Albuquerque and one from the Celtic Croft.

I think Kathy is sewing up at least one of the X Marks the Scot tartan kilts.

Ron

[Bob C]

No clue on SWK since they don't offer my kilt length. That would be an important consideration - does the length they offer actually fit your body.

Ron

Someday, someone is going to post something about Stillwater, and Ron is going to forget to complain about their length. It's GOT to happen, eventually.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Blu, no offense intended or taken. We all have different experiences and approaches. For me, I wanted to ease into the kilt wearing/buying experience. I found it much easier to justify spending $100 for a SWK than $500 for a tank, especially when I was not sure I would wear it more than once. Then once I had one and wore it, I wanted one for every day, so stayed on the cheap side so I could afford as many as I wanted (not quite, but close). I am now waiting on my Xmarks fabric and my first true trad kilt. I assume that I will become a convert to them as so many others have. I know that my tastes have changed, and matured, since my first kilt which was a SK. I know wear my tartans, UK's, and PK's more than my other kilts, and my SK's not at all. Need to sell them, might make enough to buy a 2006 SWK HW.


I also look forward to the Bristol renaissance Faire opeing after Independence day as they have a traditional kilt maker located there for the season and I might just have to get one from them.

[Zardoz]

I have 2 06' Stillwater standards, and a 06'Weathered Lamont wool heavyweight, (although I'd guess the cloth is closer to a medium 13oz weight wool) I'm real happy with all of them. Thanks to the qualities if the wool, the Lamont hangs and swishes better, and is more resistant to creasing than the standards, which are a 11oz or so poly material. I know they are not anything like a $500 tank, but as has been said, for $150 they are hard to beat, and are a great "training kilt" for the potental 8yrd tank buyer. I'm planning on ordering a Saffron pretty soon, I just wish Jerry had a few more tartan choices!

[Riverkilt]

Someday, someone is going to post something about Stillwater, and Ron is going to forget to complain about their length. It's GOT to happen, eventually.

Probably not...

Didn't realize I was complaining, just pointing out the limitations to a guy who asked.

Curious though...even SportKilt now offers custom lengths as an option.

Maybe I'm just jealous I can't get in on all the good deals from SWK.

Ron

[Blu (Ontario)]

..... Even though I should be saving for a traditional 8 yard 16 oz "once in a lifetime" purchase, would it be a good idea to look into the SWK Heavyweight?....

NO!

Cheapie kilts certainly have their place... I own a couple. However, the $$ spent on a couple of those could have you wearing a quality kilt others will envy. Save your money and get the kilt of your dreams first. There will be ample opportunity to expand your choices later.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

First, Welcome! Where in FL are you located?

I have to disagree with Blu, especially if you are not sure if/how much you will wear the kilt, or are concerned about wearing a $400-500 investment for anything other than special occasions. You have not said how often you plan on wearing one, or your intended events. I have the 2005 SWK in Shadow Tartan and really like it. The only drawback to the 2005 is that it is an acrylic fabric that has a tendency to "pill" and requires shaving eveyr so often as a result. However, for the price, it is great. And I understand that the 2006 are Australian Merino wool, or wool blend. Should take care of that problem. While I am still waiting to get my first tank (X-Marks tartan, hurry up!), I am pleased with my SWK's. The only other drawback to the acrylic (2005) is that they tend to hold in the heat and can get quite warm when the weather is nice.

[pdcorlis]

Hi Chi!

Welcome to the forum - you may want to use the search feature on this forum and look for "2006 Stillwater Heavyweight" - I'm sure you'll fiind several threads that may help you make an informed decision.

Good Luck and again, Welcome to the Forum!