I was saving for a 8yd 16oz traditional...

**Scottish Chi** · 13th April 06, 07:17 PM

in the Ferguson tartan but then saw the SWK Heavyweight kilt 7-8yd in 16oz wool at a VERY inexpensive price. Has anyone purchased any of these? The description sounds impressive for the cost. Am I missing something here? I keep thinking of the adage that begins "If it looks to good to be true..."

There are only 4 selections but any of them look pretty good to me. I have a campsite for the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain this year and thought one of these might make a good investment that might be acceptable for different occasions while not making me paranoid about camping with a $500.00+ traditional. Of course, it would then put the big purchase on the back burner awhile longer.

Can anyone give a "consumer report"?

Cheers!

**Zardoz** · 13th April 06, 07:20 PM

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.

**Iolaus** · 13th April 06, 07:29 PM

Stillwater has a good reputation here; you won't be disappointed. It won't be a $500 kilt, but if the quality of the Weathered Lamont that I got from them is indicative of the rest, it will definately be serviceable - It's much nicer than the standard model Nightstalker that I got from them.

Jerry has GREAT customer service and will work with you to make sure you're happy - just don't remove the tac threads until you're happy with the fit, because he won't take it back then.

**Scottish Chi** · 13th April 06, 07:40 PM

Sorry, Work this week was intense and my brain is fried.

The Lamont heavyweight looks pretty nice but then each of the others look great too. Does the 7-8yd 16oz wool claim ring true. That sounds pretty close to what is refered to as a tank. How could this be? What is different? I haven't seen anything else come close at such an inexpensive cost.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 13th April 06, 07:51 PM

Well, I don't have one yet (but was just lusting after them), but I think the major cost savings is that they are made in Pakistan, or some other country with inexpensive labor, so can be sold for less. The advantage that SWK has is that they back up the lower cost with excellent customer service and delivery.

**GlassMan** · 13th April 06, 09:44 PM

The really big cost-savings is that all that labor is done on a set series of sizes. There's no customization at all. The high cost of a tank comes from that highly skilled craftsperson who takes lots of measurements and then sews a garment to fit you and you alone perfectly.

**Riverkilt** · 14th April 06, 08:02 AM

The old adage applies, "You can have any two of price, quality, or service."

Main thing on SWK is the length. They only come in one length. If that's not your kilt length then you're out of luck or looking weird or have to find and pay someone to alter it for you.

Would be cool if you could do both. Have the SWK for stuff around the campsite and the tank to strut about the games in.

My sense is the games will be heavy on the tanks but folks will be wearing everything from the highest quality hand sewn kilts to SportKilts...and maybe a few misworn dresses and tablecloths.

Ron

**auld argonian** · 14th April 06, 08:41 AM

As hard as I'm trying to be virtuous and save up for "the biggie", I'd be sorely tempted if Stillwater came up with a heavyweight in a tartan that I'm interersted in. I have two standards...a 2005 Nightstalker and a 2006 Hntng McLeod...and I very much enjoy both of them.

Best

AA

**Blu (Ontario)** · 14th April 06, 09:01 AM

Here's a couple of observation from my "heavyweight" Stillwater kilt.

1. The selvedge is a noticeably uneven.

2. The waistband is very thick because the pleated fabric under the canvas was never removed.

3. The "heavyweight" fabric isn't close to being heavyweight.

... Altough I understand they are now using better buckles.

These issues may have been addressed in the more current product... but something to be aware of. These kilts are fine for knocking about and far superior to sportkilts. They are not, as others have said, a $500 kilt.