SWK Standard vs. Heavyweight

[MrShoe]

I now have a SWK Heavyweight. I really like it for the $$. I would recommend that over the SWK standard.

However, you say that it will get a lot of wear to include camping with the scouts. From what I have been told the SWK acrylics are flammable. For the same amount as the SWK Heavyweight you can get a USA custom in PV.
I have one and love it. The weight is lighter making it less of a strain on your back by the end of the day. It is constructed very well and having sewn pleats look great after sitting no it.

Both Rocky and Jerry are GREAT to work with and can't go wrong either way.

[erudite]

I have two standard SWK's. One fell on a candle. They burn nicely, and smell badly when they do. My wife (then GF) kindly repaired it, but it has not been the same since. They are also prone to cigarette burns (melts) in pubs. And they do pill under the sporran. Otherwise I could not be happier with the product, b/c everything above is "user error".

The next one will be wool. Thanks mb!

[Nighthawk]

That having been said... I have 2 wool and 2 standard SWK's. I haven't my standards in like 2 years... I do a lot of camping, and therefore am around open flames a lot. The acrylic burns and melts very easily. It's horrifying. You don't want any of that when you're camping. Also, the acrylics breathe terribly. They're very uncomfortable for hiking in after about the first hour or so. I think USA Kilts casuals were mentioned earlier. The polyviscose used by USAK is great for hiking and camping, and while flamable, not nearly as bad as the acrylic. They are machine washable. Problem with them is that they're not particularly warm, which is also desirable when camping. Your best bet, I would say, is the wool, with the PV a close runner up.

So as to the washing thing... The only thing I've ever done to wash any of my wool kilts involves a warm, wet washcloth. The wool seems to reject most foreign substances, so they stay right on the surface, making the filth very easy to eliminate. That's another difference between the wool and acrylic. The acrylic is a very loose weave, and snags easily. I have a friend with a dog, and her dogs hair is permanently stuck in the fibers of the acrylic. Acrylic is actually harder to clean because the weave is so much more open.

So there you go- my experience with SWK's from having lived in them for 3 years.

[Jdot84]

I have both. I'd go with the heavy weight. As stated earlier in this thread the standard is really lite and flies up easily. The heavy weight is a lot nicer kilt,IMHO.

[McNulty]

I have both and would never take a Standard camping because of the fire hazard and the breathability factor. That being said, and as others above have mentioned, I'd put my money on the heavyweight. You'll get more wearing time and wearability out of the wool SWK. Good luck
Nulty

[Maksim]

I'm sorry to go a bit off-topic, but I did a search and couldn't find the answer (yes, there's still propably a thousand discussions on this, so I ask only for a quick either-or answer). Inspired by this topic I took a look at SWK´s website and thought, how's it possible for the price of a heavy-weight wool kilt to be 130 dollars? I've thought the fabric would cost more than that. So, either the kilts are be made by someone who gets paid very little for their work, or the company gets their wool very cheap. Which is it, or both?

yours
Maksim

[CMcG]

Go with the heavyweight worsted wool, you can't beat it: superb swing, more durable, heirloom quality, etc. All of my kilts are 16oz worsted wool from Lochcarron. Cheers!

<snip>Inspired by this topic I took a look at SWK´s website and thought, how's it possible for the price of a heavy-weight wool kilt to be 130 dollars? I've thought the fabric would cost more than that. So, either the kilts are be made by someone who gets paid very little for their work, or the company gets their wool very cheap. Which is it, or both?

I have a SWK green shadow tartan heavyweight and, as near as I can tell, it is not worsted wool nor is it 16 oz. The weave is a little bit looser and probably closer to 13 oz. Heavyweight is a relative term here because the other models of SWK (thrifty, economy, standard) are made of much lighter acrylic. I believe all SWKs are made in Pakistan.

That being said, I'm quite happy with my kilt and would recommend SWK to anyone. I haven't handled their acrylic kilts, so I can't make a comparison, but, generally speaking, I prefer wool unless I know I'll be getting it dirty. I have a couple PV kilts for that purpose but I suppose acrylic would work as well.

[Joe Cabaup]

I recently went out to dinner and concert in my standard SWK. It has been cold, rainy and blustery over the last few days. Despite my SWK being pinned down, it did flip up once or twice in the wind, giving everyone by the windows at Outback Steakhouse a first hand view of what is under the kilt. I was wishing I had the wool one at that time, but several of the waitresses didn't mind.

[The Barry]

I would opt for the heavyweight. The standards are nice enough, but I agree that even the slightest of breezes will test your modesty. Good thing I've got none to lose!

[Nighthawk]

I would opt for the heavyweight. The standards are nice enough, but I agree that even the slightest of breezes will test your modesty. Good thing I've got none to lose!

I always thought you were crazy, but now I see your nuts!