Sport Kilt vs Utilikilt

[cessna152towser]

I tried to order a Utilikilt a while back and when I found my credit card hadn't been charged and had heard nothing from them I contacted them and it turned out my order had never gone through at their end, and the colour I'd chosen was no longer available. So instead I ordered a Freedom Kilt cargo model in olive grey from Steve (The Wizard of BC). Delivery time was around five weeks and the kilt is very well made in a really tough material which should prove very durable. Like Cavscout, I'd be happy to recommend Steve's handiwork.

[wsk]

Communication and service:... UK has no stock and when called on the issue they said sorry dude we have NO CLUE as to when we can fill an order, good luck....

This is the thing that has truely soured me on UK. My first experience with UK was great - I called in an order, and they shipped it that day. Tried to buy another and got the sorry dude story and then two weeks later tried again. Sorry dude. No guess about when they'd have stock, and no they don't "back order".

Bugger them. I'll get my kilts elsewhere.

[kilted_brewer]

Hmmm, I don't have either, but I covet both (and of course an FK, too). I have three UK Originals. Does that qualify me to comment? It'd be interesting to hear from someone who has both, but I imagine once you have a UK Survival, you don't seek for another similar kilt.

On a related point, does anyone know if the only difference between SK's Boulder and Commando is the cargo pockets? Their price-points are relatively close (as opposed to the difference between UK's Original and Survival).

One thing I really like about the FK cargo pockets (though the first FK I'll buy won't have cargo pockets; I'll be going for a Casual or Dress model) that no one else seems to do (correct me if I'm wrong) is to continue the vertical line of a pleat on the cargo pockets. Nice work, Steve! (really, I am saving up!).
Another thing that's nice about both SK and FK is that they run their pleats counter-clockwise like a traditional kilt, and UK's pleats go counter-clockwise on the left side, clockwise on the right, and meet in the middle.

Someday, I'll have one of each (and an R-kilt, and a USAK, and a...)! But until then, help me prioritize my wish list.

[Riverkilt]

Hey Judge,

The ONLY way to solve the problem is to buy one of each! And a Freedom Kilt and a USA Kilt to boot. Then you'll know.

My biggest hassle with SportKilt is the pajama thing mentioned...that and a different attitude towards details.

Like on a USA Kilts casual the tartan in the belt loops matches the tartan underneath. SportKilts have the belt loops so the tartan doesn't match...if you pay extra for belt loops. USA Kilts flashes are cut in line with the tartan they show. SportKilts flashes are random cut, even on the bias of the tartan, as if to use up every piece of scrap.

You can have any two of price, quality, or service. And there are plenty of kiltmakers who can offer you your favorite two.

One of each is the answer...as you say, to have them in hand.

What part of the world are you in and what will you be wearing the kilt for?

And, if you're not way ahead of me, more pics in my gallery if that helps you at all.

Me....I own 15 Utilikilts (despite the aggrevations) and 3 SportKilts (two the gathered model before I knew better).

Just kilt up, you'll order more from many sources.

Ron

[mudd]

I have an SK Commando, and a UK (although not a Survival), and if I had to make the decision now, I get an FK Cargo before either of them.

If you're looking for a Kilt with pockets, I think FK is the way to go.

[Judge]

Riverkilt,

I am in Houston. When and wherew would I where would I wear? (1) at the lakehouse on the weekend (2) the beach (3) dogpark (4) christmas parties and (5) highland games in May

Seeing how summer is coming fast, it will be most welcomed

[Moosedog]

I would second Sir John's opinion: I own a Commando and several UK's (although not the Survival, I have an Original, a Workman's, and a Mocker) and although I do not own a FK I would probably pick it over the others based on Steve's quality design and workmanship. Of course, the fact that I don't own a FK yet might make my heart grow fonder...

Moosedog

[CameronTaylor]

I can only comment that my Commando is well-built and I had a hand in designing It (not all of them mind you, just the one I have). I like the pleats better than my UK, easier to iron it when needed since they all lay the same direction. That said ...
Steve's measuring instructions for the FK would be my hands-down choice. The fit alone is worth the price (better than most of my Levi's ! )

CT - James at SK is still one cool cat

[Riverkilt]

Thanks for that feedback Judge,

Having been to Houston in the summer....YIKES!!

For your activities, I'd go with Utilikilts for the "Scottish jeans" knock around and Freedom Kilts or USA Kilts - semi trad for fancier things.

I'm REAL partial to the USA Kilts casuals for the hot weather here on the Arizona deserts for stuff like wearing to the office. When I'm out on the river or hiking its Utilikilts...though I've also worn USA Kilts casuals on the river.

Sorry, if that sounds confusing.

Returning to the advice of get some of each and see what works for you. You can't go wrong no matter what you decide.

Enjoy this most pleasurable addiction.

Ron

[zercool]

My experience with UK has been good - I have a Survival and an Original and love them both. I got the Survival last fall, and it shipped the day I ordered it. Yes, stock is down now, as part of their move and changes. My original was ordered through the website on Thursday the 14th, I got it this morning and off I went for my day.

If you order through their online store, stock should be fairly accurate and up to date. Beyond that ... *shrug*

I also have an Amerikilt, which I consider to be my "Dockers" kilt. It's a bit more formal than the UKs, but not super dressy.

And, as of this morning, a Stillwater Standard in Nightstalker - that is my "dress" kilt for the time being.