Piping Sporran

[PiperChick]

Good morning, guys! I would love your input. My pipe band is going to be changing their look in the near future. We've gone from a patched-together start-up band of mostly donated Royal Stewart kilts mixed with members' own kilts, to our goal of finally having us as a well dressed unit (as in, kilts should arrive any day now). This will mean new sporrans, new hose, new flashes, and possibly new ties to go with our tartan. The new tartan is City of Dundee in a custom color scheme (no pic yet. ). I've got SOME degree of pull, and would like to go into the band attire conversation as well informed as possible.

After watching The World's into the wee hours streamed live on a projector screen with stereo sound (WEE! AWESOME!) at my pipe major's house with a bunch of my band this weekend, I've taken away very definite opinions about what I like and don't like in pipe band attire. The sporran will be a big topic of conversation. We all want one that can fit some hemp, some wax, some black electrical tape, and emergency reed, and emergency flask, () etc. One that doesn't need wrestled with to open and close, and that looks sharp. What seems most popular and looks the nicest IMHO is a silver cantled black leather hunting sporran. The tassles or petals and the targe vary to a degree from band to band from what I've seen, but in general, it's a nice look that pulls together well with other accessories. I'd like some resources for where to locate a nice, functional sporran of this type for a reasonable cost (In the ballpark of $75 US would keep my head intact, lol). Obviously, the Grade I peeps at the World's aren't so worried about how much these cost, but sadly, my little band does.

http://rghardie.com/products/view/piper_sporrans This is one that I LOVE (both the fur and the black leather)- but as Mama always said, if the price isn't marked, you can't afford it.

Would also love input on other accessories that you particularly like, especially from other pipers. Got a favorite brand of kilt hose (especially with a nice selection of colors?), then please share! Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Grizzly]

Hi PC you might want to have a look at this site -

http://www.hendersongroupltd.com/car...idCategory=277

There's a few on there that might fit the bill.

For hose I can recommend Pipers hose from Gaelic themes. Many retailers sell them in a good range of colours. House of Cheviot hose are also really good and have just launched a range of pipers hose. Our own Matt Newsome at New House Highland is more of an expert on Hose.

[KD Burke]

I'll second the motion for Henderson's. Great folks to deal with. I don't think I've ever been disappointed.

[piperdbh]

I can't help you with sporrans, but what kind of hats will your band have? Some of us here make bonnets, similar to those sold by some of our vendors.

[PiperChick]

We've had good luck purchasing from Henderson's also. Does anyone own one of their cantled hunting sporrans?

We'll wear glens. I'm partial to the lower profile style of them, but I may lose out on that one. I've worn a bonnet, but it was a long time ago. Take a look at my pics - there's one of me wearing one in there... if you dare. Can't say I pull off any kind of headware very well, lol.

[creagdhubh]

Hi PC you might want to have a look at this site -

http://www.hendersongroupltd.com/car...idCategory=277

There's a few on there that might fit the bill.

For hose I can recommend Pipers hose from Gaelic themes. Many retailers sell them in a good range of colours. House of Cheviot hose are also really good and have just launched a range of pipers hose. Our own Matt Newsome at New House Highland is more of an expert on Hose.

A HUGE plus one here! Henderson's offers wonderful customer service and they have a good variety of products for various budgets. They also supply quality sporrans made by L&M Highland Outfitters of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Cheers,

[Jon Lilley]

Hey there, PC!,

We use Hunting style sporrans and I like them for the reason that there are NO tassels to make nose as you march. I got mind from Henderson's about 6 months ago and like it a lot. It's their mid-range item as the top shelf stuff was way out of my price range AND the cheap stuff, well, . . . Ask for Steve and he'll get you all fixed up. We also use their plain pipers hose and they work just fine. If you don't like the color you've chosen, they're inexpensive enough you can try something new for the next season.

Slàinte!,

[flyrod6057]

PiperChick.....

That R.G.Hardie sporran is pretty sweet. I looked around a bit, and....yeah..........it's a tad out of your stated budget: Price: $211.44.

Buzz Kidder has some pretty reasonable sporrans. They look good, and they're in your budget.

http://www.buzzkidder.com/sporran.html

[Blupiper]

I'll second the vote for the hunting sporran, for the reasons outlined by MacIllfhilidh. They are simple, sharp and silent. My dealings with Hendersons have always been good, as well. Good luck.

JMB

[KenB]

I think L&M in Nova Scotia make fine sporrans. They are not cheap, but maybe if there was a large order (they do band outfitting) there may be a price break.