Jiu Jitsu Progear Rip-Stop Gi Review

The JiuJitsu Pro Gear (JJPG) Rip-Stop Light gi is my all-time favorite gi.  When my black JJPG gi arrived, I immediately knew that this gi was "The One"; it was love at first sight and that love has endured the test of time.  This review will be for both the navy and black versions.  I initially bought the navy but loved it so much I bought the black as well.  Many of my training partners at Titans MMA in Halifax, NS also train in JJPG gis, some of whom also have more than one version.

Features

The jacket features:

·         Lightweight Rip-Stop Weave fabric

·         100% cotton

·         One piece jacket

·         Heat-resistant rip-stop lapel

·         Exclusive Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear cut including extra room in the shoulders, underarms and back

·         Reinforced stress points under the arm and at the skirt splits

·         Tailored cuffs reinforced with minimal cotton taping and 2 rows of stitching

·         Subtle shoulder and lapel patches

The pants feature:

·         Lightweight Rip-Stop Weave fabric
·         Rip-Stop drawstring and 4 drawstring loops
·         Extra room in pants for comfort mobility
·         Reinforcement at the seam split at the waist
·         Double-layer reinforcements in the knee area with cross stitching.
·         Tailored cuffs reinforced with rows of stitching
·         Subtle patches along both hips and on the front

Fit and Comfort

The JJPG Rip-Stop Light gi in size A0 is an incredibly lightweight gi at approximately 2.6 lbs, according to the JJPG website.  This size is recommended for people 5’0 to 5’4 weighing from 100 to 130 lbs.

My measurements are (in inches):

Height	5'0
Weight	110
Chest	33
Waist	28
Hips	33
Thigh circumference	17.5
Calf circumference	12.5
Inseam	26
Hip to ankle	31
Bicep circumference	10
Forearm circumference	8.5
Shoulder to wrist	19
Arms front wrist-to-wrist	57
Arms side to side wrist-to-wrist	49

After frequent hot washes and drying in the dryer, the gi measurements are (in inches):

Gi Size	A0
Sleeve Length	52
Jacket Height	25.5
Jacket Width	19
Jacket Overlap	13
Wrist Cuff	6
Armpit	10
Pant Waist	17.5
Pant Length	31
Ankle Cuff	8
Crotch Depth	8
Crotch Width	10
Gusset width	13

I've used the Fushida Sports Corp measuring guide model for these measurements.  Check out the video below to see how it fits.

I’ve had approximately 15 gis since I began BJJ and the JJPG jacket is by far the most comfortable I’ve ever rolled in.  The fact that I’m unaware of it while I roll is what makes it stand out for me.  Whether the sleeves or the skirt was too long or short or the jacket was too roomy, most of my other gis weren’t optimal in comfort.  

If the sleeves of the JJPG jacket were made about an inch longer they would be perfect after shrinkage.  As it is, I don’t find them to be too short for training; my only concern is whether they would pass for legal at a tournament.  

The lapel is of average thickness, less so than Fushida but comparable to Tatami, and has remained flexible over time.  There has been no warping due to the heat I've used in washing and drying.

The pants also fit very well but as class progresses and they get sweaty, they become stiffer than other rip-stop gi pants I’ve worn and slightly uncomfortable.

Style and Quality

I bought the JJPG Rip-Stop Light gi after seeing a teammate wearing one in class.  The color scheme of the patches is very fresh and vibrant and contrasts well against all of the available colors.  In total, there are 6 patches on the outside of the gi; they are small and placed in areas that do not beg for attention.  It is definitely not a blinged-out gi.

Reinforcements are added to all of the typical gi stress points but they are not as extravagant as many gis.  At the knees there is just one additional layer of rip-stop fabric with an X sewn across it and the cotton taping at the sleeve cuffs is minimal.  I find that very thick cotton taping can help opponents get a good grip on my sleeves so the thinner tape may be beneficial.  The reinforcements at the hips, jacket seam splits and arm pits are standard. 

Overall, I’ve found both gis to be very sturdy after rolling in them for over a year and washing and drying them frequently. My gi does not have any rips or loose threads but one of my teammates’ pants tore about six months after he bought them.  He contacted JJPG and they sent him a replacement.

Price

This gi is very reasonably priced at $129.99 USD for the colored gis and $119.99 USD for the white. 

Customer Service

Anytime I’ve contacted JJPG, I have had a quick response and my concerns were addressed.  When I bought the black gi, the mailman did not bring the gi to my door when it got to my city; instead he sent it back to the US claiming it was undeliverable.  I contacted JJPG as soon as I saw the status update on my shipment and rather than waiting until they received the returned package, they immediately sent me another gi. 

If all I had was a closet full of Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear gis, I would be content.  Be sure to check them out the next time you’re looking for a new gi!

Badass