How long does a bogu set last?

[g-kendo]

Hello,

I'm interested in hearing some opinions on how long a set of bogu will last according to price and materials used.


Example: $500 = about 2 years

Another example: Bamboo do = extra 5 years


So I assume you get the idea. I just wanted some feedback on how materials and money correspond with the life expectancy (metaphor) of a bogu set.

thanks

[JByrd]

In 1989 I spent about $500 on my first set, low-end Musashigo (maybe 4 or 5 mm) machine stitched bogu. It lasted about 10 years (mostly once to twice per week practice), with a few kote re-palms, and I had to replace the tare after about 8 years. Finally the leather around the men gane cracked and the top bar came loose. My current set is the middle-class Eguchi A-2, 3mm machine stitched bogu. It has lasted about 7 years of 2 to 3 times per week practice. I've had the kote re-palmed once.

[R Stroud]

My Koei S-17 bogu set was purchased in 1981 and still has life in it. In general, a good set of bogu will last 15-20 years but in recent years the industry (inside and outside of Japan) has moved to lower priced solutions, so it is less common for newer students to invest in something like this. In bogu the cost is directly connected to the quality/life and protection.

A 2mm set at the same price as a 5mm set will most likely not have the protection of the 5mm and probably fall apart sooner. With kendo gear you get what you pay for, the price is always related to the life of the bogu and the quality.

A good bogu of say 4mm stitch, that is priced $600-800 will last 10+ years, maybe more, with proper care, and patching as you wear the fabric. A $2000-3000 handmade set should last 15-20 years.

Kote is another story, the palms will wear, but this can be easily fixed with re-palming and patches. A good quality kote will not only last for years, but protect the wrist with a solid pipe like feel, and not mush around when squeezed.

Having said all that, there is nothing wrong with a $300-500 set of bogu, but unless the maker is well know the chance for something that will disintegrate around you is high. A well made lower cost bogu should easily give 5+ years of service. These days there are still deals to be had from the various bogu suppliers but with cost driving the majority of decisions, the buyer has to be more involved and critical of his purchases.

[hammock]

there are too many factors..

some include craftmanship of the bogu (not all 500 dollar bogus are the same), materials used, how often you use it (once, twice a week), chemical composition of your sweat, how you maintain/treat it (do you clean and air it out every practice?)..

the list goes on and on.

Mine, was 600 dollars. used roughly twice a week of hard practice for 4 years.. i sweat alot. and it looks like new and the dye is barely fading.

My friends was over 1000, used roughly twice a week for 4 years, he sweats alot as well.. and its falling apart.