Newbie looking for kote

[jbomber]

Hello!

This is my first time here and I want to make it count.

I have read the sticky about where the buy the equipment. But now I ask for suggestions for the kote part.

I have been looking at these items so far:

http://www.bogushop.com/proddetail.asp?prod=KO6MM%2D172A01

http://www.e-kendo.com/us/CART/12010107/pdDetail.html?PDid=48

http://www.e-bogu.com/High_quality_6_MM_Kote_p/ank-ken-bog-6mmkote-.htm

I really don't want to break the bank here. But after looking for awhile I have came to these three. Now, I really do not know much about quality(deer vs cow) other than what I have learned about on the sticky and google searches.

Now I ask for any suggestions, anything I could read up on, or stores that could offer a better selection.

I just don't want to hurt as much when I get hit on the hands lol.

Thanks!

[Seiza_Seizure]

After having a quick glance at the three you have put aside, I would opt for the second pair from e-kendo. More bang for your buck. At the the end of the day, it is your decision, and you have to wear them. Good luck.

[Wesley Myers]

Hi,

If I could suggest something. Please take the time and read Gendzwill-Sensei's article about bogu (and specifically kote) to get some more information.

Bogu FAQ (http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11737)

[Sutemi]

If I might ask, why don't you simply opt to buy a whole suit of bogu from a supplier from e-bogu? Buying piecemail can be a little bit more complicated, and potentially more expensive if you don't know where/how to look.

[eisenfaust]

I suggest that you spent few extra bucks. For example, recently I run into 5mm Orizashi kote with deerskin palms on E-mudo.com for 120 USD. Similar you can find on Bogubag (Koei). Try to avoid cow skin if possible.

[ReKru]

After having a quick glance at the three you have put aside, I would opt for the second pair from e-kendo. More bang for your buck. At the the end of the day, it is your decision, and you have to wear them. Good luck.

We bought about a dozen of the e-kendo 5mm kote for club bogu and have a few privately owned (5 to 2 mm) and they're a bit disappointing.

At least one pair of the 5mm club kote had the futon rip from the hand part during the first practice and serveral others (including the ones with closer stitch) had issues with the stitching ripping at various places after a very short time (6-12 month).

Well, 20% or so of the Kotes having issues is not a big deal (after all you get what you pay for and they are 'cheap'), it just sucks if you're the owner of that pair that breaks apart after such a short time and are left without Kote.

Until they sort their issues out (we sent feedback about the issues mail etc.), I'd look somewhere else for Kote and maybe spend a little more than 60 bucks to get a more enjoyable long term experience.

[eisenfaust]

We bought about a dozen of the e-kendo 5mm kote for club bogu and have a few privately owned (5 to 2 mm) and they're a bit disappointing.

At least one pair of the 5mm club kote had the futon rip from the hand part during the first practice and serveral others (including the ones with closer stitch) had issues with the stitching ripping at various places after a very short time (6-12 month).



I confirm that one. Our Dojo members buy almost completely from e-kendo and while the rest of bogu holds on, palms are devastated as well as other parts of kote.

[Return2Kendo]

I have the 6mm ebogu Kote (as well as the men and do). 2 times/week practise for a year and no problems so far. The shiny part of the fist is no longer shiny, but the kote has held up well. It is very durable bogu just like the description says.

As you are new, I recommend that you buy the 6mm bogu set from ebogu for $248. It's a very good price for a functional set that will easily last 3 years or more. Many people quit kendo after wearing bogu. You certainly don't want to spend alot of money and then quit. You can always upgrade at a later stage.

[Bucho]

I have the 5mm set from ebogu and had to have them replace the men several times before they sent one that wasn't defective. After 6 months of use, the palms of my kote are in great shape but the stitching has given out on the tip of my left thumb so that stuffing is leaking out.

[Seiza_Seizure]

[quote=ReKru;280375]We bought about a dozen of the e-kendo 5mm kote for club bogu and have a few privately owned (5 to 2 mm) and they're a bit disappointing.

Totally agree with you. It sucks when you have a budget.Although, it appears that someone else has got some good use out of it.