onlinekendo BH-06

[kozy]

I'm gonna be in bogu soon, so I started looking for a good set. I've already looked in (almost?) all (online)shops available.

Concerning this one:
http://onlinekendo.com/bogu.php?name=(BH-06)_2.5_Bu_Hand_Stitch_Kendo_Bogu_Japanese_Materia l&kenid=40

Any experience or suggestions on this set? It seems cheap for a handstiched set. Is it better to buy a high quality machine stiched set than this one?

[Abramo]

I'm a bogu noob, but doesn't that men look weird? Specially the leather finish and the flap shape/size.

[ben]

I haven't used this bogu but have inspected a sample set in person. Was even considering buying one as a spare set, but have put that off for other reasons.

The bogu looks and feels great. The fabric head on the kote is not as durable as leather, but then an extra pair for US$50 is a pretty amazing deal. I agree the men buton around the top of the head looks a little "overstuffed" (more protection??), but the overall shape of the 'flaps' is normal, must just be the angle of the photo. And if it were me I'd upgrade to titanium men, but then it wouldn't be the same deal. If you're not an instructor getting hit on the head all the time then aluminium is OK.

The reason for the price is, as the website suggests, in order to promote this new bogu line, but it's also from a new maker who is trying to break into the market. E-bogu, Tozando, Onlinekendo all buy from the same couple of manufacturers in China for their low to mid range bogu. Apparently the makers of this bogu are new and don't have contracts with the "big guys" yet. The gimmick of chucking in free men-chichigawa and tsuba emroidered to match your do mune design is typical point-of-difference marketing cuteness.

So based on first hand inspection (but not actual use: caveat emptor) I reckon for noobs a nice first armour, for yudansha a nice spare to leave at your other dojo.

b

[Toshiro Mifune]

Men -- Aluminum (Fence): Most high quality handstiched bogu sets of 2.5 bu and higher have titanium men. I would be weary of buying this set but if you can have someone experienced look at it before purchasing.

[jjcruiser]

I don't have the experience to answer your question, but is this seriously handstitched bogu for $650? That is probably the cheapest handstitch on the planet. If they do a good job it sounds like a great deal. That said, I'll just note what I think the best part of Neil's FAQ on bogu-buying is:

"You get what you pay for."