2.0 bu handmade vs 2mm machine stitch?

[Ronin047]

Hello Group,

I was wondering about the quality of 2.o bu handmade bogu compaired to 2mm high end machine stitch. I know 1bu roughly equals 3mm, so the handmade one is around 6mm. Is the quality of handmade that much better even though there is a 4mm difference in sthiching, does the price difference warrant this
($1500 vs $799 + $300 for a better do with machine stitch) I would be interested in hearing what you guys think and which one you would choose.


Ed

[ben]

Hi Ed,

For some pretty intensely anal descriptions of bogu construction, try http://www.e-budo.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16351

Stitching is only one of many factors to consider. Even when buying from a shop it's hard to see the quality of materials that have been used. It's only after some months of use that the good bogu starts to distinguish itself from the merely 'good-looking' (IMHO beware of armours that boast extra lines of decoration on tare/do/kote etc).

All things being equal, I'd probably go for a 2mm over a 2bu armour for the price difference. But then again, my armour's only 3mm, and I won't buy another until I can afford 1 or 1.2 bu.

b

[Nishi]

I own a 1.2 bu handstitched kit from Sehyun. Ive had it for almost a year and a half and it still hasnt broke in yet, it is extremely rigid. I train 3 times per week (very hard) and i think if i had the choice again i would get the 1.5bu. However, i have never taken a hard hit i couldnt handle, it provides excellent protection and wears well. I just think in the future, the bogu material will break down before it breaks in.