Strictly for self defense, not Mma or sport BJJ. Recently moved to vegas and only looking to train 1 or the other at one of the great gyms here. I know its probably best 2 train both but don't know if I have the time. I know far wiser people than myself on this subject here on the UG. Thanxs
Both are great. For self defense the Gi is great because you dont often fight 90% naked people.
One the reason I asked this question is if u do get in a fight, most of time its going to be in a shirt and pants or shorts. I haven't seen many people fight in jackets.
Josey Wales - One the reason I asked this question is if u do get in a fight, most of time its going to be in a shirt and pants or shorts. I haven't seen many people fight in jackets.
True, but the Gi isnt just for chokes etc, being able to grab sleeves, pant cuffs etc is very important in controlling someone etc. I train both, but I think its a bit of a myth that Gi training isnt realistic is what I mean.
Some informative posts. Thanxs, and keep them coming
Both
For self defense? I suggest no Gi. Both have their benefits, but if you get into a fight, most people will not be wearing heavy attire like that.
I started out training in a Gi, but when it came to grappling with my brothers (both wrestlers) I was a tad bit lost. When I switched to No-Gi, I saw alot of improvment in being able to recongize areas I could impliment it.
I suggest both obviously, vast learning, but for day to day self defemse on a realistic note, No Gi. 
I live in Scandinavia, people wear long trousers and jackets most of the year here. For streets gi grappling would be more realistic clothing wise. Higherprimate718 has good points, though.
higherprimate718 -1.PlzREEMmyBROWNeye - Both are great. For self defense the Gi is great because you dont often fight 90% naked people.
no gi. and here is why
A. most gi jiu jitsu schools focus on the sports aspect rather than the self defense one. There are plenty of places where you will learn x guard before you develop solid core skills.
B. its true that people wear clothes in the street, and that theoretically you could use gi techniques on them. However, training in the gi makes you reliant on the sturdy garment. The collar on most gis is like a freaking rope. Which makes it a cool sport because people can get really sick grips and do all sorts of crazy shit. But the likelyhood is that most peoples clothes arent that good for submitting them with.
C. The slow pace of gi jiu jitsu totally suited the slow wars of attrition that made up the vale tudo and style vs style challenge matches that jiu jitsu originally thrived in. However, the truth is that in most "self defense situations" you dont have 15 minutes to slowly tire the guy out from a bottom position and then choke him. Shit goes fast, and being on top (especially when you are on concrete) is king.
D. What works no gi works in gi. Not vice versa.
E. no gi will generate a higher level of physicality, which quite frankly might be the most important thing.
before all the brazilophiles jump on me, I train gi jiu jitsu 3 times a week at least at a ralph gracie school. But I train in it because I love the sport, not because I think it is the best self defense. Sure, its better than kung fu. But I already had a solid base in muay thai and basic no gi grappling before I started.
higherprimate718, great points.
Out of curiosity-for the people that are saying gi is more apt as people in the streets/where they live all wear heavy clothes all year round what is it that is impractical about no-gi in those situations?
Ok, for street self defense...I would say t-shirt and Gi pants and you can still grip the pants. Yes I just made this up.
GSTR^, u read my mind. I'm sure u can wear that to no gi classes. I haven't seen it though.
For strictly self-defense, I would say nogi, just for the simple reason that I believe it gets you in better shape(it's a bit faster for lack of a better term). 99% of people in the street don't know anything, so needing perfect technique isn't mandatory.
GodSaveTheReem - Ok, for street self defense...I would say t-shirt and Gi pants and you can still grip the pants. Yes I just made this up.
In Gi class sometimes people want to roll "no-gi", they just take off the top. Then when you roll you avoid the pants.
higherprimate718 - honestly for pure self defense I would even say boxing is the best. And I am not a boxer
I don't know man, anytime we've seen a good grappler go up against a good boxer it usually a losing proposition for the boxer.
Gi vs no gi shouldn't be a thing. Your gi training will only be unrealistic for self defense if you allow it to be. The basics you learn in both are the same.
Bellator Fan - The majority of guys I have seen in various gyms that love training in the GI are lazy, out of shape and don't want to train hard. Obviously there are many exceptions but your average GI lover isn't built for winning street fights.Are you saying the average gi player can win a street fight?
*can't