Bit of a FRAT, and also posted on the NHBGear forum...
Ok, got my new Shoyoroll gi in the mail on Thursday after a long wait (which I'll go into) and all I can say is Wow. This gi is absolutely awesome, and has shot to the top of my fav gi list (and that's quite a long list!).
Gis I own (or have owned) are:
2x Koral (A1)
2x Ouano singleweave (A2)
1 Fuji singleweave (A2)
1 Atama singleweave (A2)
1 Sirius singleweave (A2)
1 Toraki BJJ singleweave (A1)
2x Adidas Judo singleweave (160/170cm)
And to give an idea of my sizing, I'm 5'6", 140-145lbs, and my new Shoyoroll is an A1. Straight out of the box, the gi was too big by a couple of inches all round, but now after 2 washes at 40c and air dried, it's pretty much perfect (wouldn't mind another 1/2inch of shrinkage in the jacket but it's not a big deal if it doesn't shrink anymore). For those planning to get a Shoyoroll and are unsure on what size to get, I would say that look at the sizing chart and remember that the size listed is the size AFTER washing and shrinking. By that I mean rather then buying an A2 to shrink to A1, my A1 was obviously designed to be a bit big out of the box so it can shrink down to the correct size.
Jacket: The jacket fits most like my white Koral (my blue is bigger and heavier despite being the same size). It's light, with similarly cut sleeves (nicely tapered) and body (a straight cut, not shaped like the old Atama), but the skirt section is about 1.5 inches longer. The collar is about the same thickness, but about 1/4 inch wider. The finish and attention to detail on the jacket though is much better then the Koral. The inside seams are taped, and there's loads of nice touches like the rasta tape inside the cuffs and along the bottom edge of the skirt, and the tape on the inside of the lapel. Only slight complaint is the front patch, personally I found it a bit too busy, would have just prefered a plainer patch with the just the Shoyoroll logo and name. Also, stitching it into the lapel makes it tough to remove, so maybe future batches could look at that.
Pants: Just awesome. Again, I'd compare them to the Koral, as they both have a tapered cut, rather then the huge baggy cut that 99% of gi pants normally have. But the fabric is heavier (similar to the Fuji), plus with gold weave material in the crotch for flexability, and lining the inside of the thigh/knee for padding. The drawstring is great too, it's a cord that's slightly elasticated. Unusual, but works well and not once in 4 hours training yesterday did I have to retie them. These are seriously great pants.
At class yesterday I had everyone asking and commenting on the Shoyoroll, everyone was extremly taken with the quality and the look of the gi. The white with yellow/gold detailing is something different without going over the top. Normally I wouldn't have gone for a "fancy" gi, as one of the things I've never liked about the Lucky gis is that I felt that the hits and detailing on them were too showy, but Vince has done a much more subtle (and therefore IMO cooler) job with the Shoyoroll. I'd love now for Shoyoroll to do a blue comp edition with either the yellow detailing, or red. Vince, if you do either, put my name down for one!
Now back to my long wait. This is where Vince shines. My gi (an A2) was originally posted before the holidays, and Vince had given me the tracking number so I could keep an eye on it. So USPS track it here to the UK, it (supposedly) sat it customes for a while before a delivery to my house was attempted. But no delivery was attepted, because I was home that day. No-one knocked, no card was left to rearrange a new delivery date, nothing. So after trying to get assistance from USPS, I let Vince know and he straight away sorted me out a replacement, no questions asked, and was even good enough to send me an A1 rather then an A2 as in my original order. The man looks after his customers.
Seriously guys and girls, not only is the Shoyoroll product awesome, but I cannot speak highly enough of Vince's customer service. If Vince and Shoyoroll have a fan club, then sign me up.
James
GZFS - You previously ordered yours correct?
Yeah, I had preordered back in Dec last year, but Bear only sent out the replacement A1 on Jan 16th so you might be in luck.
ST,
Your review was to kind mate. We will continue to try and produce great quality gis and fill what the market needs.
GZ,
shoots us an email at vinceq@shoyoroll.com to hop on the mailing list.
GZFS,
Whats up? How are things going with your training?
This is the best Gi I have ever owned! If Vince has one in stock...GET IT!
Later,
-Dustin Ware
Vince is a great guy and it's no surprise to me that his products are top notch. Awesome review.
After seeing that Shoyoroll had a couple A1's left. I contacted Vince, he responded to all my questions really quickly about sizing etc..So I ordered one.I received it two days after ordering it. Quick turnaround time.
The Gi is really nice with small detail that make it stand out. The pants are by far the best I have ever had.
thanks Bryan. Thanks Andre.
Dustin,
You are the man. Thanks for wearing our gi.
We have some sick gi's coming out in the next 6 months guys!!! keep you all posted.
Is it possible to get this Gi without the big patch on the front ??
maui - Is it possible to get this Gi without the big patch on the front ??
Vince has said in other threads that the patch is being eliminated.