Take a look at Grappling Insider’s suggestions for the highest 7 light-weight BJJ gis in the marketplace for summer season 2024.
With summer season quickly approaching and temperatures rising everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, numerous BJJ practitioners are dreading the season of sweat-soaked gis forward.
Any seasoned grappler is aware of {that a} high quality, well-fitting, and light-weight gi is essential to having fun with lengthy coaching classes in the course of the summer season months. Whereas we’re at all times followers of premium, old-school, ultra-heavy gis, we additionally know that the sensation of carrying round a Honda Civic that’s drenched in your individual sweat simply isn’t very best.
With that in thoughts, we looked for one of the best light-weight BJJ gis in the marketplace at the moment.
Earlier than we dive into that checklist, listed below are a number of issues to contemplate when buying a light-weight BJJ gi.
Measurement nonetheless issues
Simply since you’ve discovered an ultra-light gi that falls inside your finances, don’t rush to purchase it till you’ve fastidiously checked the producer’s sizing chart. We are able to’t stress sufficient that whenever you’re purchasing for a brand new gi, correct match is paramount – irrespective of the load of the gi.
Each gi producer ought to have a sizing chart that features peak and weight, in addition to particular measurements of the garment. You too can search in style web boards resembling BJJ Reddit for discussions about how particular gis would possibly match.
For reference, right here’s a easy sizing chart from Revgear, one of the vital revered martial arts manufacturers within the recreation at the moment:
In a pinch, you’ll be able to at all times measurement barely up, then plan on shrinking your new gi within the wash. This isn’t very best, and you’ll definitely find yourself over-shrinking your gi, however we’ve achieved this earlier than with blended outcomes.
How mild is a light-weight BJJ gi?
Whereas there’s no official guideline as to what qualifies as a “light-weight” gi, you need to count on your gi to weigh not more than 4 kilos (about 1.8 kilograms).
With that in thoughts, you would possibly assume that the lighter the gi the higher. That is perhaps true in case you’re trying to save each doable ounce to make weight for an IBJJF tournament, however we’d warning in opposition to buying a gi that weighs a lot lower than three kilos. A gi that’s so mild in weight would possibly really feel nice the primary couple of occasions you prepare in it, however the supplies and stitching are unlikely to carry up after a number of classes.
What’s the draw back to light-weight gis?
At this level, you is perhaps questioning why you shouldn’t solely put on light-weight gis. In spite of everything, they’re comfy and are typically decrease in value than heavier gis.
There are a few downsides to light-weight BJJ gis. First, as a result of they’re decrease in weight, the supplies are sometimes much less sturdy than thicker, heavier gis. This implies your light-weight gi will doubtless put on out ahead of a extra conventional gi.
Secondly, light-weight gis are simpler on your opponents to grip. Consider it this manner: Is it simpler to seize a handful of a t-shirt or a thick layer of canvas? This issue may current an issue in a contest the place each little benefit makes a distinction.
GSM – What’s it?
Gi producers typically discuss with the grams per sq. meter, or “GSM,” of a gi’s materials. Because the title suggests, this measurement signifies the load of the gi materials. The upper the quantity, the heavier the gi. Heavier gis could have a GSM of round 450 or greater, whereas the overwhelming majority of light-weight gis could have a GSM of 350 or decrease.
Even in case you’re in search of an ultra-light gi, we suggest not going any decrease than 250 GSM – something lighter and the gi gained’t maintain up for very lengthy.
Pants: Ripstop or not?
Ripstop pants are interwoven pants, sometimes manufactured from nylon or some kind of nylon mix, that – because the title suggests – are very resistant to tearing.
In terms of ripstop pants on gis, the BJJ neighborhood appears to be divided.
On one hand, these pants are typically ultra-durable and usually lighter in weight than conventional cotton pants. This makes them the optimum alternative for a lot of light-weight gis. Nonetheless, some BJJ practitioners discover ripstop pants to be over-logged with sweat throughout lengthy coaching classes in the summertime.
We don’t have a powerful choice with regards to ripstop pants. We discover the sturdiness and light-weight weight of the pants to be very best for light-weight gis, however we additionally perceive if some grapplers would possibly discover them uncomfortable.
7 light-weight BJJ gis for summer season 2024
Protecting these elements in thoughts, let’s dive into our high picks for light-weight gis. We thought of quite a lot of components, together with value, match, high quality of supplies, and aesthetics.
Once you purchase by hyperlinks on our website, Grappling Insider could earn an affiliate fee, however relaxation assured that our opinions are well-researched and sincere. Thanks on your help!
#1 High general – Hayabusa Ultra-Lightweight
Coming in at our high spot is the Hayabusa Extremely-Light-weight Jiu-Jitsu Gi, which strikes the proper steadiness between light-weight supplies, sturdy building, and clear design options.
At 350 GSM, this gi definitely isn’t the lightest gi on this checklist, however after attempting it out for a number of classes, we are able to affirm that it has all of the breathability and low weight of any light-weight gi in the marketplace. And since it’s 350 GSM, this gi is certain to carry up for a very long time – similar to you’d count on from a non-lightweight gi.
The pants are 8-ounce cotton-polyester ripstop, which brings down the general weight of the gi with out compromising high quality or sturdiness. Lapels, knees, and different high-stress areas are strengthened with double stitching, making certain this gi will maintain up for the long term.
Like all Hayabusa merchandise, this gi has glorious design options. Merely put, this gi is sharp. The straightforward, embroidered logos on the jacket are simply the correct quantity of eye-catching, however definitely not distracting. We tried out the white gi and acquired at least three “woah, good gi!” compliments in our first-class.
What we preferred:
- Mild feeling however sturdy, 350 GSM jacket
- Wonderful design options
- Suits true to measurement and has not shrunk in any respect after a number of wears and washes
- Strengthened at stress areas to make sure long-term sturdiness
- Very light-weight pants
What we didn’t like:
- Restricted sizing choices
- Sleeves is perhaps too saggy for some customers
Store for the Hayabusa Ultra-Lightweight Jiu Jitsu Gi on Hayabusa’s website.
#2 Editor’s alternative – Revgear El Matador Competition Gi
We love Revgear’s El Matador Competitors Gi for its clear design, extremely mild weight, and sturdy building.
After we first noticed that this gi high is 250 GSM and weighs in at simply 2.6 kilos (1.2 kg) whole, we had been involved this gi could be too mild and flimsy. However after a number of lengthy coaching classes within the warmth, we had been pleasantly shocked to seek out this gi holding up effectively and hasn’t even began to point out indicators of wear and tear and tear. The thick, strengthened collar makes gripping tough – even for a light-weight gi.
As a result of the gi is so extremely mild, it’s extremely comfy to roll in. What’s extra, the stitching accents and high-quality embroidery make the gi look way more costly than it really is.
If you happen to’re in search of one of many lightest gis in the marketplace – however nonetheless appears and seems like a premium product – we suggest the El Matador.
What we preferred:
- Extraordinarily mild in weight (250 GSM, 8-ounce ripstop pants, about 2.6 kilos for an A2)
- Design makes the gi look costlier than it’s
- Thick, strengthened collar to make gripping tougher
- No shrinkage after a number of washes
- Worth (beneath $120)
What we didn’t like:
- Restricted sizing choices – simply normal A0 – A6 sizes
- Suits a little bit saggy across the torso
Store for the Revgear El Matador Competition Gi on Revgear’s website and use promo code INSIDER10 for 10% off any buy
#3 Finest worth – Tatami Elements Superlite
For one of the best bang on your buck, we just like the Tatami Parts Superlite. Coming in at just below $90, this 300 GSM gi is good for the grappler on the finances.
Out there within the three conventional colours of white, black, and blue, the Parts Superlite has an understated, easy design that definitely gained’t exit of favor. And, as one of many longest-standing manufacturers in BJJ, you’ll be able to belief that Tatami will ship a top quality, well-made product every day out.
Whereas this gi isn’t fairly the lightest on the checklist, the 300 GSM jacket and 8-ounce ripstop pants make for a really mild garment good for the summer season months.
On the draw back, the gi is susceptible to vital shrinkage, so chances are you’ll need to order up a measurement. Additionally, we discovered the gi to point out some fraying across the stitching after a number of wears – however that’s to be anticipated at such a low price ticket.
What we preferred:
- Phenomenal worth
- Trusted Tatami model
- Delicate design particulars improve the look
- Out there in a variety of customized sizes and 5 completely different colours
What we didn’t like:
- Suits saggy across the torso and legs
- Topic to a great deal of shrinkage
- Not probably the most sturdy product
Store for the Tatami Parts Superlite Gi on Amazon
#4 Gold BJJ Aeroweave
What we preferred:
- 275 GSM jacket and 10-ounce ripstop pants makes the gi fairly mild but sturdy
- Choices: 5 completely different colours, obtainable in youngsters and ladies’s sizes
- Pre-shrunk
- Very sturdy, high quality stitching
What we didn’t like:
- Comparatively excessive price ticket for a light-weight gi
- Sizing is off – tends to be too massive, particularly within the pants
Store for the Gold BJJ Aeroweave Gi on Amazon
#5 Fuji Summerweight
What we preferred:
- Pre-shrunk
- Maybe probably the most sturdy gi on this checklist
- Thick, hard-to-grip rubber collar that resists mildew
- Cotton twill pants – not ripstop
What we didn’t like:
- 450 GSM jacket and at just below 4 kilos for an A2, that is the heaviest gi on this checklist
- Cotton/polyester mix jacket sacrifices consolation
- Pants run huge and jacket runs small
Store for the Fuji Summerweight Gi on Amazon
#6 Progress Jiu-Jitsu Academy Gi
What we preferred:
- Comes with a free white belt
- Basic aesthetics with good design touches
- 375 GSM jacket and 8-ounce ripstop pants – good mix of light-weight and sturdiness
- Phenomenal value
What we didn’t like:
- Important shrinkage
- Lacks long-term sturdiness
Store for the Progress Academy Gi on Amazon
#7 Kingz The One BJJ Gi
What we preferred:
- Free white belt included
- one hundred pc cotton pants
- Ranks very excessive for sturdiness and high quality of supplies – a perfect long-term each day gi
What we didn’t like:
- One of many heavier gis on this checklist
- Sizing tends to run small
Store for the Kingz The One BJJ Gi on Amazon
