The best gi I ever bought was the Howard Combat Kimono's double weave. That gi lasted 20 years and never ripped or frayed.

I still haven't found any gi that's better than the Globetrotters' lightweight travel gi, overall. Their comp gi is decent, but a little too high maintenance for my tastes. I otherwise really like innovative brands like datsusara and origin. I recently discovered vanguard brand, and if the gi fit just a tad better (I'm right in between an A1 and A2) it would be my favorite gi of all time.

Always loved my Vulkans (live long and prosper), but a few years ago I bought a Fuji Elemental gi and it is my new favourite. It's light (like the Vulkans so dries fast), the stitching is the same colour as the gi which I love. One colour all the way through.

https://fujisports.com/pr[...]-gi-blue-1

There is also an earlier discussion on the topic if you want to check it out :)

https://www.beltchecker.c[...]2d00564966

I’m a fan of inverted gear

Regret not buying one when I first started training. I'd probably still be rolling with it now.

Thanks, didn't see it earlier and I was trying not to necrothread if possible. Time to peruse the options there.

I have been a fan of Atama and Manto but have to admit I have had more Venum gi’s than any other brand. I like that they do half sizes.

Been loving Half Sumo lately. Their unique designs and craftsmanship are outstanding. I bought quite a few Origin gis a few years ago and still like them sometimes as well. Someone told me a long time ago that you have to find the gi company that FITS the way you like, and Half Sumo tends to have a more "fitted" athletic cut to their stuff I've come to appreciate.

I was a big Tatami fan until BREXIT. But mainly because I had how to wash them without them shrinking locked down. Been mainly looking into Raven Fight Wear nowadays, but that's because I'm a Lovecraft fan and they have a lot of Cthulhu inspired gear.
And honestly, the Globetrotters Gis I own are also some of my favorites. The special pandemic editions and the camp Gis are awesome.

I've become a fan of Kingz for their gis, but still strongly prefer Fuji for nogi equipment.

Gold Calavera is by far my favorite gi. Slightly on the heavier side, but they are so soft. It feels like wearing actual pajamas.

My fave are from Fenom Kimonos. Technically they are aimed at women, but if you're a sufficiently slender man, they fit. In my case, they're the best fitting gis I have: I've bought lots of them over the years (I have one that's over a decade old now, no signs of wear and tear). Durable, affordable, subtle branding (though yeah, I have covered them in my own branding, so it's not branding in general I'm against :P ).

I also like the BJJ Globetrotters gis, those have held up pretty well so far too. Then there are the Gimono ones from New Zealand. Quite odd in that they are a merino wool/polyester blend, but they're excellent for travel. Pack up really tight, even more so than ripstop gis like the BJJ Globetrotter ones. Main issue with the Gimono gis is that they are pricey, plus the collar is horrible to get choked with.

Want vs Need mysteriously not on this list.

Carbyne is my new favorite gi. It reminds by of the HCK I had years ago only with a modern cut and much lighter.

Al quit the biz I think

For bigger guys with gorilla wide backs (I'm 210 - 215Lbs) there is always an issue with the fit - if the Gi pants are right and Gi tops' arm length is right - then either the armpits are too tight or/and I can barely close the Gi... My team mates love this as I gave away some 25+ New Gis that didn't quite fit... but finally I found a brand > Sanabul that fits nicely, it's a high quality Gi - AND it doesn't shrink... Had some luck with +Half Size Hayabushas but they shrink...