I know that Arcanum is starting to feel like a review blog, but it’s not. It’s a BJJ blog. It’s just that lately I’ve had a rash of gis to review and very little time to get it all done. The blog will feature more and more training material over the next months.
In the mean time, the next gi review is one I’ve been looking forward to for quite some time. Get ready to meet the Black Eagle Raptor; the first luxury gi I’ve ever rolled in. The Raptor is so comfortable it induces a feeling of guilt; almost like I’m cheating on my other gis when I wear it. Not to say that it’s perfect; I found some definite issues with this pre-production model that I hope will get serious attention for the official launch (comfort was not the issue, by the way). But more on that later.
Now it’s time to hear what Steve from Black Eagle has to say about the Raptor:
ArcanumBJJ What was your goal in building the Raptor?
Black Eagle We wanted to show that we could also build a Kimono that stood out, but the difference being we were not prepared to let people order something without first getting samples and having those tested thoroughly.
ABJJ What made you guys decide to try your hand at a “luxury” kimono?
B.E. Our ‘forte’ has always been durable, lightweight BJJ Kimonos of a high quality. The Raptor was a project to show that we could also produce a ‘luxury’ Kimono to a high standard, but at a price people could afford.
ABJJ How does adding built-in rashguard lining complicate the manufacturing process?
B.E. The rash guard has to be made and printed and then stitched into the jacket at the pattern stage, so getting the print lined up is the hard part. But, yes, it adds cost due to the additional procedures required to ensure a good fit.
ABJJ What sort of testing does a new gi model go through? All testing is done by many of our Sponsored Athletes. We will send them pre-production samples to literally test to destruction if need be! This helps us assess where we need to strengthen things like seems etc. It also helps us determine adjustments to sizing.
B.E.
ABJJ Is this the exact same cut as the Predator MKII? How does it differ from the Predator?
B.E. Yes, we are now using the same cut on all our Kimonos.
ABJJ What improvements does the Raptor have over your previous models?
B.E. I wouldn’t say there are any real improvements as such, we’ve used the template that is the Predator to create the Raptor but have added the rash guard lining and the embroideries, etc.
ABJJ Do you anticipate making many changes between the pre-production model (reviewed here) and the final model?
B.E. A few minor changes is all that we will need to make, such as adding a highlight to the purple/lilac embroidery. Also, we will use Pearl Weave across all 3 designs as this, in our opinion, stands up better and feel better than Gold Weave on this model.
ABJJ What has been the reaction to the white and lilac version?
B.E. Very good, from both sexes!
ABJJ Why canvas trousers with the current ripstop trend?
B.E. Well, ripstop is certainly the material we are using more and more, but there is still a pretty good demand for cotton trousers. Whereas we can replace trousers if there is an issue (as happens occasionally with ripstop), because the Raptor is a one off, we wanted to eliminate the odd issues altogether, hence the decision to use cotton canvas.
ABJJ Is this a one-time run or would you make more if there were a good response?
B.E. It is a one time deal, we will not make the Raptor again in it’s present form. We may use some of the ideas in future stock lines though.
ABJJ Do people need to order strict sizes or can they mix sizes (like me?)
B.E. People can order mixed jacket and trouser sizes.
ABJJ Black Eagle makes equipment for all different martial arts. Relatively speaking, how much business do you get from BJJ and is it growing?
B.E. Difficult to say exactly, but we enjoy a good level of business from all the martial arts styles we supply. BJJ is certainly a big part of our business, and we enjoy the interaction with the customers that you don’t get with many TMA’s.
I should also mention the no shrink guarantee that comes with Black Eagle gis. I verified this with the Predator MKII, and I expect the Raptor to maintain its size as well, so of course I’ll be putting that to the test.
Having tested Black Eagle gis before, I have a good opinion of their durability. But I never put the Predator MKII through this:
Yes, this is bordering on the ridiculous. But it was also very fun. Stay tuned for the results, good and bad.
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Heh – this is shaping up to be the most reviewed gi ever, which is fitting given that a blogger designed it. Cool to see companies really engaging with the BJJ blogosphere like that: I look forward to the review!
Very cool interview!