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“At X-Guard Brand Fight Wear, we believe that fashion, quality, and performance go hand-in-hand. Our premium jiu-jitsu kimonos, IBJJF approved rash guards, and fight shorts have been mat tested and are cage approved. We listen to our customers, read reviews, and participate in the sport which helps us continually push our Jiu-Jitsu/MMA fight wear to the next level.”

Take a look at their line of gear at their website or like them on Facebook.  Now let’s hop into the review for the X-Guard Brand Series VI Recon – Limited Edition Kimono (A2)!

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Design/Features/Construction:
Firstly I want to point out that the Recon is a Limited Edition and will not be massed produced.  A quick overview of the main design features of the Recon: 425 gsm honeycomb tech jacket (strength of pearl weave with softness of gold weave), 12 oz drill cotton trousers, rope drawstring, contrast stitching, EVA foam lapel and stress point stitching. The jacket and pants are a medium gray in color with mahogany brown contrast stitching; the Recon only comes in gray. The Gi sports high quality stitching with all cuffs and stress points reinforced. With very few patches, and some small embroidered areas the Gi looks clean and fresh, with not a lot of bling to be shown. The few patches/embroidered areas coupled with the great gray color makes this Gi stand out without getting any crazy looks.

The Gi is very light for how durable it feels, and is the softest Gi I own by far. Many of the spider guard players and similar guard players “really appreciate how soft” this Gi is. Which I noticed is great for their grips, not so much for me stripping them. I originally tested the first X-Guard Kimono for BJJ Legends and was impressed (as I am again) on the construction and durability, but the first time round I was not impressed by the cut. At the time I was an A3 and the Gi was long in the skirt and baggy. As X-Guard Brand points out in their company description, they listened and really narrowed down the fit. This Gi fits me great, with a nice slim cut around the shoulders and arms. The skirt stops at an appropriate level and the pants fit very well. Due to its color this Gi is not IBJJF Legal.

Jacket:
The Recon jacket has a large inside tag with X-Guard Brand Info and size tagging. The bottom left lapel has a small branding patch along with the bottom left of the front of the Gi. Along the bottom right front a red patch denoted the Series Vi limited Edition. A very small red X-Brand “X” sits right below the nape of the neck. The only embroidery is on each shoulder where the X-Brand “X” sits in the same brown stitching as the rest and is about 3-1/4”x3-1/4”. The sections of embroidery are well done and have no signs of distress; the patch stitching also shows no fraying. The EVA Foam collar is covered in ripstop. The skirt and waist line of the pant cut-outs for mobility are reinforced and have brown material sewn over them for added protection. The Recon looks great, as I stated above it gets attention but nothing like a bright red Gi would. I would say it garners the right type of attention, with compliments ranging from “nice stitching” to “great color”, to “wow that’s soft”.

Pants:
The 12 oz drill cotton pants fit great, and feel like I could tow a truck with them. Sporting 8 loops for the drawstring, a very long stretchable drawstring in brown and an inside mouth guard holder the pants tie great and stay tied. The waist is off-set with the back half being slightly higher. Keeping up with the jacket the pants have the same reinforced stitching at all stress points and the contrast stitching at all seams.  The pant has a 4-1/2”x3” patch on the front right hip and a very small red patch on the back left right on the waist line. Inside of the back panel below the waist line a 3-1/2”x3-3/4” patch with X-Guard Brand Logos and sizing info. There is additional reinforcement at the knees starting at the thigh and is 16”in length and runs from vertical seam to seam across the front of the leg.

Test Run:
Right out of the free Limited Edition Gi Bag (Black with a large X-Guard Brand Logo) this Gi felt light, durable and looked great. I was given this Gi right before class started when I was already changed and stretching. I liked it so much I had to go try it on immediately. After trying it on I was very happy with the cut and fit that I wore it that day (with the Gi being gray I felt comfortable that it wouldn’t bleed like a black or dark blue Gi might). After 10+ washes I have noticed little to no shrinkage in the pants at all. I have noticed though some shrinkage occurring on the jacket. It still fits great and I would consider it still competition legal on my body but I have noticed it getting slimmer as I have trained. Make sure to double check the sizing on their website before purchasing. I only wash in cold and air dry all of my Gi’s.  [Editor’s Note: X-Guard has tall, husky and traditional sizing options] 

Wrap Up:
The Recon is a great looking Gi, with a nice fit, great durability and a softness in a Gi that I have never felt before. With the great gray color and mahogany brown contrast stitching couple with few patches this Gi stands out without screaming look at me. Only negative is the shrinkage which may affect anybody that is a little longer limbed than me. X-Guard made a great Gi after listening to their customers; they have great customer service and a wide array of other gear. The Recon comes in at $154 which is a mid-range price for a nice Gi. Make sure to check out their website and Facebook page for any upcoming deals and announcements.