Yeah. I am fussy, and it should be clear from this site that I like trying new things and experimenting and refining. So, it’s unsurprising that I started a collection of uniforms as I got into Jiu Jitsu. I do not doubt that there are people with entire wardrobes full of these things, but let me share my brief journey so far.
I initially started with a Fuji Gi – I had done my first class and was very keen to get into a uniform to:
- Not stick out as much
- Start training the same as the rest of the class (i.e. grips, collars)
I also liked the idea of physically trying on a Gi before purchasing it. That would give me a basis for future purchases. As it was – I ended up in an A3 – that – in hindsight, sent me down the wrong path. More on that later.
Shortly after, I also realised, due to the cleaning and drying schedule of training more than once per week, I would need at least one more Gi – so I jumped online and ordered a Hyperfly Hyperlite; I got caught up in the excitement, and shortly after also ordered an Icon (I liked the green!). A couple of models later, I settled on the ProComp Lyte.
Unveiling the Hyperfly ProComp Lyte Jiu Jitsu Gi
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Mercerised Cotton – Jacket 350gsm square weave, Pants 8oz ripstock |
| Weight | Ultra-Lightweight – A0 – 1.2 kg A2 – 1.45 kg A4 – 1.63 kg |
| Fit | Performance Cut – Designed for minimal excess fabric – slim cut |
| Stitching | Reinforced Triple Stitched – Built to last |
| Collar | EVA foam – Quick drying and resistant to fungi |
Sizing It Right: The Hyperfly ProComp Lyte Jiu Jitsu Gi Size Guide
In my journey within Hyperlight, I quickly realised that the Icon would be too heavy during summer, and the A3 was only long enough for the fit I was after (I am 6ft and a bit and currently 86kg). The sleeves were ok, but the pants felt up mid-shin. It is still legal under competition rules, but in the back of my head, I still had memories of my Kendo Hakama and wanting to cover my feet (It was a Dojo Culture thing).
So, over the next few months, I justified my quick Gi purchasing habit by trying to find the perfect size. I ended up with a couple more A3s but switched out either the pants or the jacket and pants with the A3L sizing. I had a good length on the arms and legs but was ‘swimming’ in the jacket. By swimming, I mean I would be rolling and see the jacket coming up over my shoulders and arms – so I would have to stop mid-roll to pull the entire jacket back down over my head. It was too big for me.
After much deliberation, I decided to try out an A2L instead. Smaller around the chest but longer than a standard A2 or A3. This was just as the Procomp Lyte was released – so I ordered one.
The size and cut on arrival felt much better than anything previous. In rolling (specifically line work doing technical stand-ups), the sleeves would drag a little along the ground – they occasionally came up over the wrist. However, after a few washes, they shrunk down just the perfect amount I haven’t noticed. I had found my ideal sizing! A follow-up order gave me a rotatable ‘set’ of three of them, and here we are!
Caring for Your Hyperfly ProComp Lyte Jiu Jitsu Gi: Tips and Tricks
I have settled into a fairly standard routine in regards to washing the Gi – cold wash, ‘delicate’ cycle with half a cap of Dettol Classic Antiseptic Liquid and now (because I did notice my white Gis slowly turning yellow) a half scoop of Sard Whiter & Brighter in there as well. Yes, the Sard might be slightly reducing the lifespan of the Gi (many recommend keeping anything vaguely like Chlorine/Bleach away from them) – but I am happy with a Gi not lasting five years if it also doesn’t turn beige.
And there we have it, a quick look into the Hyperfly ProComp Lyte Jiu Jitsu Gi.
Now, I must stop looking at the latest Gi releases and return to training!