General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Custom tri racing kits Rss Feed  
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2012-12-17 11:19 AM

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Subject: Custom tri racing kits

I'm in the dubious position of having been elected co-president of our tri club, and the major item is going to be ordering tri kits. The ones we had last year were terrible. We have most of the artwork, although there may need to be modifications depending on our 2013 sponsors.

Can anyone recommend a printer who does dye sub? Or is it better to go through a company like Sugoi? I like the LG kits but I just can't see everyone paying like $180.



2012-12-17 12:22 PM
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Champion
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Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits

We have used Champion Systems the past 3 years.  I have a love hate relationship with them.  I love the price, colors, options, ease of ordering.  I hate dealing with artwork corrections and I don't love their quality.  It certainly isn't LG but it also isn't LG price.  My stuff has held up pretty well but compared to what I have worn before, but it is definitely lower quality. 

Given that I order for my team, I am always testing their products.  I own 4 tri shorts, 2 bibs, 1 bib tight (which I LOVE), 4 tri tops, 6 cycling jerseys, 1 long sleeve jersey, 1 fleece jersey (which I love), 2 tech shirts, 1 windbreaker, 1 casual jacket and one heavy cycling jacket.  So I feel like I can attest to their stuff if you have questions.  CS is about all I wear...but then again, that's kinda my job, lol

2012-12-17 12:41 PM
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Master
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ann arbor, michigan
Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
I really like Kiwami tri stuff and I have heard that custom ordering through them is very easy. Give them a call/email. They are a pretty small operation based in Chicago and I think trying to grow their business. Sizing is a little variable but they can help you out with that as well. Owner? Frontman is Andre Bennatan.

After racing IMAZ in a top and shorts from them I am sold on their product.
2012-12-17 12:57 PM
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Floriduh
Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
My club ordered from CS last year and I really like the top (didn't order the bottom).  Cannot comment on the longevity as I don't work out in it so often as to put any wear on it.  I can say the stuff is not as iron-clad as DeSoto, but then again, what is.  Another area club uses Kiwami and really likes their kits.  Never been a fan of Sugoi
2012-12-17 4:16 PM
in reply to: #4538202

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Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
Our shop used to use Champ Sys but didn't like how cheap the quality was.

Almost went with LG

Decided on CODE since after the original order have 3 piece minimums for easy reordering or specialty items

The quality of the fit kit seemed a heck of a lot nicer than champ sys did.
2012-12-18 8:07 AM
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Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits

My club uses Epix Gear.  They offer volume discounts which helps (http://www.epixgear.com/custom-pricing).

Chattanooga Triathlon Club



2012-12-18 9:11 AM
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McAllen
Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
I'm in the same position. We were looking at champ sys also, their apex suits.

What's cheap about them?
2012-12-18 9:18 AM
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Champion
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Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits



What's cheap about them?

It's hard to qualify.  I feel like it is just a cheaper material, binding isn't as good and doesn't breath as much as I would like.  I do have athletes who love them.  Personally, I prefer zoot or lg.  But I just can't afford to outfit my team with those products.  CS, imo, balances affordability and decent (but lower) quality. 

And like I said, I LOVE their options.  For example, we just received all our winter gear--jackets, ls jerseys, tights, etc.  The coaches decided to do their own jackets.  Since I ordered more than 10 jerseys, I met the minimum and could order 2 of the coaches jackets.  I didn't have to meet a minimum on those items.  That's one of the biggest pluses in my book for CS.  I like to order a ton of one-off items without having to meet that items minimum. 

I also hear good things about pactimo. 

2012-12-18 9:23 AM
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Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
ADollar79 - 2012-12-18 10:18 AM

I also hear good things about pactimo. 

I don't own a bunch of the stuff, but the LBS uses Pactimo for their shop gear.  I have a jersey and cap (totally pro).  Very pleased with both.  People seem pleased with the full kit also.

 

 

2012-12-18 10:32 AM
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Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
ADollar79 - 2012-12-18 10:18 AM



What's cheap about them?

It's hard to qualify.  I feel like it is just a cheaper material, binding isn't as good and doesn't breath as much as I would like.  I do have athletes who love them.  Personally, I prefer zoot or lg.  But I just can't afford to outfit my team with those products.  CS, imo, balances affordability and decent (but lower) quality. 

And like I said, I LOVE their options.  For example, we just received all our winter gear--jackets, ls jerseys, tights, etc.  The coaches decided to do their own jackets.  Since I ordered more than 10 jerseys, I met the minimum and could order 2 of the coaches jackets.  I didn't have to meet a minimum on those items.  That's one of the biggest pluses in my book for CS.  I like to order a ton of one-off items without having to meet that items minimum. 

I also hear good things about pactimo. 

I had forgotten about them. I have bibs and a jersey they did for the medical school where I work. They're my favorite bibs (next to my one pair of really expensive LG's) and the stuff has held up well, including a good tumble off the bike.

2012-12-18 10:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
The bibs we have, some of the stitching was starting to come out before it should have, the pad was uncomfortable, walking in it felt a lot more "diaperish" than any other bibs I've worn.

Virtually everyone I talk to says they buy it for the price and NOT for the quality.


2012-12-18 1:06 PM
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Breckenridge
Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits
I've got some custom kit from SLS3 Now use their stock kit as well

Edited by 287sds 2012-12-18 1:06 PM
2012-12-18 3:05 PM
in reply to: #4537977


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Subject: RE: Custom tri racing kits

Rocket Science Sports (my employer) has custom gear that is super high quality (they pay me to say that, but I was saying it long before I worked here). Right now we have a special for new team customer for only $79 for a complete kit. This is fully sublimated, 12 pc minimum, and using our proprietary tri chamois that is better than anything else on the market. Oh, and a very short turn around. Contact [email protected] for details. 

Whatever company you go with make sure you check for hidden fees such as designer time, shipping, rush, etc. Also, ALWAYS get a fit kit and try them on as many of your athletes as possible. As the former president of a huge tri club I am painfully aware of how badly people guess their sizing even with an accurate size chart. 

-Joey
www.RocketScienceSports.com 

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