So I’ve been looking at options for a one-off custom tri suit for long-distance hot weather racing that, at a minimum, has my name (Journey) on the back and my company’s name on front (Journey To Go Pro) and it seems my options are:
Champion Systems
Epix Gear
Kiwami
Champion Systems seem to be a bit pricey for just one, Kiwami/De Soto were my first choices, but I have heard that De Soto does not do one-piece orders, and Kiwami is currently out of the Konami suit I was interested in, so I’m now looking at a 2-piece from Epix. From first looks, it appears to be an amazing deal. Can’t seem to find any reviews on the quality though. Anyone who has used them care to chime in?
1 off printing is simply put; PRICEY!
Go with De Soto, find a local printer, show him the material, let him do some research and – boom – you got a one off. I had to get some sponsors some years back printed on my gear and I had a local screen print shop (in Delaware) take care of it for me for very cheep. He had to special order some materials (a not so readily available paint), but even then, it cost me far less then a custom digital sublimation one-off.
Albeit, champsys can do some crazy designs with their digital sublimation, but the material – for me – was horrible. I lost skin in my quad/groin area after a sprint.
De Soto + custom print = happy race
It won’t be CRAZY-FANCY but it will “BE SEEN” & "IT WILL BE FUNCTIONAL! Infact, I still have that same gear today and it’s been some 10 years later. The clothing has all been worn out and the sponsors are still perfectly visible.
Good luck-
Our team used Epix last year for our team kits. I was very happy with the product and the design process. They took our idea and built three version to choice from and then fine tuned the design to meet our expectations. The quality is good; I think De Soto was better but Epix was better than Champ Sys in my opinion.
If you are looking for a good product and help on design then Epix is a good choice; they also do a full sublimation so if you can think it up they can create it.
Feel free to PM me any questions you have.
Best,
Brian
I got the epix suit last year for my wife and I. The suit and printing is top notch. I have had a little wear on my suit after a year, seems the race belt has “chaffed” the suit a bit at a couple spots around the waste giving it a bit of a fuzzy and white appearance (where it was printed blue), so that would be my only complaint. Otherwise very happy with the suit and the ease of working with them.
~Greg
Did you check other options with Kiwami? A 2 piece Prima is amazing…
Did you check other options with Kiwami? A 2 piece Prima is amazing…
I’ll second that. If you are going 2 piece this is the way to go. Andre will have it turned around faster than anyone else, plus the material is better than the fairly standard lycra used in other custom suits.
just to let you know we’re now fully stocked on the Konami and would be happy to custom print if for you. don’t hesitate to contact us.
thank you,
along with great customer service
.
Go Kiwami. Simply the best.
I see that now! Also, I have noticed the Kaiman XC. What is the difference between it and the Konami? Per the website, it looks quite the same.
Both suit have the same fit. however. the difference is in the fabric. The konami uses a polyamide highly protective from the sun and heat. We added black panels in the “strategic” areas but those are cold-black tinted. In a few words, the Konami is particularly adapted for those sensitive to hot weather conditions.
The KaimanXC’s fabric is also highly technical and long lasting. It’s teflon treated to repel water; this suit dries very fast. Both suits have the same slim but comfortable felt seamless and non-water absorbent padding.
Both suits are excellent picks for mid to long distance racing.
Hope this helps,
I like the self branding. Good move, companies respond kindly to that.
Another vote for Kiwami. I think the amphibian prima could be good for you as well given how many short and olympic races you do. Hope to see you out in the 303 for the tri-series. Should be a good time, good exposure, fun results.