Saw a post about Kiwami brand. I looked up the site and the stuff seemed ok but then I saw the care instructions… has anyone tried any of this stuff? Obviously some of the care instructions are no brainers but no soap and do not soak, hand wash only? Do not overstretch seams or openings? The cycling shorts I have get a little fuzzy where the thighs rub on the seat. Curious if this stuff is too delicate. Would like to try some new tri shorts.
I have wore the Amphibian and Konami 2 seasons in a row, they have been great. I have machine washed them with no problems, guess I should start reading instructions better. I can’t complain, and I have had great experience with their customer service and design team as well. All 4 of my suits from them have been custom and getting 2 more this season. Let me know if you have any other questions.
This is from an ITU pro who wears the 1 piece, and he just did a review of Kiwami suits.
http://danfeeney.blogspot.com/
I’m using them for our team’s unis this year. I’ve gotten samples sent to me and they just felt solid. The customer service with Andre from Kiwami completely won me over. Solid company that looks to be making a big splash here within the US.
Not nearly as delicate as those care instructions might make it sound. Very well made suits and short/tops. My go to suit is the Amphibian all the way up to 70.3 (switch the Prima for 140.6). The Amphibian is a made of fabric that literally repels water yet allows the suit to breathe very well. And if sized appropriately, theres no reason you cant use it as a swim skin (I have).
Any specific questions can be answered by Andre. Just hit up the contact info on the site. You’ll most likely hear directly from him. The customer service is top notch.
Great stuff. I don’t baby it and it holds up great. Comfy too. The crotch pad is pretty minimal so you will want to acclimate your keester to it but, you will love running it. Service is great too.
I love my Kiwami gear. I’ve used a couple of their suits for long and short stuff. Very durable and very comfy. Highly recommend it. Andre is great also. Josh
Kiwami is my favorite tri gear. I like the one piece back zip stuff. Really great for hot weather races.
Best quality racing clothing that I have.
jaretj
I’ve been using the Turbox shorts for the past year now and love them. They are very durable as people have said and I even put them through the drier on very low heat and no fabric softener things.
I love the pockets for gels at the bottom of each leg and after the first week or two had no issues with the pad. Most comfortable tri shorts I’ve ever had for running off the bike.
I second what everyone else has said. Only things to add…
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If you are going to machine wash (which I will do as well) do it on cold, use a good detergent, don’t wash with anything but other high-end pieces, and dry on the most delicate settings (or better yet, air dry on a line if you can, the material dries out very fast, easily overnight)
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If you need some more guidance on the difference between the various options for two-pieces, I wrote a somewhat detailed review a little while back. http://greaterthanendurance.blogspot.com/2012/09/product-review-kiwami-triathlon-race.html
Finally, if you live in a cold-weather area, I highly recommend adding the beanie to your purchase. I always thought a technical hat was a technical hat, until I got my hands on this. Seriously, the best fitting, wicking, climate control cap there is, perfect for cycling (fits under your helmet comfortably) and running (folds up to expose ears without becoming loose). I put it on an equal pedestal to having good arm warmers.
Feel free to me PM me if you have any questions. Oh, and yeah, if it seems like there is a “Kiwami Mafia” on the forum, it’s because there is; and it is the result of not only great product, but hands-down the best customer service you’ll find in the industry.
To add in, the arm warmers from Kiwami are top knotch as well. Made of extremely high quality fabric, I believe it’s teflon coated? And worked well for me this weekend in a 7 degree race. The silicon grippers at the top are awesome and made sure these wouldn’t bunch on me or chafe like other arm warmers I’ve tried.
Awesome!!! Looks like I won’t be hesitant to order a first-timer team set of jerseys!!! Ayooooooooooo!!! Thank you for all the replies!
I’ve done all my races (about 6 per year avg, various short course) since 2008 in the Amphibian suit… It’s still like new.
I put mine in the wash and hang dry. No problem after a year and no signs that problems will occur so far. Great garments, good company, top notch customer service.
in a few words, we feel we have to recommend very cautious care instructions. but in reality, just keep in mind the fabrics we use are always top notch. they will withstand some tough treatment. a gentle machine wash is most of the time very acceptable. in some instances, we even successfully used dry cleaning.
in general, i think you’ll be surprised as how long lasting our gear is.
i hope this helps.
I just ordered a Prima top and short after reading all the positive feedback on this forum. High expectations.
Thank you for choosing us and I hope you’ll be as satisfied as this athlete:
I ordered a pair of the Prima Classic shorts a few weeks ag. After testing them for a few weeks, I’ll have to admit that they are the most comfortable pair of tri shorts I have ever owned; they are better than any of the high end Pearl or Garneau gear I have tried. The chamois is exceptional, while swimming, cycling, and running. The shorts are so comfortable that i often forget they are there, and I can’t wait to order the top. Thank you for replying to my concerns and offering remarkable customer service. From the moment I opened my package, I knew i would be a happy, long-time customer.
A little late to the party here, but by far this is the nicest suit I’ve ever worn (Amphibian Prima). I’ve worn the top end suits from both TYR and DeSoto and much prefer this one. Andre is 100% top notch in getting back with you and answering any questions. I know of several people who have bought base on my recommendation and not been disappointed.