r/kendo • u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu • Dec 03 '24
Should I get a 2nd pair of kote? Equipment
Background: Kendo for 15 months, in bogu for a bit more than 6 months, 3rd kyu, testing for nikkyu next month, with 2 practices/week (sometimes less because of work/family obligations), no competition yet and not planning on anything intense in that field. My first set is great, very protective and still in perfect shape (obviously)
I have the opportunity of getting a second pair of kote, custom made, with some upgrades and better materials, for a nice discounted price. It wouldn't be the high-end, but a clear upgrade. Obviously would be nice, but do I need it?
Money is a bit tight, but it's possible, and it would be mostly to take advantage of the nice deal and get to experience something of quality custom-made. At the same time, I don't want to spend just for the sake of spending, and in theory, I guess I could continue for quite a while with my single pair and upgrade to something even nicer when it's really needed, full price.
TL:DR - take advantage of a good discount and get good 2nd pair of custom kote now, or save money and splurge to top quality when 2nd pair is really needed?
4
u/Rend_a 3 dan Dec 03 '24
No need. Save money, you have several years before you will need new ones if you train 2 times per week.
5
u/Careless-Cover8000 3 dan Dec 03 '24
In my opinion this really depends on the time between the two trainings and whether the kote has sufficient time to dry.
1
u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu Dec 03 '24
Yeah exactly. The days are spread enough and I have good space to dry them. If schedule change and train days in a row, I'll revisit the question ;)
2
u/Careless-Cover8000 3 dan Dec 03 '24
i'd still go for the extra kote so you keep both pair going longer
1
u/Ill-Compote-4241 Dec 03 '24
The time between trains influences in the durability? Curious since I train usually 2/3 times per week and the days are in a row always
5
u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu Dec 03 '24
I think it's more about the drying: if you have enough time between two trainings and kote can really dry properly, then 2nd pair isn't as necessary. If you train several days in a row, kote may not have time to dry, bacteria/smell can fester more, longevity will be reduced, and so other pair becomes a necessity...
2
u/Ill-Compote-4241 Dec 03 '24
Didn't knew this, everything makes sense now, my kotes are starting to have some noticeable holes after just 1Y and 3 months using them, will be sure to let them dry properly between trainings. Thank you!!!
3
u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu Dec 03 '24
Yeah fully drying is primordial. Now the holes, that happens, normal part of life for kote, may not be related ;)
4
u/gozersaurus Dec 03 '24 edited Dec 03 '24
This is really a question only you can answer, if you have the disposable income absolutely, if not nothing wrong with waiting. FWIW, I didn't start really amassing my kendo gear until sometime around nidan, used a 2mm machine stitched set until shodan.
3
u/JoeDwarf Dec 03 '24
There are always sales and deals to be had if you're not in a hurry. You don't need a second pair unless you really want them, in which case go for it.
1
u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu Dec 03 '24
That's actually true, surrounded by sales, you feel like you're missing out if you don't pull the trigger, but yeah, it does always come back!
3
u/TheKatanaist 3 dan Dec 03 '24
Yes, get a second pair of kote. I have been using the same bogu since I started and I've gone through 3 sets of kote. You will need spares.
But no, don't get them custom made.
Getting a custom set is really for when you have a more developed kendo and you know what you want out of the set. For example, if you're really competitive, you might want a thinner style that's more flexible. Or if you're teaching, maybe you want a thicker set that can absorb the clumsy hits of beginners, or perhaps articulated fingers so you can make clearer gestures. There are other factors to consider (I didn't even touch on color scheme), but the point is, I don't think you know your kendo well enough yet to even know what to ask for.
1
u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu Dec 03 '24
The main point for me was the custom size to have a really fitted pair. The deerskin leather reinforcements, shikage in the atama, etc. were things I knew would improve the quality and for me to try (as well as pure aesthetics) but yes, not something needed based on my experience.
3
u/BinsuSan 3 dan Dec 03 '24
IMO, at least for beginners, it’s best to only get a 2nd pair if it’s the same model and size as the first pair. Rotation then allows for one pair to dry while the other is used.
2
u/Careless-Cover8000 3 dan Dec 03 '24
i always rotate between sets of kote between trainings, it gives them time to dry properly. It also extends the lifespan of both pairs. money wise, i'd get what you can afford. now the question if you can afford it and if YOU really NEED it is only a question you can answer yourself.
2
u/not_No1ce 3 dan Dec 03 '24
Getting a second pair of kote for 3+ practices/week makes sense. If the twice a week practices are too close to each other, than it would be a good idea to purchase a second pair to allow them to dry/rotate them for practices. I'd say wait to slurge for custom until maybe shodan, IMO.
Another suggestion I'd offer, and something I'm shopping around for, is purchase a pair of cotton gloves/liners to wear under the kote. It'll help prolong its use and majority of the sweat wouldn't be absorbed into the kote. It's also alot cheaper as well than a new pair of kote too.
1
u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu Dec 03 '24
Yeah drying isn't an issue for me - or else, I wouldn't even have wondered and just got the pair. :) You're the 2nd person though to recommend the gloves to me, for the longevity/sweat etc. and also for the difference in feeling it apparently gives (?) for the tenouchi. Might add these in my next bogushop order ;)
2
u/Kohai_Ben 3 kyu Dec 03 '24
Thank you all, there's some great food for thought here and that's exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping to receive. Aside from the drying aspect - which I know isn't an issue for me, so no need - was curious to hear thoughts on other potential pros or the other cons (aside from the money).
This is why I love this sub, a pleasure to be part of this community :)
Bottom line was I kinda knew would be better to wait as I don't need it, but needed an extra voice to confirm that gut feeling and make it louder than my lust for kendo gear! haha
2
u/shutupNdoKirikaeshi Dec 04 '24
The answer is almost always YES for getting another pair of kote.
Having more pairs will make each one last longer, providing more value out of each pair.
9
u/Great_White_Samurai Dec 03 '24
I have as many pairs of kote as years of practice...If you practice 3+ days a week it's not bad to have an extra pair or two.