Venum Contender BJJ GI

*update* Received my A4. Despite being supposedly sized for someone significantly larger than myself, it fits quite nicely. The pants fit like highwater jeans (which appears to be proper for BJJ), and the sleeves are about two inches past the wrist (which is a bit longer than it should be, but nothing a few minutes in the dryer or a quick hem wouldn't fix). Chest fits just right. I'm not sure where Brazilians hide their extra weight, but it's not anywhere covered by this uniform. I weigh 175 and I fit comfortable into a uniform they claim fits 200-250. Again, uniform is great, sizing chart is trash. I recommend the uniform, but understand that you're gambling on the fit ;) *end update*TLDR; this will run significantly small even before shrinking. Order one size up at a minimum, consider two. Read on for specificsSo first off, I'll agree with everyone else that it's very well made and looks great. The only reason I knocked a star off is because their sizing chart is garbage. Like everyone else has stated, it runs a "bit" small and tight in the chest.I don't think anyone has given specific numbers for that though, so here are some:I'm 6'0 and 175 lbs, shoulders/waist~44/32". The A2.5 says 5'8-6' and 165-180 lbs. I run towards the upper end of this category, but it should fit me. Taking the previous reviews into account, I went ahead and got the A3, since I'd rather buy something a little on the large side, especially when dealing with 100% cotton. So the A3 says 6'-6'2 and 180-200, which sounds like it should be perfect.So straight out of the bag, it's a bit of a tight fit. The arm length is exactly perfect, the chest is a tad tight, and the legs could use just another two inches or so. Now taking into account that it's not pre-shrunk, this seems like a fairly serious problem.I went ahead and had my wife try it on. She's roughly 5'8" and ~120 lbs. I would say that an hour on high in the dryer and this uniform would fit her almost perfectly (but that's just a guess).So anyways, I've put an A4 on order, trying to think of a friend who I can sell this A3 to. I'll update this in two days when I get the A4 and give you guys my impression.

Do not buy this GI under any circumstances. I got it and it fit great and was lightweight. I was very excited. It got shredded on the shoulder no sean from someone just gripping it. I thought it was just bad luck so had it patched and I was happy again. The very next time I wore it it got ripped apart in three different areas - looks like a bear mauled me. Love the fit but the material turns out to be not the least bit durable. You absolutely should not buy, which is a real shame.

I bought this gi so I could shrink it to size. I wanted something a little bigger than tournament regulation. I'm a female, 5'4" 115 lbs. It fit pretty big when I first got it, but after shrinking it fits perfect. The gi is very lightweight compared to the challenger gi (I have a white one). The string does fray on the ends after washing, but you can just cut that off and burn the ends to keep it from fraying again.

Fit exactly as it should. For the price you cannot beat it. I roll in it at least once a weak but usually twice. No wear or tears on it at all.It's a soft a flimsy fabric but it is still a decent BJJ gi. Especially if you train in a hot climate. This is my go to gi so I can preserve my favorite one. You can buy two of these for the same price as some mediocre kimonos out there.Do no hesitate. I am 6' and 165 lbs. A2.5 fits me like a glove.

Bought this Gi for my son in December and it developed a tear in the fabric under the arm in Feb. It looked as if there was a flaw in the fabric, and it continued to unravel. The Gi is otherwise good quality but cannot be used in tournaments b/c of the rip in the fabric.

I bought this for my 15 year old son, who is 5'8" 120 lbs. He has a Gameness Elite size A1, and after washing, the Venom the pants are the same length as the Gameness pants. Inseam now measures 26", and the overall length (waistband to bottom of pants) is only 36.5". He likes the pants, but the drawstring cord knot came undone in the wash and turned into a tassel. I had to re-knot that side and cut off the fringe. The 'kimono' is big enough for him to grow into, even after washing and drying. The sleeves are about an inch and a half too long, but I wanted something he could wear for a while / grow in to.I like the weight of it (about half the weight of the Gameness), so it should dry much quicker. It's also pretty soft.The measurement chart with the packaging is different than Amazon's chart, I think.A1: 5'5" to 5'7": 120 to 145 lbsA1.5: 5'6" to 5'8": 145 to 155A2: 5'7" to 5'10": 155 to 170A2.5: 5'9" to 6'0": 165 to 185A3: 5'11" to 6'3": 180 to 205A4: 6'2" to 6'7": 200 to 260 lbsMade in Pakistan.The color seemed to hold well, but I washed it alone just in case.Overall, I'm happy with the value for the price so far. The Gameness Elite was a gift, but it cost about $360 new.I'm a little worried about more silk tie cord problems. (The Gameness has a stitched fabric cord and does not fray, and it stays tied well.)I will update the review after he rolls in it and also after washing it several times.Update 5/30/15: I have washed and dried the kimono a few times, and it fits well. Definitely buy this large if you intend to dry with some heat. I hang the pants to dry, and they fit well now too hitting just above the ankle. The knot I tied in the cord is holding up fine. I just have to remember to tie the cord when washing so it doesn't wrap around anything and come out. My son likes it very much so far, so I have increased the rating to 4 stars. Again, he should be a size A1.5 to A2 based on height, but after washing the A2.5 fits right (without much room to grow).

It's pretty good. I will say that the stitching on the back is coming undone but it's held together ok. I put it in the dryer so that might be rough on it. I feel like it's a bit overpriced.