BJJ Gis Weaves 101: Pearl, Gold or Single Weave: Which One is Best?
Everyone training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu must have come across a famous question about the BJJ gi weave type. What is the best bjj gi weave type? What is the difference between each type, whether it's Single, Gold, or Pearl Weave? And, more!
This decision to find the best one lies within what you need and want as a BJJ gi trainer or trainee. So, in general, it's not about a specific weave type, nor is there a single, universal rule that tells us which weave type is best.
In order to learn which type of gi is best for you, you first need to learn what they actually are and what purpose they serve. Here are some basic and important gi weave considerations, which one needs to learn before being able to pick the right weave BJJ gi:
- What does BJJ gi weave mean?
- How do gis differ in terms of weight, durability, and comfort?
- How different are gis priced based on weave type, and why?
- How different are bjj gis weaves in terms of performance during training and competitions?
- Which weave gi works best for beginners?
- Which weave gi works best for experts?
These are just some of the major factors to help you decide which gi weave type is best for you or your kids. Let's go over detils important questions regarding BJJ gi weave types in little details:
Single Weave BJJ Gi
1.1 What is a single weave BJJ gi?
The single-weave BJJ gis are made from lighter, basic fabric, which makes them thinner and lighter compared to Pearl and gold Weave. The single weave gis are priced low, which makes them an ideal choice for beginners, training in a hot climate, or people on a budget.
1.2 Pros (single-weave):
- Singlve weave gis are lightweight
- Ideal for beginners
- Budget friendly
- Soft feel
- Highly flexible
- Hard for the opponent to grip
1.3 Cons (single-weave):
- Siignle weave gis are less durable
- Easy for the opponent to grip
- Fast wear and tear
- Low sweat absorption
Pear Weave BJJ Gi
2.1 What is a pearl-weave BJJ gi?
The pear wave gis are most commonly used bjj gis, also known as modern BJJ gis. This is durable yet lightweight, which makes it a preferred choice for training and competition among most athletes.
The pearls gis are priced high compared to single and gold weave gis, which makes them relatively out of reach for beginners or people who train less frequently.
However, brands like Elite Sports have made pearl-weave gis affordable for beginners and people who are on a budget.
2.2 Pros (pearl-weave):
- Durable and lightweight
- Competition friendly
- Long lasting
- Best strength-to-weight ratio
- Leading IBJJF legal gis
- Moderate to high grip resistance
2.3 Cons (pearl-weave):
- Highly prices
- Stiffer feel
- Expensive (depends on the brand)
Gold Weave BJJ Gi
3.1 What is a gold weave BJJ gi?
The gold waeave bjj gis had been the most commonly used BJJ gi before pearl weave started dominating as a leading gi used in jiu jitsu. The gold-weave gis are made from a very thick fabric, 550-750 GSM, making them heavyweight gis.
The gold eave gis are used for intense, long training sessions and are rarely used in competitions. They are not very breathable, so they are not recommended if you tend to train in a hot climate. These are preferable for beginners.
3.2 Pros (gold-weave):
- Durable compared to single weave
- Long lasting
- Feel is moderate
- Moderate weight
- Break-in relatively fast
3.3 Cons (gold-weave):
- Gets heavier because of high sweat absorption
- Moderate shrinkage
- Market availability is low/moderate
- Hard feel
- Heavier than single-weave
BJJ Gi Weave type comparison chart: Single vs Pearl vs Gold
Here,s comparisoin charrt between single, pear, and gold weave bjj gis, these factors can help while making a selection of bjj gi based on weave type:
| Features | Single Weave | Pearl Weave | Gold Weave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Simple weave | ||
| GSM | 300-350 | 350-550 | 550-750 |
| Weight | Light | Medium | Heavy |
| Durable | Low-Medium | Very High | High |
| Weat & Tear | Fast | Slow | Medium/Slow |
| Grip Resistance | Easy | Moderate | Hard |
| Break-in | Fast | Moderate | Moderate |
| Breathability | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Sweat Absorption | Low | Moderate | High |
| Shrinkage | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Usability | Beginners, hot climates | Most commonly used in training and competitions | Hard and long training sessions |
| Competitinos | Allowed (sometimes) | Allowed | Allowed |
| Market Availability | Common | Extensive | Not so common |
| Price Range | Low | High | Medium |
Conclusion: Which BJJ Gi weave is Best?
After going through all the information above, it's pretty clear that Pearl Weave Gis are the most commonly used BJJ Gis. The pearl weave gis are comparatively expensive, but brands like Elite Sports have made them affordable for the masses by offering high-quality gis at fair prices. No one could even imagine a pear weave gi under $100 before Elite gis came to the market. Hence, this makes Elite Sports one of the best-selling BJJ gi brands on the market.
If you are a beginner or train occasionally, a single-weave gi would be the best option. The lightweight and high breathability make it hot-weather friendly as well. The thin fabric does not last long and may wear out fast.