2012-01-29 12:21:00
A few days ago Miyako Kendogu (an international colab between Andy Fisher and Tozando Co.) announced their newly introduced "Tsubasa" bogu set. I've never heard anything but good reviews of Miyako supplies and have been considering buying a bogu from them. The only thing that's kept me back is their rather high price point. Where a starter bogu from Kendo24 would set me back roughly 350 euros (or one form Nine Circles is roughly 300), the stuff from Miyako usually starts at 500 euros and easily goes above 800.
The introduction offer for the Tsubasa set is awesome though: 50% off! Meaning that the set would set you back 419 euros, instead of 840. Holy crap! And because international shipping is free, it's a steal! What's even better is that Andy assures me that Miyako adjusts men for kendoka who wear glasses for free. Wow.
That's a good enough offer to make me seriously consider it!
EDIT:
Holy shit! Holy crap! OMG!... Marli just OKed and ordered the set to my measurements!!!! I'm still doubting between panic and sheer overjoyment! *panic* *joy*
kilala.nl tags: kendo, sports, awesome,
View or add comments (curr. 4)
Posted by Kaijuu
The difference between the first and third of your list is rather large. Then again, if you are serious about your Kendo (that, you are, considering that you are already doing this for quite some time and are even participating in a tournament in a few weeks time), you have the money and have a better feeling about the Miyako-set, I'd say go for it.
As you may have noticed, I can be quite serious about my kit. Canon lenses and flash guns only, accessories are also mainly Canon, Eneloop batteries for my flash guns, sturdy tripods, a decent bag to carry it all in...
I kind of only go the cheap route when it's really cheap _and_ when I'm sure the cheap kit won't damage my more expensive gear.
Ask yourself the following: "Would I've bought the very same bogu set if the discount wasn't in place?". If the answer would be "I would at least consider it.", then there is no room for doubt and you'd just look back with an "If I only would have gone for the Miyako-set back then" if you did otherwise.
Anyway, that's my stance on the matter: even though you guys already made up your mind, I felt I needed to share my thoughts as well. :)
Posted by Thomas
Thanks for sharing!
No. At the 100% price point of E840 I would not have considered it as my starter bogu. I would've gone with either of the first two because of money. I have always liked the Miyako stuff and I know they make high quality gear. It was in my "if only" territory... and the "if only" became reality once they took off such a big amount that it became affordable.
To be honest though. I -have- been eyeing their other discount offers as well, thinking to myself that I -would- jump on the right one if it came to pass. And it did :)
It also helps greatly that it was Marli who actually made the decision! She's the one who told me to grab the measuring tape and she's the one who ordered the thing. Gotta love that girl!
Posted by Thomas
Also, Kevin from work rationalized it thusly: "if you were already budgeting for 350 plus shipping, then 419 incl shipping really isn't that big a jump."
:)
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2012-01-29 19:04:00
Posted by Thomas
Making a bit of a comparison, all including shipping:
* Nine Circles: E260
* Kendo24: E370
* Miyako: E419 (E840 without discount), incl free glasses adjustment
Where I'd rank the first two as 6-7 out of 10 and the third as 8-9 out of 10. Choices!
Seeing how I'm only a beginner one could argue that the cheapest set would be a good choice. On the other hand I've heard many kendoka argue that, if you're planning on fighting for at least a few years, you'd be better off getting gear that's made to last and that will still suit you when you've grown. Also, the fact that Miyako -does- offer to adjust the uchiwa to accomodate for glasses is a big bonus! Their website also asks the most questions about measurements.
When it comes to the cheaper options, I'd prefer to give my money to Kendo24 because they've provided me with great service in the past. But there's the problem that I think their cheaper bogu are rather ugly. The Nine Circles econ bogu are even cheaper and look better, but so far I've not done business with them so there's no loyalty factor (and they don't accept AmEx). I know Martijn's bought from them before and he's happy with their service.
Choices! Go cheap-ass? Pay a hundred more for loyalty but get ugly armor? Or pay hundredsixty more for a really good piece of kit that's at a steep discount right now (limited offer)?