Buying Considerations For Karate Equipment
Price
Shop around. Review your top 3 dealers and price out each item you are looking to buy. For Example. I was shopping for a punching bag 3 months ago and I had already narrowed my choice of brand and maker. Now it was time for me to visit my stores and see how much they had that exact same merchandise for. Also check availability. If they don't have it in stock, then the item is as good as not being there. I visited my three local martial arts stores and went off my checklist of merchandise. The punching bag I was looking for was a 6ft banana bag, filled. It was made of super strong vinyl. After visiting all three karate stores, it was obvious to me who had the best price. Simple as that.
Manufacturer's Reputation
When buying karate supply with your hard earned money, consider the manufacturer's reputation. The last thing you want to do is plunk down $200 for a new heavy bag and find out later that this manufacturer has a reputation for shoddy workmanship. Ask friends, ask your fellow martial arts students and ask your instructor or Sifu. He's been around a long time, and he's, I'm sure, bought tons of martial arts supplys in the past. So he or she will know.
Brand
Does brand matter when making a shopping decision for Martial Arts gear? YES. Brands differ and reputations differ. There are some very reputable brands and many iffy brands that I've never heard of. You'll hear horror stories from people who have bought a very low priced uniform or pair of shoes only to find out it just falls apart after the first wash. You want to buy quality Uniforms, Karate Shoes and Sparring Pads. Doing otherwise will cost you twice as much. Again, consult a fellow student, teacher or Sifu.
Quality of Merchandise
This is one of my most important considerations when buying training equipment. Without quality what do you have? Unless you get it for free, what is the point of buying shoddy Tae Kwon Do Uniforms for your children, after it's ripped and falls apart after the first lesson. You'll think he got jumped in his first class. Then you'll have to shell out another $20 - $50 for another uniform. Quality and price go hand in hand. The secret is to find the inefficiency in this price/ quality matrix and buy the quality you want at the best price.
Retailer
Many people have asked me whether or not it's important who they buy their Karate Equipment from. Most retailers are pretty good about offering good after sale service, return policies and friendly service. If they didn't, they wouldn't stay in business for too long. When picking a retailer to buy your swords, training gear or punching pads, go spend a sunday afternoon with your buddies or girlfriend/ boyfriend and check out the store. Is it neat. Is it organized. Is the person behind the counter informed and courteous. These are all basic consumer variables to consider when buying your children a uniform, karate shoes or nunchaku.
Upcoming Articles: Escrima Sticks - How to Select Them / Movies and Weapons - Are They Realistic? / Rating Boxing Gloves - We Give Your Our Top 5
Shop around. Review your top 3 dealers and price out each item you are looking to buy. For Example. I was shopping for a punching bag 3 months ago and I had already narrowed my choice of brand and maker. Now it was time for me to visit my stores and see how much they had that exact same merchandise for. Also check availability. If they don't have it in stock, then the item is as good as not being there. I visited my three local martial arts stores and went off my checklist of merchandise. The punching bag I was looking for was a 6ft banana bag, filled. It was made of super strong vinyl. After visiting all three karate stores, it was obvious to me who had the best price. Simple as that.
Manufacturer's Reputation
When buying karate supply with your hard earned money, consider the manufacturer's reputation. The last thing you want to do is plunk down $200 for a new heavy bag and find out later that this manufacturer has a reputation for shoddy workmanship. Ask friends, ask your fellow martial arts students and ask your instructor or Sifu. He's been around a long time, and he's, I'm sure, bought tons of martial arts supplys in the past. So he or she will know.
Brand
Does brand matter when making a shopping decision for Martial Arts gear? YES. Brands differ and reputations differ. There are some very reputable brands and many iffy brands that I've never heard of. You'll hear horror stories from people who have bought a very low priced uniform or pair of shoes only to find out it just falls apart after the first wash. You want to buy quality Uniforms, Karate Shoes and Sparring Pads. Doing otherwise will cost you twice as much. Again, consult a fellow student, teacher or Sifu.
Quality of Merchandise
This is one of my most important considerations when buying training equipment. Without quality what do you have? Unless you get it for free, what is the point of buying shoddy Tae Kwon Do Uniforms for your children, after it's ripped and falls apart after the first lesson. You'll think he got jumped in his first class. Then you'll have to shell out another $20 - $50 for another uniform. Quality and price go hand in hand. The secret is to find the inefficiency in this price/ quality matrix and buy the quality you want at the best price.
Retailer
Many people have asked me whether or not it's important who they buy their Karate Equipment from. Most retailers are pretty good about offering good after sale service, return policies and friendly service. If they didn't, they wouldn't stay in business for too long. When picking a retailer to buy your swords, training gear or punching pads, go spend a sunday afternoon with your buddies or girlfriend/ boyfriend and check out the store. Is it neat. Is it organized. Is the person behind the counter informed and courteous. These are all basic consumer variables to consider when buying your children a uniform, karate shoes or nunchaku.
Upcoming Articles: Escrima Sticks - How to Select Them / Movies and Weapons - Are They Realistic? / Rating Boxing Gloves - We Give Your Our Top 5
