Friday, June 2, 2023

Do Or Die Hyperfly StarLyte: The Next Generation of Gi Material

Do Or Die Hyperfly StarLyte: The Next Generation of Gi Material

Summary

One of the hottest and most active companies on the gi market, Do or Die Hyperfly has established themselves as a constant innovator, putting out high quality attractive product with simple yet iconic designs.  We had the special privilege of getting to review their brand spanking new StarLyte gi ahead of its release.

Disclosures

This Gi was submitted to me free of charge (by way of gireviews.net) for review.  I have never done any work with or for Do Or Die Hyperfly.

Introduction

hyperfly bag

I’ve been a bit of a fan boy of Hyperfly for a while.  I’ve always loved the “You Can’t Teach Heart” motto and I love the clean designs and fabrics that for which Hyperfly has become known.

hyperfly both gis and nunchucks

Back in August I got word that I would be receiving two gis, one standard Hyperfly Premium gi as well as an as of yet unreleased product.  I was informed that the fabric is not one that is currently used in jiu jitsu uniforms, and that the gi I would be receiving is truly a special product.

hyperfly starlyte gi folded

I received both gis on my birthday (an awesome birthday present) along with a pair of Hyperfly’s foam nun chucks.  Both products looked stunning fresh out the packaging, and I will release my review of the Premium gi at a later date.

hyperfly starlyte standing nunchucks together

I am releasing this review a bit earlier than normal, though I did wear the gi over the course of 2 months around twice a week.

The StarLyte gi is an experience in and of itself.  Made of an innovative material called “Star Weave” It is literally like nothing I’ve ever worn…

Fit

hyperfly starlyte arms extended profile view

I’m 6’1, 195.  The size that tends to fit me best is A2L.  This StarLyte is an A2, but the dimensions are fairly generous for an A2 so the gi fit me decently.  It was a touch snug in some places but I have no real overall complaints about the fit given that it’s just an A2.

hyperfly starlyte arms extended frontal view

A:  6gi reviews gi measurement size chart

B:  29.75

C:  30.5

D: 23.25

E: 21

F: 12.1

G: 8.5

H: 39.5

hyperfly starlyte hands on belt walking

Design

hyperfly starlyte angle looking up

Hyperfly did this gi right.  The model I received is navy blue with black accents.

hyperfly starlyte side view hands folded

The star weave jacket has a navy blue body with a black lapel and black external taping on the bottom and black trim and seam tape

hyperfly starlyte jacket only simple view

The rip stop trousers are simple as well, navy blue with some black trim and seam tape.

hyperfly starlyte nunchuck swing stars in view

The symbols on the gi are par for the course for Hyperfly.  On the jacket: one arm has a Hyperfly crest on it with StarLyte written on it, the other arm has 5 stars on it.  The bottom of the lapel has a branded patch as well.

hyperfly starlyte nunchuck swing shield in view

The pants only have one small branded patch.

Jacket

hyperfly starlyte weave jacket angled view

The jacket of this gi is a work of art.

hyperfly starlyte jacket tag and weave detail view

Initially I was skeptical of this “star weave” fabric.  It is a textured, thin fabric, not entirely different from rip stop in its weight.  One teammate described the sensation of trying to grab it as akin to grabbing a piece of Brawny paper towel that has little barbs stuck through it, but that it somehow was extremely rigid at the same time.  This fellow would be hesitant to roll with me when I wore the StarLyte…

hyperfly starlyte jacket arm details complete view

The fabric doesn’t stretch when wet, and absorbs sweat more similarly to a standard gi material than rip stop.

hyperfly starlyte jacket thrown on ground

At a closer look at the fabric is thin with small woven diamonds throughout.  These diamonds serve as both reinforcements as well as points for generation of irritation to a hand trying to grab the gi.  The inside of the gi is remarkably soft and comfy.

hyperfly starlyte closeup model pose

The black twill covered foam lapel is thick and supple like a standard weight Hyperfly gi.

hyperfly starlyte hands folded angled frontal view

The gi breaths amazingly well because the fabric is so light.  However because of the thicker points in the fabric it has a substantial and dense feel to it.

Trousers

hyperfly starlyte trousers angled view ripstop details

The trousers of this gi are far less complex and impressive than the jacket.  They are a soft, lightweight and comfortable.  I have no complaints about the pants.

hyperfly starlyte trousers top simple view

The trousers have a black stretchy rope and 6 black loops.

hyperfly starlyte shot from below, angled stance looking down

Rolling Performance

Holy moly…

hyperfly starlyte back view arms crossed

For starters the gi is as comfortable as the softest gis I’ve worn.  It feels great to roll in.  The exterior’s weird roughness makes it very difficult to retain grips.  I love it!

hyperfly starlyte front angled view

The trousers feel like any other rip stop trousers.  Very soft and comfy, but again, dat jacket…

My only concern is that it may almost become a crutch to the wearer.  It gives you such a big advantage because of the difficulty of grip retention and if it’s not legal for bigger competition (which at least this model won’t be because of the difference in lapel and body color) will actually serve as a long term disadvantage.

hyperfly starlyte angled model shot

But seriously, this gi is a blast to roll in.  I highly recommend it.

Conclusion

Do or Die Hyperfly did something special with the StarLyte gi.  I’ve never seen anything else like it, and it is just so much fun to wear.  It also happens to look incredible which doesn’t hurt.  You can pick this gi up at www.doordie.com once it’s released.

Emil Fischer
Emil Fischer
Emil Fischer is a Black Belt competitor training under Pablo Castro at Strong Style MMA in Independence Ohio. Emil writes for various jiu jitsu related blogs and magazines, is a brand ambassador for Ludwig Van and Vanguard Kimono and is sponsored by Trap And Roll Soap, Impact Mouth Guards, The Terphouse, Cleveland Cryo, Nottarookie, Eddys on Coventry and Meerkatsu You can check out more of his work and his competition footage at www.facebook.com/emilfischerbjj.

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