Ready to Order first Bench Shirt from Karins...Any Suggestions?

[JDarty6173]

Ok, I am planning on placing an order for my first Bench shirt in the next few days... My intentions are to order a Double Denim Open back from Karins...From the posts I've read concerning their shirts and service, they appear to be excellent and helping you get exactly what you want out of a shirt as far as performance...I've only tried on one shirt before, it was an Inzer HPHD Shirt.. I didn't like the sleeve length, just seemed too short to offer good tri support...So I was planning on ordering it with sleeves that come down to my elbows...I have also considered BenchMonsters Idea of instead of a full open back, to just get it with extra material in the back and neck so it will fit like a open back but still be legal in more federations..

So, what other suggestions do you guys have for me? As far as sizing or any other features...Order it with exact measurements, have it made smaller or what?..I want to get the best performance out of this shirt as possible... If it helps any I am 6ft apx 215lbs at the moment... The last time I maxed on bench about 3 months ago I hit 405...I just started powerlifting after 5 years of BB 4 weeks ago and am using WSB... Also, how well do the Denim open back shirts react to fluctuations in bodyweight? I will probably be increasing my bodyweight by around 20 pounds over the next couple months..

Thanks guys, any insight you can offer is greatly appreciated..\\

Jon

 

[jimmydean]

Give PLJay a PM. He has one from her and can give you some tips on ordering.

 

[JDarty6173]

Thanks bro...I contacted PLJay and he replied with everything I needed to know.. And thanks a million PLJay, I'm, sure more questions will follow after I get the shirt...

 

[benchmonster]

I was preparing a long disertation, but if Jay took care of it, I will give the shortened version for anyone else who may be interested.

Unless you are a weirdo ( like me) it seems that giving exact body measurements plus telling her what you want it to take to touch will be perfect.

For myself, I had to send the first one back, requesting some alterations. Rather than that, she just made me a completely new shirt. I took off 2 inches in the chest, then had her take off another 2 inches of chest when I had the new one made, but had her add 4 inches of material in the back. This allows me a very tight shirt in the front, but the back is loose enough, so that I can breathe, pinch my shoulder blades together, and still adjust the shirt up or down if necessary.

This allows me a shirt that fits like I like it, but still legal everywhere. I would prefer just a full open back cause they are easier to get in and out of, but it is their playground, so you play by their rules.

Also, don't neglect to tell her whether you are wide shouldered or deep chested. That seems to make a difference as well.

Good luck. It is a steep learning curve, and it feels like the shirt is going to kill you at the bottom of the rep, but once you get it figured out, you will not ever want to squeeze into a poly again.

B.