Red Kap vs Kolossus Coveralls: A Comparison

[Aradun]

I'm currently working on a JFO Scout and picked up a Kolossus Coverall for the build so I decided to do a comparison review of the Kolossus and the Red Kap Coverall which I used for my ROTJ Scout. 

For a ROTJ Scout or JFO Scout you’ll need an undersuit (or flight suit).  If you're looking to build a Mando Scout, you'll need a TIE flightsuit so there's nothing to see here.  Move along 😉. 

Comfort and Fit

The Kolossus is the winner hands down here.  It’s noticeably lighter weight than the Red Kap.  It has a fitted elastic waistband that provides a more tapered fit than the RK, and the arms are a bit more tapered IMO as well.  The upper portion of the RKs seem to run a bit small requiring one to be somewhat of a contortionist to get it off and on.  Whereas the Kolossus slips on with ease.  Some will order the RK in a long version to avoid the acrobatics some, like me, require to get it over their shoulders.  If you do order the RK, I’d advise getting a regular and a long in your size and then keeping the one that has the better fit, but keep in mind that if you go with a long and want to shoot for Lancer (level 2 status) that the long version may require a bit more tailoring.  Both suits have double zippers allowing the suit to be unzipped from the top or bottom.

Pocket Removal

As for pocket removal, both have two rear pockets that need to be removed.  There is also a small side utility pocket on the Red Kap that needs to be removed and a much large side utility pocket on the Kolossus that needs to be removed.  This is easily handled with a seam ripper or if you’re careful and go slow, you can use an X-Acto knife.  There is a minor issue with the utility pocket on the Kolossus though.  The one edge of the pocket is sewn directly into the outer leg seam, so you’ll have to cut that side of the pocket as close to the seam as possible if you do not plan on opening the leg seam.

Tailoring the Legs

If you’re going to shoot for Lancer with the ROTJ build (there is no Level 2 for the JFO), then you’ll likely need to tailor the legs for a more tapered fit.  Both suits may be tapered without seam ripping the sides or cutting and removing any fabric.  I left the excess fabric and original seams on both suits when I created a new tapered seam.  I ran the seam on both suits from the bottom of the side pockets down to the bottom hem coming in 2” (for a total of a 4” reduction in the leg opening.)  You will need to adjust your measurements for a custom fit. 

The RK and Kolossus use different seams on their legs.  Both suits use flat-felled seams that have been overlocked along the inner legs (picture the thick double stitched inner seam on jeans).  This is fine because you don’t need to seam rip the inner leg anyway.  The difference in seams is along the outer leg.  The Kolossus has flat-felled seams running on the outer leg too.  Not a deal breaker, but that type of stitch it does make seam ripping a little more challenging.  Whereas, the RK uses a simple single stitch seam that has been overlocked, making the RK easier to seam rip for riding patches than the Kolossus.    

What’s overlocking anyway?  It that fancy zig-zaggy stitch you see along the cut edge of the seam.  It’s a special finishing stitch that keeps the fabric edges from fraying, but it requires a special machine to do it.  It’s nothing to worry about for your build, but it can be a pain to remove when seam ripping a garment.  The good news is that you don’t need to have it when you re-seam the leg. 

Final Verdict

For the JFO scout, the Kolossus is my pick.  There’s no tailoring required save the removal of pockets, unless you want a more tapered look in the leg, which will then require nothing more than a simple seam.  I find that the elastic waistband provides a better more comfortable fit under the cummerbund.

For the ROTJ scout, you can use either, but each has its pros and cons.  Kolossus pros: lighter weight, more comfortable fit.  Kolossus cons: the elastic waistband is more form fitting which may pose a challenge when attaching the mud flap (leather doesn’t stretch – go figure); the outer leg seam requires a bit more work to remove so that you can add those riding patches.  The Red Kap pros: easer to remove the leg seam for riding patches; no elastic waistband making the attachment of the mud flap easier.  Red Kap cons: smaller fit for the upper body; heavier weight material under the flak jacket.  As I said above, have the RK for my ROTJ Scout, but if I had to do it again, I’d go with the Kolossus because I find it much more comfortable.

There you have it.  YMMV, but that’s my experience from owning both of these coveralls. 

[OnkelPaschulke]

Nice one! Maybe we could do a separate thread just for a comparison of different undersuits. Especially because there are other brands in europe which might work as well. I have a Helly Hansen WW Sheffield Overall for example. Could be a good source for those in search of an undersuit.


Gesendet von iPhone mit Tapatalk

[Michael_Davis26019]

Thank you for doing this!! I am literally doing that today for my RK legs to get the tapered look.