Hayabusa Ultra-Lightweight Pearlweave Gi Review

This is my long-term review of the Hayabusa Ultra-Lightweight Pearlweave Gi, available on Amazon. I have trained in this gi for months across hot summer sessions, cold winter classes and the occasional weight-cutting week. Here is what holds up and what does not.

Quick verdict

If you want a lightweight gi that breathes well, dries fast and survives daily training without falling apart, the Hayabusa Ultra-Lightweight Pearlweave is one of the better picks under the premium-brand tier. It is not the cheapest summer gi out there, but the build quality is a real step up from budget options.

Specs at a glance

• Jacket: 350 GSM pearl weave
• Pants: 8 oz ripstop
• Reinforcements: collar, armpits, knees
• Colour options: white, blue, navy, black
• IBJJF legal: yes (check current ruleset before competing)

First impressions out of the bag

Hayabusa is not kidding with the "Ultra-Lightweight" label. The jacket feels surprisingly airy for a pearl weave and the ripstop pants feel almost like pyjamas next to a heavier 12 oz cotton pant. The fabric is a little stiff on day one, as you would expect from a new pearl weave, but it softens up properly after the first three or four washes without going floppy.

Fit and feel on the mats

Rolling in this gi feels unrestricted. There is no excess bulk in the armpits or skirt, so passes and inversions do not bind. The cut is closer to a modern competition cut than an old-school traditional cut. If you are a bigger build or prefer a baggy gi, size up. For most lean to athletic builds, the size chart on the listing is accurate.

The 8 oz ripstop pants are the standout for me. They stay put through scrambles, the drawstring threads through cleanly, and the gusset gives you full range for triangles and high guards.

Durability after months of use

I have been on this gi for hard training rounds three to four times a week. The pearl weave has not opened up or pilled in the high-stress areas. The collar still holds its shape, which is one of the first things to fail on cheap gis. Stitching at the armpits and knees still looks like new.

For a lightweight build, this is genuinely durable. It is not a 1000 GSM tank gi, so do not expect to gi-grip-deadlift it for ten years, but for a daily-driver lightweight gi it punches above its price.

The smell test

After a tough session no gi smells like roses, and this one is no exception. It holds onto that honest hard-training smell of sweat and effort. With consistent washing immediately after training it cleans up well, and the lightweight build dries fast enough that the bacteria do not have time to multiply.

My washing routine

• Straight into the machine as soon as I get home
• Cold water, inside out
• Athletic-wear detergent designed for sweat and bacteria
• No fabric softener (it breaks down the fibres)
• Hang dry, never tumble dry

The lightweight material dries fast enough on its own that I have never needed the dryer, which is the easiest way to ruin a gi.

For a deeper dive on care, see my full guide on how to wash a jiu-jitsu gi.

Colour fade

I have the blue version and it has held up remarkably well. Hayabusa pre-treats the fabric to limit fade and that pre-treatment works. There has been a very mild softening of the colour over many washes but no patchiness or bleeding. It still looks like a respectable blue.

Pros

• Genuinely lightweight without feeling cheap
• Fast drying time, ideal for back-to-back sessions
• Strong reinforcement stitching at the high-wear areas
• Good colour retention on the dyed versions
• Modern competition cut

Cons

• Holds the post-training smell if you let it sit damp (true of any lightweight gi)
• Slim cut will not suit bigger builds without sizing up
• Premium-brand pricing, not a budget pick

Who should buy it

Buy this gi if you train multiple times a week, live somewhere hot, or want a gi that travels well for competitions. It is also a strong pick if you have been on a heavy cotton gi and want to feel the difference in a lighter weave without dropping a fortune on a top-tier competition gi.

Skip it if you specifically want a heavyweight tournament gi, or if you prefer a baggy traditional cut.

Final word

The Hayabusa Ultra-Lightweight Pearlweave has become my go-to gi for regular training. It is comfortable, it lasts, and it lets you focus on the roll instead of the gear. If that is what you are after, it is worth the spend.

You can check the current price on Amazon here.

For more options in the same bracket, see my round-up of the best BJJ gis and the wider BJJ gi brand list.