Interested in GAF any suggestions on how to start

[Pitspitr]

Frenchie,

I too am combining my NCOWS and GAF into one persona.  I added the time periods so I could adjust and expand my persona as my pocket book and knowledge allowed.  Maybe sometime in the future I'll have a talk with you about the list you have of manufaturers.   But for now I think I will start witht the main stream stuff and I'll still pass muster.

One thing you might want to consider though BK, some times the "hardcore" or "Progressive" equipment isn't any more expensive than the "mainstream" and though you may not be interested in going hardcore yet, you may be at some point in the future. This is the voice of expirience speaking. I can think of at least one instance where I bought an item and replaced it more than once and actually spent more on the first one by itself than if I had just bought the good one in the first place. IMHO you owe it to yourself to at least check with some of the better manufactures so that in case you do choose to go hardcore someday you don't have to replace all your equipment.  I'm not posting this to criticize or to "rain on anybodies' parade". I just hate seeing anyone make the same mistakes I've made. If you check with the better producers and still decide to go with the mainstream suppliers that's ok, but at least then you are an "educated consumer."
Another thing to consider; You can always wear a progressive uniform to a mainstream event but it'd be pretty embarassing to wear a mainstream uniform to a progressive event.

[Bristow Kid]

I'll make this really simple.  I want cheap for right now.  Just something to get by till later.  I am on a diet and its going slowly but its going.  So I want cheap so when I get to the weight I want to be I can buy a decent uniform.  I figure if I buy something cheap I can have it taken in as I lose weight.  But I will take your advice and check all manufacturers.

[Pitspitr]

I'll make this really simple.  I want cheap for right now.  Just something to get by till later.  I am on a diet and its going slowly but its going.  So I want cheap so when I get to the weight I want to be I can buy a decent uniform.  I figure if I buy something cheap I can have it taken in as I lose weight.  But I will take your advice and check all manufacturers.

I understand the need for inexpensive. I quit farming a couple of years ago and last year was the first in 15 I got to pay income tax. What a thing to celebrate huh? When you're that broke the last thing you want to do is to have to buy something twice.