Kestrel Sport New Zealand: Martial Arts and Grappling Range Laboratory Test Report
Kestrel Sport is a New Zealand-based brand whose martial arts and grappling range is one of its most demanding programmes. This report documents the laboratory qualification of the compression warp knit supplied to Kestrel Sport for its martial arts and grappling range. Every figure below was produced on bulk fabric, not on an approval swatch.
Kestrel Sport: Compression Warp Knit in use during grappling and repeated mat contact
Evaluation background
The programme covers training tops, shorts and rash guards, used for grappling and repeated mat contact. The environment is high friction and frequent industrial laundering and the requirement written into the brief was tear strength with antibacterial protection. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Compression Warp Knit |
| Composition | 72% nylon / 28% spandex |
| Weight | 240 GSM |
| Width | 165 cm |
| Primary function | delivers graduated support that stays measurable over time |
| Target | recovery above 92% after repeated extension |
| Test method | ASTM D2594 |
| Additional note | power held in the 18-25 N band |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Compression Warp Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
Samples and conditioning
Three bulk lots were sampled at random and conditioned for 24 hours before testing. Results are reported as the worst of the three, which is the number a brand should plan around.
Test methods
The primary method was ASTM D2594, supported by dimensional change to AATCC 135, pilling to ISO 12945-2 and colour fastness to ISO 105-C06.
Evaluation session with the Kestrel Sport team
Results
The fabric reached recovery above 92% after repeated extension, with power held in the 18-25 N band. All supporting tests passed the agreed limits, and the report carries the lot numbers so the results can be reproduced.
Interpretation
Numbers only matter against the use case. For martial arts and grappling range the relevant result is that the fabric keeps delivers graduated support that stays measurable over time after conditioning, which is what protects the wearer during grappling and repeated mat contact.
Test records and inspection notes for the Martial Arts and Grappling Range
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Primary function | 4.7 / 5 |
| Dimensional change | 4.4 / 5 |
| Pilling grade | 4.8 / 5 |
| Colour fastness | 4.6 / 5 |
| Consistency | 4.5 / 5 |
“Fifty washes later the fabric still performs. That is what convinced our buying team.” — Kestrel Sport Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to New Zealand
Verdict and recommendation
The bulk fabric met every agreed target. The lot is released and we recommend repeating the same test set on each future delivery of the compression warp knit. For Kestrel Sport the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ASTM D2594 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
