Trailhead Union Switzerland: Martial Arts and Grappling Range Comparison Test
Trailhead Union is a Switzerland-based brand whose martial arts and grappling range is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new silver ion antibacterial knit against the fabric Trailhead Union used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for martial arts and grappling range.
Trailhead Union: Silver Ion Antibacterial 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 | Silver Ion Antibacterial Knit |
| Composition | nylon spandex with silver ion filament |
| Weight | 240 GSM |
| Width | 175 cm |
| Primary function | stops the bacteria that turn sweat into odour |
| Target | bacterial reduction above 99% |
| Test method | ISO 20743 |
| Additional note | performance retained after 30 home washes |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Silver Ion Antibacterial Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
What was compared
Construction, weight and colour were held constant. The only difference was the fabric, which is the only way a comparison tells you anything useful.
Laboratory comparison
The new fabric reached bacterial reduction above 99% against ISO 20743, while the previous material missed the same target. Comfort measurements were closer, which is expected because hand had already been approved.
Evaluation session with the Trailhead Union team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during high friction and frequent industrial laundering. Wearers described the new version as cleaner and lighter in use, even though the scales said the two garments weighed the same.
Cost comparison
The upgrade adds a modest amount per garment. Measured against the return rate of the previous season, the change pays for itself within a single drop.
Test records and inspection notes for the Martial Arts and Grappling Range
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.4 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.9 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.5 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.7 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.3 / 5 |
“Development was transparent from the first sample and bulk matched the approval exactly.” — Trailhead Union Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to Switzerland
Verdict and recommendation
The new silver ion antibacterial knit outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Trailhead Union the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ISO 20743 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
