Hyperfly BJJ Gi Review: Premium US Brand for UK Grapplers

Hyperfly was founded in September 2011 in San Diego, California by Pascal and Kerstin Pakter, a German-American couple who discovered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu through their son Luke's training at Gracie Barra Academy in Encinitas. Before launching Hyperfly, the Pakters had extensive experience in fashion distribution, having imported American streetwear brands like Phat Farm and Roc-A-Fella to European markets.

The brand started from their garage, with athletes visiting the Pakter home directly to try gis — a grassroots approach that built the sense of community Hyperfly is known for today. Pascal designed the first kimonos (originally produced for Ribeiro BJJ before creating the Hyperfly brand) and came up with both the brand name and the now-iconic motto: "You Can't Teach Heart®".

Hyperfly's headquarters remain in San Diego at 8390 Miramar Place, with approximately 14 employees across North America, Asia, and Oceania. The brand has grown from a garage operation into a globally recognised name, notable for high-profile collaborations with Jordan Brand, Carhartt WIP, Champion, and Pow!Wow! — limited edition releases that have become sought-after collectibles.

UK availability: Hyperfly operates a dedicated UK store at hyperfly.uk with prices listed in GBP and regular sales (currently a Winter Special offering up to 30% off). European distribution is also handled through Hyperfly Europe (hyperfly.eu) and UK retailers like Rebelz. This means UK buyers can avoid direct US import fees on many purchases. For a broader brand comparison, see our complete BJJ gi brand guide.

Hyperfly's current product line covers ultralight, competition, and mid-weight categories. Unlike brands that offer a single entry-level model, Hyperfly positions most of its range in the mid-to-premium tier, with the emphasis on innovation and fabric technology rather than budget pricing.

Ultralight (training/travel):

• Starlyte III — £99.99 RRP (often £69.99 on sale). 275 GSM star weave jacket with 8 oz ripstop trousers. The lightest gi Hyperfly has ever produced. Not IBJJF or UAEJJF approved — designed for training and travel only.
• Starlyte II — £99.00 RRP (often £69.30 on sale). Previous generation, still available in limited colourways.

Competition-legal lightweight:

• Hyperlyte 3.5 — £119.99-£122 RRP (often £83.99-£85.40 on sale). 350 GSM diamond weave jacket with 8 oz twill trousers. Hyperfly's lightest competition-legal gi, approved for IBJJF, ADCC, and major tournaments.

Competition mid-weight:

• ProComp 4 — £139.99 RRP (often £97.99 on sale). 450 GSM mid-weight Hyperfly weave with 10 oz drill cotton trousers. Full competition-grade with EVA foam collar and HyperHeat lining technology.

Premium/collaborative:

• Icon V — £139.99 RRP. Premium model with distinctive design elements.
• Flora — £199.99 RRP. Limited edition collaborative release.
• Magnum / Gentle Art® — 550 GSM gold weave, buttery soft construction. Not IBJJF approved.

Women's range: All main models are available in F0-F4 sizes with L (long) variants, making Hyperfly one of the most size-inclusive brands for female grapplers.

This product line structure is worth understanding — Hyperfly's models differ significantly in competition legality. The Starlyte III, despite being their most popular model, is not approved for IBJJF competition. If you compete, the Hyperlyte 3.5 or ProComp 4 are the models to consider. For weave type comparisons, see our BJJ gi weave types guide.

The Starlyte III is Hyperfly's flagship ultralight gi and one of the lightest gis available from any brand.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 275 GSM star weave
• Trousers: 8 oz ripstop with internal flat drawstring
• Collar: Standard construction
• Special features: Reinforced 7-inch, 10-stitch ripstop layer inside sleeves for enhanced grip-breaking; higher, more pronounced skirt line for modern aesthetic; starburst stitching pattern on trouser legs; reinforced 4-inch, 10-stitch ripstop layer at trouser cuffs
• Price: $135 USD / £99.99 RRP (frequently £69.99 on sale)
• Shrinkage: Not pre-shrunk, but very low shrinkage rate reported

Available sizes: A0S, A0, A0L, A1S, A1, A1L, A2S, A2, A2L, A3S, A3, A3L, A4, A5, A6 — plus F0, F0L, F1, F1L, F2, F2L, F3, F3L, F4 for women.

Available colours: White with Black, Slate Blue with Royal Blue, Strawberry, and seasonal limited editions.

The Starlyte III is marketed as "the lightest gi ever created" with temperature regulation engineered for travel and the fastest drying time of any Hyperfly gi. The 275 GSM star weave is noticeably thinner than standard pearl weave gis, offering exceptional breathability.

Critical note for competitors: The Starlyte III is not approved for IBJJF or UAEJJF competition. This is due to its extremely lightweight fabric falling below minimum gi weight requirements for major federations. It is designed for training, open mats, and travel — not tournament use.

Community feedback highlights the comfort and packability of the Starlyte III, with many practitioners describing it as their favourite training gi. The lightweight fabric dries quickly between sessions and is ideal for warmer climates or heated academies. However, some users note the trousers are prone to pilling over time due to the soft ripstop material.

The ProComp 4 is Hyperfly's purpose-built competition gi, designed for serious competitors who need a durable, IBJJF-legal option.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 450 GSM mid-weight Hyperfly weave, one-piece construction with no back seam
• Trousers: 10 oz drill cotton with embroidered ProComp artwork
• Collar: EVA foam collar with zig-zag stitching
• Special features: HyperHeat lining that regulates body temperature across shoulders and skirt hem; slim cut tailored fit; heavy reinforced seams throughout; reinforced double-layer knee padding; internal stretch rope drawstring
• Weight: A0: 1.54 kg / A2: 1.77 kg / A4: 2.04 kg
• Price: $195 USD / £139.99 RRP (frequently £97.99 on sale)
• Competition: IBJJF legal

Available sizes: A0, A0S, A0L, A1, A1S, A1L, A2, A2S, A2L, A3, A3S, A3L, A4, A5, A6 — plus F0-F4 with L variants.

Available colours: White, Royal Blue, Black.

The ProComp 4's standout feature is its HyperHeat lining — a temperature-regulating layer built into the shoulders and skirt of the jacket. This is a genuinely innovative feature that helps manage body heat during intense competition rounds. Combined with the one-piece jacket construction (no back seam), the ProComp delivers a clean, snag-free fit that minimises grip opportunities for opponents.

At 450 GSM, the ProComp sits in the mid-weight category — heavier than ultralight competition gis but lighter than traditional 550 GSM options like the Tatami Estilo Black Label. This positions it well for competitors who want durability without excessive weight on the scales.

The EVA foam collar provides excellent resistance to being rolled or collapsed during choke attempts, and the zig-zag stitching ensures the collar maintains its shape over time. Long-term reviews praise the jacket's structural integrity, though some users note the drill cotton trousers take longer to dry than ripstop alternatives.

The Hyperlyte 3.5 is Hyperfly's most popular model and their lightest competition-legal gi — sitting between the ultralight Starlyte and the heavier ProComp.

Key specifications:

• Jacket: 350 GSM diamond weave
• Trousers: 8 oz twill cotton
• Features: Lightweight, breathable, textured diamond weave that is durable despite its low weight; competition-legal construction
• Price: £119.99-£122 RRP (frequently £83.99-£85.40 on sale)
• Competition: IBJJF, ADCC, and major tournament approved

Available colours: Black XF, White XF, White Tiffany, Merlot Black, Merlot White, and seasonal editions.

The Hyperlyte 3.5 uses Hyperfly's proprietary diamond weave fabric, which creates a textured surface that is lightweight and breathable whilst providing sufficient grip resistance. At 350 GSM, it weighs roughly the same as the Tatami Nova Absolute but with a more technical construction.

Community reviews consistently praise the Hyperlyte as one of the most comfortable gis they've owned. The 8 oz twill trousers are described as soft enough to "wear around the house" whilst being robust enough for daily training. The diamond weave jacket is noted for being breathable, durable, and lightweight — though some users report the fabric can pill after extended heavy use.

Note: The Hyperlyte 3.5 replaces the discontinued "Classic" model in Hyperfly's lineup. If you've seen references to a Hyperfly Classic gi, the Hyperlyte 3.5 is the current equivalent and represents a significant upgrade in fabric technology and construction quality.

For weight-conscious competitors who need a tournament-legal gi, the Hyperlyte 3.5 offers the best combination of lightness and competition compliance in Hyperfly's range. Pair it with our shrinkage guide for care advice on lightweight gis.

Hyperfly offers one of the most inclusive sizing systems in the BJJ gi market, rivalling Tatami's extensive range.

Men's sizes: A0 through A6, with additional variants:

• S (Short) — Shorter sleeves and trouser legs for stockier builds
• L (Long) — Longer sleeves and trouser legs for taller frames

Women's sizes: F0 through F4, with L (long) variants for taller women.

Fit notes:

• Hyperfly gis are cut in a slim, tailored fit — particularly the ProComp 4, which features a body-mapped construction.
• The brand typically runs slightly athletic/slim compared to UK brands like Tatami and Progress. UK buyers accustomed to Tatami's fit may want to consider sizing up if they prefer a looser cut.
• The Starlyte III is not pre-shrunk but has a very low shrinkage rate. The ProComp 4 and Hyperlyte 3.5 experience minimal shrinkage with cold washing and hang drying.

Sizing comparison with UK brands:

Hyperfly's S and L variants are particularly useful for non-standard builds. If you're tall and lean, the L variant adds sleeve and trouser length without adding width. If you're shorter and heavier, the S variant provides the extra room without excess length. For detailed cross-brand sizing, see our BJJ gi size chart.

Construction quality:

• Stitching: Heavy reinforced seams throughout the range. The ProComp 4 features the highest level of reinforcement, with one-piece jacket construction and double-layer knee padding.
• Collar: EVA foam collar on the ProComp 4 resists rolling and maintains shape. The Starlyte III and Hyperlyte 3.5 use standard collar construction appropriate to their lighter weight class.
• Innovation: Hyperfly invests in proprietary features like HyperHeat lining, star weave, and diamond weave fabrics — technologies not found in other brands.

Material quality:

• The star weave (Starlyte) and diamond weave (Hyperlyte) are proprietary to Hyperfly, offering textures and performance characteristics distinct from the pearl weave used by most competitors.
• Fabric quality is consistently praised — the diamond weave in particular receives positive reviews for its combination of softness and durability.

Durability:

• The Hyperlyte 3.5 and ProComp 4 hold up well to regular training. The diamond weave fabric becomes softer with use whilst maintaining structural integrity.
• The Starlyte III, being ultralight, has a shorter lifespan under heavy daily use — best treated as a rotation gi rather than a sole training option.
• Trouser pilling is the most commonly reported wear issue, particularly on lighter models with soft twill or ripstop fabrics.

Warranty and returns:

Hyperfly offers exchanges and returns through their standard policy. Some customers have reported mixed experiences with customer service for international orders — while many praise the product quality, a few Trustpilot reviews note frustration with sizing guidance and response times for international queries. The UK store (hyperfly.uk) may provide a smoother returns experience for UK-based buyers than ordering from the US site.

Hyperfly price overview (via hyperfly.uk):

UK purchasing advantage: The existence of hyperfly.uk is significant for UK buyers. Purchasing through the UK store means prices are in GBP with no additional import duty or customs fees — a major advantage over ordering direct from hyperfly.com in the US, which would attract approximately 12% customs duty plus 20% VAT on orders over £135.

Import cost comparison (if ordering from US):

• ProComp 4 at $195 USD (~£155) + ~£15-20 shipping + ~£20 duty + ~£38 VAT = approximately £228 total landed cost
• Same gi from hyperfly.uk at sale price: £97.99 — a saving of over £130

This makes the UK store by far the better option for British buyers. The regular Winter Special sales (up to 30% off) bring Hyperfly's pricing in line with mid-range UK brands.

Competitor comparison:

• Hyperlyte 3.5 (£83.99 sale) vs Tatami Nova Absolute (£59.99): The Hyperlyte costs ~40% more but offers proprietary diamond weave technology and a more refined cut. Both are 350 GSM and competition-legal.
• ProComp 4 (£97.99 sale) vs Tatami Estilo Black Label (£109): The ProComp offers HyperHeat lining and one-piece construction at a lower sale price, though the Estilo has a broader colourway range and wider UK availability.
• Starlyte III (£69.99 sale) vs Tatami Elements Ultralite 2.0 (£53-£60): Similar ultralight category, but the Starlyte III is not competition-legal while the Elements is IBJJF approved.

For the latest deals across all brands, check our BJJ gi sales UK page. To find where to buy, see our UK buying guide.

Common praise:

• Lightweight, comfortable fabrics — many describe Hyperfly gis as the most comfortable they've worn
• Innovative features (HyperHeat lining, proprietary weaves) not found in other brands
• Excellent size inclusivity with S, L, and F variants across the range
• All gis available in all sizes — unlike many brands that limit colour options by size
• Fast-drying fabrics, ideal for practitioners who train multiple times per day

Common complaints:

• Premium pricing — Hyperfly sits above budget brands, though UK store sales mitigate this
• Starlyte III not competition-legal, which surprises some buyers who assume all gis are tournament-ready
• Trouser fabric prone to pilling on lighter models
• Limited edition colourways sell out quickly and rarely restock
• Some mixed customer service experiences reported on Trustpilot, particularly around international returns and sizing guidance

Long-term feedback:

• The diamond weave (Hyperlyte) and star weave (Starlyte) fabrics age well, becoming softer without losing shape
• ProComp 4's EVA collar maintains its rigidity through extended use
• Most users report 12-18 months of heavy use from lightweight models, and 2+ years from the ProComp 4

Overall rating: 8 out of 10

Hyperfly is a genuinely innovative brand that offers something different from the UK-dominant Tatami and Progress options. Their proprietary weave technologies, thoughtful construction features like HyperHeat lining, and industry-leading size inclusivity set them apart. The existence of hyperfly.uk eliminates the import cost barrier that historically made US brands less attractive to UK buyers.

Best for: Practitioners who value lightweight, innovative gi design; competitors wanting a modern slim-cut competition gi; female grapplers seeking inclusive sizing; anyone who trains in warm environments.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners (the Tatami Nova at £59.99 remains better value for first-time buyers); those who want the widest UK stockist availability; competitors who specifically want the Starlyte III for tournaments (it's not IBJJF legal).

Quick summary:

• Pros: Innovative proprietary fabrics, excellent size inclusivity, UK store with GBP pricing, regular sales bring prices to competitive levels, slim modern cut, fast-drying
• Cons: Flagship Starlyte III not competition-legal, pilling on lighter trousers, limited UK stockist network beyond own store, mixed customer service reports

Our recommendation for UK buyers:

• Best overall: Hyperlyte 3.5 (£83.99 on sale) — competition-legal, comfortable, lightweight, and well-priced during sales.
• Best for competition: ProComp 4 (£97.99 on sale) — IBJJF legal with HyperHeat technology and EVA collar.
• Best for training/travel: Starlyte III (£69.99 on sale) — ultralight, fast-drying, and ideal for warm environments or travel rolls.

To see how Hyperfly compares with other premium brands, visit our brand comparison guide. For UK-based alternatives, read our Tatami review or Progress review.