RealGM

Can someone fill me in on the differences btwn authentic and the various replica jerseys (swingman etc)? Best value? Best place to buy?

Replica jerseys are the worst quality out of the 3. The letters and numbers are usually screen-printed on and the cut of the jersey is usually pretty bad and not anywhere close to the real thing. Basically they use the cheapest materials and the price reflects it.

Swingman jerseys are a level up from replica. Most times the cut is more accurate than replica. The material is usually mesh and most times the letters/numbers are stitched on. Swingmans are a pretty good balance between price and quality. If you can't afford an authentic, go for a swingman.

If you have the money for an authentic, you should definitely consider it. This is going to be the closest to the real thing most people are going to get. Usually the material and the cut is very close to the real thing. You will definitely notice a difference in the quality of materials used in comparison to the other two. However, they tend to be very pricey so be ready to spend some cash.

authentic isnt close to the real thing it is the real thing.... Same jerseys that you can buy they have the players wear. Material is the same. Main difference from swingman to authentic costmetic wise is there is a Adidas logo under the nba while authentic doesnt have that

Actually I have had to return 2 swingman jerseys because the numbers on the back faded after just 1 wash. My replicas have lasted longer.

raptorsam wrote:authentic isnt close to the real thing it is the real thing.... Same jerseys that you can buy they have the players wear. Material is the same.

Actually, you can't just go out and buy the exact same jersey that Chris Bosh wears. They customize the sizing to fit individual players, which was what I was referring to.

I find Swingman is more prone to stretching, while Authentic is not. I also find Authentic to be more breezey.

replica - everything is screened on, and the jersey feels very plastic.
swingman - 1 layer of polyester material with numbers screened on numbers and then stitched on the jersey
authentic -the real deal, i believe the jersey is 2 layers and the numbers are triple stitched and there are numbers inside the numbers.
pro-cut - same as authentic but fitted for the players to their liking.
replicas retail for about 75cdn
swingmans retail for 125cdn
authentics are 230+cdn
pro-cut- need to steal from equipment room or get off ebay.

those prices are for retail stores like footlocker and champs.
moms and pops stores usually have it a bit less.

I have a Nash Replica and a Bosh Replica. I have not had a problem with either and i have had them both for about 4 years. Just do not put them in the dryer and your fine.

If you can afford it, get an authentic. The difference in quality even from a swing man to authentic is very noticeable.


But I would strongly recommend to saty away from from replicas, atleast splurge and get a swingman.

I guess this is an appropriate place for this question I've had for a while...

I would like one of those special edition Calderon or Bargnani (!) jerseys.

Anyone know if they're still available? Anywhere outside of the ACC?

thanks guys. appreciated muchly.

If your careful about where you buy, ebay is usually a good place for swingmans/authentics....

just do your research on where u buy from!