UMA R-9 Headgear

StRatoCastR

Gear Tester/Reviewer
@Brown
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Ladies and Gents!

Sorry for the long delay on this headgear. I know a lot of you have been asking about it. But before I was going to review it, I wanted to ENSURE that this headgear would be 100% correct, and ready to go before the headgear was released, and of course later then reviewed for the FINAL version.

So jumping into it, the search for the FG-2900 option has been continuing throughout the years it seems. Now it seems with other companies releasing better and lighter headgear. This UMA version seemingly the "Ultimate" version will rival perhaps outdo the FG-2900.

So drawing a tangent here, UMA or Universal Martial arts pronounced U.M.A not ooh MA like UMA Thurman was incorrect as I have done on my video reviews. I pulled them aside and asked them for the ultimate Mexican style glove as Reyes being my favorite, was good but far from perfect.

That review is found here: http://forums.sherdog.com/forums/f67/uma-custom-16oz-ir-gloves-3089279/

Anyhow, its been many people's quest and mine as well to find a suitable headgear that goes blow for blow against the pound for pound undisputed champion. The Winning FG-2900. Now people ask, why bother... if the FG-2900 is THAT good? Well many reasons, some here at sherdog can attest to

1. Rakuten, a Winning Japan distributor is a pain to deal with.
2. See 1. If Mitani is having a bad day, which is more often than not these days, he will not reply to your emails or even confirm your order which to many is very off-putting as they drop $200+ US on a headgear.
3. See 1 and 2, his customer service (Mitanni) is one of the WORST in all of boxing gear history (Sometimes he plays dead... Seriously ask some of the guys and gals here.) God forbid, if you have an issue that ISNT your fault like some have had, the leather being ripped, or the color fading prematurely.
4. The money, the money is a major concern for many doggers out there that want a quality headgear as the FG2900 is literally heads and shoulders above its competition.
5. Lastly, the lack of customization. For those that have an issue with 4. Customization is simply out of the question. Many, like myself have an issue with synthetic and dropping that much capital on a headgear seems ridiculous for something "fake".

Anyhow, hopefully many of you are STILL reading at this point. But its those 5 points that probably have brought you here in the first place... isn’t it? So let’s get on with the review, and lets see if this takes care of 1 or all 5 points.


First of all, anyone that dealt with UMA...knows, they have grade a customer service. They answer questions as quickly as possible, and just about everyone is pleased with their product, and some are even repeat buyers in the companies short time affiliated with Sherdog.

Look:

The headgear looks breathtaking. I know many of you will roll your eyes at this comment, but no headgear I own comes close to how the Metallic blue looks. The vision is wide open with the extra padded, raised FG-2900 cheeks. The mini clip is something I had UMA revise, and this new one is AWESOME. It is far more robust than ANY mini clip to include the FG-2900. Some of the headgear Ive used (not the 2900). Will come loose when a perfect punch hits the clip and puts pressure on it. While not a game breaker, this will cause a stop in sparring action as you have to reseat the clip. This new UMA version locks in tight! No stop in the action ever. The headgear itself like the gloves are USAF inspired, so thats where the Metallic Blue, silver, and plain white come into play. Hopefully, the pictures capture the awesomeness behind it all. This headgear is NOT synthetic it is leather on leather. I believe they can change the inside though as not everyone is a leather fanatic such as myself. This will NOT change the price of the headgear.

The Metallics UMA offers are simply amazing, like I said, check out my other review of the IR gloves, and you can see a different color theme used on them. That way you can get an idea of what can be done.

All the stitching is nice, tidy, and neat. Im hoping the pcitures capture all the beautiful colors that UMA used on the headgear and the gloves.

The headgear also sports a soft extra padded forehead a little more so than the 2900. SO it will take a more slight edge off the shots. This will cause a slight increase in weight however. More on that later.

The back is a low profile backing, so those that didn’t like the FG 2900 for no foul protection, UMA will offer more padding just be wary, they aren’t wizards, the weight will go up if you chose to add that.

The UMA has similar tube laces, like the FG-2900 except they are better... They don't fray or get nearly as fuzzy as my 2900 and they dont attract the grime and dirt like my 2900 does.

Performance:

I’m partial to this headgear because I really put a lot of effort into aiding with the design and functionality of this particular headgear. It feels and looks great.

There were a few times where I wish I had changed my FG-2900 in certain areas, and UMA allowed me to sit there and grind it out with them. But the headgear is true to fit. I have found that laces on the crown and on the backside of the headgear allow for a more true fit more so than Velcro or other closure systems available.

The chin strap ships a little long, but all you need to do is fit it, then cut it, and burn the ends. The mini clip is about 30% larger than Winnings, and it feels far more secure as well. It will stay locked, and no stray punch will cause it to come unbuckled like similar headgears of the UMA R-9.

The extra padded forehead is something I have been wanting for a while. Sometimes you get caught with a straight right/left and bam you can feel it right through the 2900. In the R-9, it does take some of the edge off.

Other than those changes everything else is identical. The padding around the ears are of medium density, so when a hook connects the padding doesn’t bottom out all the way.

The vision is pretty wide open while protecting the nose, it doesnt blind you. It does a very good job of keeping you safe. Its the shots that you don’t see that hurts boxers more often than not. Many headgears have narrow vision but sport a lot of padding. Well all that padding doesnt do you any good if you cant see it coming. The R-9 ensures that you can see Most of the shots coming.

The R-9 is super protective, it easily matches and dare to say, outperforms my FG-2900. Its not a drastic improvement over the 2900 but there are things to consider, its cheaper, its full leather, and its customizable at no additional cost. All the while maintaining the gold standard in protection.

Let me also stress, the Metallics that UMA uses are field tested, meaning they should NOT wear down like other companies Metallics. That being said, you still want to wipe them down after use and take care of them, as Metallics are more sensitive than the generic colorways.

Weight:
R-9 12.3 Oz
2900 10.5 Oz (Full leather not synthetic)

Cost:
$120 US + Shipping

Overall:
Headgears across multiple companies are finally improving and narrowing the gap vs Winning. The glove market has this, now its finally time for the Headgear. I think many of you will be blown away by this headgear (There are always naysayers). I think the craftsmanship matches that of Winning Japan, and the price is a lot cheaper. Consider the 5 points I made earlier on the review, and maybe, just maybe this is the headgear you have been searching for!

Score:
A+

Contact info:
[email protected]


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Last edited:
Strat or anyone else whose ordered with UMA

How does sizing work when ordering? For head gear is there S M L etc or do we give head circumference measurements. And gloves again is it S M L or one size fits most? Or is it topboxer style with the glove made exactly to your hand dimensions?

Thanks
 
To answer your glove question yeah its the same way as tb.

For head gear yeah its best to measure and provide the dimensions as well
 
Very nice headgear and gloves!!!! Excellent review as usual.

P.S. Time to change the avatar to Holly Holm.....lol.
 
Thank you for the detailed review and pictures!

I've been considering picking up the R9 since rmphilmacrac reviewed it and I'm now convinced that I will have to.
 
Very nice headgear and gloves!!!! Excellent review as usual.

P.S. Time to change the avatar to Holly Holm.....lol.

Thanks bro, and morally I cant. Once a fan always a fan, never jump the bandwagon!
Ive been following Ronda since the get go back in SF. So shes stuck with me till the end. Im very excited about the rematch, though like Ive always said before her coach is trash, and she needs a real one.

I think her gameplan wont be to rush in anymore as with GSP once you get KO'd(though he just rolled to the side and gave up against Serra) the rush tends to die with it.
 
Thank you for the detailed review and pictures!

I've been considering picking up the R9 since rmphilmacrac reviewed it and I'm now convinced that I will have to.

huh? When did he review it? And the R-9 was my idea lol. R-9... Rodriguez. 9 letters. My last name... yeah...

Anyhow, there is no way he could have reviewed the finalized version, thats what this one is. If he reviewed a prototype... Alot has changed since then.

This is why I dont pump out reviews weekly especially since I started assisting companies like TB, UMA, and R2C develop gear. Cant jump the gun too early, especially if there are kinks to be worked out. Gear takes time to perfect and I know the guys i mentioned it above grit their teeth everytime a change needs to be made but... its all about reviewing the BEST possible gear at this point on.

Nothing against Rodrigo, hes a great reviewer, but its kind of crazy to review something that isnt completed. Anyhow, im not turning this into me vs him. But you should take any reviewers opinions as a grain of salt--to include mine until you have ALL the facts, not just one point of view.
 
http://forums.sherdog.com/forums/f67/uma-r-9-headgear-review-3056713/


I reviewed the first model but with better vision. I never reviewed this new model though. That'll come later.


Edit: To further add look at my clip. I have the new style clip. I ordered my headgear after you ordered the blue one because i remember seeing it later on before they even started working on mine. I asked UMA for yours but with improved vision, "wider." Now idk about the other changes but the clip is definitely the same as yours and my vision is better than your prototype, prototype as in your copper and black one. I know nothing about this blue one.
 
http://forums.sherdog.com/forums/f67/uma-r-9-headgear-review-3056713/


I reviewed the first model but with better vision. I never reviewed this new model though. That'll come later.


Edit: To further add look at my clip. I have the new style clip. I ordered my headgear after you ordered the blue one because i remember seeing it later on before they even started working on mine. I asked UMA for yours but with improved vision, "wider." Now idk about the other changes but the clip is definitely the same as yours and my vision is better than your prototype, prototype as in your copper and black one. I know nothing about this blue one.

huh? When did he review it? And the R-9 was my idea lol. R-9... Rodriguez. 9 letters. My last name... yeah...

Anyhow, there is no way he could have reviewed the finalized version, thats what this one is. If he reviewed a prototype... Alot has changed since then.

This is why I dont pump out reviews weekly especially since I started assisting companies like TB, UMA, and R2C develop gear. Cant jump the gun too early, especially if there are kinks to be worked out. Gear takes time to perfect and I know the guys i mentioned it above grit their teeth everytime a change needs to be made but... its all about reviewing the BEST possible gear at this point on.

Nothing against Rodrigo, hes a great reviewer, but its kind of crazy to review something that isnt completed. Anyhow, im not turning this into me vs him. But you should take any reviewers opinions as a grain of salt--to include mine until you have ALL the facts, not just one point of view.

Good points StRatoCastR, nevertheless I do trust yours and rmphilmacrac opinions and I hope to read many more reviews from the two of you.

On a side note; I'm really digging the metallic blue that you've used on your headgear and gloves.
 
http://forums.sherdog.com/forums/f67/uma-r-9-headgear-review-3056713/


I reviewed the first model but with better vision. I never reviewed this new model though. That'll come later.


Edit: To further add look at my clip. I have the new style clip. I ordered my headgear after you ordered the blue one because i remember seeing it later on before they even started working on mine. I asked UMA for yours but with improved vision, "wider." Now idk about the other changes but the clip is definitely the same as yours and my vision is better than your prototype, prototype as in your copper and black one. I know nothing about this blue one.


Thats crazy, those crazy guys at uma...
 
Thats crazy, those crazy guys at uma...
Thats why i found it weird that you changed the clip. I thought the clip was amazing and im pretty sure i mentioned in my review that the clip is better than Winnings. Now it makes sense, smart decision on your part thats for sure. Never thought to relook at the clip until just now haha
 
http://forums.sherdog.com/forums/f67/uma-r-9-headgear-review-3056713/


I reviewed the first model but with better vision. I never reviewed this new model though. That'll come later.


Edit: To further add look at my clip. I have the new style clip. I ordered my headgear after you ordered the blue one because i remember seeing it later on before they even started working on mine. I asked UMA for yours but with improved vision, "wider." Now idk about the other changes but the clip is definitely the same as yours and my vision is better than your prototype, prototype as in your copper and black one. I know nothing about this blue one.


Thats funny. Even i commented. Damn musta forgot lol. Forgive me bro. But are you sure you had the improved vision model? Looks like the old one.
 
Thats funny. Even i commented. Damn musta forgot lol. Forgive me bro. But are you sure you had the improved vision model? Looks like the old one.
No its fine i dont care but the clip got my attention haha. Im curious as hell now. I asked them to widen the vision because i thought your black one was narrow. While i figured the narrow vision wasnt going to cause any major problems i wanted something more similar to Winning. After i got my headgear the vision was excellent but out of curiosity i asked if the vision could be widened a little more and they told me thats as far as they can go. So mines wider than your old one according to UMA a while back. Because thats the one and only change i asked for.
 
Yes the black and copper is the old version. I think yours is in between the first and latest. But i think that is the only change you are lacking. The vision from yours to mine is a very minor change.

Its not like the major increase from v1 to 2
 
Hi everyone,

This is my first post on Sherdog (though I have been following for quite a while). A recent eye injury while sparring (orbital floor blowout fracture) resulting in a very expensive surgery got me hunting for new headgear. I previously had the Rival Traditional Training headgear, but recently purchased the UMA R-9 based on reviews I found on Sherdog. (I'm actually contemplating spending a little more in the future and just getting the FG-5000 for the sake of my eye, but we'll see.)

I just got the stock black one. It was $60 + shipping (which was $30 to Indiana, USA), so a total of $90. It took about a week to arrive. It fits great and feels great. I won't be able to test it out for a while since I'm still recovering from surgery, but I'll post something here as soon as I do if anyone is interested.

And thank you, Strat, for the review!
 
Hi everyone,

This is my first post on Sherdog (though I have been following for quite a while). A recent eye injury while sparring (orbital floor blowout fracture) resulting in a very expensive surgery got me hunting for new headgear. I previously had the Rival Traditional Training headgear, but recently purchased the UMA R-9 based on reviews I found on Sherdog. (I'm actually contemplating spending a little more in the future and just getting the FG-5000 for the sake of my eye, but we'll see.)

I just got the stock black one. It was $60 + shipping (which was $30 to Indiana, USA), so a total of $90. It took about a week to arrive. It fits great and feels great. I won't be able to test it out for a while since I'm still recovering from surgery, but I'll post something here as soon as I do if anyone is interested.

And thank you, Strat, for the review!

I hope you have a fast recovery.
 
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