Quality vs. Pattern?

[aquitori]

How much does these 2 words play in your decision to buy a koi?

[CarolinaGirl]

I know quality is most important, but pattern still grabs me first. If I like the pattern, then I look at the overall quality. I don't think a quality fish with a poor pattern is a very good buy.

[PapaBear]

Unless you're talking Ogon I guess to my way of thinking, what good is one without the other... A drab Koi with great skin is still boring, and a great pattern without the skin quality to hold it isn't worth much for long.

[MCA]

has to have both!!!

very sad to see great skin and crappy pattern......

[kingkong]

Pattern is my obsession. It is an irresistible impulse with no rationality. I need a drink! Just typing about it gives me goose bumps.

[Lam Nguyen]

I would prefer having both, but if I have to choose one over another it would be quality over pattern any day. In fact, I am still trying to train myself to block out patterns and look at conformation/quality first before looking at patterns, and believe me, it's hard.

[Steve Nguyen]

it depends, for average hobbyist like myself, I enjoy viewing fish swimming around the pond with nice looking pattern.

let face it, there are people who still keep the koi in rock bottom ponds or pond with no bottom drain. why quality should be matter in those conditions?

Steve

[RayJordan]

Good patterns on poor quality koi do not last very long. Kind of the ultimate "cut flower" effect. Can you say bye bye red It is better to have good quality on a koi with a poor pattern IMO. At least there will be something to look at down the line.

The issues that drive koi pricing in no particular order are:

Breeder/Dealer reputation/marketing
male or female
size/age
Conformation
Skin and Color quality
Variety
Pattern
overall appearance/Rarity/Uniqueness

If you find a koi with all of the above it is going to be very very expensive and All Japan Show Champion potential.

Find a koi with strong conformation, good skin, great color, and acceptable pattern and you got a koi with U.S. Show Champion potential.

It is a fact that most of us have champagne taste on a beer budget. Buy the best red on the best body you can afford.

[Steve Nguyen]

well said.

Quote: Originally Posted by RayJordan .... snipped It is a fact that most of us have champagne taste on a beer budget. Buy the best red on the best body you can afford.

[weesec01]

Quote: Originally Posted by RayJordan Good patterns on poor quality koi do not last very long. Kind of the ultimate "cut flower" effect. Can you say bye bye red It is better to have good quality on a koi with a poor pattern IMO. At least there will be something to look at down the line. The issues that drive koi pricing in no particular order are: Breeder/Dealer reputation/marketing male or female size/age Conformation Skin and Color quality Variety Pattern overall appearance/Rarity/Uniqueness If you find a koi with all of the above it is going to be very very expensive and All Japan Show Champion potential. Find a koi with strong conformation, good skin, great color, and acceptable pattern and you got a koi with U.S. Show Champion potential. It is a fact that most of us have champagne taste on a beer budget. Buy the best red on the best body you can afford.

Excellent! description.

I will go for good (i) body confirmation, before (ii) quality then (iii) pattern. Koi just like our pet. Most importantly is it must catch your eye...in the first sight. I wouldn't like a good pattern and high quality but skinny looking koi and doesn't grow big!! I wouldn't enjoy it in long term. Another word, quality and pattern only come secondary.