You're in USA, you'd be able to pick up a GDFB gambie much cheaper than me as shipping is a big part of the price in NZ. You may, or may not, be able to get one tailored at a cheaper price than I. The key is to find a place with a heavy sewing machine such as an upholsterer, cobbler, tent maker, or saddler. I'm of similar height to you at 172cm, though a little broader, and I swam in the gambie when it first arrived. I think you'd have to have the arms tailored as well, which would add to the cost. Luckily the supplier said I could return it if I couldn't get it tailored. Even tailored the gambie is still quite bulky - which means any armour has to be made big enough to fit over it, and that means a lot of unnecessary weight. You'll be happier with a bespoke gambie.
I too have wasted money through purchasing from a state of ignorance. Sugar loaf helm that I couldn't see out of, stainless steel sword that was made of butter, CAS/Hanwei sword (one of the early ones) which is poorly balanced, so bad that my primary tactic is to cover myself with it, close, grapple, throw and then thrust. Numerous staves that broke because they were made of the wrong timber - apparently Aussie ash isn't the same ash as found in the northern hemisphere. So I'm also taking the quality route, surely cheaper. Just made the final payment on an Albion I33 and Sherriff today, next is paying for scabbards from DBK, then some kit from JKA, then...
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