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2018 RAIN GEAR BUYER’S GUIDE
Are you a fair-weather golfer, or will you play through a hurricane?
For many golfers, weather conditions do not deter them from playing 18. If you’re going to be out in inclement conditions, you’re going to need some quality protection. I’d wager that many golfers aren’t aware that there are products beyond the brands you know, and some of them outperform offerings from golf’s biggest names. Some brands utilize GORE-TEX, while others leverage a lighter more flexible material. In some cases, you have to give up flexibility to stay dry; or sacrifice 100% weatherproofing to be able to swing with ease. This is true for the majority of offerings. However, there are companies that have produced products that offer everything a golfer wants when playing in extreme weather condition to help shoot their best round.
Unless you avoid the course entirely when the weather looks dicey, the rain suit is an essential piece of equipment. The current market includes rain suits of all shapes, sizes, and colors. From Gore-Tex to Poncho, staying dry is a must.
If you’re in need of a sturdy rain suit – and that’s most of us – this guide is for you.
2018 RAIN JACKET FEATURES CHART
| Name | Material | Cost | Sizes | Colors | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADIDAS climaproof heather | Polyester | $160.00 | S-XL | 2 | Medium |
| ANTIGUA Storm Suit | Polyester | $50.00 | L-XL | 1 | Large |
| CROSS SPORTSWEAR M Edge | Polyester and polyurethane | $319.00 | S-XXL | 1 | Narrow |
| GALVIN GREEN ALON Gortex | GORE-TEX | $347.00 | S-XXXL | 3 | Narrow |
| Galway Bay | Polatec NeoShell | $299.00 | S-XXL | 2 | Medium |
| NIKE Storm-Fit RainSuit | Polyester | $85.00 | S-XXL | 2 | Large |
| Ping Zero Gravity Your Full | Polyester | $249.00 | S-XXL | 2 | Medium |
| Ping Zero Gravity Tour | Polyester | $209.00 | S-XXXL | 2 | Medium |
| PUMA Storm Jacket Pro | Nylon and Polyester | $280.00 | S-XXL | 1 | Medium |
| SUN MOUNTAIN | Ultimate Knit | $299.99 | M-XXL | 3 | Medium |
| Under Armour Gortex | GORE-TEX | $149.00 | S-XXXL | 2 | Narrow |
| Under Armour Storm | Nylon | $85.00 | S-XXXL | 1 | Large |
| ZERO RESTRICTION Halt | Gore Membrane | $395.00 | S-XL | 2 | Medium |
| ZERO RESTRICTION Matrix | Rayon and Elastane | $550.00 | S-XXL | 2 | Medium |
FEATURES THAT MATTER
Fit: Golfers come in all shapes and sizes, and fit preferences differ from region to region. Some companies like Cross cater for golfers who like the tailored fit while other companies like Nike have products for a baggier fit. Whatever your personal preference is, it is something you should consider before purchasing a rain suit.
Pockets: Pockets might not seem to be a big deal for many golfers as long as they work, but this is not the case from what we have found during testing. Pockets can sometimes be tight and some can causes scratches when the pocket is too small, or the zippers are too tight. Some jackets Zero Restriction and Sun Mountain offer pocket in pocket designs for those that like to keep tees and ball markers in their first layer rather than the second layer.
Breathability: When swinging and walking, you generate a lot of heat, but where does that heat go? In some cases, the heat is trapped, and you can become too hot. In other cases, the heat is able to escape. There is a happy medium where you have vents for the heat to be released but also keeps you warm.
Comfort: When swinging, you don’t want to be restricted, and that can be a problem in some designs. Others remain fitted, yet stretchy, creating a second skin feel while keeping you dry and warm. This is another important feature that must be considered – if you cannot swing normally, then you are only hindering yourself.
2018 RAIN PANTS FEATURE CHART
| Name | Material | Cost | Sizes | Colors | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADIDAS clmprf heather | Polyester | $85.00 | S-XL | 1 | Narrow |
| ANTIGUA | Polyester | $50.00 | L-XL | 1 | Large |
| CROSS SPORTSWEAR M Edge | Polyester and Polyurethane | $279.99 | S-XXL | 1 | Narrow |
| GALVIN GREEN AXEL Gortex | Goretex | $333.00 | S-XXL | 1 | Narrow |
| Galway Bay | Polartec NeoShell | $184.00 | 32-40 | 2 | Medium |
| NIKE Storm-Fit Rain Suit | Polyester | $85 | S-XXL | 1 | Large |
| Ping Zero Gravity Tour | Polyester | $199.00 | 29-33 | 1 | Narrow |
| PUMA Storm Jacket Pro | Nylon and Polyester | $220.00 | S-XXL | 1 | Medium |
| SUN MOUNTAIN Elite | Ultimate Knit | $259.99 | S-XXL | 1 | Medium |
| Under Armour Gortex | Polyester | $110.00 | S-XXXL | 1 | Narrow |
| Under Armour Storm | Nylon | $85.00 | S-XXXL | 1 | Large |
| ZERO RESTRICTION Halt | Rayon and Elastane | $490.00 | S-XXXL | 1 | Medium |
| ZERO RESTRICTION Matrix | Rayon and Elastane | $490.00 | S-XXXL | 1 | Medium |
HOW WE SCORE
We’re always fine-tuning the process to make sure we’re collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we’ve updated and refined this year’s analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.
We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics.
Over the course of the test, we used the same protocol for every rain suit in the test. To limit bias, we paid careful attention to the phrasing of the questions as well as the timing of when particular questions were asked.
Waterproofing (35 points) – Does even the slightest amount of water seep through the suit or does it bead off? Does the tapering around the wrists, ankles, and neck keep water out of the suit? Since the goal of a rain suit is to keep out water, we deemed waterproofing to be the most important metric. Suits that didn’t perform well in this category had flaws in design and material. Some top finishers were made of impervious Gore-Tex while others were made of similar alternative materials.
Breathability (20 points) – Does the heat created between the suit and the body have any means of escaping? Can the heat escape through vent-like technology? Does the suit breath through the fabric itself? The worst suits in terms of breathability felt like literal black trash bags. Some top finishers featured material that repels water on the outside while attracting it on the inside. This means that not only does the suit keep you dry, but it also removes your sweat from your skin to keep you cool. According to industry experts, breathability is far more important than most realize.
Comfort (25 points) -Score is given based on whether there are any flaws in the suit’s design or construction. Questioning for this category was done while the tester was hitting, as comfort is especially important during a shot. Comfort while walking was also considered. While playing in the rain, your suit cannot hurt your ability to play. Top performers felt as though nothing was there.
Fit (20 points) – How well do the pants taper around the ankle, legs, arms, and midsection? How much adjustability is provided in the waist? Can the jacket’s midsection be tapered? Can the neck opening be tightened? This is important because rain gear is worn over other clothes it’s important to have adjustability. One must be able to ensure that the suit does not impede the swing, and a poorly fitting suit does just that.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring the best rain suit, and awards are awarded to the top five suits. Also, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to the rain gear in certain categories (like best value) that pushes the industry envelope.
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THE BEST RAIN GEAR OF 2018
CROSS SPORTSWEAR EDGE
"Best Rain Gear of 2018" (tie)
|
Waterproofing
|
5th |
|
Comfort
|
1st |
|
Breathability
|
5th |
|
Fit
|
1st |
|
Total
|
93 |
What We Liked
For the second year in a row, Cross comes out on top (tie). Based in Europe, Cross-Sportswear produced a rain suit that stands out from the rest. The jacket and pants provide great comfort which is tailored more to the European slim fit but allows you to swing with ease due to the stretchy material. Both the top and pants are designed for the water to run off and away from the golfer’s shoes or hands, keeping the player as dry as possible. If you are looking for that rain suit to keep you dry but comfortable at the same time, this rain suit is one to consider.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Can stretch to accommodate different shapes and sizes
- Well-designed and thought-out
- Fits true to size for the Euro fitting guide
- Great at repelling water
- Keep you warm when cold
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Only comes in black
GALWAY BAY
"Best Rain Gear of 2018" (tie)
|
Waterproofing
|
4th |
|
Comfort
|
2nd |
|
Breathability
|
3rd |
|
Fit
|
2nd |
|
Total
|
93 |
What We Liked
Galway Bay is a newcomer to MyGolfSpy testing this year but they’ve quickly made an impact in the rain gear testing. Galway’s stretchy material allows you to swing without restriction. Galway offers two different kinds of pants for various weather situations. One is lined and is not, which allows you to wear them like regular pants. There’s no need to wear anything underneath and still keep you warm on those cold days. When having consisting rain on a spot the pants change color but no water penetrates through. The whole line of rain gear is very stylish combined with their lightweight material has earned “Best Rain Gear of 2018”.
Pros
- Great color options
- Lightweight, stretchy material
- Great in the rain
- Two type of pants available for different weather conditions
- No restriction when swinging
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Neckline could fit more snuggly
SUN MOUNTAIN ELITE
|
Waterproofing
|
6th |
|
Comfort
|
3rd |
|
Breathability
|
5th |
|
Fit
|
4th |
|
Total
|
89.5 |
What We Liked
Sun Mountain has breezed into the top 5 once again with the Elite. The lightweight material combined with Gortex really delivers in those rainy conditions. Although both top and bottom are light, they keep you warm and are breathable preventing you from overheating. Pockets are accessible and the pockets on pants have a regular pocket and an internal pocket allowing access your inner pants if needed. When raining the top holds the water and causes the color to become darker but still prevents water from seeping through.
Pros
- Very well designed with the player in mind
- Good style options
- Lightweight material
- Easy to swing once on
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Water could run off top and pants instead of absorbing the water
GALVIN GREEN GORTEX ALON
|
Waterproofing
|
1st |
|
Comfort
|
7th |
|
Breathability
|
10th |
|
Fit
|
2nd |
|
Total
|
87.5 |
What We Liked
Galvin Green have proven their stature within Europe for many years and are starting to become popular in the United States. The Axel is not only stylish, but keeps you dry and warm when playing in those extreme conditions. Rain just runs off the Gortex material with ease until it gets to the wrist and neck area. These two areas have different material and hold the water which in turn seeps down your back and hands slightly. The unique rear zipper design of the pants makes putting them on and off a breeze. Overall the whole suit is durable and comfortable to keep you dry and warm on the golf course.
Pros
- Keeps you warm but also allows you to breath
- Rain runs off with ease
- Very modern for the stylish golfer
- Does not restrict when swinging
- Easy access zippers on pants
Cons
- Wrists and neck line can hold water
ZERO RESTRICTION HALT
|
Waterproofing
|
7th |
|
Comfort
|
7th |
|
Breathability
|
5th |
|
Fit
|
6th |
|
Total
|
86 |
What We Liked
Zero restriction has produced a jacket that feels like an everyday sweater. It prevents water from penetrating fully, keeping the player moderately dry when playing. Having said that, a concentrating direction of water in a single spot does result in water getting through, which means you can get a little wet. The wind-stopping jacket is also designed in keeping you warm in windy conditions. The neckline is a new design and can irritate the golfer when walking and swinging due to the positioning of the zipper.
Pros
- Great for comfort
- Very good jack in the wind
- Keeps you warm in those cold winter days
Cons
- Uncomfortable neck line which can put off players when walking or swinging
2018 Rain Gear Buyers Guide
The Rest of the Field
Under Armour – If you want a light Gore-Tex rain suit that keeps you dry then Under Armour is for you. The product can be a little restricting when playing because of its narrow/medium fit, but it is down to personal preference.
Ping – Ping has a rain suit that is not the typical head to toe suit. The bottoms are full length and work great in the rain as the water runs off with ease. The top is 3/4 sleeved and allows you to swing with ease because of how light and flexible it is. Obviously, your arms get wet when it rains, but some prefer the absence of sleeves around the wrists.
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