Forum Member Review: Galway Bay Rain Gear

Last year, the MyGolfSpy Forum ran a member test with the prior generation of rain gear from Galway Bay. The results were very positive and, with the exception of a few sizing comments, testers really enjoyed the rain gear and its performance.

This season, Galway Bay released a new series that aimed to enhance a few key areas. One is the waterproof rating. The prior generation already boasted an impressive waterproof rating of 15,000. The new Renvyle Jacket and Claddagh Chino Rain Pant doubled to 30,000. What does this mean? Simply put, the garments are able to better resist rain over more time while being able to breathe and not overheat. Another key improvement was the addition of a high collar for added protection.

About Galway Bay

Galway Bay is well known for its wet weather performance gear and has had succes in MyGolfSpy testing, both on the Forum and in Most Wanted tests. Their standout features include rain pants that are meant to fit like regular pants versus bulky pullover rain pants. They also have a three-layer fabric to block wind and rain. Finally, they make concerted efforts to have rain gear that looks good on and off the course.

The Testing Opportunity

We selected four golfers to test, review and keep a Renvyle Jacket and Claddagh Chino Rain Pant. These testers were tasked with challenging the worst conditions to see how the rain gear performed. Critically, we also wanted feedback on the fit and feel of the gear to compare with prior tests.

What Testers Said: First Impressions

As with any piece of clothing, the initial fit and feel can create lasting impressions. So let’s see what our testers had to say.

Randall Robbins: “Upon getting the box with the suit and unpacking it, I was quite impressed with the look and feel of the suit. It was well packed in plastic in the box, and as I said, the look and feel were very nice. The suit has a nice sheen to it and a satin-like feel, with a very tight weave to the fabric. Everything about it on first look says quality product.”

Mike10487: “I’d say the jacket sizes run a bit small. The sizing chart said 2XL. The mid-section is fine, but the shoulder area is a little tighter than I thought it should be. Upon zipping the jacket up fully, the zipper really digs into my Adam’s apple due to the neck size being a little smaller than a normal 2XL. None of this affected the fabric moving properly throughout a simulated swing. I felt little to no restraint as the jacket seemed to stretch in all the right places.”

What About The Pants?

As for the pants, he said, “Let’s call them slacks. I have now been wearing these ‘slacks’ for three hours. They are as comfortable as any pair of dress ‘slacks’ I have ever owned. I have not adjusted any areas of my body, which is a constant fight with my Haggar and Izod slacks. I can actually feel the air movement in these, which begs the question, ‘How the hell did they do this?’ If these are even remotely waterproof, this is an absolute home run! Noise level is not even remotely an issue. I would not hesitate to throw on a dress shirt and go to any five-star restaurant. If I could give the ‘slacks’ an eleven, I would.”

Based on first impressions, it certainly seems like the improvements made have accomplished their original goal. Now it is time to see how these impressions translated to the golf course.

What Testers Said: On The Course

ChaosReigns: “On a rainy day, all I can say is it’s amazing. The suit just feels comfortable, and the rain just rolls right off. The lightweight material allows the breeze to come through, though I do wonder if during the fall the suit will keep me warm, but only time will tell. After coming inside, the suit was perfect; just one good shake and the water was gone.”

Randall Robbins: “Don’t know what more you could ask from a rain suit—it definitely performed as advertised, keeping out wind and rain, while allowing me to make normal swings, and being very breathable, so that I didn’t feel like I had just gotten out of a sauna.”

GolfSpy_APH: “I have owned a few jackets and pants from Galway Bay. This line, to date, has been my favorite and the most impressive. Recently, I played 18 in the rain, went to work, then went back for another six holes, where it continued to rain even more. Normally, I would swap out jackets and pants, but I wanted to really push the limits. The final result was being able to jump in the car after all that completely dry. The only item I had to change was my hat. It makes me enjoy playing in the rain, which is a far cry from what most would say.”

Where the previous models had a few testers note some bagginess in the stomach area that affected the stroke while putting, this did not appear to be an issue with the new line. On-course performance was where these improvements shone.

Key Highlights From Testers

Testers noted how much they liked to wear the gaarments off the course, even using the jacket as a windbreaker. While meant for the worst weather, the style, form and function were more than appropriate for other situations.

All the testers preferred the style of the Claddagh Chino Rain Pant versus the traditional pullover rain pants.

Testers were happy with the materials and noise reduction qualities of the rain gear.

Sizing was essentially on-point for all testers. The jackets were true to size without bulky areas but also tailored enough to feel stylish, all while offering enough mobility and stretch to make proper golf swings. As noted, a single tester found the shoulder area tighter but still non-restrictive.

Our testers said the price is on the higher end but that the quality was there to back it up. They also noted the bundle deals that are sometimes offered.

Final Grades

Usually,  we discuss whether testers are going to continue using the product or move on from it. There was no debate in this case. Our testing group provided some of the highest grades we have ever seen for any product: 95, 95, 98 and 100 out of 100!

Needless to say, all testers will continue to use the Galway Bay rain gear.

Final Quotes From Testers

Randall Robbins: “This is one outstanding rain suit, one that met everything I and Mother Nature threw at it. I continue to be impressed with the quality and performance of this rain gear. I know it will be in my bag for years to come. In my 55+ years of playing, haven’t seen anything better, and it sure beats getting soaked if you don’t have it, or having to quit because of bad weather. Plus, the jacket can be used on windy days, or just as a regular jacket. The pants can be worn as regular pants, or worn on a day when the course is sloppy and would mess up a regular pair of pants.”

ChaosReigns: “This is the first real rain suit that I’ve had that I truly like. I love the fact it feels like a normal pair of pants and just a windbreaker, and I really love the way it has changed the weather lol. It’s almost as if the rain is scared of it. Which is sad because I have never wanted to play in the rain more than now.”

Mike10497: “I have been a competitive golfer and a tournament bass fisherman for nearly 30 years. I have probably owned 40+ rain suits from nearly every manufacturer on the planet. Then I always shied away from Galway Bay due to price and I thought they were meant for more northern climates. I was very wrong. The product quality is leaps and bounds above the competition, and it isn’t even close. This fabric has some serious breathability; I still say VooDoo. I cannot believe this product is this waterproof and is even remotely breathable—flabbergasted.”

Conclusion

We have never seen a product so unanimously praised by our Forum member testers. If you are in the market for new rain gear, it is clear that our testers believe you should be checking out Galway Bay.

To see testers’ full reviews, photos, and more, go here: MyGolfSpy Forum Review of Galway Bay Rain Gear.