It’s not uncommon for apparel companies to overlook the details when it comes to golf gear.
Few things are more frustrating than putting on a brand-new polo and finding loose threads, poorly stitched buttons or a collar that doesn’t look quite right. With most golf polos now priced north of $50, there’s no excuse for taking shortcuts in terms of quality.
To quote Randall from Monsters, Inc.: “Do you hear that? It’s the winds of change.”
Introducing Alby Golf, an OEM that’s willing to put its money where its mouth is.
Every piece of apparel comes with a lifetime warranty. Their guarantee is simple: “If your item ever fails due to a manufacturing defect or workmanship issue, we’ll make it right—for life.”
That’s a bold claim so I had to check out Alby Golf for myself.
Polos
Alby Golf sent me the “Bombs Away Polo” priced at $88.
The polo came with minimal issues in terms of stitching, a comfortable fit derived of 92 percent polyester and eight percent Spandex, and a stiff (but not too stiff) collar. The collar is the key piece that won me over. I’ve worn golf polos in the past that struggle to get the collar right. It’s either too stiff or way too loose. I became Little Red Riding Hood when I put on the Bombs Away Polo due to the collar being “just right.”
Aside from comfort, fit and construction, the most important factor is easily how the polo feels during your actual golf swing.
I hit a few shots and didn’t notice any restriction in the arms and minimal bagginess near the waist. The Bombs Away Polo felt great and can be compared with other top contenders in the golf apparel world.
There are currently four other designs that you can shop on Alby’s website. You can find them by clicking the button below.
Q-Zip
The Gibson Q-Zip features a basic design, two colorways and a great fit.
I was especially impressed by the fit and comfort of the Gibson Q-Zip. It’s not overly bulky but it’s thick enough to be utilized in spring/fall rotations. The comfort is on par with any other quarter-zip I’ve worn, with an emphasis on elasticity and stretch.
As usual, I had to hit a few balls while wearing the Gibson to make sure restriction wasn’t an issue. Nothing to report.
The Gibson quarter-zip won’t be enough in all-out winter conditions but will get the job done at 50 degrees or warmer. At $98, I’d label the Gibson Q-Zip as slightly overpriced but there are far worse ways to spend your money.
Hats
Alby Golf makes five golf hats, each priced at $37.
I tested the “3D Bird Hat” and noticed a few things I liked and one I didn’t.
What I liked:
The logo is clean. I don’t know for sure but if I had to guess, the name “Alby” comes from the word “albatross.” If you’re new to golf, an albatross isn’t just a bird but a rare achievement in the game of golf that notches you a 3-under-par score for that specific hole. The logo pays homage to this achievement in the form of the bird.
What I disliked:
I consider myself a hat enthusiast. In fact, I own about 30 hats. The “3D Bird Hat” feels cheaper than most of the hats I have in my rotation. I noticed much more creasing than I prefer and it almost gave off a “crumpled” look. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still going to wear the 3D Bird Hat. I’d just say that my confidence is lacking in terms of long-term durability. Only time will tell.
The wrap
Nothing is taken for granted when it comes to my testing process.
If the gear sucks, I’ll tell you it sucks. That being said, Alby Golf easily avoids the “suck” category. You’re not going to find the same quality as a Johnnie-O or a Malbon Golf but you’re taking a significant step up from what your local sporting goods store offers at a discount.
The promise of a lifetime warranty is the real kicker. If I had to assume, Alby Golf prioritizes getting it right the first time so that the lifetime warranty is used as rarely as possible.
As mentioned, your gear is covered in terms of manufacturing defects and workmanship issues.
Here’s what’s not covered: (pulled directly from the ALBYLIFE GUARANTEE page)
- Normal wear and tear (fading, pilling, stretching over time)
- Damage caused by misuse, accidents, or improper care
- Alterations or repairs not performed by Alby
- Items purchased secondhand or from unauthorized sellers
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