2019 RAIN GEAR BUYERS GUIDE
Regardless of whether you’re willing to brave all the elements or you bail at the first sight of a little green on the radar map, you need a quality rain suit. The fact is that even the fairest of fair-weather-only golfers will find themselves playing in the occasional unexpected downpour. The good news is, you have options. Sure, some outerwear makers haven’t evolved. Baggy and barely waterproof, some suits are stuck in the past. We don’t want you buying a Disney World rain poncho, so pay close attention to this article, and you will find modern, breathable raingear that moves with you.
With all the options, finding the right rain suit can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We put the top rain suits on the market to the test to ensure you have the best information available when it comes time to buy.
Whether you’re looking to buy a rain suit today, some buying advice to get started, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right rain gear to fit your needs.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect Rain Suit to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Rain Suits are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating Rain Gear include Waterproofing, Comfort, Fit, and Breathability.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Breathability
There’s a rain suit for every climate. Those made for cooler atmospheres can trap body heat inside the gear to keep you warm, while others employ vents to keep it breezy. It’s personal preference, but keep your climate in mind. Do you find yourself in humidity or freezing rain? That distinction can make a difference when it comes to choosing the right rain gear.
Fit
Golfers come in all shapes and sizes. Fit preferences and sizing differ from region to region. Some companies, like Cross, cater to golfers who like the tailored or European fit. Other brands provide a more generous fit. It’s a fine line between a suit that gives you a little extra room to move and one that crosses into baggy territory. Decide what type of fit you’re looking for, then choose a suit that delivers it.
Comfort
Unrestricted movement is critical to the golf swing, and that can be a fatal flaw with some designs. Our favorites are fitted (almost tailored), while providing enough stretch to create a second-skin feel while, at the same time, keeping you dry and warm. If a rain suit doesn’t allow you to swing normally, no matter how good the weather protection, it’s doing more harm than good.
Weather/Waterproofing
Staying dry when playing golf in wet conditions is pretty much the entire point of owning rain gear. For the most part, all of the rain suits we tested are water-resistant but only a few are truly waterproof. Others absorb water allowing the underlayers (your clothes) to get wet. It should go without saying that the best rain suits are 100% waterproof.
EXPERT TIP - Washing Your Rain Gear Makes A Difference
It's essential to wash your rain gear after a-round in the rain. Over time, the membrane that keeps the water out will begin to break down, and your rain suit will start taking on water. Regularly wash will help ensure 100% waterproof protection and extend the life of your gear.
2019 Rain Jacket Features Chart
| Name | Material | Sizes | Color | Fit | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Adidas Climaproof Check Price | Polyester Twill | S-XXL | 3 | Medium | $75 |
 | Callaway Storm Guard Check Price | Polyester | S-XXL | 3 | Medium | $154.99 |
 | Callaway Weather Series Check Price | Polyester | S-XXXL | 3 | Medium | $139.99 |
 | Cross Hurricane Check Price | Polyester + Polyurethane | S-XXXL | 5 | Euro | $80 |
 | Cross M Edge Check Price | Polyester + Polyurethane | S-XXL | 3 | Euro | $160 |
 | Footjoy Dryjoys Tour LTS Check Price | Polyester | M-XXL | 8 | Narrow | $285 |
 | Galvin Green Gore-Tex Alon Check Price | Gore-Tex | S-XXXL | 3 | Narrow | $347 |
 | Galway Bay All Weather 2018 Check Price | Polartec Neoshell | S-XXL | 2 | Medium | $299 |
 | Galway Bay All Weather 2019 Check Price | HydroFlex 32 | S-XXXL | 2 | Medium | $299 |
 | Nike Storm-Fit Check Price | Polyester | S-XXL | 2 | Large | $85 |
 | Ogio All Elements Check Price | Polyester + Standex | S-XXL | 3 | Large | $100 |
 | PING Zero Gravity Check Price | Pertex + Polyester | S-XXXL | 1 | Medium | $249 |
 | Proquip PX6 Stormforce Check Price | Polyester | S-XXXL | 3 | Medium | $420 |
 | PUMA Storm Check Price | Nylon + Polyester | S-XXL | 1 | Medium | $280 |
 | Stuburt eVent Check Price | Polyester | M-XL | 2 | Large | $196 |
 | Sun Mountain Elite Check Price | Ulitmate Knit | M-XXL | 3 | Medium | $299.99 |
 | Sunderland Vancouver Pro JKT Check Price | Polyester | S-XXXL | 8 | Medium | $168 |
 | Under Armour Storm Gore-Tex Check Price | Gore-Tex | S-XXXL | 1 | Medium | $250 |
 | Zero Restriction Halt Check Price | Polyester | S-XXL | 2 | Medium | $395 |
Ultra-lightweight Performance - PING Zero Gravity
The PING Zero Gravity is an ultra-lightweight design that offers protection from a summer shower without restricting your swing. The 1/4 zip design slips on and off with ease. It's available with full-length sleeves or as a half sleeve jacket for those who want to keep it as light as possible.
More Tips
- Rain suits sizing varies from brand to brand. We recommend trying on the product before buying to get the fit you want. If shopping online, look for retailers that offer free returns.
- Look for products that offer a waterproof warranty. This could save you money in the long run.
- The best rain gear offers pockets similar to what you’d find in regular pants. Look for rain gear with a sensible number of pockets.
- If you play in conditions there are both wet and cold, consider gear that’s lined with gore-tex or similar material that will keep you warm as well as dry.
- Those who play in warm and wet conditions should look for a lightweight and well-vented rain suit with plenty of ventilation to keep you cool.
2019 Rain Gear Results
| Name | Waterproofing | Comfort | Breathability | Fit | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Sportswear M Edge Check Price | 8th | 1st | 5th | 1st | 93 |
| Galway Bay All Weather 2018 Check Price | 5th | 3rd | 1st | 2nd | 93 |
| Galway Bay All Weather 2019 Check Price | 1st | 6th | 2nd | 2nd | 92.5 |
| Cross-Sportswear Hurricane Check Price | 11th | 1st | 2nd | 5th | 92 |
| ProQuip PX6 Stormforce Check Price | 5th | 3rd | 2nd | 9th | 91.5 |
| Under Armour Storm Gore-Tex Check Price | 1st | 5th | 9th | 5th | 91 |
| Sun Mountain Elite Check Price | 11th | 6th | 5th | 5th | 89.5 |
| PING Zero Gravity Check Price | 8th | 8th | 7th | 5th | 89 |
| Galvin Green Alon Check Price | 1st | 15th | 13th | 2nd | 87.5 |
| Adidas Climaproof Check Price | 14th | 8th | 9th | 9th | 86.5 |
| Footjoy Dryjoys Tour LTS Check Price | 8th | 9th | 13th | 12th | 86 |
| Sunderland Vancouver Pro JKT Check Price | 11th | 13th | 9th | 12th | 85.5 |
| Zero Restriction Matrix Check Price | 4th | 17th | 13th | 9th | 85.5 |
| Callaway Weather Series Check Price | 5th | 11th | 7th | 16th | 85 |
| Callaway Storm Guard Check Price | 16th | 11th | 13th | 16th | 80.5 |
| Nike Hypershield Check Price | 18th | 13th | 9th | 18th | 80 |
| Ogio All Elements Check Price | 16th | 15th | 17th | 15th | 78.5 |
| PUMA Storm Check Price | 19th | 18th | 17th | 12th | 77 |
| Stuburt eVent Check Price | 14th | 19th | 19th | 19th | 73.5 |
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What do I need to know about rain gear?
Q: How do I wash my rain suit?
A: Materials vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, which means washing instructions can differ as well. Most quality rain suits aren’t cheap, so take the time to read the label to ensure you’re properly caring for your suit.
Q: Can I wear different layers underneath the rain suit?
A: Most golfers wear their rain gear as an additional layer. To keep your swing as free as possible, minimally layering is best. Galway Bay’s offerings are designed to be worn as standalone pants, eliminating the need for more layers. If you are the golfer who can’t stand the cold and relies on layers to stay warm, consider moving up a size or purchasing a suit that runs a bit large.
Q: Why does my rain suit absorb water after a year of use?
A: As most golfers are probably aware, over time, most rain suits will stop repelling water and start absorbing it. That pretty much defeats the point of wearing it. In some cases, the rain suit just needs to be washed according to manufacturers instructions. If that does not work, check the warranty on the product. When all else fails, it’s time for a new rain suit.
mackdaddy9
3 years agoHarry, are the Galway Bay All weather 2019 jacket lined? The unlined rain jackets tend to leave my arms cold in a cold rain or high winds when wearing a Polo shirt.
I have the unlined pants and the sleeves (very tight on my arms)
Victor Joffray
3 years agoHi, which size would you recommend for the Cross M edge jacket for someone who is 5’9” , 147 lbs ? Small or Medium ?
Thank you.
Ronald Gailun
3 years agoMGS, why don’t you respond to these comments? I would especially be interested in how you arrived at the relative waterproof scale as noted by Wilson Player above.
Michael
3 years agoJust a heads up. Cross-Sportswear may be a great jacket but customer service is NOT. I’d be nervous about returns or if you have a problem.
I was in need of rain gear so this review was well timed. Sounded like the CROSS-SPORTSWEAR M EDGE was the product to get based on rank and price.
The question was, what size to get? So I provided my US and Euro sizing just to confirm that a Large jacket and pants were the way to go. Got no response. I wrote [email protected].
Then I wrote [email protected] and [email protected], got NO response.
Then I wrote them all again – no response.
I rolled the dice on the jacket and got a Large but was nervous about pants and decided to go with something I could try on. Ended up with a Sun Mountain pair in Medium.
The Cross-Sportswear Large jacket arrived yesterday and thankfully it looks to be a winner but man . . . terrible that I didn’t get a single response to three emails! It’s not like you can just walk into a Golf Galaxy or Dick’s for returns of this product sold from Sweden . . . they should obviously be more responsive.
Michael M.
Shawn
3 years agoI need a recommendation for a warm jacket to wear in the fast approaching Wisconsin Fall!
Cousin Donuts
3 years ago@MyGolfSpy, have you reviewed any Kjus gear?
Andrew L
2 years agoWould love a review of Kjus. I have a light weight jacket I love from them, but hesitant to spend almost 500 dollars on a rain jacket, but love their gear.
Bob Pegram
3 years agoThe Cross-Sportswear Hurricane looks like to best deal at $80, but is the top only. Do any of the other prices include pants? It isn’t stated. Thanks.
Sunil
3 years agoThis is probably a dumb question, but can you explain the difference between Euro fit vs. Narrow fit?
Hawk23
3 years agoBought the Cross M Edge earlier in the year(based on 2018 Mygolfspy rain gear review) for a golf trip to Scotland and Ireland in July this year.Usually I would avoid playing in the rain but on such a trip you have to be prepared to play in conditions you normally wouldn’t.
Had 2 games where we experienced very heavy rain for 5 holes and then sunshine and one round where it blew a gale and rained heavily for 14 holes.The jacket and pants kept me dry and did not restrict my swing.
It was effective and convenient to be able to wear the pants as pants and not over golf pants and they were comfortable even when it wasn’t raining.Indeed I wore them on days when there was no rain.
The only negative to the golf pants was that on the day of 14 holes of rain, water did run from the trouser into the back of my shoes.If i was a bit shorter in height and the hem sat more over the back of the shoe heel that may not be a problem The slim fit probably exacerbated it as well.My older style Cross storm pants, which were worn over golf pants, did not cause that problem as they are a much longer leg.
I did consider Galway Bay but they aren’t stocked in Australia and don’t ship here either.
Divot
3 years agoThe only issue I have with raingear is that its usually too hot in humid climates and you get wetter through sweat than with rain.
Surprised that you are not testing any shortsleeve versions, these allow for a little more comfort in the rain
Pete S
3 years agoAny information on the pants portion of the rain suit?
Under the Roof
3 years agoRe. Pants-
By far the best solution is to get the Galway Bay pants. You wear them all day, so there’s no struggling to put them on or take them off (let alone jam them in your bag). These are particularly good if you’re playing in Scotland or some other sea side course and you just wear them all day.
-If you don’t like that solution, I also have a really light Zero Restriction rain suit and wear the pants as pants, rather than having shorts or a second pair underneath. One of the keys here is to make sure the rain suit pants have belt loops, so you can actually wear a belt, otherwise rain suit pants, with just the Velcro and snaps will be sloppy and droop.
-Under the Roof
KP
3 years agoDo the Cross Edge chinos function as standalone pants like the Galway bay pants do?
Joey5Picks
3 years agoTry Nikwax to rejuvinate an old rain jacket. TX Direct.
Large chris
3 years agoTried loads of high tech gear over the years, mostly if it’s breathable it’s not very waterproof and vice versa, and even if all this polyester plastic stuff works it’s far too restrictive and has zero style.
Sleeveless tightly woven vest tops, thin over trousers, a woolly jumper and a proper rain hat work best for me. If that’s not enough for the conditions I’m not playing anyway.
TheBrad
3 years agoIf it’s raining, I ain’t playing.
Wilson Player
3 years agoIs there a way to clarify the rankings for “waterproofing”. I understand that they are ranked relative to the other items.
It would be helpful to understand at what spot along the scale there is a noticeable drop off in waterproofing. (is rank 1-8 great for a monsoon, 9-12 for heavy rains, 13-20 good for medium rains)
As you said in the article, being waterproof is the main goal.
At a certain point most golfers won’t go out and play or will at least wait for the heavy stuff to stop.
example-
is the Cross Sportswave Hurricane waterproof enough (WP rank of 11) to do the job of the Galway for 25% of the cost.
Emery
3 years agoI purchased Adidas top and pant last year with these thoughts in mind. 1) I will only wear IF I get caught in an unexpected storm 2) On close out and didn’t spend over $50 for the pair. 3) I am in the South East and it is humid and hot half the year and cold and drizzly in the dead of winter…other garments will be more suitable 4) the PERFECT rainwear has yet to be made. 5) had to be lightweight as I carry my bag a lot.