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.
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 |
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
4 years ago
Harry, 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)