MGS Tested: RAIN GEAR 2019

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.

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

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.