2009 Equipment Reviews

Galvin Green
Ashford/Alf
Gore-Tex membrane for durable wind and water protection
Highly breathable material releases excess heat and moisture
SRP: £249 (Ashford jacket); £199 (Alf trousers)
www.galvingreen.com
01932 569 888
Our verdict MUCH like with Titleist and the Pro V1 ball, when Galvin Green first brought suits like this to the UK market they were light years ahead of the competition. As the years have passed, however, so others have inevitably caught up and adapted some of the best features. But we still feel that Galvin suits are quite simply the best on the market. Their reputation for quality, performance, reliability and style is second to none and that is why so many of us are happy to spend a substantial amount of money on investing in one of their suits.

Sunice
Ultimate Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex technology offers unrivalled weather protection
Ultra-quiet and soft hand feel, waterproof stretch inserts and elbow articulation for full range of motion
SRP: £249 (jacket); £149 (trousers)
www.sunice.com
08701 666 555
Our verdict SUNICE are renowned for their high quality, top-performing suits, and the Ultimate Gore-Tex, from their super-premium Hurricane Collection, is no different. With a hefty price tag of £400 for the full package, the technologies (not least the Gore-Tex fabric) and design certainly do not come cheap, but the features it packs are so high-end that they will last a long time and perform in all types of weather.
It looks stunning, too, and so many will consider it well worth the investment.It looks really sharp and is guaranteed to keep you dry in even the heaviest and most persistent rain. While extra touches like the in-pocket towel to dry your hands, or clean your ball, show how much thought has gone into this suit.

Nike
Storm Fit
Waterproof, windproof and very breathable, the Nike Storm Fit suit is a great option in all weather conditions
SRP: £100 (jacket); £70 (trousers)
www.nikegolfeurope.com
0800 056 1640
Our verdict ONE of the biggest problems golfers find with waterproof suits is restricted swings and discomfort. But the Nike Storm Fit has been designed to offer great weather protection with minimum weight. The result is a comfortable garment that shields you from the elements in style. It comes in a variety of striking colours, too, and we loved how it fitted. It doesn’t make much noise and it’s a suit you can comfortably swing in.
It’s also available at a very competitive price – comfortably less than half of the other two prize-winning suits. Only you know what you are prepared to pay for a waterproof suit but, for the money, we don’t think you will do much better than this.

Footjoy
DryJoys Tour Collection
With tour-proven rain protection, high-quality breathability and maximum comfort, the DryJoys Tour offers the ultimate defence
Trousers are designed to function superbly in any conditions
SRP: £115 (rain shirt); £120 (trousers)
www.footjoy.co.uk
01480 301 114
Our verdict FOOTJOY waterproofs are invariably smart but we think this Tour Collection is more than just a pretty face. The fit is excellent – thanks to the half-zip that prevents the jacket getting in your way when putting, the ability to draw the waist in and the velcro pads on the cuffs.
Each of these features makes this suit easier to play in – and FootJoy loyalists will doubtless approve of such improvements.

Galvin Green
Arn/August
Laminated Gore-Tex Paclite membrane for durable wind and water protection
Highly breathable material that enables the release of excess heat and moisture – ultra-light and ultra-packable
SRP: £239 (jacket); £199 (trousers)
www.galvingreen.com
01932 569 888
Our verdict IF you are looking for a suit that can be packed away into the smallest space and weighs next to nothing, yet offers no compromise whatsoever in terms of performance, then this is the suit for you. It’s a fantastically versatile jacket, ideal on and off the course for when you are on the move. It should be made clear that PacLite is not designed to keep you warm – Galvin Green recommend you combine it with a garment from their warm-layer Insula collection – and the PacLite fabric is quite ‘noisy’ to swing in.

Cross
Pro suit
Stretch mesh lining and pre-shaped sleeves offer extra fit and comfort
Fleece-lined front pockets keep hands warm while adjustable drawstrings add to fit
SRP: £150 (pullover); £110 (trousers)
www.cross.eu 00353 146 28 111
Our verdict WITH technology and style in equal measure, Cross’s Pro suit was a real hit. It fits very well and therefore does not have much excess fabric to contend with when putting, and the stretchy material prevents your swing from being hindered. Cross are originally a ski clothing manufacturer – and you can really tell.
It is stylish, comfortable and unrestricting and is packed full of technology to keep the rain at bay. We would recommend buying a size larger than usual unless you are a toned athlete because the Scandinavian fit can otherwise seem a little tight.

Under Armour
Armourstorm
Coldgear thermal panels keep heat in where it needs to be, while a four-way stretch material gives a tight fit
SRP: £160 (jacket); £140 (trousers)
www.underarmour.com
0080 082 766 871
Our verdict UNDER ARMOUR are still new kids on the golfing block but their first venture into waterproofs suggests they have much to offer. We think this is the most credible threat to Gore-Tex’s dominance yet – Under Armour claim this suit offers all the breathability benefits with greater freedom of movement and less noise when you move in it. Certainly, the material stretches easily for a snug, comfortable fit and the coldgear thermal pads offer heat where your body needs it.It also looks great and the price is competitive too.