Equipment: Best golf waterproofs 2017 – The results

Best golf waterproofs 2017 – What we looked for

James Savage on what the best waterproofs 2017 would be like…
Handicap: 17

“I want a waterproof suit to have a fairly snug fit without restricting movement so I can barely notice I’m wearing it. A stylish jacket which can be worn off the course is a massive bonus.”

Steve Carroll on what the best waterproofs 2017 would be like…
Handicap: 11

“The fit is as important to me as the suit’s ability to repel water. I want waterproofs that easily fit in my bag and that I can comfortably wear away from the clubhouse.”

Best golf waterproofs 2017 – Power rankings

What’s hot and what’s not when it comes to picking our favourites…

1. Fitted trousers
“A pair of waterproof trousers that are easy to get on but don’t have any excess material are worth their weight in gold. There were only a couple in this test that you’d wear on their own.”

2. Gore-Tex
“The way the water bounces off when you’re wearing a Gore-Tex suit fills you with the confidence that it withstand any conditions. It’ll also be light and breathable.”

3. Ball cleaner
“These are really handy when playing winter golf when there are lift, clean and place rules in play. Some will argue they take up valuable pocket space and get too dirty.”

4. Scorecard/chest pocket
“The theory makes sense but we find they are rarely used as golfers are just too habitual to put their scorecard anywhere other than their back pockets.”

5. Baggy trousers
“This is the area where so many premium suits fall down. Across the board, jackets are far more well-fitting than they used to be but the suit as a whole is often let down by excess material around the crotch and bum.”

Best golf waterproofs 2017 – NCG Verdict

James Savage

Gold: Galvin Green Paclite, Under Armour Paclite
Silver: Ping Tour Eye, FootJoy Tour XP
Bronze: Nike Hyperadapt/Storm-Fit

Waterproofs aren’t cheap so it’s important to get it right. I had to ask myself the question: which suits I would want to hand if the weather really started misbehaving?

There were some very stylish products here but I’ve picked my favourites based on performance.

Both the Galvin Green and Under Armour suits were lightweight, superbly fitting and easy to move in but I also felt like they offered fantastic protection.

The Ping Tour Eye trousers were the best for me and I really like the snug yet stretchy jacket.

FootJoy’s DryJoys Tour XP jacket is one of their most stylish to date and it works really well on the course. The trousers are stylish and well-fitted too.

The Nike suit was another in which I just felt supremely well-protected with enough stretch to move freely.

Steve Carroll

Gold: Lyle & Scott Yarrow/Nairn, FootJoy DryJoys Tour XP
Silver: Ping Tour Eye, Mizuno Pro Rain
Bronze: Benross Hydro Pro

Rather selfishly, I don’t just want to stay dry on the course, I want to look good at the same time. So style as well as performance are important factors for me when choosing a waterproof suit.

The Lyle & Scott and FootJoy suits do both. Fashionable and practical, I can honestly say I’d wear both jackets away from the clubhouse. Is there a higher compliment for a waterproof?

You expect today’s modern suits to deal with rain as standard but it is still impressive to watch the Ping Tour Eye and Mizuno Pro Rain repel water – and do it in different ways.

Cost can be a huge consideration with any suit but, at the lower end of the scale, you can’t go wrong with the Benross Hydro Pro. You are getting phenomenal bang for your buck from this combination.