Buying new but older season rain jackets

Hi

I need to replace my 15 year old Galvin Green jacket and I saw a few offers of Galvin green jackets from previous seasons (from 2016 or even older). These jackets have been on the shelves or in storage for a few years. Will the outer layer still be as good as a new jacket? The inner gore tex will obviously be okay but I believe the outer layer is treated with some chemicals to stop the water from entering the outer layer. Would this be as good on a 3 year old jacket that was never used as it would be on a new one? On a new one you can see the water run off the outer layer. On my old one it soaks into the outer layer and makes the jacket heavy and even though the gore tex doesn't let the water through you end up damp underneath.

You can save over £100 on older season jackets but will they be just as good?

I typically try to look for closeouts of previous year merchandise (shoes, shirts, rain gear, etc.). Usually good deals are available. I haven't seen any "new" 3 year old rain gear advertised however. Is this from a reputable store or is it from an ebay seller? If its actually new it should still be fine as quality rain gear is designed to last for many years. The worst is you may have to refresh it by proper cleaning or add a new coat of DWR.

Good question regarding seller. Some of the many online golfstores sell jackets from past seasons (without telling you which season it is from though). Just showing big savings to the original RRP

This comes directly from the Galvin Green website:-Galvin Green products manufactured in GORE-TEX® fabric carry the WL Gore satisfaction guarantee, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY. This guarantee is valid for the functionality of the GORE-TEX® fabric/membrane and has no time limit. All other parts of the garment, which includes the zippers, lining and stitching, carry a four year guarantee.

I, recently, purchased a 4 yr old NIB, rain jacket - Ping Tour Eye. A google search shows reviews from 2015. The dwr seems to be good (I, usually, rinse garments before using). As for long term, it is tbd, but, most of my old rainwear (golf, and, hiking) is still functional. The only piece I have, that is totally useless, now, is an old REI goretex anorak. fwiw, I have an old(15+ years) Sunderland pull over w/zip off sleeves, and, it is still functional.

@ParHunter, have you tried to rewaterproof the outer layer to see if that helps? It may just be a matter of renewing the waterproofing of the outer layer.

Either add NikWax DWR spray or run your coat in the clothes dryer For a few minutes. It can really bring the waterproofing back to life.

Yes I've used NikWax a few times, use the tumble dryer and I even had it send in to Galvin Green to have it checked. The gore tex is still okay according to Galvin Green. I don't get proper wet even after 18 holes of rain but it gets damp. I guess after 15 years it is allowed to retire ;-) I got good service or if it.