Stretchiest Rain Jacket???

[ccorrada]

I've got a few different rain jackets (ZR, Footjoy, Patagonia) but my main complaint is that they don't stretch.  For whatever reason it really impacts my ability to turn and swing.  There has to be a stretchy, almost neoprene type option.  Any suggestions???

 

Thanks!

[soap1984]

The kjus i have is very stretchy (3.0L). I have only owned Galvin maybe 4 years ago and FJ before that and neither were very stretchy but they may have fixed that. 

[Simpsonia]

No fully waterproof jacket will be stretchy. Your best bet is looking for something designed to have some stretch or athletic cut like a climbing specific jacket or a weather resistant softshell. Though to maintain a little stretch, they do compromise a tad in the water proof-ness. I also generally prefer gear from outdoor focused manufacturers, as they have way more money for tech than golf specific clothiers. I'd look at the three below. 

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/patagonia-rainshadow

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/black-diamond-stormline-stretch

https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/arcteryx-alpha-sl

Edited April 27, 2023 by Simpsonia

[Warrick]

There was one made by TNF several years back, 100% waterproof soft shell, don’t recall the name of it, was like $4/$500, own it , amazing, great stretch.

 

I am not sure why this is not a staple.

[Togatown22]

As stated above - Kjus for sure. 

Pretty cool tech in it too - there are right handed and left handed versions that have the flex panels designed with swing movement in mind.

[golfday]

Kjus uses a Dermizax membrane which is stretchy, slightly less waterproof than goretex, and generally a little more breathable (though that may no longer be the case with goretex stretch). Most other brands use goretex, which has recently introduced some stretchy versions too - Galvin Green has some stretchy goretex jackets now. Both GG and Kjust stretch waterproof is going to run $500+ for a jacket. I'm not sure of anyone else making a stretchy waterproof golf jacket, the market for that item isn't that big since most of us don't want to play in the rain or spend that kind of cash on rain gear.

 

If anything says it's stretchy and waterproof, but isn't using Dermizax or Goretex, then I wouldn't trust it as actually being waterproof.

[Dan13]

Sun Mountain has some stretchy and quiet rain jackets that are a bit more affordable compared to KJus and Galvin Green. The Cirque jacket is waterproof to 20,000 mm and the rain flex elite waterproof to 15,000 mm. I’m getting close to pulling the trigger on a rain flex elite short sleeve. Can’t really find any reviews though. 

[BMC]

Footjoy Hydralite.

[Swisher]

20 hours ago, Togatown22 said:

As stated above - Kjus for sure. 

Pretty cool tech in it too - there are right handed and left handed versions that have the flex panels designed with swing movement in mind.

That's quite a cool feature (rh/lh)!

[x5andr6]

Proquip Stormforce

[Dan13]

26 minutes ago, x5andr6 said:

Proquip Stormforce

Proquip does have a lifetime waterproof guarantee. Do you think this is more marketing or do you think the jacket and pants are well made enough to be truly waterproof for the next 10 years with repeated exposure to all day Scottish rain during golf trips?  Is the material truly quiet?  

[wolverine_man]

KJUS Gemini has a lot of stretch, at the expense of being a tad heavy though. Definitely not as light as my Gore Tex PacLite stuff. 

[x5andr6]

On 4/28/2023 at 6:47 PM, Dan13 said:

Proquip does have a lifetime waterproof guarantee. Do you think this is more marketing or do you think the jacket and pants are well made enough to be truly waterproof for the next 10 years with repeated exposure to all day Scottish rain during golf trips?  Is the material truly quiet?  

 

I have the Kjus Gemini jacket, Galvin Green Gore-tex jacket and pants, and the Proquip Stormforce jacket and pants. Between the 3, I'd have to say the Proquip is the most quiet and has the most stretch. However, it's the set I reach for the least. I think I just like the looks and fit of the other 2 more than the Proquip.

 

Don't really know what to say about the lifetime waterproof guarantee. I've yet to make any warranty claims. However, not even the Gore-Tex offerings are truly waterproof after a few years of use. Gore-Tex will still need to be re-treated with a DWR every so often. Proquip would have to really stand by their product to offer such a warranty. 

[islandanimal]

https://www.eddiebauer.ca/p/38888641/mens-cloud-cap-stretch-2.0-rain-jacket?ch=pla&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-brand_PLA_B-_-CA-_-All_Products-_-0880626182000050-_-46204424836&color=Black&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI75fGi6_U_gIVUQKtBh1krgHBEAQYASABEgKbcvD_BwE&size=M&sizeType=Regular&sp=1&utm_campaign=PLA_B_Brand_New_CA&utm_content=All_Products&utm_medium=psrch_pla&utm_source=Google&utm_term=0880626182000050
 

I play in the rain all the time and this coat is phenomenal. Great stretch and very waterproof.

[Dan13]

16 hours ago, x5andr6 said:

 

I have the Kjus Gemini jacket, Galvin Green Gore-tex jacket and pants, and the Proquip Stormforce jacket and pants. Between the 3, I'd have to say the Proquip is the most quiet and has the most stretch. However, it's the set I reach for the least. I think I just like the looks and fit of the other 2 more than the Proquip.

 

Don't really know what to say about the lifetime waterproof guarantee. I've yet to make any warranty claims. However, not even the Gore-Tex offerings are truly waterproof after a few years of use. Gore-Tex will still need to be re-treated with a DWR every so often. Proquip would have to really stand by their product to offer such a warranty. 

I could definitely see that the look and fit of the KJus and GG could be preferable. I have an old Sunice goretex pullover that is still bulletproof - does get clammy though. Think that is how it shows it’s age.
 

Pro Quip px7 is pretty appealing with the warranty and the quietness. Could wear the jacket whether it’s raining or not. Throw the pants in the golf bag and put them on when needed.  

[Shakester]

I have a Sunice Jay Zephal jacket and it does quite well in light rain.  For heavier rain, I have a Galvin Green Armstrong.  The Sunice is pretty stretchy for a waterproof jacket. 

[thezinfan]

22 hours ago, Shakester said:

I have a Sunice Jay Zephal jacket and it does quite well in light rain.  For heavier rain, I have a Galvin Green Armstrong.  The Sunice is pretty stretchy for a waterproof jacket. 

I have the Sunice Jay and agree its quite stretchy. Does a good job in all but the worst rain. I also have the Sunice Orion which is Goretex Paclite Stretch for when its colder or super rainy.

 

The FJ Hydroknit jackets are veeeeeery stretchy.

[T_Golf_23]

Get the Galloway Bay short sleeve rain jacket. ItS crazy water proof and breathable.

 

Then get the rain sleeves. These are insulated water proof sleeves that grip your arm. They don’t attach to the jacket so you can swing completely free. 
 

the added bonus is that if the rain stops or it gets warmer out or the rain lightens up, you don’t have to decide between a rain coat land no rain cost, you can just remove the sleeves. 
 

This company is super affordable and has won a few awards from MSG…. For what that is worth. 

[Nic1972]

I have a Kjus Dexter 2.5 long sleeve jacket and a short sleeve top. They are very stretchy and fully waterproof. For colder days I use a Cross jacket, which is also quite stretchy. 

[3fiddyz]

Had both a galvin green paclite and a peak performance goretex jackets that had stretch panels in the shoulders and elbows, both fine in the UK wet stuff. If I needed another I would try the KJUS only due to the all over stretch rather than just sections!

[Colby327]

RLX has a few rain jackets with a decent amount of stretch. 

[Cheesehead42]

On 4/27/2023 at 7:05 PM, Dan13 said:

Sun Mountain has some stretchy and quiet rain jackets that are a bit more affordable compared to KJus and Galvin Green. The Cirque jacket is waterproof to 20,000 mm and the rain flex elite waterproof to 15,000 mm. I’m getting close to pulling the trigger on a rain flex elite short sleeve. Can’t really find any reviews though. 

Every time I hear Sun Mountain and rain gear, I get this image in my head and cannot unsee it. I love their bags but scared of the rain gear. 

Edited May 12, 2023 by Cheesehead42

[Dan13]

1 hour ago, Cheesehead42 said:

Every time I hear Sun Mountain and rain gear, I get this image in my head and cannot unsee it. I love their bags but scared of the rain gear. 

I know. What a pr nightmare. 20 years later I’m sure their rain gear would fare much better. 

[wolverine_man]

I just ordered the KJUS Pro 3L pant. Wish the Gemini came in a short length to perfectly match my jacket.  What gives? ah well. 

[Sparty94]

Arc'teryx Atom Jacket. One of the best jackets on the market and so warm and has stretchy panels on the sides. Not fully waterproof but water resistant.

[NYYGolfer]

Kjus- dexter very flexible, right behind Pro SL3

[Austincountyag]

I've got the Sun Mountain stratus jacket. HIGHLY recommend for those who live in warmer weather. It breathes awesome. Also 20k waterproof. Very stretchy and quiet. No complaints. Also comes with a packable hood that roll up into the collar. 

[Dan13]

On 5/10/2023 at 2:08 AM, T_Golf_23 said:

Get the Galloway Bay short sleeve rain jacket. ItS crazy water proof and breathable.

 

Then get the rain sleeves. These are insulated water proof sleeves that grip your arm. They don’t attach to the jacket so you can swing completely free. 
 

the added bonus is that if the rain stops or it gets warmer out or the rain lightens up, you don’t have to decide between a rain coat land no rain cost, you can just remove the sleeves. 
 

This company is super affordable and has won a few awards from MSG…. For what that is worth. 

Unfortunately I’ve had a bad experience with the Galway Bay short sleeve. Got it on-sale maybe 2 years ago. Paid like $70 for it.  Later that year played in a steady, moderate rain for a full round and I got wet. I suspect it was the stitching around the shoulders that let the rain in, not the material itself -not that it matters. I still have it. Wear it occasionally but it’s loud and not very stretchy so looking to replace it. 

[Uncle Lefty]

The Sun Mountain Rainflex suits that failed at the 2010 Ryder Cup were rated 8k waterproof. They have definitely upgraded their fabrics since then.  The Rainflex Elite on sale now is 15k. The Cirque and Stratus are rated at 20k. So all of them should be much better. The Cirque is also rated 50k for breathability which is the highest I have seen advertised by anyone. On paper, the Cirque looks like a good less expensive alternative for the the Kjus Pro. Both are 20k rated, stretchy, breathable and 3 layer material. The Kjus pro is $950 for pants and jacket. The Sun Mountain Cirque is $600. I am going to Ireland next month. If I pull the trigger on the Cirque, I will write a review on here.

[Dan13]

Please do. I went more affordable still and got a Cross Pro jacket (20k/20) and a pair of Proquip PX7 pants. All in for less then $300. Had the jacket for awhile now and it’s been great. See how they hold up in Scotland later this year. Actually hoping not to find out….