Suggestions for rain gear . . .

[TheWarHound]

What kind of rain gear do you guys keep in your bags? I have an el cheapo rain coat that folds compactly into a pocket, but I am thinking that I need to upgrade rain gear. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Steve

[Grndslmhttr3]

Generally, I don't golf if it's going to rain, but I usually keep a waterproof windbreaker in my bag. I don't see the point in carrying an umbrella; I can't hold it over myself when I swing, and I'm going to get wet eventually.

[Fat Slice]

I go out on days where it could start raining. To be prepared, I keep a pair of ZR pants and a rain jacket with taped seams. and rain gloves. I make sure the shoes I take are waterproof.

On days with ZERO chance of rain, I leave all of that out of the bag.

[gogolfing]

I bought a Sun Ice Gortex jacket this past winter. It was expensive, but worth every penny. I also have Nike Stomtech rain pants that are great; I fluked out with these and found them at the outlet for $25, and they were originally over $125. I would highly recommend both products.

[apex53]

I have FJ rain jacket, pants, and hat that work very well... Also have a Zero Restriction rain shirt that I got as a tee gift that is very nice... From personal experience I can recommend these brands

[opie]

Frogg Toggs

Only b/c I have them for my bike also. They big and don't restrict any movement

[goblue107501]

Whatever you get, stay away from the el cheapo stuff. Get something good and it will last a long time and you won't have that expense again. Anything good will run $75+ for each piece (jacket and pants), but you can usually find them on clearance online when new ones come out if you are patient. I have had a Mizuno rainsuit for a number of years and it still works great. I wear the jacket to work any time it rains. The FootJoy DryJoy stuff is great too. As is the Nike Storm-Fit. Pretty much anything that costs some money will be good. The biggest question is getting the right fit so that you can still swing a club. Most of them run a little big because they know it will be worn over other things, but I would still get a size bigger.

[TheWarHound]

Thanks for the responses . . . I don't mind playing in the rain, but since I am going to be helping with the high school teams, we are going to be on the courses A LOT this summer and fall. I knew they were going to be a little costly, but "buy once, cry once" is my philosophy.

Thanks again,

Steve

[VOX]

Unless it is really nasty, I prefer a short sleeved rain shirt. I have always gone with Zero Restriction gear, but I plan to get a full Galvin Green suit next time I am in Europe.

[GaijinGolfer]

Make sure you get something that is Gore-Tex and dont go cheap. Ive looked into rain gear in the past and was shocked at how expensive it is.

[David in FL]

My .02 worth.

Get the best stuff you can afford......it will last nearly forever.

Make sure that it's well vented and breathable .......Gortex as an example, but there are many others these days.

Make sure you buy it large enough so as not to restrict your swing, even if long pants or a sweater are worn underneath.

Make sure the cuffs and ankles can be adjusted to close tightly.

Don't forget a good rain hat and gloves.

[PiKapp23]

In my bag I always carry a pair of rain pants (they are older Callaway pants and are bery thin and lightweight), a short-sleeve rain jacket from Nike and a waterproof bucket hat. If I know it's supposed to rain I will take my Footjoy rain jacket and rain pants because the pants are a better quality and breathe better (not to mention the legs zip off above knees which make them great for those rainy summer days). In the summer a short sleeve rain jacket is good to carry in the bag with some sort of rain hat that keeps the rain out of your eyes and stops it from running down your back inside your jacket. I will play in the rain at anytime and unless it's too cold or really hot I'm comfortable in my gear. I also carry rain gloves but do not use them unless it's rainy really hard. Also a good idea is to wear moisture wicking socks (and shirt during the summer to help keep you comfortable).

[lumpuckeroo]

I always have a short sleeve rain pullover and pants. I keep an eye out at The Golf Warehouse and have bought Zero Restriction rain gear. It's normally very expensive but they have huge closeout sales and I have bought it for a greatly reduces prices (50% to 75% off normal retail).