OK folks, need some opinions here. I'm going to Scotland in August and need to purchase me a good rainsuit. I've read all the thoughts, etc on Galvin Green and to be perfectly honest, I don't think the Euro stuff suits me very much (that goes for JLindeberg as well).

I've narrowed my choices down to FootJoy or Zero Restriction. Now, here's my dilemna...

I have a FootJoy rain jacket that I really like (navy blue). I have a pair of FootJoy rain pants (black) that I really like. Unfortunately, I can't wear them both without being extremely color uncoordinated. I'm not all that sure I like the new FJ jackets that are full zip - mine is a half zip pullover with detachable sleeves. Additionally, my FJ pants are about 1/4 inch too long - just long enough so they drag on the ground and sometimes get stepped on.

ZR, I know is widely regarded as the best available, but there aren't any stores around me to try them on or see what they feel like so that makes it tough. My dad (who is going to Scotland with me) bought himself a ZR suit and I tried it on but felt like I was wearing a trash bag. Not only did it feel very bulky, it also seemed to be very loud. If someone can convince me that it was just an aberration, and that ZR really is the better of my two choices, then I'm fine with that. But with that being said, right now, I'm leaning towards FJ.

So please let me have your opinions on which one I should get. If there are other companies available, I'd be open to hearing about them as well. Thanks!

I'll bite. I have a Footjoy SS jacket that isn't very waterproof after a couple years. The rain seems to seep through it in the heavy rain!!! They are going to replace it for free though. Maybe the newer version will be better.

I have ZR pants that I like alot. The are totally waterproof and unrestricting. I didn't buy the jacket though because I too thought it was too noisy and a little more restricting than I wanted. Was unimpressed with the jacket.

I also have an Adidas LS Climaproof jacket that is great. Alot cheaper than the ZR, less noisy, and less restricting. Been very happy with the Adidas line. My only beef is the sleeves move up and down during the swing but that also makes it unrestricting. Haven't tried the Adidas pants.

I've also heard some great things about Galvin Green. Pretty spendy though but most of the Euro's swear by it.

Look no further than the Sun Mountain rain Flex, comfy, waterproof, superior

Footjoy! Easy decision because they always take care of any of my customers that have issues with the product, no questions asked.

Definitely see if you can check this stuff out. Had see it on the net and then finally got to see it in person last weekend. The clothes are SUPER soft and is like wearing regular clothing. Doesn't have the stiff, trash bag, loud thing to it at all.

I'm going to go the other way and say Zero, because their products are guaranteed waterproof for the life of the garment (not 2 years like Footjoy) and are backed by two companies (Zero and W.L. Gore) so there's no fear of losing warantee coverage ever.

When we went to Ireland, the dryest guy after a 4 hour rain at Tralee was wearing all FJ.

If it is a long trip, I would carry 2 jackets so one can dray in the hotel. I have a ZR jacket and is is definitely waterproof. No experience with the pants.

Foot-Joy is very nice, believe me but I personally would take Zero everyday of the week.

I've got Stuburt, which are very waterproof, but don't do much in the way of warmth if you wear it when it's cold, so you have to wear a jumper or pullover as well.

The Galvin Green one's are brilliant, but really pricey, so are Sunderland of Scotland.

You might want to take a look at Proquip. Their stuff is good and quite nice as well.

I voted FJ. I have their stuff and love it.

You should just get a navy pair of pants and a black jacket that way the color corrdinations your worried about is taken care of (I'm that way too) and then you have two rainsuits for the trip.

Two Letters....ZR

Ordinarily, I'd say ZR.

BUT you've really got to check out the Sun Mountain RainFlex.

It is knitted material -- so no noise and no bulk.

Also, the reviews seem to tout it as staying warm - I'm assuming that is the long sleeve version - and it keeps the wet on the outside.

It is #1 on my shopping list and you an usually find rainwear for sale now as stores are trying to clear it out for the spring -- I know TGW has rainwear on sale -- and has a limited sale through the weekend now on the Rainflex and other Rain Gear.

I just got the following:
http://www.zerorestriction.com/catalog/men...elersjacket.asp

much improved over my prior ZR jacket, really enjoy the flexibility - long sleeve, mid sleeve and no sleeve. Seems more quiet than the old one.

Also, make sure to get rain gloves. I hear the ZR is really good, but I have FJ's that work well.

For the money you will spend on ZR you can buy two FJ suits or at least 3 FJ garments (at least when you shop as Dan's). The ZR stuff will keep you warmer, but will be stuffy and louder if you are inclined to be hot all of the time while walking. The FJ gear gets rid of heat and moisture better from the inside of the garment in my opinion.

THe Sun Mountain Rainflex pants are the best thing I have ever owned. Although, I prefer the FJ short sleeve or Zip-off tops because of the way they fit and move.

If you keep any of the new stuff out of the detergent soap of the normal laundry, they will be waterproof nearly forever.

I agree with DD. It really depends where you are using it. I went with ZR cause of the cold mornings and unzip the sleeves as it gets warmer. The FJ is lighter. I've worn ZR on many log rides and came out dry everytime!

ZR

Well, I'd have to side with DD - Nicholas -- living in Oregon -- he gets rain and wind by the coast more than I could --

RainFlex Pants and

I still want a ZR Top.

Another question -- what top is best for summer rainstorms -- in 75 and above degrees?

If you are on a budget, I bought a Walter Hagen suit at Dicks Sporting Goods and wore it during a tournament where it rained hard for 2 days straight. I never got wet.
I did buy a light weight Mizuno rain suit from Rock Bottom Golf a few weeks again and I stayed very dry in it - http://store.rockbottomgolf.com/20miztrsuitmen.html

I have used both rainsuits and in no way shape or form does a footjoy rainsuit compare to a zero restriction. Pay the extra money for the GORE-TEX the footjoy stuff leaves you feeling wet and weighed down by something soaked.

Don't mean to throw a wrinkle (pun intended) into the discussion, but you should check wind resistance too. It's one thing to have a "waterpproof" garment that works just fine in a steady downpour, it's another thing when the wind starts messing with the fabric and the rain is coming at you with some velocity. Over there especially, where there's rain, there's usually wind.

You can always email or call the clubs you'll be playing at and ask what raingear the caddies prefer. They would probably have the knowledge as to what works best, since they're out there every day rain or shine.

Windproof -- that's what intrigued me about the RainFlex -- in fact, it may be more than rain gear as it has a dual purpose -- wind and rain and warmth.

I haven't seen a negative review on the SM RainFlex -- am tempted to get a size larger to account for a sweater in winter/spring and to go for the short sleeve in summer/fall.

The pants seem more like a running suit - that is a little baggy instead of the typical bulky and too warm pants of other companies.

Nothing beat Zero Restriction. I have the Tour lite traveler jacket and pants. I have the jacket in Large and pants in Medium. The jacket zips from long sleeve to short sleeve to vest. and the pants are the ones with the zip at the knee. Nothing keeps you drier. I have a few friends who went to scotland this past summer and it was 50* and raining hard with heavy winds and he said that without the ZR he was toast. he just wore ZR Turtle neck and sweater and was golden. He told me they played one round where the rain was coming sideways and felt like razors cutting your face but he did stay dry. I Love My Zero Restriction. well worth the money especially if your going to Scotland.



-Dan

I just purchased the Sun Mountain Rainflex Long Sleeve and Short Sleeve Pullover -- my shoulders are broad and the XL may be the better fit - my local guy had them at 30% off. Rain Gear is a hard sell in Texas. If anyone wants one at this price, pm me - he'd probably like to get rid of the few he has left.

It is light. It is warm. It appears windproof. It does move with me.

It appears to be rainproof and gravy-proof. A friend was wearing one at a restaurant, the waiter spilled a bowl of gravy on the sleeve of the RainFlex -- my friend took a towel and wiped it clean off -- no stain, no dampness, no proof of gravy!

If it passes the chicken-fried gravy test, what more do you need?

Save your money and buy Galvin Green when in Scotland. It is widely available at all the better venues.

New range coming in March 2007.

Yes its pricey (do not pay ticket price, negotiate if buying full suit) but you'll return to the US with the classiest rainwear available.

I would say Footjoy, i've been impressed with the raingear i've had over last 3 years. I have a long sleeve and short sleeve jacket and trousers and all 3 have been great.

Anyway i can't believe you want to buy a rainsuit for coming to Scotland, hasn't anyone told you it is always sunny and warm here

I really Like my Footjoy Jacket and pants Fit me well and keeps me dry!

I know this well in a bad rain storm my basement flooded and my job was running the hose on the pump to get teh water down teh drive way so i stood outside in the pouring rain for 5 hours and wasnt wet except my hat and and hands. it was nice!

Coming over here in August eh !
You know that in August it can be warm here , even the rain can be warm sometimes !
I would go for a sailing jacket & oil skin trousers a good pair of welly boots & a sou' wester to keep the rain off yer heid !
Seriously it really is not that bad here in August .
May to end of Aug tends to be reasonable ,just the rest of the year that we go around with webbed feet.
I on a personal note I am looking @ a Sun Mountain Rain flex suit for the coming season (will need to ship it in from your side of the pond though !)
Or............... If that is not viable ----------------Galvin Green !
My tuppece worth !!
Have a good visit to this wonderful country.
Regards Steven

I have got FJ's and the funny thing was I spent a month in Scotland,Ireland and England without a day of rain! I also spent a 2 week golf get away in San Fran / moneray peninsula without rain too. Wanna invite me?

You sound like the kind of guy that goes to San Diego and gets rained out.

Hey, it raind here the past three days. But we actually needed the rain in San Diego!

Both foot Joy and Zero Restriction have their pluses and minuses. I've had both and now have a rainsuit that is far better than either of them or any of the others. Category 5 Rainwear is in a class by itself. Total weight of the rainsuit is 11 ounces! I played 36 holes a day at Bandon Dunes in rain, wind, then sun , then rain, overcast, then a squall, etc. I was never chilled, never got wet, and never got too hot. go to their website for more info: www.cat5rainwear.com Have fun in Scotland!

I walked 18 at Torrey monday in the biggest rainfall this year and I now swear by ZR! Had no problems with it at all!

Why are you asking about a rainsuit if your coming in August ?? don't you know that's when we get our usual 12 dry/warm days of summer so you'll be lucky

I've got both a FJ Performance rain suit and a Proquip Ultimate Gore Tex suit but if I was buying just one I'd get a goretex one for sure!

I normally keep the FJ suit in the bag during the summer and use the Proquip suit for the winter or really wet/cold days.

You can buy Proquip Goretex gear off Ebay very cheap, I paid around £100 so $200 for a full Goretex suit and it's the dugs baws as we say on Ecossé

Have a great stay and enjoy the beer

EDIT

Here's a couple of good deals and if you need help shipping to the US give me a shout.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ProQuip-Ultimate-II-...1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PRO-QUIP-ULTIMATE-GO...1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sunderland-pac-lite-...1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks, I hope that's the case! Unfortunately, I'm the type that things like that just don't happen to me so it's better safe than sorry for me! :-)

In my experience Forrester's Golf has had the best rain gear for the price. Their Gore-Tex products are just as good as ZR and their lower level products will give you the same performance as FJ but at a lower price.

Sunderland hands down #1.
Zero Restriction #2.

That's my choice and I'm sticking to it.

Nothing is better than Galvin Green!!
I am a Scottish golfer myself and when the weather does go bad Galvin Green performs every time!
In the summer months its actually quite dry but in the winter a good rainsuit is essential for warmth and dryness.

Although you restricted the selection to FJ and ZR you can buy galvin green suits that suit you. You can buy a black suit which will look just like the FJ and ZR but performs so much better, especially the Paclite model. Or if you feel adventurous then there are some realy cool colour schemes to choose from.

Check it out at galvingreen.com, you will not be dissapointed!!

Any feedback on Callaway X Series Rain Suit, or the Adidas ClimaStorm?

You would be crazy not to go with Galvin Green, i just bought a suit and in the Gore pants they offer 3 different leg lengths, i got the short and they fit perfect. I have had trouble with other pants being too long not with Galvin Green. Also they offer all styles from just a plain black suit to more funky styles, i prefer the funk and got an Austin Jacket and Alf pants. This suit will last you forever and you will stay dry it is worth every penny.

Go to the website to check out styles, www.galvingreen.com

Only problem its hard to get GG here in the States.

www.sunice.com

TL

Great info ..Thx

Why not wear the gear that was designed over there, Sunderland of Scotland. I've had it all, and this blows the rest away. Better quality and fit than ZR, by far.

Ty

If cost is not an issue Zero Restriction is by far the best, i own a FJ rain suit & nike storm fit. You really can't go with any of them. I must say i like the Nike Storm fit the best though.

mcca

ProQuip Silk Touch is the way to go. I have had FJ's and ZR's... ProQuip is the best. There is a REASON the European Ryder Cup team wore the ProQuip Silk Touch, they could have worn anything, money is no object. It's the best available in my opinion. Check it out.

I love my footjoy stuff. Pants can turn into shorts, all those zippers and velcro. Very comfortable and very waterproof.

I heard however that Sunmountain does have a product line that is cheaper and extremely waterproof....I'll still stick with my FJ's though as their customer service has always been excellent.

I've been wearing the Sun Mountain RainFlex for about 2 months -- but not in the rain. When it did rain, I woosed out in 35 deg weather.

But I must say it does a fine job in the wind. In 40 degree weather, all I need is a shirt, light sweater and the RainFlex, and I'm set. Since the RainFlex is so light and quiet, it makes for an easy swing.

The cuffs have some elastic but the rubber and velcro enclosure does a great job of keeping things as tight as you want them.

As to sizing, I am normally a Large -- but found that the X Large fits broader shoulders better and gives one the room they need. Hope this helps someone.

Let me start off by saying that I own full rainsuits for Zero, Titleist/Foot-Joy and Nike. I live in Portland, OR and put these outfits through the wringer every year.

The Nike Storm-Fit is the best hands-down based on lightness (incredibly lightweight material), waterproofness and fit (long tail with a non-elastic waist that doesn't ride up over the pants waistband, very nice). Downside is their cuffs. They are not elastic, but have a velcro closure. I don't like it because when I wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath, the lack of an elastic cuff allows the shirt sleeve to stretch out under the jacket sleeve. Very annoying because then the shirt cuffs get wet.

Titleist is #2. The material is softer (much softer than Nike), but is heavier and not as waterproof. Very nice cuffs with 2-snap closures (if they had this on the Nike gear, it would have been clean sweep for Nike)

Zero is #3, and before everyone jumps on me, this is why. The elastic on the bottom of the jacket is always riding up over the top of the pants and in rainy weather I get wet down my backside which sucks. The "telescoping" cuffs, while a nice idea doesn't work for me especially when I do knockdown shots (very common when it gets windy and rainy). What happens is the top of the grip gets caught in between the elastic cuff and the telescoping sleeve and it affects my swing and drives me nuts.

They have two types of material, the original, which is very water proof but very noisy when swinging the club and the "super quiet" material which is very soft (like the Titleist Foot-Joy stuff) but is not very waterproof.

All are pretty expensive, so no one gets a "value" bump. My money is on the Nike Storm-Fit.

I have a ZR featherlight jacket, and it is awesome. I wear it all the time, not just to play. Completely waterproof, guaranteed, tremendous construction. I love the telescoping sleeves (not sure how they could get caught on your grips at all.)

My only gripe with it is the sleeves are too long when you unzip it to make it "short-sleeve." I've got short arms I guess, but the short-sleeves extend below my elbow. I love it as a vest and long sleeve, but not as short-sleeved.

Expensive, but worth it.

Having owned both, threre is no way FJ compares to ZR. FJ is nice if you don't mind wearing a rainsuit that feels like it weighs 5 times what the ZR weighs.