Torture Testing Galvin Green’s Newest Gore-Tex Rain Suit

Graylyn LoomisProduct Reviews3 Comments

“Galvin Green rain gear is so good, you could wear it in the shower!” Well, I did.

Keen readers of the website and listeners of the Scottish Golf Podcast know that I am a fan of Galvin Green. Their rain gear is expensive, but it is the best on the market. I recently acquired a Galvin Green Aston Shell Jacket & Alf Shell Pant, so figured I would do something a little different for this review.

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My last Galvin Green rain gear review took a broader look at the apparel, but I want this review to get deeper into the details. I want it to be a “torture test” of sorts, showing you how Galvin Green has turned competitor’s weak points into their strongest attributes. First, a few general points. This specific pant and jacket use Gore-Tex Paclite Shell technology, so they are incredibly thin and light. They don’t have any insulation, so plan on layering if you bring this to a cold place like Bandon or Scotland.

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Seams

Seams are a weak point on most rain gear. Arm pits, shoulders, and collars wear down and leak on nearly every non-Galvin Green / Gore-Tex piece of gear that I have tried. As you can see in the photos below, the seams are sealed with a strip of Gore-Tex on the inside of the jacket and pants. It is one of those little details that makes a huge difference.

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Zippers

Waterproof YKK zippers are another key to the Galvin Green’s waterproofness. I have left water to sit as if in a bowl on the chest zipper of the Aston Shell Jacket, and even after 15-20 minutes of soaking, nothing gets through.

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Pockets

Pant pockets are another point of weakness on many rain pants. As you put wet balls, tees, and other paraphernalia into your pocket, water begins to collect in the bottom. A weak seam at the bottom means a drip-drip-drip down your leg, which means wet legs over the course of a round. As you can see in the photos below, I repeatedly filled the Galvin Green pockets with water, sat there for a period of time, and nothing got through.IMG_9973IMG_9975

Design

This latest rain suit –the Aston Shell Jacket & Alf Shell Pant– is slightly different than my previous Galvin Green suits design-wise. The jacket has a single pocket, which is located near the golfer’s right kidney. The idea is that items on the pocket located near your back won’t interfere with your swing, as pockets on the traditional stomach spots would. I rarely, if ever, keep items in my back pockets during a round, so this isn’t a seismic shift for me.

IMG_9988This torture test review may not provide the entire picture about Galvin Green, but it does when you look at my first review as well, so be sure to check it out. If you plan to visit Scotland and need a rain suit, you can’t do much better than Galvin Green. You will stay completely dry, which may sound simple, but you’d be amazed at how many “waterproof” jackets leave you damp post-round.

3 Comments on “Torture Testing Galvin Green’s Newest Gore-Tex Rain Suit”

  1. I prefer unlined rain gear such as paclite as it is lighter to carry and takes up much less space in the bag or luggage.

    I do not know about other European brands but based on looking at GG and ZR in proshops would say that Zero Restriction’s paclite rain gear is a reasonable alternative to Galvin Green with the caveat that it is only slightly less expensive

  2. After reading various reviews, I took the plunge so to speak and purchased a Galvin Green rain gear outfit including a jacket, pants and hat. I couldn’t be happier! This is by far the best raingear I have ever had and worth every penny, no doubt about it. It is comfortable, breathable, yes it is, and stylish. The ONLY minus is their embroidered name in bold letters….. a discreet logo would have been fine….. for the price, I don’t need to be a walking billboard.

    1. Hi Laura, thank you for the comment! I’m glad to hear that you like the Galvin Green suit… it really is the best I’ve ever seen and you hit the nail on the head with your remarks. I have heard other people comment on the large logo placements before. I wonder if they’ll one day offer a “de-branded” version? Or at least smaller logo(s)? Either way, enjoy the suit this winter!

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