WaffleHouseTour
-
Posts
809 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Articles
FAQ
Tests
Classifieds
Store
Group Buys
Posts posted by WaffleHouseTour
-
-
10 hours ago, Paco Chan said:
Wouldn't that be negatively affected (possibly) by the rain and wind? Can a radar operate in the rain??
If you are comparing flexibility versus restriction it would not have to be in the rain. It’d be restrictive or flexible wet or dry. Frankly I’d think having wet hands and a secure grip on the club might be more impactful. So would securing footing. Hmmm…. things to think about. But we can see what we can do.
-
15 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:
A comparison test of clubhead speeds with and without the gear on would be pretty interesting..
That would work… if my club head speed was constant on a nice warm sunny day…
My neighbor already thinks I’m crazy swinging my Stack in the backyard - wait until she sees me doing it in the rain.
Actually I do like this idea. Rain or not. Swing a few on, swing a few off. With the cooler temps I’m going to have to start wearing a jacket anyway, just thought it’d be a hoodie. -
Introductions:
First, kudos to MGS for the whole concept of member testing. I'm sure its not easy or simple for them to continue making these opportunities available but its those reviews that keep many of us coming back here day after day. And a big thank you to Galway Bay for participating and making this test possible.
My name is Christopher and I’m from northwest Iowa. I belong to three golf clubs Whispering Creek (five minutes from my home); the Prairie Club (four hours away in Nebraska where She Who Must Be Obeyed likes to fish) and Elmwood Country Club (a golden age gem in central Iowa). Most of my golf travails get documented on Instagram or Twitter - so you may see the rain gear in action there.
I am not a fairweather golfer. I play in the rain all the time. My challenge is that I'm also a walker - so when the lightening strikes the pro shop or grounds crew usually sends someone out to get me. It also means I carry my rain gear with me until I need it. I also play in the cold - once the frost is gone I'm ready to go. Wet is fine. Cold is fine. I just don't care for the wet and cold at the same time. But maybe Galway Bay will help me through that particular situation.
I’m just starting my 56th trip around the sun, so I’m old enough to have two grown daughters – one an OBGYN in Illinois; and the youngest an interior designer who just took up the game also living in Illinois. Couldn’t get her to pick up a club when she lived at home, but now if I want to play a game with her I have to drive 8 hours to the Chicago suburbs... (which all fathers gladly do)
My wife and I like to travel – a lot – and have camped our way out to places like Bandon, and St. George UT. She Who Must Be Obeyed likes to camp and fish; but if I'm camping, its enroute to a golf destination. Everyone wins. Next spring it may be North Dakota – but that’s another thread.
This is my second time testing, having done the BirdieBall PuttUp back in 2020 – and it’s a product I still use as part of my winter practice routine. If saw that you know I’m not one for the funny gifs, but I do try to be obsessive about finding ways to measure the product for you.
So, lets get to it...
My current rain gear – I’ve got a set of SunIce rain jacket and pants I got back in 2013; and a set of ProQuip jacket and pants I got just a couple of years ago. I figured why not buy them in Europe where rain seems to be synonymous with golf. Today I match the SunIce pants with the ProQuip jacket as I'll explain below.
I started the test interested in the following questions - you'll see my final answer on each in brief, but I've got multiple posts here that provide the details if you'd like more information.
1) Breathability - My GoreTex rainsuit by SunIce allows no water in… but no air or humidity out. Can’t wear it except in the winter as I’ll end up just as wet anyway. (Final answer - very breathable - stayed dry from both the rain and perspiration)
2) Bag Carry factor - I’ve had rainsuits and been dry, but throw that shoulder strap on and your back is suddenly wet - not sure if that’s related to #1 above but it happens. I use a push cart most days, but I’d sacrifice my shoulders at least once for the good of the group… (Final answer - no problems)
3) Ease of cleaning or refreshing the water proofing. A good suit doesn’t go in the laundry with your gym clothes if you want it to stay water proof. Everyone has a method of refreshing or prolonging the waterproof nature - some more easily than others. Do you need to use a special detergent and how easy is that to find? (Final answer - easy to clean and maintain, you can throw in the washer with mild detergent - or use a DSW like Grangers)
4) Fit and flexibility with emphasis on being able to turn and raise those arms without restriction (ooops that’s the competition). Ought to be as easy as wearing your favorite quarter zip or vest. Folks have already posted in the thread about doing some testing with a radar and measuring clubhead speed. Great suggestion. I’ve got a Mevo+ and plan to do so. Thinking about the protocol here. (Final answer - see below on issues w fit, but zero issues on flexibility and maintaining swing speed)5) Gloves - have they improved on the FootJoy model which is essentially your hands are soaking wet but the club doesn’t slip? Can they double as cold weather gloves? Or am I keeping two sets of gloves in my “golf trunk duffle”? (Final Answer - similar to other rain gloves - no slippage, but they won't do double duty as winter gloves)
6) Ease of getting on when they skies open up – now the pants are not the pull over kind, which I initially expected. This is going to be different. Wearing them all the time – or any time rain looks likely in the forecast. I typically keep my SunIce pants in the trunk and wrap them around the push cart if the sky looks foreboding. I need to think about this one a bit. But in terms of the jacket – how packable is it? My ProQuip is stuffed inside the bag and rolls up into a nice ball even though it has a lining. (Final Answer - very packable - but you are not pulling the pants on - you'd have to take your shoes off - so just wear them if there is even a chance of rain.)
7) Can it do double duty? Ie. can it serve as a wind jacket? Is it a gamer for cold weather play, or just those early morning rounds as the weather changes – or is this strictly for when its raining? (Final answer - very light weight and breathable, so it's great as a wind break, but it will not do double duty for cold weather - it is more suitable for warm weather. You'll need to layer up in the fall.)
First Impressions 10 0f 10
Returned home from my travels to find a roughly shoe box size package waiting for me. I thought that’s awfully small. Well, let me tell you this rain suite is light weight and very, very packable. I went with the “Ultimate Grey” Hawthorn II Rain Jacket size medium, and the Seagrove II Chino Rain Pant in Black, size 32x32. That is the size I typically wear – Medium shirts, pull overs, size 40 Regular in a suit jacket and 32x32 pants – unless I find the rare unicorn of a 32x31. I’m 5’10” and 165lbs.
The texture reminds me of my ProQuip, kind of a smooth soft shell. Almost a satiny feel. Doesn’t feel like anything is there. The jacket is very thin, no lining or anything like
Observations – these aren’t pluses or minuses just observations.
Jacket : There are draw strings built into the hem of the bottom of the jacket, but nothing up around the rib or under arm area. I point that out only because other jackets I’ve had have some way to tighten the fit there – we’ll see later if that’s something missing or not.
There are some Velcro tabs along the zipper line – that’s common – but nothing at the neck. There are also Velcro along the wrist cuffs to size appropriately.
Its becoming standard to put a zippered pocket on the chest. I see these on quarter zips too. I don’t know that I’ve ever put anything in one… You aren’t going to put a heavy iphone in there… do people really keep a score card there?
Pants: I really like the look. They look like regular tapered pants – with a nice little notch at the ankle hem. Other than the larger belt loop in the middle back with the logo on it, you might think these are regular golf pants you got somewhere. GB’s web site says “These unlined pants have the same sleek look and feel as traditional golf pants…” I’d say that is accurate. I would almost call them slim fit – not overly so – but that are definitely not baggy. I’d say they look similar to my Dunning golf pants. When I did the order I tried their “find your fit” option and it recommended a 36x30. Well, I’m happy with my choice at 32x32.
Yes, these have a slighty “whisper” sound to them when walking. We’ll see how that goes.
The interior of the pant around the waist has band with the name in kind of a rubbery texture – like it is there to help hold things in place and avoid twisting.
I would say the “rise” is average. Some sleek or tapered pants have zero room in the crotch. I don’t like Peter Millar shorts (love the shirts) because the rise is too high. As compared to some jeans where there is all kinds of extra room and things are baggy. Id say are a nice medium, good fit.
Everything is “storm sealed” including the washing instructions.
The back pockets have little magnets sewn into them to help keep them closed. Other rain pants I’ve had have a flap over the pocket to prevent water from getting in, or have zippered back pockets – so this will be interesting to see how it compares.
The front pockets, as has been mentioned, are not deep. Some people like that. What I noticed is they are unsealed. Other pants I have either have some sort of flap, or more likely zipper to keep whatever you put there dry. So we’ll see how this performs. GB may have decide the hem of the jacket hangs low enough no water should get it. It does hang low enough almost covering the pocket – so we’ll find out.
Because the legs are tapered I think they have a nice look. Other rainpants kind of pool around your shoes. My SunIce onces are adjustable so they can be wide or narrow. My one worry here is that if its too tapered does that shoot the water into the shoe rather than sheeting it off around the shoe. If its too tapered does it get the sock on the back of my ankle wet, there by making my foot wet. I don’t know yet – we’ll have to see.
This whole concept of “always on” rainpants is new to me. I’ve mentioned before, all mine are pull on over shorts or whatever. You could wear them all the time, but I usually either start with them off and pull them on, or start with them on during the cool months and pull them off as the day warms up. There won’t be any of that with these. Those tapered legs are not going to pull over any shoes.
Aesthetics 10 out of 10
I think it’s a good looking rainsuit. I like the variety of colors – we don’t all need to be going Gary Player just because the skies opened up. In fact, looking at GB’s other offerings its nice to see even more color choices.
Yes, the GB logo is there on the back, and along the front pocket – but its tasteful – you won’t look like a walking billboard. You won’t hesitate to wear this product anytime you are out in the rain on or off the course – you aren’t limited to golf only. I point this out because SheWhoMustBeObeyed often complains I look like I bought my entire wardrobe in a proshop.
It is very sleek looking – standing up. I’ll get to the "puffiness" factor below. But it looks sleek and modern.
Fit and Comfort 15 out of 20
I struggle with where to score this so I split it 5 out of 10 on fit, and 10 out of 10 on comfort. Let me explain.
I asked for and was send a medium. I’m a medium in everything I wear – shirts, quarter zips, sweaters, etc. I’m a 15 ½ neck and 31 sleeve in a dress shirt and a size 40 regular in a suit jacket. I didn’t think twice when I ordered a medium. I have since gone back to the Galway Bay web site and they have a “What’s My Size” fitting helper. While it came back recommending a Medium, it also notes it notes it will be “slightly loose” in the chest; where as if I select a Small it says “ideal fit” in the chest. Well, it was more than just slightly loose. You'll see in the pictures below it was very loose on me in the chest and belly area.
I’ll confess to Operator Error. If I had purchased this jacket myself, I would be sending it back to exchange for a small. It's just too “pooofy” around the chest and belly area. We discovered that first on the full swing speed test. That Poof doesn't bother me with a full swing – but it does with the short shots and putter. The jacket definitely gets in the way with the putter in hand. See more here.
As you can see here, it is narrower at the shoulders than at the waist. With my body type I’m wider at the shoulders than the waist. I'm not hanging anything over my belt... I understand not everyone is. But buyers need to think about that. Unlike almost every other jacket you own, you are going to spend a considerable amount of time bent at the waist. I mentioned in speed test post – my ProQuip jacket has some velcro straps you can use to tighten up this chest, midsection area. No such option with GB. I wish there was
But when it comes to comfort – the jacket is flawless. It is extremely lightweight. It passes the Breathability test with flying colors. It is not warm – so you may need to layer up in the spring or fall, but you’ll be fine in the summer. If you are carrying your bag on your shoulders – you’ll perspire there a bit – as you normally would – but it doesn’t cause any water to leak through. Video of the bag carry, and what may shoulders looked like are found here.
The pants fit true to size for me, and wear well. It is a different concept – always on rain pants. I’m used to stuffing them in my bag and using them as needed. But if you think there is the slightest chance of rain, you’ll be fine wearing these all day. Again, I’m a walker and I wore these several days without rain. Very comfortable. Not like shorts, but you are not going to overheat. Though I'm a walker, when I got into my car after the round there was no bleed though from being wet on the outside.
On Course 15 out of 20
I dropped 5 points because it absolutely affects my putting. You may want to ignore that and say “hey dummy I’ll get the correct size” – or “not a problem for me because I will fill it out more” – so feel free to make that mental correction.
But for me it absolutely impacts my putting – would sometimes catch the butt end of the putter. Again, a smaller size might be better.
However – while the “poof” gets in the way of my putter – it does not hinder a full shot, nor does it impose any flexibility issues. I used my Mevo+ and compared my swingspeed with the jacket, and other rain jackets, clothing etc – bottom line, my full swings were just fine, I swung just as fast with the GB rain jacket on as I did with it off, so it passes the test on a full shot. No problems or restrictions in my shoulders, sleeves or the turn. Full details on the speed test are found here.
The Good, the Bad, the In-Between 20 out of 20
Good, Bad, InBetween is the MGS term – but I’m calling this section “Did it keep me dry” and that gets 20 out of 20. It absolutely does the job. I used a push cart, I carried my bag, It was a monsoon. I stayed dry. The water just beads up and sheets right off. I’ve got a bunch of video at this post. No water got in at my neck – my bucket hat stayed outside the collar. I expressed concern at the unboxing that the tapered legs may end up letting water get into my shoe – nope, feet stayed dry. My phone in my pocket stayed dry. Water did not find away in anywhere. My hands are obviously wet, but thats the way rain gloves work.
I'm not sure what it is about these new technical materials that are used - but you look dry. Because the water is beading up and sheeting off, you look dry. Other jackets and clothes often darken up or look soaked. Not the case here.
If I had a suggestion for Galway Bay – some of us good use a good water proof beanie for when playing in the rain and the cold. Gotta be a way to do that, right?
Play it or Trade it 15 out of 20
I struggle with this one – I like the texture, the light weight nature, the breathability, the 100% water proof – it’s the fit that bothers me. I wore the jacket the other day with no rain, just to have a light jacket in the cool morning, and I took it off after two hole because my putter caught on the seem. If I had a smaller size I think it would be a keeper. I’m impressed enough with the quality that I’ve been looking longingly at GB’s website at their all season jacket as we are down in the 40s here and I’d prefer that to layers. Of course, I’d order a smaller size.
GB’s website says they have free exchanges and returns – so I think someone purchasing this on their own would be safe – if it doesn’t fit right by all means return it asap. You want a correct fit.
Conclusion 85 out of 100
I don’t think anyone will be disappointed by the Galway Bay rain gear. It absolutely does what it is supposed to do. It will keep you dry. You will stay dry. It is flexible and won’t slow down your swing. It's breathable and lightweight. Just be smarter than I am about size, use their “what’s my size” guide and don’t take for granted what you usually wear; and if you get it wrong send it back. But once you have the right size you’ll be very happy.
-
How do folks feel about mixing low bounce and high bounce wedges in your set? Do you play strictly one kind or mix it up?
-
1 hour ago, Ustoichу said:
Currently, I'm engrossed in a mix of genres, from thrilling crime dramas to thought-provoking sci-fi. It's incredible how streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume content.
And the sci fit is???
-
I'm looking to purchase a used Stack (stick & weights). I'm not sure if this is the right place to post/ask as most folks here are no doubt actively using theirs, and those that stop the program likely don't look here anymore... but can't think of a better place to post this. I don't need the subscription, just the stick and weights. Please DM me if you've got one to unload. Thanks.
-
I found two boxes of ProVs out in the garage yesterday hidden away under some stuff. I’m not sure how old they are, but they’ve been hiding there for at least two seasons. Maybe three. That is two or three seasons of freezing winters and blistering summers - but still sitting inert.
That got me to wondering how old is too old for a golf ball? When does it lose its various properties that create spin etc… if it ever does just sitting inert subject only to time and temperature.
Yes, the new ProVs have new dimples and spin qualities. Yes, we’ve seen the MGS reports on what happens if you play balls recently frozen or heated up - they don’t show, howeve, what happens over time if they are returned to new temperature. Would be interesting to see a test of a ball, and then test the same ball a year or two later after freezing and thawing but back to the testing temperature.
Any thoughts or experiences? Two boxes seems like a shame to waste. But if they are just headed for the bushes or the creek it’d be a shame to waste a scorecard…
-
Trying hard to not lose the Smartball as I clearly have here…
Trying for a more vertical and less horizontal swing, more to compact have a couple different drills to do w the smartball but I cannot yet successfully perform them
- JerryB, cksurfdude, sirchunksalot and 1 other
-
4
-
Date 09/05/2023 Course Name Whispering Creek Gross Score 80 Course Handicap 8 Gross Strokes over/under par 8 Net Score to Par 0 Net Score 72 Net Birdies or better 5 Longest Drive 243 VCT Match Play Score -
Wow… that’s difficult. My home course from my tees at 6,300 is 124. From the back tees at 7,200 is 133 and I’ve never tried it from back there in the 20 years I’ve been a member, not even for “fun”. Tough enough where I’m at.
- cksurfdude and KC Golf
-
2
-
Date 09/01/2023 Course Name Whispering Creek Gross Score 81 Course Handicap 8 Gross Strokes over/under par 9 Net Score to Par 1 Net Score 73 Net Birdies or better 3 Longest Drive 292 VCT Match Play Score -
Nice little preview of what the course is going to look like
A bunch of the marshals I'm in a group with are already worried about hole 15...
-
43, 48, 52, 55(bent from 56), 58 Took out a 7 wood to make room for the 52
-
Any guesses what is under that headcover?…
-
Date 08/26/2023 Course Name Prairie Club - Dunes Gross Score 81 Course Handicap 5 Gross Strokes over/under par 8 Net Score to Par 3 Net Score 76 Net Birdies or better 7 Longest Drive 259 
-
Pulling for Keegan this weekend - make decision tough for ZJ
- Josh Parker and MGoBlue100
-
1
-
1
-
Thanks all -
a) I am comfortable driving on the left (didn’t kill myself in Scotland, or Ireland)
b) belong to two private clubs - so good advice.
c) due to time constraints leaning toward NZ and Tasmania - really want to see Barnbougle, Cape Kidnappers, and maybe take the plunge on Taraiti.
d) gotta find a few things for She Who Must Be Obeyed to do to offset my golfing…
-
12 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:
I have been to NZ twice and took clubs both times. Australia once with clubs.
Thanks. Trying to plan ahead for a bucket list trip. Have always wanted to go and not getting any younger - so need to make concrete plans and not wait for “some day…”. I am usually a book it yourself guy, but sometimes the “packaged” trips just make things easier if they check the right boxes.
-
Any spies w experience in New Zealand or Australia? More specifically anyone use a golf tour operator down under that organizes tee times, accommodations etc…?
-
Picked up a SlopeBoard to be able to practice getting the feel of the slope. Pretty simple device really.
Find a flat spot - level attached - and set the board on the little staircase with each step creating a different slope. Practice getting the feel w left foot low then right.
it even has a .5 strip you can use on its own or add to a step for those that can really fine tune their feel
Nothing magical - just a way to get practice and improve your green ready. And this week I am all for something I can practice indoors.
- cksurfdude and cnosil
-
2
-
Finish the “Beta” website. It’s past time to have a good desktop website.
offer some sort of export to share with coaches…. I’m always screenshooting my phone screens
All future sensors/links etc should be black/grey… no more green rings around the club.
-
Giving to give 5 a try. Standard P 43, G 48, S 54, L58.
Going to insert a 52 right in the middle and bend the 54 to 55. I’m doing this to fill a gap 105-110 range. Playing it is a stock swing. I find myself toooften stuck between a 95 yard shot w the S and 120 w the G. Fill find out this weekend if it’s the right call - four rounds at the prairie club.
Pulling a 7 wood out. My new hybrid will suffice.
-
Last summer my Skillest coach had me take my FW out of my bag until I could hit them reliably. Looking at my Arccos recaps (I’d send her a quick screen grab of my round) she determined I was losing too many shots off those clubs - I’d be better off hitting a longer iron into the green on the par 5s - the only time I really used them. So I worked hard on them and they are back in the bag this year. But I definitely saved some strokes last fall. If you end up hitting a 100 yard ground ball, you might as well pull them.
-
I've put the Omni Cart sold by Alphard into play. It works - but I gotta say it could be better. The nice thing is that the wheelie bar brackets are built in. No install needed. Here are my four gripes:
1) Just the sheer size of it. I take the front wheel off each time after use and put that in my "grass clippings catcher" duffle bag the eWheels stays in to catch the grass. But the frame of the OmniCart is still so big - too big to fit in my BagBoy Quad's bag - which is surprising. You can see there is a lot of unused empty space - it is not very compact. Consequently I struggle to find the right way to orient it to fit in my trunk.
2) The cup holder... small thing - but the frame and the "stuff" holder by the handle are all stuck in place. There is no selecting the angle or tilt - it is fixed. But I think the cup/bottle holder is kinda small, and considering the fixed nature it isn't built to hold the bottle upright. Better have a closed lid. For what it's worth - the regular SideKick bracket holder works just find on the handle. They got me the bag mount - but I had trouble attaching to my bag - I have an unusual bag so I don't hold that against them. Luckily the handle mount put the SideKick high enough.
3) You'd think you could fit score cards in the scorecard holder... I miss the little pouch that hung under my BagBoy's "console" - throw in a sleeve of balls, shove a wind jacket or something in... I can get used to that, but I just think they didn't design this well. I like to keep scorecards, reuse them, etc.. doesn't fit...
4) I can't figure out where to attache the sand/seed bottle I got from them to fit on this cart. You attach a bracket around a tube, and the sand bottle slides on and off it - but I can't figure out where it should go. If anyone has had luck with that, I'd love to see where you stashed it.
Galway Bay Rain Gear - 2023 Forum Review
in Forum Testing Reviews
Posted
I've got a Mevo+ and can get swing speed.
Been thinking about this today - need to pick my most consistent club - like a 7 or 8 iron and go through a series like seven swing with a golf shirt, take the average; seven swings with the GalwayBay rain jacket, take the average; the seven swings with another rain jack, average; seven swings with a hoodie or some other jacket.... so there is some comparison to something else other than just jacket/no jacket.