GolfPlus June 2018 Digital Edition (June 2018) | Page 34

6W\OHU Good Apparel for Bad Weather By Randy O. Williams 1 2 Platinum Sun Mountain - Ideal for cooler days, Sun Mountain’s Hybrid Jacket combines the warmth of quilted body panels with motion- friendly stretch panels. Windproof, it comes in multiple color options. 3 Orvis Foul Weather Lined Sweater - Made of pure wool, this windproof and water-repelling sweater from Orvis is detailed with cotton twill shoulder patches, side-seam pockets with microfleece lining and contrast 4 Orvis Windproof Sweater Fleece - You’ll enjoy superior comfort out on the golf course or whatever challenging environment you find yourself in with this Windproof Sweater Fleece Vest from Orvis. There is a wind-blocking liner that offers warm while maintaining freedom of movement. echnology for golf equipment is never ending in the search to lower your score, but when you get caught in a downpour or the wind picks up, it is good to know apparel companies are looking after you as well. Firms like Sun Mountain, Orvis, Karbon, Spyder and Helly Hansen are specialists in foul weather apparel and just like the golf equipment manufacturers they are constantly looking for ways to improve your game. You might own the latest hi-tech wedge or rescue wood, but when you are soaked to the bone or freezing from the penetrating winds, those clubs alone won’t do much for your confi dence. When you face inclement weather conditions, the key is to have as part 44 G o l f P l u s JUNE 2018 of your links wardrobe, fabric technology that wicks moisture away from the skin and speeds up evaporation to keep one comfortable and dry and at the same time stay warm with materials that aren’t too bulky. What is trending in that regard is the hybrid jacket. “The performance qualities that are important to golfers are protection from cold, wind, and rain and playability. The quilted body of the Hybrid jacket is warm and windproof and the stretch fabric in the sleeves, back and under arms gives it the playability factor. Sometimes blocking the wind is all that is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. Hybrid is for those days when one needs a jacket to the block the Karbon 1-4 zip Wind Shirt. It is a part of their ALPS -Adaptive Layering Protection System- this 1-4 zip Atlas wind shirt from Karbon includes a thermal and wicking component. wind and the additional thermal protection from the cold,” explained Mark Heydon, Vice President, Outerwear, Sun Mountain Sports. Advances in foul weather apparel include making the garment lighter, yet still maintaining enough material to serve its purpose of keeping the active wearer warm while he performs out on the course. But there is a science and fashion component to such advanced fabrics that combine superior fi t and styling. What the leading apparel manufacturers know is that they cannot compromise design andengineeringin order to allow you to perform at your maximum level despite the weather conditions. “Windproof and waterproof materials are easy. One could