(Londonderry, New Hampshire) — ECCO USA announces the arrival of its distinctive, hybrid sport-casual Golf Street Premier shoe is available for $140 online at www.eccousa.com and ships to retailers later this week.

Showcased by ECCO Staff Player Fred Couples this past weekend, the Golf Street Premier is designed specifically to be worn both on and off the course. This tremendously versatile shoe features full-grain leather uppers, a sleek PU midsole and pre-molded traction bars which provide players with ideal traction, stability and comfort.

“The Golf Street’s outsole has roughly 100 molded traction bars and over 800 traction angles versus a standard golf shoe’s six to nine cleats,” says C.B. Tuite, General Sales Manager, ECCO USA Golf Division. “It’s no wonder Fred Couples relied on it during one of the most important golf tournaments of the year.”

Taking its cues from modern men’s fashion, Golf Street Premier includes funky color pops and cool metal-rivet accents. The ideal combination of style and function, it comes with synthetic blend wide-flat laces in two different colors for added user customization, including a contrast option for an additional dose of flavor. Like all ECCO golf shoes, Golf Street Premier is made using a proprietary direct-injection process that creates a one-piece construction which won’t break down over time.

In addition to Couples, ECCO golf shoes are worn in competition by scores of international Tour stars, including Aaron Baddeley, Colin Montgomerie, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, John Bickerton, Bradley Dredge and many others.

Coinciding with the recently introduced 2010 golf collection, ECCO has engaged in a series of major account and customer service initiatives. These include a supporting partnership of the PGA of America Golf Retirement Plus program, a new ECCO Golf Comfort Tech Van, a web-based retailer training module and the brand’s status as an official member of the Association of Golf Merchandisers.

Guaranteeing a level of quality that cannot be matched by any major footwear manufacturer, each ECCO golf shoe is made using a proprietary, direct-injection process. Touched by more than 225 sets of highly-skilled hands during production, each model is a testament to the brand’s unrivalled attention to detail that helps discerning players look, feel and play their best.

All ECCO golf shoes feature a network of built-in technologies to create the ideal platform for the perfect swing. These include a direct-injected, PU-constructed midsole/outsole that:

1. Creates a one-piece shoe construction
2. Ensures unrivaled durability, flexibility, lightness and weather resistance
3. Provides a superior level of cushioning and comfort that does not break down over time, unlike commonly-used materials such as air, rubber and EVA foam

Optimal performance is further guaranteed by:

1. Ultra-soft, high-grade leathers with hydrophobic treatments for superb weather-resistance
2. Internal stabilizer to reduce torque and create ideal swing stability
3. Double-layer insole with cushion that absorbs heel force to reduce stress on the knees, hips and back
4. Internal Air-Circulation System to maintain a fresh, dry and cool foot environment
5. Dynamic Energy Return System that provides a trampoline effect during foot-strike and follow-through to reduce fatigue and restore energy with each step
6. Green-friendly outsole designs featuring molded traction bars combined with Stinger cleats from Champ and the Q-Lok insert system to provide ideal traction and grip

We will see if we can get our hands on some of these for a complete review on and off the course!

Sunice Ultimate V2

Hurricane Ultimate Jacket V2

The Ultimate Jacket V2 is back in a new form (V2 for version 2) to provide the best-of-the-best in golf outerwear. This Gore-Tex 2-layer Performance Shell is now 25% lighter and provides 20% more stretch. Providing a Lifetime Waterproof Guarantee, it doesn’t get any better on a technical level than this. The Sunice science is evident in all the added golf-enhancing features of this jacket, including the X-Static stretch lining, Pro-Trim waist cinching system, wrist rain channel, in-pocket ball cleaner, full stretch back panel and the list goes on. The Sunice style is represented in detailing such as laser cut detailing on the elbows, laser cut and welded pocket frames, tractor foot imprints and the Sunice patented V collar design.

• Gore-Tex Performance jacket
• Ultra quiet and soft hand feel
• X-Static stretch lining
• Pro-Trim waist cinching system
• Wrist rain channel
• In pocket ball cleaner
• Exposed waterproof YKK zippers
• Soft touch chin guard
• Laser cut pockets
• Lycra action cuffs
• Adjustable Velcro cuff tabs
• Full top back stretch panel for ultimate freedom of movement
• Adjustable bungee at hem
• Sunice patented V collar with neoprene finish

Fabrics

• Gore-Tex 2-Layer Performance Shell
• Gore-Tex 2-Layer Stretch Shell
• 30,000MM / 20,000MVT
• Lifetime waterproof guarantee

Sunice Sophia

Hurricane Sophia

The lightweight Sophia GORE-TEX jacket is guaranteed to keep you dry and protected from intense precipitation and extreme wind conditions.

- GORE-TEX 2-layer Paclite shell
- Lifetime Waterproof Guarantee.
- Exposed waterproof center front zipper with lock down puller.
- Rain channel to avoid dripping on wrist and hand
- Laser cut pocket on chest and sleeve
- Adjustable velcro cuff tabs
- Soft touch chin guard

Our Thoughts

I was so excited when I received my new Sunice jacket, the black Sophia from the Hurricane collection. I tried it on as soon as I got home and was immediately impressed with the perfect fit and style. I wore it that night as it was pouring rain and I needed rain gear. I was pleased that at how effectively it kept me warm and dry. I received several compliments from co-workers on how sharp the jacket looked.

We had a golf outing at the school that I work at and it was a blustery day with a slight rain persistent through the first five holes. I wore multiple layers with the top layer being my new jacket. I could move easily in the jacket and it posed no hindrance to my golf swing. Once again it kept me dry and warm as well. Although initially I had difficulty finding the pockets, once I found them I was excited by all that I could put in my pockets. Wearing the Sunice contributed to fun day on the links when I could have been frozen and wet!

I recently wore my new jacket while participating in the Philadelphia Half Marathon. When I left the hotel at 6am for a 7am start, it was quite cold. I was very glad that I had thrown on my Sunice Sophia jacket even though I had not worn it for any of my training runs. I knew that it was incredibly comfortable and provided great flexibility while playing golf, so I knew I would be able to move well in it while running 13.1 miles. I also loved the pocket space as I wanted to carry a Clif bar, my cell phone to meet up with my husband after the race and my hotel key. I was not disappointed. I was incredibly comfortable running in the jacket and it kept me very warm. Actually I was so warm that I had to take the jacket off way through the race and tie it around my waist. Fortunately it is incredibly lightweight and did not affect my run at all.

I have been thoroughly impressed with the new Sunice Sophia coat while going to work in a rain storm, golfing on a cold and rainy day and running a marathon. I would highly recommend this jacket for any woman who is looking for a stylish rain/wind jacket that is incredibly comfortable, has lots of pocket space and allows for much flexibility.

To learn more about Sunice, their products, and where to buy these jackets, check out the Sunice website.

Today we will have a look at Adidas Golf’s new Tour360 Sport golf shoe. A sporty styled golf shoe that incorporates a lot of the Tour360 technology into a more athletic looking golf shoe.

Background

• Protective and breathable, water resistant
• THiNTech low-profile technology brings you closer to the course than ever before, promoting consistently sold ball-striking through added stability and improved footwork
• 50/50 Protect technology features a water-resistant TPU shield that surrounds the lower half of the shoe, protecting the foot from wet grass, mud, and debris. The top half of the shoe utilizes lightweight and highly breathable air-mesh for improved temperature management, flexibility, and comfort
• Split outsole technology with 360WRAP support system allows the upper to surround the midfoot completely, delivering the ultimate in upper stability and a glove-like fit
• Water-resistant TPU and membrane-lined mesh upper helps keep feet cool and dry
• 3D FitFOAM™ sockliner for exceptional support, comfort, and a customized fit
• Powerband Chassis delivers extraordinary lateral stability and the leverage needed to generate power from the ground up
• Split outsole Tour Platform with 10-cleat Traxion® configuration features tapered, kidney-shaped lugs that hold firmly and prevent slippage in all types of grass and conditions while remaining green-friendly
• Clog-resistant TPU outsole with DTAC cleats for grip, stability and comfort
• Performance Last for precise fit, superior performance, and contemporary shape
• adiTUFF™ abrasion-resistant toe guard

Look and Feel

The Tour360 Sport golf shoes have a bit of a athletic look and feel to them. Rather than a traditional rigid leather golf shoe, the Tour360 Sport is made of a porous material that is both breathable and light. If you prefer something along the lines of a sneaker more than a dress shoe, this shoe will fit your eye well. I find some of the shoes in this category are a little too casual looking, while you could probably get away with wearing a shoe styled like this at the country club.

As you can tell by the pictures, these shoes look quite ‘thin and long’. I’ll get to this later, but these shoes do run a little on the narrow side. I think the black section near the toe of the shoe emphasizes this a bit. They do look real sharp in person though.

When it comes to feel, the foot bed of this shoe is extremely comfortable. Adidas puts a cushy insole, 3D FitFOAM, that really molds to your feet. After walking 18 my feet still felt quite refreshed. The weight of the shoe also helps in that regard.

Performance

My first thought with shoes of this style is: how quick are my feet going to get wet? My second thought usually is: how much support will these provide when I am trying to swing on some steep side-hill lie? Lucky for me, I play most of my golf these days at a very hilly golf course that is usually pretty wet. So I had plenty of opportunities to put them to the test!

Since the Tour360 Sport has been designed with this 50/50 water resistant material, the shoe actually stays quite dry under normal conditions. That means, if it’s a little damp out (ie the sprinklers have been running or there is some dew on the grass in the morning) your feet do, in fact, stay quite dry. Now, I would not go out on a rainy day with these shoes, your feet will get soaked. Basically, the bottom half of the shoe is almost shrink wrapped with some water resistant material, while the top half of the shoe remains breathable. It is actually pretty neat, your feet will stay cool on a hot day…but will not get wet when you walk by a sprinkler head.

So what about my second question, support? These are actually quite sturdy, well put together golf shoes. Even with the sneaker kind of look to them, they are almost too rigid. The PowerBand that wraps around your arch is quite effective. My feet are a little on the wide side, and I have very high arches. The rigidity of these shoes and lack of support for my abnormally high arches actually caused a bit of a problem for me, I usually need something a little more flexible. For someone with more normal feet, this probably wouldn’t be an issue. However, as with any shoe, I would suggest trying them on for fit and feel at a local store prior to purchasing the shoes. I found the original Tour 360 shoes to be a little wider and less rigid. I had noticed the Tour 360 II shoes seemed to be slightly narrower and more rigid…perhaps that is just the direction these shoes have been going. I ended up just putting in an insert with more arch support and the ended up being just fine for me.

Cleat wise, the new cleat design is very interesting. I played a couple rounds on mornings where the grass had just been cut, and that generally means a lot of grass clumped up in the cleats. Not so with these shoes. The design seems to help prevent that from occurring. Sure you will still get some grass wrapped around the cleats themselves, but you will spend less time banging a 9 iron into the bottom of your shoe trying to dislodge all the dirt. I never had an issue with losing traction either. As I mentioned, I play on a very hilly course, so with some shoes (especially my older ones with spikes that need changing!) I certainly notice some traction issues. The Tour360 Sport was rock solid in that department.

Conclusion

If you like to feel a little breeze across your toes and like your feet staying cool, these shoes could certainly work for you. As long as you avoid rainy days, these shoes should keep those little toes dry as well. As with the entire like of Tour360 golf shoes, you are putting your feet into and advanced technological platform. Not only are these very comfortable, they perform like a champ and I can certainly see myself wearing them throughout the sunny summer days.

You can pickup a pair of the new Tour360 Sport golf shoes directly from AdidasGOLF for $160. You can also have a look on eBay and see if there are some discounted shoes out there. But, as I mentioned earlier, and I would suggest this for any golf shoe, visit your local brick and mortar store first to try these shoes on.

Background

The ClimaProof Storm 3-Way

adidas Golf has introduced the ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket, a versatile piece of equipment that can be worn three ways – long-sleeve, short-sleeve or vest – depending on the weather. Its unique combination of construction, modern materials and intelligent features make it a must-have for serious golfers who want to perform their best in the elements while enjoying the best possible protection against wind, rain and cold.

The ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket unites advanced structural design and modern four-way stretch properties to eliminate excess material that would otherwise get in the way of the swing. That includes a thin-yet-warm removable 360° compression wrap inner layer that also delivers increased support and precludes the need for a liner, eliminating bulk. An athlete can make a full swing with complete freedom while wearing this jacket, and can also chip and putt without the distraction of excess material impeding the motion of the arms and hands.

Critical jacket features developed to increase comfort and convenience while eliminating distraction include:

• Convertible sleeves with stretch-elbow articulation for easy movement
• Shaped and adjustable cuffs for snug, comfortable fit
• Inner collar that flips up for added protection from the elements
• Bonded paneling in critical comfort zones to eliminate seams that can rub, chafe and irritate
• Waterproof zipper that makes a storm flap unnecessary
• Innovative silicone grippers on each shoulder that prevent bag-strap slippage
• Concealed venting for excellent breathability
• Concealed internal right pocket
• Waterproof to 20,000 mm
• Breathable to 15,000g/m2/24hrs

The ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket was introduced on tour at this year’s Open Championship, where it was worn by adidas Golf Tour Staff professionals including Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose and Sean O’Hair. Colors: black, zinc-black and Barez. Sizes: S, M, L, XL and XXL. Includes a three-year waterproof warranty. Available in stores now. The MSRP is $275. To learn more, visit the ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket website.

Look and Feel

A lot of golf jackets on the market today are quite loose fitting. The intent, I assume, is to reduce restriction. However, I find that, while loose and comfortable, the material can sometimes be distracting or even restrictive. The ClimaProof Storm is on the other end of the spectrum. The jacket has a very trim/athletic fit to it. If you have a little extra padding around the middle, you may want to look to size up. The jacket is definitely designed for a slim to V shaped body size. The interesting thing, however, is that the jacket was not restrictive at all. The sleeves fit nicely with little ‘loose’ material. The velcro straps on the end of the sleeves provided both nice protection from the elements and kept the jacket from interfering with your swing.

The jacket itself is very sharp looking. The jacket I received was in Barez (blue above), and I absolutely love the look. They have done a wonderful job of blending both style and performance into the functional elements of the jacket. For instance, the adidas logo style grip strips on the shoulders. They look pretty neat, and do a great job of holding your dual strap golf bag in place when it is wet out. There is nothing worse than having a bag slip and slide on your shoulders when it is wet, cold and windy out.

The material of the jacket is pretty interesting as well. The jacket does a great job of cutting the wind and keeping out any moisture, but it also seems quite breathable. I get pretty warm pretty quickly, and find the gore-tex style jackets to be too hot to play in, as they get all clammy inside. This jacket felt quite comfortable in both cool (40s) and warmer (60s) climates. When it was warmer, and not raining, open up the vent slots in the back, and you’ll feel quite comfortable. When it gets colder, the zip in Compression Layer will help keep you warm. It is a snug fit with the compression layer, but if you find it uncomfortable or too warm, it zips out quite easily.

Performance

As I mentioned earlier, the jacket is a snug fit, this means there is very little to get in your way during your swing. At first I thought it would be restrictive, but the joints…shoulders…elbows..turning your core…it really is as if you are not wearing a jacket at all. But walk outside on a 40 degree, windy, damp day, and you’ll be glad you are wearing it. You will not feel the wind a bit.

As you can see above, the jacket can be configured in three ways: Full Sleeves, Short Sleeves, No Sleeves. The No Sleeve option looked a little strange on me, but it is a nice option for warmer windy days. The sleeves come off quite easily and are also simple to reattach. The joints are all waterproof and seem to be windproof as well. I took the jacket out with just a short sleeve shirt on underneath during a very windy/chilly day, and did not notice any cold air on my arms. Solid in my book. I find some jackets are just too much of a hassle to remove the sleeves, so I never bother doing it. This one, I can work with.

If it is super windy and wet out, there is even a little storm collar that flips up on the back of the neck. Personally though, on those days I stay inside!

Conclusion

I really have to say I love the look of this jacket, it is quite stylish while at the same time performs. My favorite little feature, strangely enough, are those little silicone grabbers on the shoulders. Even if you do not carry your clubs, they look pretty neat. But really, they do a wonderful job of keeping those bag straps secure on your shoulders…no more rubbing your shoulders raw.

The fact that the jacket is so breathable while at the same time keeping out the moisture and wind is pretty remarkable.

Unfortunately, checking in at $275 retail, this jacket may be out of the reach of some golfers, especially during these economic times. Nonetheless, it compares quite favorable to other jackets in the same price point, like the Zero Restriction Tour-Lite we reviewed last year. I have not seen any ClimaProof Storm 3-Way jackets on eBay yet, but you are probably better off picking it up from an authorized reseller anyway. The ClimaProof Storm can be had from GolfGalaxy for $274.99.

Be sure to check out the ClimaProof Storm Mini-Site. It has some great detail pictures of all the various components of the jacket as well as a 360 degree view and some videos!

Crocs Ace

Early last summer I purchased a pair of Off Road crocs, and they have rarely left my feet. They are quite possibly the most comfortable casual shoes I have ever owned. I always wear them to the golf course, and am anxious to slip them back on after walking 18 holes. When Crocs purchased Bite Shoes last year, my first thought was wow…when do I get golf spikes on my crocs?. Well, I did not have to wait long. Crocs quickly put together a golf shoe design, that is more than just spikes slapped onto the bottom of a traditional croc: the Crocs Ace.

Background

• the fusion of comfort and sport, a concept pioneered by others but perfected by crocs
• circulation nubs stimulate blood flow
• footbed conforms to foot creating a custom fit
• loose fit and lightweight design allow feet to bend and expand naturally, reducing fatigue
• adjustable turbo strap™hugs the heel enhancing stability and performance
• ventilation ports increase breathability while also helping you line up your feet “square to the ball” for increased aim and accuracy
• no holes on sides to protect your feet from fresh morning dew and incredibly easy to clean
• traditional golf spike pattern includes an innovative ‘target’ pattern to help you focus your game
• lug traction system features extra traction to effectively balance weight during swing
• so easy to get on and off you may forget how to tie your old golf shoes

Look and Feel

As you can tell from the pictures, at first glance, the Ace shoes look quite similar to the original Crocs. Upon closer inspection, you’ll first notice that there are no holes on the sides of the shoe. This prevents water or dew from seeping into your shoes during early morning or soggy rounds. Obviously they are not waterproof, but if you played with normal crocs, plenty of water would quickly get in there. Flip the shoe over, and you’re presented with the other obvious change…soft spikes!

The Ace shoes use Champion spikes which appear to be less grabby than typical scorpion or spider type soft spikes. However, I found them, in combination with the other nubs and creases, to provide ample traction on the course. With the rear strap of the shoe snug around your ankle, the shoes do feel quite solid on your feet.

Feel…yeah, these are crocs and they feel absolutely amazing. Your feet really do mold into the foot bed. If you haven’t worn crocs, it is difficult to explain. But wear these for 18 holes and your feet will still feel quite fresh. For walking, I haven’t worn any more comfortable shoes.

Performance

Now, we discussed water and comfort. No question these shoes are comfortable…once they are broken in. I was so excited to play a round when I first got these, I ran out to the course, slapped them on with no sock, and headed for the starter’s shed. Talked with the starter for a minute, he looked at my shoes, and asked if I planned on playing in plain old crocs…I showed him the sole, and he looked shocked. I trotted off to the first tee with a big grin on my face…oh how comfortable these shoes felt!

Well, about 6 holes into my round, I had walked through several puddles (the course was quite wet)…had brand new croc rubbing across the tops of my feet…and ouch. I had a couple huge blisters on the top of both feet. The combination of newness, water, and the stress of your skin sticking to the top of the shoe while your swing causes some big problems. I ended up having to stop after 9 holes as it just became too painful to walk. My own stupid mistake for rushing out there not thinking about the ramifications. I wear my normal crocs without socks all the time…why would this be a problem? Well, I would suggest wearing socks with them the first few times you play, or at least wear them around your house, your back yard…take your dog for a few walks…before you take them out on the course.

One of my initial concerns when I thought of Crocs making a golf shoe would be whether or not they could make a croc with enough lateral stability to support a golf swing. If you pickup a pair of these shoes, you’ll notice the top of the shoe is a little more rigid than a typical croc. This seems to make the shoe more stable than trying to hit balls wearing a normal croc. If you roll your feet ala Jack, you’ll feel quite comfortable. The shoes accommodate this quite nicely. The only problem I found was with my forward foot, it had a tendency to twist within the shoe rather than the shoe spinning out on shots where I have lost my balance or not shifted my weight properly.

Otherwise, the shoes felt quite supportive and had a good amount of traction on a variety of lies. Side hill lies on wet grass, bunker shots or just walking on the green, these shoes felt quite supportive.

Conclusion

While you may get some strange looks, and it takes a bit to break them in, the Crocs Ace Golf Shoes are quite possibly the most comfortable golf shoes I have ever worn. On wet days you will probably want to stick with your normal golf shoes, but on those dry, hot summer days, when your feet would normally feel like they would melt after walking 18…the Crocs Aces are a godsend.

Given that they can be had for under $40, these shoes are quite a bargain. If nothing else, I’d pickup a pair just to throw in your trunk to have for those quick 9 hole rounds after work.

Callaway Golf X-Series Women’s Stretch DrySport Performance Polo

Designed exclusively for core golf, Womens DrySport from Callaway Golf Apparel offers products and styles capable of performing in any weather condition. With a focus on function, fit, technology, performance and innovation, this DrySport knit combines the latest in fabric technology with style and design that is uniquely Callaway Golf.

• Tech fit moves with you for active performance.
• Short sleeve, half-zip stretch knit gives you mobility and comfort with exceptional fit and easy adjustment for varying climates.
• Split tail hem is fashionable and comfortable, providing good coverage and versatility whether tucked or untucked.

Heading up to the first tee I knew that I felt incredibly comfortable but was wondering if these shirts could survive the wear and tear of the course. I was not disappointed. From my first drive to my last putt, the shirts felt awesome. The shirts felt so soft to the touch that I was sure that they would make me sweat profusely or hinder my range of motion, but I was pleasantly surprised. These Callaway shirts felt light and airy and did not cause me any embarrassing sweat marks. I was so comfortable and confident not only in my appearance, but in the way that I felt sporting this fashionable piece of golfing attire.

Womens Solid Pique Golf Shirt – 100% Combed Cottom. Performance. Fit. Style.

The Callaway Golf Sport line encompasses everything the name implies; colorful, active and comfortable. Incorporating innovative and highly functional fabrics, it is the perfect compliment to the active golf lifestyle, embracing the enjoyment and spirit of golf.

• Short open sleeve shirt with solid knit collar
• Buttonless v-neck placket
• Split tail and Chevron Loop label on bottom left of shirt

Sizing

The Callaway Women’s golf shirts are cut a little roomy, so that you have freedom of motion in your golf swing. However, they do not look bulky or hang too loose on the body. Below is a sizing chart for most Callaway golf shirts for women.

Conclusion

Callaway has put together a great line of both fashionable and functional golf shirts. Today we have had a look at the more functional shirts, but be sure to check out the Callaway Golf website to have a look at the upcoming fashionable line for 2008 as well.

Men’s Micro Pima Jet Pique Fine Stripe Polo – MSRP: $69.50

Details

This garment needs to be touched to appreciate its buttery softness and lux hand. For the executive who has a high taste level for luxury. An updated traditional style that offers a dressier look and feel, the Micro Pima Performance Fine Stripe satisfies business or the on course apparel needs of the most discriminating consumer. Easy care, resists shrinkage, color fading and pilling, this open sleeve, three button shirt with a knit collar. 70% pima cotton / 30% polyester Pre-embroidered details: white shirt/classic navy, black shirt/white, peach shirt/white, lima bean shirt/ white, marlin/white.

Our Thoughts

This shirt really does have a nice soft feel to it, the material feels quite luxurious. Given that it is in the 60s and 70s here in the North East, I was fine wearing a shirt like this on the golf course. It was very comfortable, roomy and was long enough that the shirt did not come ‘untucked’ at any point during the round. Being a tall guy, that’s often a problem for me with ‘normal’ length shirts.

While this shirt would be great in moderate temperatures, I would probably avoid wearing it during the summer months during a round of golf. Not because it is ‘heavy’ or anything, but because I sweat, and have grown used to the ‘moisture wicking’ nature of a lot of the newer ‘tech’ shirts out there.

Nice thing about this shirt is that you could wear it off the course as well. It is definitely very sharp looking.

Compares To:
Tiger Woods Line of Nike Shirts, Fairway & Greene Polos

Men’s Performance Body Mapping Polo – MSRP: $75

Details

This AWS Layer One Performance Body Mapping Polo is an open sleeve, three button, lightweight polo with a solid flatknit rib collar and dropped tail. It is engineered with seamless texture ventilation to provide maximum breathability and to wick moisture away from the skin to keep you cool and comfortable. Ashworth AWS heat transfer on the right sleeve hem and AWS heat transfer label. 100% polyester.

Our Thoughts

The body mapping polo is more up my ally in terms of 90 degree+ summer golf attire. The moisture wicking material will keep you looking dry even when you feel like you are soaked to the bone. With the lightweight, breathable material, you should also feel much cooler for a longer period of time, hopefully keeping the sweat at bay longer!

I have several Adidas ClimaCool shirts, and while I love the fact that they soak up the ‘moisure’, they are a little ‘unstructured’, if that makes sense. They hang very loose on the body, and probably look a little sloppy. The Ashworth shirt has a little more structure to it, feels slightly more rigid, I suppose. In that regard, you can probably get away with wearing this shirt off the course as well. That being said, on the course, the shirt is not restrictive in any way. It is quite comfortable.

Compares To:
Adidas ClimaCool, Nike DriFit, Greg Norman PlayDry

Men’s EZ-TECH Perfect Performance 50′s 2-Bar Shirt – MSRP – $60

Details

The Perfect Performance Golf Shirt is now ‘Moisture Wicking’ as well as easy care 100% cotton, breathable, wrinkle resistant, shrink resistant, fade resistant, no pilling and has a buttery soft finish. The choice of Premiere Golf Professional and Lifetime PGA Tour Member Fred Couples. Open sleeve, two button shirt with contract vents, neck tape and signature 2 bar knit collar. Pre-embroidered with a Golfman logo between shoulder blades. 100% cotton. Contrast Vents, Tabs & Pre-Embroidery Details: earth shirt/ white, yellow shirt/ white, black shirt/ivory, ivory shirt/taupe, bud shirt/white, fireball shirt/navy, white shirt/navy, classic navy/taupe, absolute blue/ivory

Our Thoughts

This is a pretty classic looking mesh polo. It will remind you of any number of similar styled, traditional polo shirts out there. It is roomy, comfortable and quite breathable. It is said to be moisture wicking, and to a degree it is. If you are someone who does not sweat a lot, this is probably perfect for you. If you are someone who walks off the course drenched after 18 holes in the hot sun, you may want to look at the body mapping polo.

This is definitely a shirt you can wear off the course as well.

Compares To
Adidas ClimaLite

Men’s Hybrid Performance Polo – MSRP: $36

Details

Performance at a great price! This hybrid polo is the best of both worlds. Cotton rich with a poly interior, this moisture management shirt is perfect for that corporate event when you need to everyone to look great, feel great and show uniformity. Open sleeve, three button polo features a solid knit collar with contrast rack stitching along the shoulders and textured tonal panels on the shoulders. Soft lightweight mesh dry tech polo breathes and dries quickly keeping you comfortable. 53% combed cotton/47% polyester. There is no pre-embroidery on this garment.

Our Thoughts

This feels a little lighter weight than the EZ-Tech shirt. I assume this is due to the cotton/polyester blend vs the 100% cotton in the EZ-Tech. Style wise, this is a classy, roomy polo. You will not find it restrictive in any way. The blend nature of the shirt, however, makes it feel a little less ‘rich’. Again, as with the EZ-Tech, while this is ‘moisture wicking’, it is not to the same level as the Body Mapping polo. It will pick up some light sweat, no doubt. Just do not expect to look dry if you go for a run on a hot summer afternoon!

For the price, this is a great option for someone looking for a great looking and performing shirt on a tighter budget.

Where to Buy

Your local pro shop often will have a great selection of Ashworth clothing, often customized with the logo of your club. You can also check Golf Galaxy or even eBay for some better deals on these items.

Bite Shoes offers a solution to this problem, the Bite Golf Boot 2.5. If you read my review of the Bite Deville traditional golf shoes, you’ll know that my expectations were pretty high for these golf boots. They certainly proved to be very interesting.

Golf Boot 2.5

Look and Feel

As you can see to the left, the Bite Golf Boot looks like a typical leather hiking boot. If your pants are a little short, you may get some strange looks on the course, but otherwise, they certainly will not stand out. I am pretty happy with the way they look.

Like most Bite shoes, the boots are quite lite. They are a little stiffer than a traditional golf shoe, but the added support is nice to have when you are walking down a muddy incline. They are supportive at both the ankle and arch. The designers appear to have added some substantial support at the arch, which you can definitely feel when you slide on the boot. They fit nice and snug and comfortably on my feet. I did not have the same ‘walking on air’ feeling I had with the Deville shoes, but, then again, these are boots!

Performance

Bite Golf Boot 2.5

The boots feature the same style spikes as the Deville golf shoes. As I found with the Deville shoes, the spikes provide great traction and are very easy to clean. The arch/top of the foot area is quite supportive and the laces can be tied up quite tight if you like that area to be snug.

Now, onto the reason you are wearing a boot: keeping your feet dry. I walked through countless puddles, mud puddles, patches of swampy grass and wet sand. My feet always stayed dry. I even ran the boots under the tap of my kitchen sink to get all the mud off…and never felt any water inside.

Given that they are boots, you’ll lose some of the ability to roll your ankles in your swing. So if you are a Jack Nicklaus swinger, and key in on rolling your ankles in your swing, you may find that difficult in these boots. I found, however, that there is enough play in the ankle to allow enough mobility for me to feel comfortable swinging. I’ve played a bunch of rounds in them now, and I cannot say that they have negatively impacted my swing. The leather at the toe of the boot is quite flexible, so when your right foot goes into an ‘up’ position in the follow through, they feel quite comfortable.

Golf Boot 2.5

Conclusion

So, in the end, the boot is a bit of a trade-off. You loose a little in terms of flexibility in your ankles, but you gain support. If you are playing in muddy conditions, want to keep your feet dry and supported when you’re walking down slippery slopes…the Bite Golf Boot is a great option…in fact, it may be the only option.

At $99.95 retail, they are in the same range as some of the nicer hiking boots out there. If you find yourself playing in muddy/wet conditions (read anywhere in the North East in spring), I would think about picking up a pair. There is nothing worse than playing 18 holes in wet, muddy socks. Your feet will remain warm and dry with these babies on your feet.

Background

I had the opportunity to review the SunIce Hurricane Byron Gore-Tex Paclite rain jacket and the Tornado rain pants recently.

The Hurricane collection brings you the best of the best in golf outerwear. All products featured in the Hurricane category bear the insignia of Gore(r) the leading and most trusted outerwer fabric brand in the world. Growing demand for such innovative and performing products has lead to the expansion of this category. Hurricane now features Gore-Tex(r), PacLite(r), Windstopper(r) and Windstopper(r) soft shell fabrics. Whether facing severe rain or adverse winds, Hurricane has you covered. All Hurricane Gore-Tex Paclite(r) Outerwear shells carry the Gore-Tex(r) guaranteed to keep you Dry(r) promise.

The Bryon Gore-Text Paclite Hurricane Jacket has plenty of features. They include:

• Gore-Tex(r) 2 Layer Paclite(r) laminated shell
• Ultralightweight (< 500 grams total)
• Bomber style with drop tail hem and athletic cut
• Raglan sleeve design to provide full range of motion
• Hard welt exterior storm guard to provide complete production from the elements
• Pro Trim adjustable chest cinch
• Soft touch chip guard for complete protection and comfort
• Rain channel to avoid water running down sleeve to glove and club
• Ball cleaner in pocket
• Gore-Text(r) signature Sunice heat seal logo on lower left forearm

Appearance

The Sunice is a very good looking rain jacket. It is a more tight fitting (European) look, but when you are wearing it, it’s very roomy and comfortable. It is not quite as baggy as most rain jackets.  Though, it lacks some of the customization features of the Zero Restriction jacket we reviewed recently. Of course, it is nearly half the price of the Zero Restriction.  This jacket is still very comfortable and looks very sharp.  The little details on the sleeves are very stylish.

This jaket also features removable sleeves from the elbow area.  It transforms the complete rain jacket into a wind shirt of sorts.  The jacket does a great job of hiding this fact, with some descrete flaps that cover the zippers. 

Performance

This jacket really shines when it comes to performance.  I found it very similar in performance to the Zero Restriction jacket.  The jacket stays in place throughout the round, the waist and sleeves are nice and secure.  With lesser jackets you’ll often find the back or sleeves riding up or moving around during or after your swing.  That isn’t the case with this jacket.  I played an entire round with this jacket and did not have to adjust it at all.  That is pretty remarkable. 

The sleeves have a plastic like ring around the end that you do not even notice when you have it on, but they keep the sleeves down. When I first saw it, I wondered if it would be comfortable, but when I put the jacket on, you didn’t even realize it was there. This rain channel did an excellent job.   The ends of the sleeves also have ann adjustable velcro strap to help tighten up any gaps at your wrist.  It works very well, and isn’t as difficult to adjust as the Zero Restriction sleeves.

The bottom has an adjustable waistband that was easy to adjust to make it fit. The jacket is also a little shorter than most jackets, which is a HUGE plus. I find myself rolling up other rain jackets to make them fit right around my waist. This was totally unnecessary with the Sunice.

Since this is a rain jacket, I need to discuss the waterproof aspects of this. It’s amazing. It absolutely poured yesterday in Myrtle Beach, SC, and this jacket kept me perfectly dry. While I wasn’t on the golf course, I was able to walk out from the car to where I wanted to be, and the water just rolled off.

Tornado Rain Pants Observations

We did not have a chance to do a complete review of the Tornado Rain Pants, but they look very interesting as well.  Just keep in mind that they are on the small size, and if you plan on wearing pants underneath them, pick a size larger than you normally would.  Here is some information on the pants:

• Featherweight construction in a 4 way stretch garment
• Front zip fly opening with snap and button closure for extra secure fit
• Adjustable side waist velcro tabs to customize fit and comfort
• Stretch gusseted crotch insert and articulated knees for ultimate freedom of movement
• Over under double wleted hand pockets welded with PU tape for additional protection
• Right side pocket with thru and thru construction for access to inner pant
• Flat cargo pocket with over under entry and hard welt cover
• 2 back scorecard pockets
• Legs zipper stop 5″ from bottom hem to allow for easy alteratioin
• Adjustable Velcro lower pant hem
• Club cleaner feature on inner cuff of legs
• Nylon liner below knee to avoid spikes getting tanged in lower liner

Conclusion

I absolutely love the rain jacket.  It is nice and light weight, non restrictive, water proof, and won’t completely break the bank.  I am not completely ready to put this in the same class as the Zero Restriction Tour-Lite jacket, just because it is a little noisier and slightly more noticable, however, when the warmer weather comes I have a feeling I will be wearing this jacket more often.  It is a little more breathable and light weight than the Zero Restriction.

If you enjoyed the review of the Zero Restriction jacket, but were put off by the price, check out this Sunice product, I think you’ll be impressed. The Sunice is also a little more stylish than the Zero Restriction jacket. The color schemes, little details, they all work very well.

You can find the Sunice Byron Rain Jacket at PGA Tour Stop for $275.  However, I am sure you can find some good off-season deals on this jacket at your local pro shop.  I have seen them for well under $200.

To my delight, a box from Zero Restriction showed up at my office with a hunter green Tour-Lite GORE-TEX jacket. I have spent the past few weeks with this jacket, and wow…color me impressed.

Background

The WhisperSOFT™ GORE-TEX® Collection is durable, breathable, offers 100% waterproof protection that is quiet and comfortable like a natural fabric.

The Tour tested ZR Outerwear design is guaranteed not to restrict your golf swing. ZR’s patented design features and well tested overall design provide complete freedom of movement.

Technical Aspects:

• high storm collar
• zippered waterproof hand pockets
• elasticized waistband
• tee loops tucked beneath left chest flap
• two-way zipper to release zipper pucker
• patented Dual Motion® cuffs
• patented Expansion Back Pleats™
• patented Snug Liner Snap System™
• moisture wicking airflow lining
• WhisperSOFT™ GORE-TEX® shell fabric

Look and Feel

The Zero Restriction Tour-Lite Jacket is very sharp looking. The Tour-Lite Jacket has normal full length sleeves, without zippers. There is a Traveler version which does have zip off sleeves, so one could wear it as a wind shirt or vest. The fact that the sleeves do not zip off this jacket does not bother me. I have an Oxford Golf jacket with that ability, and well, I really don’t ever use it. If I want to wear a vest, I’ll wear a Zero Restriction vest.

The waist and wrist enclosures are an elastic cotton like material, much like you would have found on winter jackets in the 90s. This creates a nice seal from your waist to your wrists, keeping you both warm and dry. Of course, there is a drawback to that…I could not see myself being able to wear this jacket in warmer weather.

I have actually worn it on numerous occasions off the course, be it walking the dog or driving to to work. Being in the North East, it is a little chilly these days, often in the 30s. As long as I have a layer or two on, the Tour-Lite keeps me plenty warm. It really does a nice job of cutting out the wind and trapping warm/dry air inside.

That being said, anything under 60 degrees, and I will be wearing this jacket on the course.

Performance

So I have worn this jacket in the rain on numerous occasions now. The performance is phenomenal. Water just beads up on the surface, leaving you bone dry under the jacket. I really like the fact that the sleeves can be made to come over your hands a little to protect in the rain/cold, or could be snapped down to fit tight around your wists as to not interfere with your swing. Now I just need to get my hands on some ZR GORE-TEXT pants and a bucket hat and I’ll be all set for those rainy April days.

As for the ‘zero restriction’ aspect, it is indeed true. I have a few other jackets/wind shirts from other manufacturers, and while they may be light, keep me warm, or block out the wind…they all restrict movement in some way. Either they are too big and bulky where the material gets caught up, or they limit the range of movement. The ZR jacket, on the other hand, really does live up to it’s name. I felt like I was completely free to swing. I never felt as if my swing was being restricted, or that there was excess or baggy material.

If you, on the other hand, do feel as if the jacket is a little baggy…one of the nice features is the ability to customize the size internally. There are some snaps at several locations in the jacket that let you ‘cinch’ up some of the excess material that may be getting in your way. There are some on the back of the jacket, as well as on the sleeves.

One of the last things I noticed in the jacket was the little spot under the chest flap for golf tees. I chuckled to myself, this company just seems to get it.

Conclusion

If you are in the market for a golf jacket, and have the budget for it, there really is no reason to look anywhere else. This is by far the nicest golf jacket I have ever worn. I really did try to find something wrong with this piece of equipment. I know this review has turned into a sunshine fest, but really…aside from the price point…this is the perfect golf jacket.

If the $300+ price tag is a bit rich for your blood, check out your local pro shop. Often times this time of year there are end of season sales, and you can snag a great deal on a jacket, vest, or wind shirt from Zero Restriction.

The Zero Restriction Tour-Lite Jacket can be had for $339.99 from Golf Galaxy.

If the Zero Restriction Jacket prices are a little out of your range, check out eBay for used jackets or discounted items.