When test-driving rain jackets you really want conditions to be challenging. Boy did the UK pay out with this one! I have worn the Abacus Women's Bounce Rain Jacket for the last 3 weeks in some of THE most challenging weather conditions I’ve ever faced as a golf coach and, both on and off the course, this jacket has stood up and nailed the “please keep me dry and warm” brief.
Testing this at Golf Monthly's testing day at Denham Golf Club, we saw sunshine initially. Warm sun on a rain jacket can often lead to gentle perspiration but the breathability of this Stretchdry 15.000 technology and 3 layer material meant I stayed cool as a cucumber.
Photos in the sun followed by total downpours, this truly covered most scenarios and, since the testing day, I’ve encountered the jacket's ability to keep me warm in freezing temperatures coaching on top of a hill at The Caversham. Wind is a big feature up there and I remained both warm and dry, which is what the very best golf waterproofs are designed to do.
Construction-wise, the jacket has been treated with a PFC-free water repellent alternative. This means that no harmful Fluorocarbon compound has been used as with some other waterproof garments.
On to how this jacket looks and fits. Like you see in the best mid layers, the material used in the Bounce Jacket boasts a 4-way stretch and this means a really beautiful fit. It is a basic waterproof jacket, which meant I did need thermal layers underneath to really stay warm. The only thing that I would give it a negative for was, with the white jacket, it very quickly picked up dirt around the pockets from putting golf balls and tees in and out of them.
This may sound like an issue, but the Bounce Rain Jacket is available in six colours so, if you attract mud like me, you could opt for the darker option. Given the breathability of this garment, it would make a brilliant Spring/Summer jacket, so perhaps the white would be best for less muddy conditions. I LOVE the Rose colour option and really commend Abacus for the choices they deliver with this style.
What's more, the fabric is super, super stretchy and it really does allow great freedom of movement when swinging the club. I would say the body and arms are the perfect length, as the bottom of the jacket skims most of the way over your rear end so keeps any unexpected showers from making your derriere soggy.
If you wanted a looser fit then you could size up and then utilize the adjustable toggle that skims inside the base of the jacket. Pulled tight, you get a more comfortable rather than slimline fit, which will appeal to many and the size range (XS-XXXL) is vast so there should be a jacket for most body shapes within this style.
The pockets are tucked discreetly behind the side of the waist and offer great space for all sorts of paraphernalia. Like the best lightweight golf jackets, the pocket by the chest is really handy for sliding the scorecard in and yes, it keeps it super dry, with the taped seams and zips meaning no water is getting into this piece of kit.
What's more, the neck is also adjustable by toggle so, when it’s hammering it down, you don’t get any rain drops down your back so it really keeps you snug and warm inside in cold conditions.
One final point to mention is that the piping around the sleeves is gently elasticated, but with a very soft material, so the arms stay dry and warm. The jacket also sits comfortably, yet securely, around the wrists, meaning that you can pull the sleeves up if you so wish which is something I tend to do when I’m putting. The stretchy material allows for this also.
Admittedly, it's not the cheapest jacket but if you opt for the right colour and size you’ll live in it. The outstanding waterproof performance will put this up at the top of my jacket wish-list, along with the likes of FootJoy and Galvin Green. Great job Abacus!
