My first outing with the Ping Taran 3L jacket really did test it to the limit as the rain came down in biblical proportions, so much so that we were forced in early after thunder and lightning developed in the area.
While it was fairly depressing that the golf had to be cut short, one positive note was the outstanding performance of the Taran 3L jacket. Put simply, I returned to the locker room and, barring a bit of moisture that had entered through the neck, my underlayers remained completely dry, which is something I’ve never experienced with other rain jackets when the conditions get that bad.
Not only that, it was comfortable to wear and didn’t impede my swing, thanks to the fully seam-sealed construction and a three-layer stretch waterproof fabric. Like the best golf waterproofs, the fit is also helped by an adjustable shock cord hem and adjustable cuff tabs, which meant there was no excess material to get in the way on the course.
Away from the performance, I really like the Blue 24 colourway, which stands out from the crowd alongside its often dark and somber competitors. What's more, the subtle Ping logos on the shoulder and the neck add a touch of class and the Ping Eye Mark printed inner lining livens things up further.
According to Ping, the jacket is said to be waterproof to 20,000mm and, in my first experience, I can certainly vouch for that. Like a windbreaker, it is also windproof and comes with a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
It features a two-way centre front zip, making access to underlayers more convenient and two generous front zip pockets, meaning you can keep a scorecard dry and close at hand.
All in all, the Ping Taran 3L jacket really did do everything that was asked of it in very testing conditions. In my opinion, it will be tough to beat in a very competitive sector of the market.
