I have covered golf apparel for several years now and it seems like the market has loads of new brands all trying to get a piece of the golf pie. As a result it can be pretty difficult to differentiate yourself from the pack but one brand which caught my eye recently on the back of Brian Harman was Zero Restriction. And after organizing testing samples, one specific product which I think is one of the best golf rain jackets anywhere right now, is The Conqueror jacket. Now calling a jacket ‘The Conqueror’ is a bold move as the performance has to be outstanding but it delivered in every way I wanted it to.
The best golf rain gear obviously has to have waterproofing as the core factor in its design and the seam-sealed finish and DWR coating means the elements are kept at bay brilliantly here. Water beaded off beautifully and the fully-lined hood was the perfect size for me, although it can be adjusted using the drawcords at the front or back of the hood. I also really liked the shapeable brim too so I can mold it to whatever shape I want and it helps keep the elements out because it has some strength to it. Even in strong winds it retained its shape and didn’t flap around which is a problem I have experienced on other models.
I found the jacket to be supremely comfortable too, it worked brilliantly with other mid layers and the adjustability on offer allowed me to really dial in the perfect fit for me. I also noticed that the breathability was good too. I dislike wearing golf rain jackets sometimes as you get too sweaty when walking and it feels uncomfortable but there were no such issues here as it felt lightweight and breathable.
But what really elevates this lightweight jacket further is the fact not only have Zero Restriction nailed the larger elements like waterproofing and comfort, but also the smaller design features which all add up to make a top performing garment. Every bit of the jacket seems well thought out, the already mentioned adjustability elements are in the perfect places and are simple to use, whilst I liked the longer back of the jacket so it didn't ride up during the swing too. I should also mention the look of the jacket, there are three colors to choose from, each of which are understated but have enough going on to differentiate it from other jackets on the market. I haven’t seen cuff fasteners like these before for example. This simplicity of design also enhances versatility too because it is a jacket that can be used anywhere, in fact I have used it off the course for hikes and long walks too.
Now finally I should mention the price because not beating around the bush, it has a premium price, but this is an ultra-premium product so it makes sense to me. And given it is a jacket for everywhere, and the level of performance is so high, there is a degree of value here.
For more winter buying advice be sure to check out our guides on the best waterproof golf shoes, best golf hoodies, and best golf vests.
