PING Tour Eye Waterproof Jacket Review

By: Owen Davies | Tue 01 Dec 2015

PING have long been respected as one of the very finest manufacturers of golf equipment in the game with a particular focus on player performance. This is typified by their approach to R&D and their custom fitting systems, so it came as no surprise when they announced that their new waterproof jacket would utilise the same PING performance philosophy that has stood them in such great stead in the past.

To put the new PING Tour Eye Jacket to the test I recently headed out on the course at Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds. Typically with a waterproof test it was a nice day, so, together with some help from the Moor Allerton pro shop we found a creative way to test the jacket's full waterproof capabilities. Check out the video below to see the results.

What PING say:

The Tour Eye Jacket is a t the heart of PING's A/W 15/16 collection incorporating Sensor Dry Technology with Pertex Shield+, this gives the Tour Eye Jacket an ultimate combination of guaranteed waterproof protection, exceptional breathability, and stretch properties for complete freedom of movement within the swing.

PING Tour Eye waterproof

Constructed from lightweight Pertex Shield+, the Tour Eye jacket combines a three layer, tightly woven stretch fabric to the front, and a back body with a Pertex proprietary polyurethane film laminate. This produces a highly waterproof (20,000mm) and breathable fabric (20,000gm/24h), that is extremely durable and resists abrasion in key areas, such as on the shoulders when carrying the golf bag.

A Pertex Shield+ three layer waterproof knitted fabric at the sleeves offers guaranteed waterproof protection and exceptional stretch performance, ensuring complete freedom of movement during the swing. Waterproof protection is further ensured with full seam seals throughout the jacket, which is guaranteed by PING to be waterproof for three years.

Looks:

The Jacket is striking! The two tone combination of black sleeves and grey body mean that you will stand out from the crowd!

Usability:

The first thing you notice about this jacket is that it is super, super light weight! It really is amazing when you pick it up. Typically you will have your waterproofs folded up in the bag, so weight is important, particularly if you carry. The jacket also folds up really small. A big plus for those that carry.

In terms of it's usability on the course, the stretch systems really work. I often feel restricted in a waterproof jacket, but the PING Tour Eye Jacket feels much like a jumper or soft shell meaning that my swing was unrestricted.

The jacket also incorporates large vents on both the front and back of the jacket, again this is a big plus, especially for summer play.

PING have really thought the usability of the jacket through, it is noticeable that it has been designed by a golf company, for golfers. Details such as extra durable fabrics on the shoulder to protect abrasion from bag straps is a welcome innovation and great attention to detail.

Performance:

This, for me is where the jacket really excelled! What can I say! Watch the video and see how it coped with serious amounts of water! Faultless on this front, I have since played in some really heavy rain on the course and it stood up to the test brilliantly!

Check out our video review of the PING Tour Eye Jacket

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJmzQLMHnus

Pros:

A super light weight jacket which WILL keep you dry! The strech fabrics are also a major plus as are the large vents. If you normally struggle with feeling free when swinging in a waterproof jacket, this is definitely one to try. PING also offer a 3 year waterproof gaurantee.

Cons:

The price. The technology does not come cheap! The jacket retails at £200 and if you add in trousers you are looking at £350. Still that is lower than some performance items on the market and as I mentioned this jacket works!

The Bottom Line

A performance jacket that really does work. During a constructed test and on the course it has repelled every drop of water thrown at it while allowing me to swing with freedom. If you are in the market for a high quality waterproof jacket this is one you must consider.