Finding the best jacket for wind without introducing a large amount of bulk is quite difficult. For many golfers, this means sacrificing comfort or flexibility in order to remain warm without the vicious bite of wind during a round of golf. For Galvin Green, the solution is the windproof, half-zip BANKS jacket. It’s designed with impressive materials to remove wind from the equation, without hindering the golfers’ ability to swing.
From Galvin Green
Windproof half zip jacket in lightweight WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell fabric. A very light and flexible three-colour jacket with excellent breathability. Soft collar and elasticated cuffs in the sleeve-ends. Contrasting front zipper. Available in four different colour combinations.
Shell Layer – WINDSTOPPER
– Totally windproof. Effectively protects against windchill.
– Maximum breathability that allows moisture vapour to evaporate.
– Thermoregulatory function keeps the body at an optimum performance temperature.
– Perfect fit for maximum comfort and freedom of movement, specially developed for golfers.
– Easy to wash and maintain, just regular machine wash.
The WINDSTOPPER® membrane is an ultra thin, totally windproof protective layer which is laminated to a lightweight textile layer. The membrane is made of the versatile polymer PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene) which is expanded to create a microporous structure. These micropores are 900 times larger than water vapour molecules, allowing perspiration to pass through unhindered.
In Hand Impressions
Out of the package, the Galvin Green BANKS half-zip jacket in red really stands out. The sharp color contrasts well against the black and white sleeves, along with the sturdy white and black zipper. Branding along the arm as well as the back collar represent Galvin Green well, without any overwhelming large logos or badging. While the BANKS jacket sent for review is primarily red, there are also options in midnight blue, deep ocean (blue), and black.
Comfort and Fit
A very important aspect of any jacket acquisition for golf is sizing and comfort. While golfers need to be covered adequately depending on the weather and temperature, they also need the flexibility to perform a golf swing without being hindered. The Galvin Green BANKS sent for review was in medium, which fit this reviewer’s frame (6’2, thin build, 34 waist) extremely well.
It wasn’t overly long in the arms or length, but as a wind jacket this is what was expected. The waist area is adequately loose to allow for multiple base layers underneath, but not to the point of being in the way of swing rotation. Similar in the shoulder section, testing showed little resistance during stretching or swinging. Because of the lightweight material utilized, it wears more like a typical half-zip pullover than a ‘jacket’ by definition.
Zipper and Drawstring
The Galvin Green BANKS comes with a quality zipper build that drives upwards into the sturdy collar area. While wind can pass through this section, it was not an issue during on-course testing in temperatures ranging from 40-55* Fahrenheit. At the base of the BANKS there is a unique drawstring to tighten the fit around the waist; however, the quality of the jacket size made this mostly unnecessary. This will allow golfers to completely remove the potential for wind to travel upwards through the jacket.
Arms and Cuffs
As mentioned previously, the Galvin Green BANKS half-zip jacket does not incorporate unnecessary material, and part of that opinion is derived from the arm length. While the length is adequate in a casual position, pointing or extending the arms upward will expose some forearm. This is something that should be expected, as additional material would likely bundle and become cumbersome to swing around.
The cuff system may be one of the best features of the BANKS half-zip. Soft, elasticized material keeps the jacket close to the skin, yet allows the golfer to comfortably pull the BANKS up the arms without discomfort. Testing did not reveal any issues with pinching or hair pulling because of the materials utilized for the cuffing, including quite a few holes with the arms pulled halfway up the forearm.
Overall Performance
During the course of testing, the Galvin Green BANKS was put to the test in some harsh conditions. Notable wind in temperatures of 45-55* Fahrenheit demands an awful lot from all layers, and the Galvin Green held up quite well for a majority of the experience. Moving into the low to mid 40s will likely demand some greater warmth barriers than what the BANKS can offer, however that should be expected as the transition from wind barrier to a focus on warmth.
As noted previously, even with additionall layers underneath, the BANKS did not hinder the golf swing in any way, which is a testament to the build quality. Full range of motion was experienced, and while the sleeves did come away from the wrists (typical for the testers’ taller frame), it was expected. This should not come as a surprise considering the jacket was built specifically with golfers and the golf swing in mind.
Another concern golfers have with their cold gear jackets is sound. Different materials provide various audible levels of friction against the material in the armpit and chest area, but the Galvin Green BANKS jacket provides only a mild sound during the swing. In testing, the only time this was noticed was when intentionally paying attention what kind of sound was being made. It is quite surprising, considering the benefits of the material, that a jacket of this design can be as soft and sound muted as the Galvin Green BANKS proved to be in testing.
Parting Thoughts
For golfers who love the game enough to play into the colder, windier months of the year, the Galvin Green BANKS jacket offers a fantastic solution for cooler windy play. Resistant to water and snow while being completely windproof, golfers can enjoy their favorite pastime without the nasty and bitter chill of wind during their round. Rather than dealing with the bulk of a thick jacket, they can enjoy swinging the golf club unhindered and still receive the windproof benefits. To read more about the Galvin Green BANKS half zip jacket, visit www.GalvinGreen.com.
