Nike Storm Fit Jacket
The temperatures here are dropping fast here. We’ve had a lot of rain this fall, and now even frost delays in the mornings. Two Fridays ago a tournament I was competing in experienced a snow delay.
This time of year can be the best though, as casual weekend hackers are hanging up their sticks for the season. As long as die-hards like myself can brave the conditions, the courses are far less crowded and we can play golf in a reasonable amount of time.
In these conditions golf apparel and golf outerwear become more and more important. Its nice to know that I’ve got the same apparel to choose from as Rory McIlory and Tiger Woods. One such item is my new full-zip Hyperadapt Storm-FIT jacket. Lets take a look.
Hyperadapt Storm-FIT Jacket Overview
Nike engineers have produced a jacket with some amazing properties in the Hyperadapt Storm-FIT. The jacket is waterproof and wind resistant, yet stretches more like a sweater.
There are strategically placed fabric “vents” which make the garment breath very well. This is especially useful in the bipolar weather in the spring and fall where one minute it is raining and the next it is sunny. No need to take the jacket off and put it back on all the time.
The shoulders of the Storm-FIT have specially designed four-way stretch system which reduces binding and tightness and increases the range of motion in the golf swing. The system even reduces noise.
The body fabric is 100% polyester while the mesh components are 81% nylon and 19% spandex.
The sleeves have adjustable cuffs which are great. Being able to set the cuff tightness can help keep rain and wind out, yet allow the golfer to retain flexibility.
Nike Storm-FIT Hyperadapt Full-Zip Jacket – click to zoom
On The Course
First things first. I must mention the style of this jacket. This is a very sharp looking piece. The wife really loves the look when I put it on. My dad tried it on and for quite a while refused to give it back. I just figured out what his Christmas gift will be…
Many of my outerwear items are one size bigger. This is because here in the cold of Utah, we often have to wear a few layers to stay warm. The bigger size is needed because of the restriction imposed by the outer layer. One problem with that extra size is that the garment can get in the way of the swing, especially for my putting stroke. I bend over quite far with a 34” putter and when I do that, often times my outerwear snags on the butt of the putter grip. Not good. When I have a huge putt to win a $2.00 nassau, the last thing I want is worrying about my putter going off line due to snagging on my apparel. No worries with the storm fit. The fit is precise without being too small. The jacket performs, but stays out of my way so I can perform.
I’ve managed to make it rain twice during my testing of the Storm-FIT. Rain drops bead up on the outer layer and no water or moisture gets inside. None.
On windy days the Storm-FIT is fantastic.
Critiques
I always try to find a flaw or place for improvement when I do my golf reviews. In the case of the Storm-FIT I have none. Zero.
Colors/Sizes
The Hyperadapt Storm-FIT jacket comes in the following sizes: small, medium, large, extra-large, double extra-large.
Colors: Black; Cool Grey; Game Royal; Armory Slate
Full-Zip / Half-Zip
There are two versions of this jacket available, a full-zip (pictured) as well as a half zip. The half zip retails for $240 and the full zip retails for $280.
Conclusion
Thanks to the Hyperadapt Storm-Fit jacket I’m ready to take on wind and rain with the confidence that my outerwear will not interfere with my golf swing. Bring on the Old Course! Scotland here I come!
FORE!! Axel & Hudson – The “ensemble”
Fore!! Axel & Hudson is the child, no pun intended, of apparel designer Paul Nguyen. Before forming the company, he designed for Lucky Brand, Babystyle and Baby Nay. The garments are primarily made from very soft and eco-friendly bamboo/spandex.
I was thrilled to learn that Fore!! Axel & Hudson wanted to submit some products for me to review. On October 28, 2012 my little boy babe Seve was born. Seve’s name was inspired by golf legend Seve Ballesteros and outfitting him in some killer golf related, classy and comfortable baby threads sounded great.
One problem, the sizes I received were on the large size. So I had to wait from June when the product arrived, to October when the little guy had gotten big enough to fit in them. He’s still a bit small for them, but I couldn’t wait much longer to get this piece done and send some love to Fore!! Axel & Hudson.
Featured in this article are a few items which are in black headers below.
Crinkle Plaid Driver Cap
Straight out of Scotland, or at least it looks like it, is the Crinkle Plaid Driver Cap (first picture). This is a fantastic piece and when Seve doesn’t mind having it on, he looks very dapper. The cap is made from 100% cotton and has adjustable leather side tabs. Lots of room to grow into on this one.
Sizes range from 48cm to 56cm. No, my head isn’t that small unfortunately.
Nice golf polo and striped shorts… click to zoom
Poncho Stripe Shorts
Once again, master Seve has cooler threads than me. In this case, his Poncho Stripe Shorts (first two photos). These are 100% cotton so they are soft and comfortable. The front fly zips and the waistband is an adjustable elastic, which is great for kids as they grow.
Sizes for this $44 retail ($31 on sale) item are the same range as the Linen & Stripe Vest, which these shorts go well with: 12 months to 12 years.
Gray Linen & Stripe Vest
Available in sizes from 18 months to boys 10/12, this vest (first photo) is more stylish than anything I have in my own wardrobe. This slim cut vest features leather insets and welt pocket details.
Retail on this vest is $54.00 but the Fore!! website has them on sale at $38.
Shirts
Master Seve has a couple of great Fore!! Axel & Hudson golf shirts. Pictured in the “ensemble” (I don’t even have an ensemble) with the vest and Poncho Stripe shorts is a great, 3-button v-neck polo with plaid collar insert which matches the pocket accent.
Killer orange golf polo – click to zoom
Seve also has a fantastic orange polo with fabric so soft it feels like silk (last picture). The buttons and pocket configuration are very stylish. Wish I had a shirt like that…
Conclusion
Not only are the pieces very stylish, they’re super durable yet soft. I need to see if I can get Paul Nguyen to make the same pieces in an adult XL!
It has been a blast taking the photos of baby Seve for this review and I can tell Seve digs the threads.
Related Links
Hooked On Golf Blog FORE!! Axel & Hudson photos
FORE!! Axel & Hudson website
Dunning Stretch Thermal 1/4-Zip Pullover – click to zoom
When the Hooked On Golf Blog World Tour was in Bogota, Colombia earlier this year, I had the great opportunity to play a round of golf with Kevin Foley. Kevin had just won the Panama Championship the week before on the Web.com Tour. That win would help propel Kevin to attaining a 2014 PGA Tour card.
During that round I couldn’t help notice the fantastic apparel setup Kevin was sporting. I saw the Dunning label on the trousers and wasn’t familiar with the brand at that time. A few months later, now that I’m becoming familiar with the line, Dunning is in the running (so to speak) to be my favorite apparel company. Read on for another reason why.
Stretch Thermal 1/4-Zip
I’m reviewing Dunning’s Stretch Thermal 1/4-Zip product. This is a beautiful garment. The photos can’t do it justice. This pullover is meant for insulation but still provides breathability. The 1/4-Zip is perfect for fall golf in north america. Right now a bit of insulation and protection from the cold and wind is needed.
Specs
The 1/4-Zip is made from 88% polyester and 12% spandex. Thank goodness. No cotton. Not a fan of cotton with the wrinkles, shrinking and such. With a spandex/poly combo, we’re talking very little care required and ironing only if needed. I haven’t needed to yet.
The pullover has a drawstring waist which helps to seal out the cold as well as keep it out of the way of the golf swing. In my case, sometimes outerwear gets in the way of my putting stroke because I bend over quite a bit. The 1/4-Zip allows me to bury my opponents with my deadly putting without worrying about the putter snagging or the garment resisting.
The sleeves are a trimmer fit too, to aid in playability.
“I’ll get the stick, and I’ll enjoy holding it since I’m so warm and comfortable in my Dunning pullover!”
Sizes/Colors
The Dunning Stretch Thermal 1/4-Zip comes in six colors: Reef (pictured), Black, Charcoal, Halo, White, Zephyr.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large, Double Extra Large.
On The Course – On The Town
Playing golf with the 1/4-Zip is a breeze, and it keeps the breeze from cooling me off too much. The full game from tee to green is a pleasure. No binding, pulling…zero restriction.
I love wearing the Stretch Thermal around town too. Anything from driving to chilling out at a local establishment enjoying frosty beverages.
Conclusion
I’m a big Dunning Golf fan in the early stages of addiction…
The Stretch Thermal performs perfectly on the course, yet is nice enough to wear in the clubhouse, and I’m talking about the fancy restaurant, not just the cafe.
Related Links
Hooked On Golf Blog Dunning Photos
Dunning Stretch Pique Multi Strip Polo Review
Dunning Golf Website
Kentwool makes the best golf socks in the world. I can say that without hesitation. There’s simply no competition. I have a drawer full of cotton socks from major manufacturers which I can’t bring myself to wear because I keep going with my Kentwools. I should just chuck all those other brands.
Kentwool Graduate Compression Socks
Recently I’ve been evaluating Kentwool Graduate Compression socks. If you’ve never tried compression socks or other compression apparel items, they’re fantastic. By compression they mean the item is very tight, in a therapeutic way. The compression helps to increase blood flow as well as reduce muscle and tendon soreness which can occur during athletic activities.
The Graduate Socks are large. They go above my knee, which is great.
The socks are made of 18.5 micron super-fine Merino wool, which makes them very soft. The wool has “thermoregulatory” properties which help cool the body in the summer and heat it in the winter. The fabric also naturally wicks moisture away, keeping the wearer dry.
Sizes/Colors
There are two colors available for the Graduate, Black (pictured) and Natural.
Sizes available are medium, large and extra-large.
On And Off The Course
Increased blood flow is great for athletic activities but also very good for times of inactivity, like sitting at the office or on a plane. In my case the Graduates have helped me weather the arctic cold of the west stands at Rice Eccles Stadium when I’m watching a Pac-12 Football game in the wee hours of the evening. The last two Utah Utes home games have been very cold, but with the help of my Graduates, my legs have been very warm. Not only that, I haven’t experienced any stiffness or soreness from sitting still in cold temperatures for 4-5 hours.
Fall is here and the temperatures are dropping. We are now experiencing frost in the mornings. I have yet to put the Graduates into play on the course, but I’m looking forward to the benefits of the increased blood flow as well as staying a little warmer.
Conclusion
Once again Kentwool has produced a fantastic product. At $40 for a pair of socks, you get what you pay for. In fact, I’d say $40 is a great deal when considering the comfort and benefits.
A very elaborate mystery box came to the doorstep yesterday. The magnetically sealed box had a fabric top which a Nike logo sort of embossed through it.
Mystery Box from Nike Golf
The fabric was a sample of materials used in the new Nike Golf Hyperadapt Storm-FIT jacket pictured below. Oh to have Nike’s marketing budget!
Nike Hyperadapt Storm-FIT Jacket
The Storm Fit jacket first appeared on the scene at the British Open Championship. It is a 100% waterproof piece which also blocks wind, yet stays comfortable and breathable without hampering the golf swing.
I’m not a big fan of cold, wet and wind on the golf course, but I might just be hoping for a little of that so I can put this baby on through the rigorous Hooked On Golf Blog test battery!
Stay tuned for my Nike Hyperadapt Storm-FIT jacket review soon.
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