I'd never heard of this company, but they're the best golf waterproofs I’ve ever owned
Last updated:
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At a glance
- TG Rating
- Owner Rating
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Pros
- Highest waterproof rating (20,000 mm)
- Light-weight and ultra-comfortable
- Fold up small for easy storage in your bag
- Multi-functional - suitable for other outdoor activities
- Trousers feature belt loops
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Cons
- No easy access to golf trouser pockets underneath waterproofs
What we say...
HLINC waterproofs are designed to provide ultimate protection for links golf where players encounter some of the most extreme weather conditions in our sport.
HLINC claims to be “unlike most brands” when it comes to fully understanding what it takes to produce clothing for weather that only links golf can throw at you.
I’ve played links golf pretty much exclusively for the last 14 months and battled through my fair share of howling wind and driving rain. So to say I was keen to see what the HLINC waterproofs had to offer was an understatement, to say the least.
As soon as I slipped on the first garment of this three-piece set, I knew these were something a bit special. The fit was absolutely perfect, the look stylish yet unassuming, and the ease of movement better than any other waterproof set I’ve ever worn.
The other thing that was instantly apparent to me was not only the quality that runs through every aspect of the clothing – from the stitching, the overall look, to the precise attention to detail – but the clever design of some aspects which really helped make a lasting impression.
I couldn’t wait to get out into the elements to see if these were as good as I thought they were going to be.
HLINC waterproofs review
Protection – 5/5
In my opinion, the waterproofing is as robust as any player would ever need. I tested all three items in traditional links conditions with strong winds and heavy rain and they kept out every element superbly. I would put the HLINC waterproofs in the highest waterproofing rating (20,000 mm).
Living in north Devon I also like to surf and the inside of these waterproofs really resemble the inside of a wetsuit and by this I mean that all of the seams are completely sealed. There’s no way that any water or wind can penetrate these areas.
In the case of other waterproofs, I’m always keen to get them off as soon as it stops raining, but I’ve kept these on because they are so warm and also repel the wind brilliantly. Perfect for this time of the year when it’s still pretty chilly.
One of the standout features of these waterproofs is the skirt of the jacket and the gilet. It’s longer at the back than it is at the front. Not enough to look or feel strange, but it offers full coverage when you’re over a shot and moving through the swing.
We all know what it’s like to have jackets ride up at the back when you’re taking a shot and it becomes an even more uncomfortable issue when it’s pouring with rain. This feature eliminates all of these problems and I’m so impressed with how this feature contributes to the overall comfort of the jacket.
The other feature which really helps prevent water from getting in is the adjustable velcro cuffs on the jacket. Despite having quite thin wrists, these fasten up so that I can still achieve a super-tight but comfortable fit to stop water getting up the sleeves.
Another feature worth mentioning here is the zip that’s situated at the bottom left-hand side of both the jacket and the gilet. This allows the skirt to open up, which makes it really easy to slip these on and off.
Playability – 5/5
These are the best-fitting waterproofs I’ve ever owned. To be honest I’d go as far as to say that I don’t even realise I’m wearing them.
In my experience, waterproofs have always felt restrictive and somewhat bulky. The HLINC trousers are as true to size as my standard-fitting golf trousers and the HLINC also have belt loops, which is a great feature.
There’s nothing worse than having to continually keep pulling up and adjusting your waterproof trousers. In sets I’ve owned in the past it’s always been the trousers which have let them down in terms of sizing and overall fit, but these are a breath of fresh air for me.
The same goes for the jacket and gilet top. All of these factors combine to make them a joy to wear on the course, but most importantly don’t restrict movement during the swing. The fabric is extremely light and supple, and this coupled with the quality of the fit, also means that there’s no distracting noises during the swing or while walking the course.
When it comes to pockets, the jacket and the gilet share an amazing feature. The only main pocket here is one situated at the back of the body, which means there’s nothing at the front to get in the way. I’ve had jackets in the past which have pockets at the front and it’s created a bowing effect and sometimes interfere with my swing. Having the pocket at the back gives some storage inside the garment, but it’s totally out of the way, which is a brilliantly thought-out design.
The HLINC Waterproofs incorporate eVent Fabrics BIO technology which creates a light, tough, and flexible membrane. This technology, which I go into a little more detail further on in my review, combines to ensure that there’s no distracting sounds during the swing or walking the course.
There’s no shortage of pockets with this set of clothing. The trousers feature a standard pocket on each side and also two at the back beneath the belt loops. All four of these are zipped. Both the jacket and the gilet have a small pocket on the right chest and one at the lower back. All of the pockets are well-positioned and perfect in size.
Another big plus here is that each piece rolls up really neatly and doesn’t take up too much space in the bag. I’m known for the fact I don’t travel light, so this is perfect if you’re like me and don’t like to leave much at home or back in the car.
Versatility – 5/5
I like getting my money’s worth and not just when it comes to golf. With this in mind, I’ve worn my HLINC set of waterproofs for quite a few other outdoor activities including coastal walks and cycling. I have other waterproof clothing I use for these activities, but this is superior in quality, fit, and functionality.
Durability is something I haven’t touched on yet but I just know these are going to last for years no matter how much I use them. The fabric feels bombproof and every little detail even down to the chords on the pocket zips are attached with military precision.
Innovation – 4/5
The HLINC Waterproofs are made with eVent Fabrics BIO technology which uses highly renewable and smartly sourced plant-based materials to create a light, tough, and flexible membrane. This technology has been trusted globally for over 20 years by outdoor brands and the military.
So with all of this in mind, there’s no question that the quality of the materials is absolutely out of the top drawer. Exactly what you need when you’re playing links golf and mother nature turns the elements up a notch or two.
Final Verdict: 5/5
If you’re serious about playing golf in any weather conditions, then you just have to consider HLINC waterproofs, especially if you play regular links golf. Not only does this clothing keep out every element, but it also looks fantastic with incredible attention to detail running through every aspect of the design and functionality.
The fit is absolutely top drawer and there’s no doubt in my mind that these waterproofs will stand the test of time and I will be wearing them for years to come. When it comes to waterproofs for extreme weather there are no better out there in my opinion.
