Ping Zero Gravity waterproof reader test
Published:
Four Today’s Golfer readers put the new Ping Zero Gravity waterproof jacket through its paces.
Ping probably isn’t the first name to spring to mind when you’re looking to buy a new waterproof jacket.
But its new Zero Gravity is the lightest waterproof jacket we’ve ever come across. So we put it to the test.
The panel: Allan Smith (handicap 11), Dave Rimmer (Handicap 10), Phil Winstanley (Handicap 9), Andy Loeber (Handicap 13).
The product: Ping Zero Gravity half-zip waterproof jacket, RRP £150.
First impressions?
DR: It’s the lightest waterproof jacket I’ve come across. The design is easy on the eye.
PW: Excellent. The jacket looked smart and I liked the colour. I’d certainly have no issues wearing it away from the golf course as well.
AS: I thought it was stylish, really lightweight and it struck me as being very versatile.
AL: We all commented on how light the Zero Gravity was. You can’t fail to spot it immediately on picking it up. To me it’s not an obvious golf jacket, which is a real plus as I can wear it for everyday life as well.
Ping says the jacket folds down to take up virtually no space in a golf bag – does it?
DR: Thumbs up from me. I even scrunched it up a few times on purpose just to see how it would unfold on the golf course – needless to say it passed the creaseless test.
PW: If limited space was part of the design brief Ping have nailed it. The jacket can be scrunched down to nothing. It’s much lighter than my current waterproof jacket.
AS: It certainly doesn’t take up any space in a bag, which is a real bonus if you’re the type of person who carries a full set of waterproofs, even in the middle of summer.
AL: It’s much easier to store in a clothing pocket of a bag than a conventional waterproof jacket.
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So it’s light, but how practical is it?
DR: I’d definitely wear it year-round. Its weight means I can layer up and not worry about the top layer being heavy and restricting.
PW: I’ve not tested the jacket during winter, but I reckon it would be brilliant for layering. It would certainly mean I wouldn’t need a wind jacket. At this weight I’d use it for spring, summer and autumn which I might not do with a conventional waterproof.
AS: I’m not sure the jacket would be my choice for winter golf as I like to be toasty. For anything other than super-cold days when a torrential downpour is forecast, it’s ideal.
AL: The jacket’s ideal for spring, summer and autumn. It’s super-light, it’s not too hot and it’s easy to get on and off in a shower. I wore mine over a polo shirt when the temperature reached 16° and was still comfortable.
Did you have any niggles?
DR: Apart from constantly going for side pockets to put my hands into, no niggles. In my opinion quarter-zip jackets are easier to pull on and off so I don’t think other golfers will have any issues here.
PW: It’s a personal thing, but I’d prefer the rear pocket to be at the front. I’m used to quarter zip jackets and prefer them.
AS: No. Like Phil I prefer quarter-zip jackets, there just seems to be less material in front of you to get in the way.
AL: I would say full-zip jackets are often seen as more convenient. This is the first I’ve tried without one, and I’m really impressed.
Would you recommend it to other golfers?
DR: Ping has created a super practical, lightweight waterproof jacket with everything stripped back to bare basics, which certainly isn’t a criticism. Yes I’d recommend it, but try to get a decent deal as they’re not cheap.
PW: The quality is really good, and it’s quiet, which stands out over some waterproofs.
I didn’t get wet so I’d recommend them.
AS: The quality is first class, so yes.
AL: The quality is good, I like the attention given to detail like the scorecard pocket at the back and no Velcro cuffs.