Sunderland Whisperdry Stealth Jacket Review

Sunderland has been producing golf clothing for decades and has built a strong reputation for making some of the best golf waterproofs around. The Whisperdry Stealth is one of the brand's most interesting offerings. On paper, it certainly has the credentials to compete with some of the best golf rain jackets on the market, but how does it stack up in practice?

When it comes to golf waterproofs, there are three things I look for above all else. The first, obviously, is the ability to keep me dry. That's non-negotiable, but freedom of movement and breathability are almost as important. There's little point in having a jacket that keeps the rain out if it restricts your swing or - even worse - leaves you feeling hot and uncomfortable after a few holes.

I’m old enough to remember when wearing waterproofs would result in trousers that were just as wet on the inside as they were on the outside. It wasn’t pleasant! Thankfully, technology has come a long way since then and the Whisperdry Stealth is a good example of how modern waterproof clothing combines protection, comfort and practicality. Before I get into the performance, let’s talk a little about the technology.

The Whisperdry Stealth is constructed from 100% recycled polyester, with the fabric produced using yarn derived from 17 recycled plastic bottles. It's an environmentally conscious approach to manufacturing, which is nice to see and is something that more and more brands are thankfully becoming conscious of.

The fabric incorporates four-way stretch technology, which allows it to move freely in all directions, enabling the golfer to swing without restriction of movement. It also has a soft-touch finish designed to minimize the rustling noise that can sometimes be an irritating feature of waterproof clothing, particularly during the backswing. This will be more important to some golfers than others, but for the record it is certainly ‘quiet’.

It's available in six color options, with the Pine Green variant I tested being my favorite of the six. The gunmetal/black option is very nice too though I must say.

In terms of weather protection, the Whisperdry Stealth boasts an 8,000mm waterproof rating as well as fully sealed seams that prevent moisture from penetrating through the stitching. Waterproof lock-down zippers provide additional protection around the front opening and pockets. The fabric incorporates a PFC-free water-repellent finish that encourages water to bead on the surface rather than soak into the outer material.

There are plenty of other thoughtful touches, too. The high collar features a soft fleece lining for additional comfort and warmth around the neck, while adjustable anti-snag Velcro cuffs allow golfers to customize the fit around their wrists. An adjustable hem incorporates a hidden toggle system, with drawcord adjusters accessible through the pockets.

In terms of how it performed on the course, the first thing that stood out was just how lightweight it feels. Sunderland has clearly placed a great deal of emphasis on keeping weight to a minimum, but with that in mind I would say this jacket is more suited to golf in milder conditions. You can wear it in winter but you’d need to layer up underneath, whereas with some other, more robust jackets you can get away with less layering.

The four-way stretch fabric does an excellent job of allowing freedom of movement during the swing. I never felt restricted in any way, while the soft material is noticeably quieter than some waterproof jackets I've worn previously and has very little 'rustle'.

Of course, the most important consideration with any waterproof jacket is how well it performs when the heavens open. An 8,000mm waterproof rating might not sound quite as impressive as the figures offered by some considerably more expensive jackets, but it's enough, particularly when combined with fully sealed seams and waterproof zippers.

Most of my on-course testing took place in light rain that was often little more than drizzle, so I didn't get the opportunity to see how the Whisperdry Stealth performed during a prolonged downpour on the golf course. However, I've also been wearing the jacket regularly on my evening walks, and the recent storms here in the UK provided the perfect opportunity to put its waterproof credentials to the test. I ventured out in some truly miserable conditions and the jacket performed admirably. Water beaded nicely on the surface and rolled off, while I remained completely dry underneath. A good thermal layer undeneath is a must though.

A waterproof jacket that folds into its left hand pocket is particularly useful during the warmer months, when you might only need protection for a passing shower. It’s pretty easy to fold away and doesn’t take up much room in a golf bag, which is especially handy for golfers who travel light and carry their bag as opposed to using a trolley or cart. It’s also small enough to throw in a rucksack if you’re out walking or doing any other outdoor activity.

All in all, the Sunderland Whisperdry Stealth has a lot going for it, particularly for golfers who prioritize lightweight comfort and freedom of movement. Its combination of four-way stretch, quiet fabric and practical weatherproofing features are all big plus points, while the lifetime waterproof fabric guarantee provides additional reassurance.

I think it represents good value for money too. There are more substantial jackets that are better suited to winter golf and require less layering underneath, but if you're happy to layer up when temperatures drop and want something lightweight enough for summer showers, the Whisperdry Stealth is an excellent all-round option that I'd happily recommend.