With unpredictability the only certainty when it comes to predicting the weather, is your gear ready whatever the elements throw at it? Here's what manufacturers BIG MAX think.
With unpredictability the only certainty when it comes to predicting the weather, is your gear ready whatever the elements throw at it? Here's what manufacturers BIG MAX think.
As we reflect on one of the hottest summers in living memory, with average rainfall at the other end of the spectrum, the fact that it was snowing in May is a distant memory.
Or take June to September 2017 when average rainfall was way above a 30-year average or April and May that year when it was just as far below. The one thing that we can say for sure is that the weather over the past few years has been far from normal, and pretty much the only thing we can predict with certainty is that the weather will be unpredictable!
But golf goes on. And while the changeable weather might put off a few, the rest of us are out there on all but the hottest or wettest days doing our best to enjoy the game.
So what does the changing weather mean for golfers? And how can choosing the right gear help you to get the best out of your game?
“The unpredictability of the weather isn’t just a challenge for golfers,” comments Ralf Niesing, head designer for golf bag and cart specialists, BIG MAX. “As golfers are faced with changing conditions we need to make sure that our equipment will function at its best- whatever the weather.”
But with so many variations in the weather the ‘Goldilocks’ combination of equipment that is ‘Just Right’ whatever the weather is a puzzle that is very hard to solve.
“Our focus has always been on providing the best solutions for any variations. Take for instance our two bag lines – Dri Lite and Aqua. Aqua is 100% waterproof with sealed seams and waterproof zippers. It has a hydrostatic rating of 10,000 meaning 10,000mm of rain can fall on it in 24 hours and it will stay dry inside. Dri Lite has all of those features without the seam sealing, so it carries a rating of 2000. In most situations, our Dri Lite bags will keep out average rainfall, but if you are likely to be playing courses in areas prone to downpours, I’d suggest the Aqua every time. If you are in an area where you get occasional rain or if you want to be protected just in case, then Dri-Lite is the line for you.”
BIG MAX doesn't just lead the way in waterproof technology though. They take care to pick materials which can resist extreme temperatures and remain durable under the stress of the sun as well as the rain, right down to making sure that their bright styling stays that way without fading in direct sunlight. The result is a unique waterproof material that is incredibly lightweight, durable in rain and sunshine, washable if it gets muddy or dusty, and keeps its colour whatever the weather.
If necessity is the mother of invention, then it is clear that manufacturers will have to accommodate climate fluctuations more and more in their designs over the coming years to make life on the course that bit easier for golfers. WIth a line of innovative products already, who knows what the next generation of designs will look like for BIG MAX, but it is safe to say that the climate will be an important part of those next steps.
For more information on BIG MAX weatherproof innovations visit www.bigmaxgolf.com
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