Mizuno 20k Waterproof Jacket Review
GolfMagic tests out the Mizuno 20k waterproof jacket.
- Very lightweight
- Poppers on pockets are quite fiddly
Mizuno 20k Waterproof Jacket Key Features:
- 20,000 grams of moisture transfer
- Popper side pockets
- Adjustable back straps
It's fair to say that Mizuno is a brand best known for its irons, but it also makes some genuinely top-notch apparel.
The 20k jacket is Mizuno's premium waterproof offering for 2024, and it's designed to be lightweight but also durable, so you can tackle the elements with peace of mind.
Featuring popper side pockets, 20,000 grams of moisture transfer and adjustable back straps and cuffs, this jacket has plenty going for it.
To see how it would hold up over 18 holes I took it out for a round at the Berkshire Golf Club.
Let's get into it.
Starting with looks, this jacket is potentially my favourite of 2024. Most of the jackets I've tested have been primarily black, so it's nice to see some extra colour featured on Mizuno's offering.
The split panel design looks great, and the choice of colours is also spot on. It wouldn't be a Mizuno product without a splash of blue, and both the top panel and vibrant blue zipper detailing really make this jacket pop.
The classic Mizuno Run Bird logo always looks good on the chest, and I'm also a big fan of the decision to have additional Mizuno text run vertically down beside the zip.
The fit does run quite large so I would recommend sizing down from what you would typically wear.
I'm 6'1 and wore a large, but I would ideally move down to a medium for a more comfortable and athletic fit.
With that being said, there is adjustability on offer at the back of the jacket, thanks to two velcro tabs which can be altered very easily.
The sleeves are also on the baggy side, but again can be adjusted using velcro tabs.
In terms of functionality, I do have one big bone to pick with Mizuno. The front pockets on the jacket open and close using poppers rather than zips, which I have to say I'm not a massive fan of.
Not only do poppers limit the waterproof protection offered by the pockets, but they're also much more fiddly to open and close properly, when compared to a quality zip.
As a result of opting for poppers, you also have to move your hands backwards to enter the covered opening, which again is quite frustrating, especially when wearing a glove.
With regards to protection, this jacket is one of the thinner models we've tried, so although it does a good job of repelling water, it isn't the warmest option.
Due to its lightweight design it is very easy to pack away in a bag, however if we were playing a particularly cold round, we would probably opt for something a little thicker.
Verdict
The Mizuno 20k waterproof jacket is solid without being stand out. It looks good, and it's very lightweight, however it lacks the technical features offered by brands like FootJoy or Galvin Green.
Coming in at £139, this jacket is one of the more affordable options on this list, which is probably why it offers slightly less wow factor than other models available in 2024, so if you're looking for a simple yet effective waterproof jacket that's not going to break the bank, this could be the one for you.
Johnny joined GolfMagic as Reviews Editor in 2023 having worked for Sports Impact for two years as Head of Social Media, working alongside prominent golf brands including Galvin Green, Motocaddy and Wilson.
