A couple of years ago I got to review the Conqueror Jacket from Zero Restriction and it performed outstandingly well to the point where it came oh so close to getting a five star review. Well imagine my excitement when the brand new Conquistador turned up on my doorstep, which appears to be the Conqueror’s replacement. Heading into the unpredictable Autumn/Winter season of golf, I was very much looking forward to putting this new model through its paces…
(Image credit: Future)
Starting with the aesthetic, I think it looks great. Zero Restriction has seemingly taken the previous jacket and improved on it with small color choices in specific areas, (like the zips), and chiefly, made this new model with a full zip instead of a half zip. That makes the Conquistador way easier to put on or take off. As a whole the jacket has versatility in its design, to the point where I felt I could use this jacket as much, if not more, off the course than on it. It really blends well everywhere, especially in the green finish I tested here. Speaking of which there may be only two colors right now (Blue Indigo/Racing Green), but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more down the line given how popular I foresee this jacket being.
(Image credit: Future)
Moving on to arguably the most important facet to the best golf rain jackets, the waterproofing. As per usual Zero Restriction has nailed this element, in fact I would argue this new jacket is as good as it gets in this part of the market. Thanks to everything being seam-sealed, waterproof zips, and the multi-layer construction, water couldn’t get to my body in testing and it just ran off the fabric nicely. The hood is always a welcome addition on golf rain jackets as it offered that little bit more protection and with the shapeable, memory wire brim, I could create and adjust that custom fit I wanted as well. Speaking of adjustability, I could make changes to the cuffs, hem and the hood itself thanks to drawcords and tab closures which were welcome design flourishes.
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(Image credit: Future)
Admittedly it is not the lightest of rain jackets when compared to others on the market but by no means is it heavy. I could move seamlessly in it and felt comfortable throughout my testing, at no point feeling unrestricted or cumbersome by its design. It gave a reasonable amount of stretch as well.
Finally coming to the price, I will not beat around the bush here, it is at the premium end of the rain jacket price spectrum. But I would still argue at performance of this level, and the fact you can use it anywhere and everywhere arguably makes it worth it. It is the kind of jacket you can use for years and years, and it will continue to deliver.
For more wet weather buying advice be sure to have a read of our guides on the best golf rain pants, best rain gloves, or best golf hoodies.