Malbon Cascade LS Windshirt Review
Joe Ferguson tries out this lightweight midlayer from the US-based fashion brand making serious inroads into the golf world…
There is nothing I don’t like about this mid-layer. It looks great, is brilliantly lightweight and the construction quality is exceptional. The fit is spot on for a piece like this, right around what I would deem ‘regular’. Not so fitted as to restrict movement but certainly not baggy enough to have any distraction from excess material. A great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight layer that will inject some style into your wardrobe on or off the course.
-
+
The branding placement is really cool, particularly on the back
-
+
Fit is ideal for a piece in this category
-
+
The material isn’t too noisy when moving like other tops of this ilk
-
-
I’m struggling here!
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Malbon is a brand making some serious waves within golf. Its crossover streetwear style has divided opinion amongst some golf fans and caused quite the furor at the 2024 Masters when Jason Day wore some of the brand's more statement pieces, even being asked to remove a particular vest by the powers that be at Augusta National at one point.
I for one am a huge fan of the brand and its progressive attitude towards golf fashion and opening the game up to a youth that may not have considered it ‘cool’ before. I actually wrote a piece staunchly defending the brand and Jason Day’s clothing choices that provoked a very strong reaction shortly after the Masters.
I was delighted to hear that I would be receiving a package of samples to try out from Malbon for our Autumn/Winter testing here at Golf Monthly, and the first piece I pulled out was the Cascade LS Windshirt. Looking to sit amongst some of the best golf windbreakers, I could tell immediately that I was going to love this top just from the colorway which is mainly black but with some really cool olive and purple accents that make it really pop, particularly on the back where the Malbon logo sits boldly in that olive color. I could also tell that I was going to love it from the weight, or in fact lack of it! The 100% polyester construction gives plenty of protection against the elements but the lightweight design and vent opening on the back provide real breathability like many of the best lightweight golf jackets.
So I was sold straight away, but the aesthetics would be no good if it didn’t fit well right? I am delighted to report that the L size fitted my 6ft 3” frame beautifully, not too tight as to impinge movement but also not even close to baggy enough to be distracting on a backswing. I would say that this piece sits right in the middle of a ‘regular’ fit for me making it very accessible to all shapes and sizes like so many of the best golf mid layers.
Along with the stunning aesthetics and comfortable fit, this is a wind shirt laden with features too. Contrast rib knit collar and cuffs enhance the comfort and look while the mesh pocket on the left chest is a cool addition that makes it standout further. The elastic cord on the waistband allows you to tailor the fit to your requirements and the vent on the back offers welcome breathability.
There is nothing I don’t love about this top and this thing will be a staple of my wardrobe for the foreseeable future, so don’t blame me if you get bored of seeing it on our Golf Monthly YouTube videos! You can pick up the Cascade LS wind shirt for $168/£180 and for what is on offer, I think this is well priced.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. After a successful amateur career being involved in England squads at every age group, Joe completed his PGA degree qualification in 2014 as one of the top ten graduates in his training year and subsequently went on to become Head PGA Professional at Ryder Cup venue The Celtic Manor Resort. Equipment has always been a huge passion of Joe’s, and during his time at Celtic Manor, he headed up the National Fitting Centres for both Titleist and Taylormade. He’s excited to bring his knowledge of hardware to Golf Monthly in the form of equipment reviews and buying advice.
Joe lives in North Devon and still plays sporadically on the PGA West region circuit. His best round in recent years came earlier in 2023 where he managed a 9 under par 63 at Trevose GC in a Devon & Cornwall PGA Tournament.
Joe's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Switch between Ping G430 Max 10K & TaylorMade Qi10 - both with Fujikura Ventus Black 6-X
Fairway wood 1: TaylorMade BRNR Copper Mini Driver - Fujikura Ventus Black 7-X
Fairway wood 2: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD 5 Wood - Fujikura Ventus Black 8-X
Irons: TaylorMade P7CB 3-PW with Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts
Wedges: Callaway Opus 50, 54, and 60 degrees - Project X LS 6.0 shafts
Putter: Odyssey Toe Up #9
Ball: TaylorMade 2024 TP5x
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 60R
Bag: Vessel Player IV Pro DXR Stand
-
Rory McIlroy 'Would Pay For The Privilege' Of Playing In The Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy can see the argument for players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, but thinks it would upset the "purity" of the event for the Europeans
By Paul Higham Published
-
'No Other Motivation Was Needed' - Nick Faldo Weighs In On Ryder Cup Debate
Sir Nick Faldo says he played in the Ryder Cup for pride not payment as he gave his opinion on the latest debate on USA players being paid to take part
By Paul Higham Published
-
LIV Golf Schedule 2025: What We Know So Far
We know 10 of the 14 LIV Golf events that will be held on the 2025 schedule, including a new trip to Korea and new venue where the individual title will be settled
By Paul Higham Published