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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Daiwa 2026–27 Winter Fishing Suits: 7 New RAINMAX and GORE-TEX Models Compared
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Mornings are getting cold, and from here on your winter suit may matter more to your fishing than your tackle. Daiwa has released a wave of new 2026–27 cold-weather fishing suits, from under 30,000 yen RAINMAX models to 60,000-yen-plus GORE-TEX. Here are seven, compared by price, warmth and fishing style.
All seven at a glance
| Model | Material | Japan price (excl. tax) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| DW-3526 RAINMAX Winter Suit | RAINMAX | 28,400 yen | Standard, stretch fabric |
| DW-3426 RAINMAX High Loft Winter Suit | RAINMAX | 42,000 yen | 120% insulation |
| DW-3226 RAINMAX Anglers Winter Suit | RAINMAX | 45,000 yen | Detachable hood fur, everyday wear |
| DW-6026 PU Ocean Winter Suit | PU waterproof | 46,500 yen | Stain-resistant, for boats |
| DW-1926 GORE-TEX Versatile Winter Suit | GORE-TEX | 56,000 yen | The standard GORE-TEX suit |
| DW-1826 GORE-TEX Combi-Up Winter Suit | GORE-TEX | 65,000 yen | For rocks, vest-compatible |
| DW-1725J GORE-TEX Extra Loft Winter Jacket | GORE-TEX | 39,000 yen | 150% insulation, jacket only |
Model names are translated from Daiwa Japan’s catalogue; overseas names and availability may differ.
RAINMAX vs GORE-TEX
| Material | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| RAINMAX | Daiwa’s own waterproof-breathable fabric; covers waterproofing, windproofing and breathability at a lower price | Piers and beaches, value-minded anglers |
| GORE-TEX | Lab-proven high waterproof breathability | Rocks, rough weather, long days, minimal sweat |
In cold-weather fishing the real enemy is sweating while you walk and then chilling when you stop. The more you walk, the more breathability matters.
The RAINMAX suits
DW-3526 RAINMAX Winter Suit — the standard (28,400 yen)
Released September 2026, two-layer stretch RAINMAX, sizes M–4XL. Soft insulation that keeps its loft, a box-collar design that works outdoors and in town, a hood drawcord to widen side vision, and elastic-plus-drawcord trousers. If this is your first winter suit, you cannot go wrong.
DW-3426 RAINMAX High Loft Winter Suit — 120% insulation (42,000 yen)
Released October 2026, thicker RAINMAX, with 20% more insulation than the rest of the line-up and removable suspenders. Sleeve logos visible over a floating vest, black cuffs that hide dirt and waterproof-zip pockets. Built for winter night fishing and windy beaches.
DW-3226 RAINMAX Anglers Winter Suit — fishing and everyday (45,000 yen)
Released October 2026. A detachable fur hood trim breaks up the wind on your face, with gusseted cargo pockets, hand-warmer pockets and buckle-belt trousers that stay up as you move.
For boat fishing
DW-6026 PU Ocean Winter Suit (46,500 yen)
Soft, highly waterproof polyurethane that resists stains from fish blood and chum. Chest-high bib trousers cover more of you, and a cap-in clip connects the hood to your cap. Ideal for winter offshore jigging and ribbonfish trips.
The GORE-TEX suits
DW-1926 GORE-TEX Versatile Winter Suit (56,000 yen)
Released September 2026, two-layer GORE-TEX with fluorine-free DWR, M–4XL. Lofty insulation for warmth, GORE-TEX breathability against sweat, waterproof zips, sealed cuffs and buckle-belt trousers. For surf anglers who walk and sweat, this is where GORE-TEX shines.
DW-1826 GORE-TEX Combi-Up Winter Suit (65,000 yen)
Thick GORE-TEX for rock fishing. The Combi-Up system joins it to a compatible floating vest for better visibility of your footing and added safety, plus a cap-in hood, towel loop and removable suspenders. For rock and rocky-shore anglers.
DW-1725J GORE-TEX Extra Loft Winter Jacket (39,000 yen)
The warmest of the season with 150% insulation, aimed at the coldest months; new colours (Black Flow, Abyss Blue) arrived in October 2026. Jacket only — pair it with the matching DW-1725P trousers or your own.
Which one for your fishing?
- First winter suit, mostly piers: DW-3526
- Winter night fishing or you feel the cold: DW-3426 or DW-1725J
- Lots of walking on the surf: DW-1926
- Boat jigging and ribbonfish: DW-6026
- Rocks and rocky shores: DW-1826
- Also want to wear it off the water: DW-3226
If you layer thick fleece underneath, consider one size up for freedom of movement.
Minagiman’s take
Most cold-weather fishing failures come down to losing focus and going home early — often 30 minutes before the evening bite. This season Daiwa has split RAINMAX by insulation and purpose, which makes choosing easier. Remember that warmer suits are bulkier and make you sweat more when walking: if you walk a lot, prioritise breathability; if you sit and wait, prioritise insulation.
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ABOUT ME
Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.
