ASTM D7017-20

Standard Performance Specification for Water-Resistant Rainwear and All-Purpose, Water-Repellent Coat Fabrics

ABSTRACT
This performance specification covers rainwear and all-purpose water-repellent coat outer fabrics. Fabrics may compose of any textile fiber or mixture of textile fibers. This standard performance is not applicable for fabrics used for linings and interlinings. Fabrics for this purpose shall be tested and meet the following requirements: breaking strength, resistance to yarn slippage, tearing strength, bursting strength, dimensional change, colorfastness, water repellency, water resistance, fabric appearance, and flammability.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Fabrics intended for rainwear and all-purpose, water-repellent coat end use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table 1 of this specification. (A) See Note 6.  
4.2 It should be recognized that fabric can be produced utilizing an almost infinite number of combination of construction variables (for example, type of fibers, percentage of fibers, yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and mechanical finishes). Additionally, fashion or aesthetics dictate that the ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles made from fabrics that do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1.  
4.2.1 Hence, no single performance specification can possibly apply to all the various fabrics that could be utilized for this end-use.  
4.3 The uses and significance of particular properties and test methods are discussed in the appropriate sections of the specified test methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This performance specification covers rainwear and all-purpose water-repellent coat outer fabrics composed of any textile fiber or mixture of textile fibers.  
1.2 This performance specification is not applicable to fabrics used for linings and interlinings.  
1.3 These requirements apply to the length and width directions for those properties where fabric direction is pertinent.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2020
• ICS: 61.020 - Clothes
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.61 - Apparel

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7017-14 - Standard Performance Specification for Rainwear and All-Purpose, Water-Repellent Coat Fabrics
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2024) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3787-16(2020) - Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles—Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017)e1 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2261-13(2017) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3787-16 - Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles—Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3787-15 - Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles—Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D7022-13e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Apparel
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D7022-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Apparel
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1424-09(2013) - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1424-09(2013)e1 - Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013

Overview

ASTM D7017-20: Standard Performance Specification for Water-Resistant Rainwear and All-Purpose, Water-Repellent Coat Fabrics defines minimum performance requirements for outer fabrics used in rainwear and all-purpose, water-repellent coats. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that fabrics composed of any textile fiber or mixture provide the durability, water resistance, and performance expected for outerwear applications. The scope specifically excludes linings and interlinings, focusing on materials used for the outermost protective layer.

ASTM D7017-20 addresses essential properties such as breaking strength, tearing and bursting resistance, dimensional stability, water repellency and resistance, colorfastness, fabric appearance, and flammability. By providing these benchmarks, the standard supports textile manufacturers, apparel developers, and end users in ensuring consistent product quality and safety for water-resistant outerwear.

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Key Topics

• Performance Criteria: Fabrics are evaluated for breaking strength, resistance to yarn slippage, tearing and bursting strength, and dimensional change after laundering, pressing, and dry cleaning.
• Water Repellency and Resistance: Specifies water spray resistance and water penetration limits for both smooth and rough-textured fabrics, including durability after repeated laundering or dry cleaning.
• Colorfastness: Requirements cover resistance to fading, staining, and color change due to washing, dry cleaning, light exposure, perspiration, and various bleaching agents.
• Fabric Appearance: Assesses the smoothness and appearance retention of fabrics after care cycles, ensuring continued aesthetics and comfort in wearable products.
• Flammability: Mandates compliance with flammability standards for clothing textiles, emphasizing wearer safety.
• Test Methods: References standardized test methods from ASTM and AATCC for unbiased and repeatable performance evaluation.

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Applications

ASTM D7017-20 applies to the quality assurance and development of water-resistant and water-repellent outerwear, such as:

• Rainwear: Jackets, coats, and ponchos designed to shield against precipitation.
• All-purpose Outerwear: Multi-functional coats with water-repellency for everyday use in variable weather.
• Industrial and Professional Apparel: Workwear requiring protective or water-repellent properties.
• Outdoor and Recreational Gear: Fabrics for hiking, camping, and sportswear where moisture resistance is critical.

By following the ASTM D7017-20 specifications, manufacturers can rigorously test and certify their textiles, ensuring products meet consumer expectations for durability, safety, and weather protection. Compliance also benefits retailers and brands by reducing product returns and enhancing customer satisfaction with high-performing water-resistant fabrics.

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Related Standards

ASTM D7017-20 references and aligns with a range of key standards, including:

• ASTM D123 - Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D5034 - Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics
• ASTM D3786 - Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics
• ASTM D1424 - Tearing Strength of Fabrics (Elmendorf-Type)
• AATCC Test Methods (e.g., TM22 Spray Test, TM35 Rain Test, TM135 Dimensional Change on Laundering)
• 16 CFR 1610 - Flammability of Clothing Textiles

These referenced standards provide standardized test procedures for verifying the specific performance requirements stated in ASTM D7017-20. Adhering to these ensures comprehensive quality control in the production and certification of water-resistant and water-repellent textile fabrics for outerwear.

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Keywords: ASTM D7017-20, water-resistant fabrics, rainwear textiles, water-repellent outerwear, textile performance specification, fabric testing, apparel standards, colorfastness, durability, flammability compliance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D7017 −20
Standard Performance Specification for
Water-Resistant Rainwear and All-Purpose, Water-Repellent
Coat Fabrics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7017; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D2261 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the
Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-
1.1 This performance specification covers rainwear and
Extension Tensile Testing Machine)
all-purpose water-repellent coat outer fabrics composed of any
D3786 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile
textile fiber or mixture of textile fibers.
Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method
1.2 This performance specification is not applicable to
D3787 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles—
fabrics used for linings and interlinings.
Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test
D5034 TestMethodforBreakingStrengthandElongationof
1.3 These requirements apply to the length and width
directions for those properties where fabric direction is perti- Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
D7022 Terminology Relating to Apparel
nent.
2.2 AATCC Test Methods:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
TM8 Colorfastness to Crocking: Crockmeter Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
TM15 Colorfastness to Perspiration
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
TM16.3 Colorfastness to Light: Xenon-Arc
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
TM22 Water Repellency: Spray Test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
TM23 Colorfastness to Burnt Gas Fumes
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
TM35 Water Resistance: Rain Test
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
TM61 Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
TM107 Colorfastness to Water
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
TM116 Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crock-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
meter Method
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
TM119 Color Change Due to Flat Abrasion (Frosting):
2. Referenced Documents
Screen Wire Method
TM124 Smoothness Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Home Laundering
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
TM132 Colorfastness to Dry Cleaning
D434 Test Method for Resistance to Slippage of Yarns in
TM135 Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Laun-
Woven Fabrics Using a Standard Seam (Withdrawn
dering
2003)
TM158 Dimensional Changes on Drycleaning in Perchloro-
D1424 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by
ethylene: Machine Method
Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
TM172 Colorfastness to Powdered Non-chlorine Bleach in
Home Laundering
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on
TM188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach in
Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.61 on Apparel.
Home Laundering
Current edition approved July 1, 2020. Published August 2020. Originally
EP1 AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7017-14. DOI:
10.1520/D7017-20.
EP2 AATCC Gray Scale for Staining
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
EP8 AATCC 9-Step Chromatic Transference Scale
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists,
www.astm.org. P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7017−20
M11 A Glossary of AATCC Standard Terminology 3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
2.3 Federal Standard: all-purpose, outerwear, rainwear, water repellency, water resis-
tance.
16 CFR 1610 Standard for the Flammability of Clothing
Textiles
3.2 FordefinitionsofallothertextiletermsseeTerminology
D123.
NOTE 1—Reference to test methods in this standard give only the
permanent part of the designation of ASTM, AATCC or other test
3.3 For terms relating to chemical or colorfastness testing,
methods. The current edition of each test method cited shall prevail.
refer to specific AATCC test methods, or the Glossary of
3. Terminology
AATCC Standard Terminology, or both.
3.1 For all terminology related toApparel, see Terminology
4. Significance and Use
D7022.
4.1 Fabrics intended for rainwear and all-purpose, water-
repellentcoatenduseshouldmeetalloftherequirementslisted
Available from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office,
in Table 1 of this specification.
Washington, DC.
TABLE 1 Specification Requirements
NOTE 1—Grade in colorfastness and SA requirements is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible or no color change, color transfer, or fabric
smoothness to 1 for severe color change, color transfer, or fabric smoothness.
Characteristic Minimum Requirement Section
Breaking strength (CRE), wovens 178 N (40 lbf) 5.1
Resistance to Yarn slippage – wovens 5.2
6mm( ⁄4-in.) separation 111 N (25 lbf)
Tearing Strength – wovens 13N(3lbf) 5.3
Bursting Strength – knits 222 N (50lbf) 5.4
Dimensional change:
Pressing and finishing 2 % max 5.5.1
After laundering 3 % max 5.5.2
After dry cleaning 2 % max 5.5.3
Colorfastness:
A
Laundering: 5.6.1
Shade change Grade 4
Staining Grade 3
Dry cleaning (shade change) Grade 4 5.6.2
Burnt gas fumes—2 cycles:
Shade change, original fabric Grade 4 5.6.3
Shade change after 1 laundering or 1 dry cleaning Grade 4
A
Crocking: 5.6.4
Dry Grade 4
Wet Grade 3
Chlorine Bleach 5.6.5
Shade Change Grade 4
Non-chlorine Bleach 5.6.6
Shade Change Grade 4
A
Water: 5.6.7
Shade change Grade 4
Staining Grade 4
A
Perspiration: 5.6.8
Shade change Grade 4
Staining Grade 3
Light (20 AATCC Fading Units) Grade 4 5.6.9
Frosting Grade 4 5.6.10
Water repellency:
Smooth-textured fabrics:
Original 90 5.7
After 5 launderings or 3 dry cleanings 70
Rough-textured:
Original 80 5.7
After 5 launderings or 3 dry cleanings 70
Water resistance (categories based on time for maximum
weight increase at following head pressures):
Shower 600 mm (2 ft) for 30 s 1 g, max 5.8
Rain 600 mm (2 ft) for 2 min 1 g, max 5.8
Storm 900 mm (3 ft) for 5 min 1 g, max 5.8
Fabric appearance SA 3.5 5.9
Flammability Class 1 5.10
A
See Note 6.
D7017−20
4.2 It should be recognized that fabric can be produced 5.5.3 Dry Cleaning—Determine the dimensional change
utilizing an almost infinite number of combination of construc- after dry cleaning in accordance with AATCC TM 158 (see
tion variables (for example, type of fibers, percentage of fibers, Note 5).
yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and
NOTE 5—Launderable fabrics are expected normally to be able to be
mechanical finishes).Additionally, fashion or aesthetics dict
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7017 − 14 D7017 − 20
Standard Performance Specification for
Water-Resistant Rainwear and All-Purpose, Water-Repellent
Coat Fabrics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7017; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This performance specification covers rainwear and all-purpose water-repellent coat outer fabrics composed of any textile fiber
or mixture of textile fibers.
1.2 This performance specification is not applicable to fabrics used for linings and interlinings.
1.3 These requirements apply to the length and width directions for those properties where fabric direction is pertinent.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D434 Test Method for Resistance to Slippage of Yarns in Woven Fabrics Using a Standard Seam (Withdrawn 2003)
D1424 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus
D2261 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile
Testing Machine)
D2724 Test Method for Bond Strength of Bonded, Fused, and Laminated Apparel Fabrics
D3136 Terminology Relating to Care Labeling for Apparel, Textile, Home Furnishing, and Leather Products
D3786 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics—Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method
D3787 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles—Constant-Rate-of-Traverse (CRT) Ball Burst Test
D5034 Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)
D7022 Terminology Relating to Apparel
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.61 on Apparel.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2014July 1, 2020. Published March 2014August 2020. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20122014 as
D7017-12.-14. DOI: 10.1520/D7017-14.10.1520/D7017-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7017 − 20
2.2 AATCC Test Methods:
8TM8 Colorfastness to Crocking: Crockmeter Method
15TM15 Colorfastness to Perspiration
16TM16.3 Colorfastness to LightLight: Xenon-Arc
22TM22 Water Repellency: Spray Test
23TM23 Colorfastness to Burnt Gas Fumes
35TM35 Water Resistance: Rain Test
61TM61 Colorfastness to Laundering: Accelerated
107TM107 Colorfastness to Water
116TM116 Colorfastness to Crocking: Rotary Vertical Crockmeter Method
119TM119 Color Change Due to Flat Abrasion (Frosting): Screen Wire Method
124TM124 Smoothness Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering
132TM132 Colorfastness to Dry Cleaning
135TM135 Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Laundering
158TM158 Dimensional Changes on Drycleaning in Perchloroethylene: Machine Method
TM172 Colorfastness to Powdered Non-chlorine Bleach in Home Laundering
188TM188 Colorfastness to Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach in Home Laundering
EP1 AATCC Gray Scale for Color Change
EP2 AATCC Gray Scale for Staining
EP8 AATCC 9-Step Chromatic Transference Scale
M11 A Glossary of AATCC Standard Terminology
2.3 Federal Standard:
16 CFR 1610 Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles
NOTE 1—Reference to test methods in this standard give only the permanent part of the designation of ASTM, AATCC or other test methods. The current
edition of each test method cited shall prevail.
3. Terminology
3.1 For all terminology related to Apparel, see Terminology D7022.
3.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard: all-purpose,For all terminology related to Apparel, see Terminology
D7022outerwear, rainwear, water repellency, water resistance.
3.1.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard: all-purpose, outerwear, rainwear, water repellency, water resistance.
3.2 For definitions of all other textile terms see Terminology D123.
3.3 For terms relating to chemical or colorfastness testing, refer to specific AATCC test methods, or the Glossary of AATCC
Standard Terminology, or both.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Fabrics intended for rainwear and all-purpose, water-repellent coat end use should meet all of the requirements listed in Table
1 of this specification.
4.2 It should be recognized that fabric can be produced utilizing an almost infinite number of combination of construction
variables (for example, type of fibers, percentage of fibers, yarn twist, yarn number, warp and pick count, chemical and mechanical
finishes). Additionally, fashion or aesthetics dictate that the ultimate consumer may find acceptable articles made from fabrics that
do not conform to all of the requirements in Table 1.
4.2.1 Hence, no single performance specification can possibly apply to all the various fabrics that could be utilized for this
end-use.
Available from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Available from Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.
D7017 − 20
TABLE 1 Specification Requirements
NOTE 1—Grade in colorfastness and DPSA requirements is based on a numerical scale of 5 for negligible or no color change, color transfer, or fabric
wrinklesmoothness to 1 for severe color change, color transfer, or fabric wrinkle.smoothness.
Characteristic Minimum Requirement Section
Breaking strength (CRE), wovens 178 N (40 lbf) 5.1
Resistance to Yarn slippage – wovens 5.2
6 mm ( ⁄4-in.) separation 111 N (25 lbf)
Tearing Strength – wovens 13 N (3 lbf) 5.3
Bursting Strength – knits 222 N (50lbf) 5.4
Dimensional change:
Pressing and finishing 2 % max 5.5.1
After laundering 3 % max 5.5.2
After dry cleaning 2 % max 5.5.3
Colorfastness:
A
Laundering: 5.6.1
Shade change Grade 4
Staining Grade 3
Dry cleaning (shade change) Grade 4 5.6.2
Burnt gas fumes—2 cycles:
Shade change, original fabric Grade 4 5.6.3
Shade change after 1 laundering or 1 dry cleaning Grade 4
A
Crocking: 5.6.4
Dry Grade 4
Wet Grade 3
Chlorine Bleach 5.6.5
Shade Change Grade 4
Non-chlorine Bleach 5.6.6
Shade Change Grade 4
A
Water: 5.6.7
Shade change Grade 4
Staining Grade 4
A
Perspiration: 5.6.8
Shade change Grade 4
Staining Grade 3
Light (20 AATCC Fading Units) Grade 4 5.6.9
Frosting Grade 4 5.6.10
Water repellency:
Smooth-textured fabrics:
Original 90 5.7
After 5 launderings or 3 dry cleanings 70
Rough-textured:
Original 80 5.7
After 5 launderings or 3 dry cleanings 70
Water resistance (categories based on time for maximum
weight increase at following head pressures):
Shower 600 mm (2 ft) for 30 seconds 1 gram, max 5.8
Shower 600 mm (2 ft) for 30 s 1 g, max 5.8
Rain 600 mm (2 ft) for 2 minutes 1 gram, max 5.8
Rain 600 mm (2 ft) for 2 min 1 g, max 5.8
Storm 915 mm (3 ft) for 5 minutes 1 gram, max 5.8
Storm 900 mm (3 ft) for 5 min 1 g
...