2018 STAND BAG BUYERS GUIDE

Finding the right product for your needs isn’t just a time-consuming process, it can be stressful. Here at MyGolfSpy, we feel the best reviews are those that help you make the right choices and help you get the most out of your time and money. The MyGolfSpy mission is simple: conduct and publish the most objective and comprehensive product tests in the golf industry.

One key to our testing protocols is that we test every category head-to-head. We select the top products and put them through rigorous head-to-head testing. We test in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products, explain why, and give awards to the best performing products.

For 2018, we’ve improved our test protocols and scoring methodology. Changes were based on an intensive look at the market and feedback from consumers just like you. Several key findings from that research influenced the updated bag testing process.

Everything from stand leg stability, comfort during a round, strap design, overall bag construction, organization of dividers, efficiency of zippers, design of pockets, and the quality and configuration of divider linings were – among many other things – considered.

THE METRICS

We’re always fine-tuning the process to make sure we’re collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we’ve updated and refined this year’s analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.

Features Chart

Product	Weight	Dividers	Pockets	Zipper Pockets	Velcro	Sharpie	Water Bottle Holder
Bag Boy Chiller	5.8	14	10	8	Y	Y	Y
Cobra Ultralight	5	5	7	5	Y	Y	Y
Cobra King Stand	6	14	9	6	Y	Y	Y
Datrek Go Lite Hybrid	5.8	14	6	6	Y	Y	Y
Datrek Trekker	3	4	6	5	N	N	Y
Frogger Hybrid Bag	5	5	6	5	N	Y	Y
IZZO Lite	5	5	7	4	Y	Y	Y
IZZO Versa	5.6	11	9	4	Y	Y	Y
MaxFli Honors Bag	4.6	6	8	7	N	N	Y
MaxFli Air	2.7	4	4	4	N	Y	Y
Mizuno BR-D4	5.8	4	10	5	N	N	Y
Mizuno BR-D3	4.6	5	7	5	Y	N	Y
October Golf Gear Stand Bag	8	6	11	11	N	Y	Y
OGIO Cirrus	5	7	8	6	Y	N	Y
OGIO Grom	7	14	8	4	Y	N	Y
PING Hoofer	5.6	5	12	6	Y	Y	Y
PING HooferLite	5	4	7	6	Y	Y	Y
PING Hoofer 14	5.6	14	12	6	Y	Y	Y
Cleveland Stand Bag	5	14	7	6	Y	Y	Y
Sun Mountain 4.5	5.8	14	8	7	N	Y	Y
Titleist Players 14	6.4	14	9	8	N	Y	Y
VICE Golf Force	6	6	5	5	Y	N	N
Wilson Staff NFL	4.4	4	8	5	Y	N	Y

 

We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics. Our refined numbers are better than ever.

Over the course of the test, bags were loaded with 14 clubs and two dozen golf balls. Our panel of testers was encouraged to load and unload clubs from the bag as they would during a typical round of golf. Carrying functionality and easy access to the bags were major focal points.

While some golfers do use stand bags on push carts or riding carts, our tests focused primarily on usability while walking. Having said that, we did note if the bags provide easy access for cart straps while not hindering the functionality of the bag itself.

Storage (20 points) – In this category, we consider the functionality and capacity of the pockets. The number of pockets is not important here, only how much stuff fits in the bag.

Top-performing bags feature storage that is designed and built in a way that allows for the full utilization of the space. On the other hand, in some of the poorer performing bags, while the potential for greater functionality exists, stitching inhibited the use of the storage. The highest performing bags within this category feature pockets that are accessible and easy to use while the bag is on your back or mounted on a cart.

Style (10 points) – Score is established by considering what we believe the majority of consumers would deem stylish, not whether the individual tester likes the look of the bag. Survey questions provided to testers were developed to combat any brand-driven favoritism on the part of the individual respondent.

Weight (10 points) – All bags are ranked based on weight, and then assigned relative scores. For example, the lightest bag in the test received 10 points; second lightest received 9.5 points, and so on. The heaviest bag received 4.5 points.

Walkability (25 Points) – How functional the bag is while walking. We took into account the tapering of the straps, whether or not the “exoskeleton” created discomfort, and the distribution of weight. We also took into account if the bag had single or double straps. Bags with high ranks in all these parameters performed well. We did find that many bags performed well in some facets of the walkability portion of the test while underperforming in others.

Features (35 points) – This is the category where the best bags often separate themselves from the pack. It’s what you should consider first when purchasing a new stand bag. Score was determined based on rankings within these sub-categories:

• Velcro Pad – Score is based on both the size and functionality of the pad. Many bags have pads that are far too small, while others have pads that are almost completely unusable. We also examined if the velcro pad had a symbol of a glove to easy explain its functionality. While a velcro pad may not be a priority for all golfers, a good stand bag should include a functional offering for those who want it.
• Dividers – Combines the design, build, and overall functionality of the dividers to establish a score. While the tendency for the clubs to grab was considered, it was not the sole consideration. We also noted the arrangement of the dividers and whether or not the design inherently aids in club organization.
• Legs – Determined by the design, weight distribution and build of the bag’s legs and exoskeleton. Some bags had great weight distribution which allowed the legs to eject with ease with no grabbing of surface. Others required us to change the weight distribution of weight within the bag in order to allow the legs to function easier. Many bags had sturdy connection points between the legs and the bag itself which provide greater stability. Others don’t have any sort of well-designed connection points, making their legs less stable and ultimately less effective.
• Water Bottle Holder – Quite simply, does it hold a big water bottle, what angle was it pointing and how accessible is the bottle while walking.
• Zippers – Pulls, functionality of zipper, waterproofing and consistency of zip and unzip test were all considered.

Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring bag, and awards are awarded to the top five stand bags. In addition, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to bags in certain categories (like legs, lightweight, etc) that push the industry envelope.

The Best Stand Bags in 2018

 

 

 

2018 Stand Bag Buyers Guide

Name	Price	Storage	Style	Weight	Walkability	Features	Score
Cobra Ultralight	$179.99	4th	3rd	4th	1st	1st	93.25
PING Hoofer	$219.99	3rd	1st	5th	6th	2nd	90.25
PING HooferLite	$189.99	5th	5th	4th	5th	3rd	88.75
PING Hoofer 14	$239.99	3rd	1st	5th	6th	4th	88.75
Cleveland Stand Bag	$139.99	4th	8th	4th	2nd	5th	88.25
Cobra King Stand	$220.00	2nd	3rd	7th	7th	3rd	87.75
Frogger Hybrid Bag	$199.99	1st	9th	4th	6th	6th	87.75
Mizuno BR-D4	$200.00	3rd	3rd	6th	4th	7th	87
Titleist Players 14	$239.99	2nd	2nd	8th	4th	9th	86.25
OGIO Cirrus	$179.99	2nd	4th	4th	8th	9th	86
IZZO Lite	$179.99	7th	6th	4th	6th	5th	85.75
VICE Golf Force	$249.99	7th	5th	7th	2nd	8th	84.5
Sun Mountain 4.5	$219.99	9th	7th	6th	6th	10th	81.5
MaxFli Honors Bag	$119.99	7th	12th	3rd	7th	11th	81.5
Datrek Go Lite Hybrid	$149.95	7th	8th	6th	8th	12th	79
MaxFli Air	$179.99	13th	10th	1st	1st	13th	78
Mizuno BR-D3	$150.00	10th	4th	3rd	4th	16th	77.25
Datrek Trekker	$159.95	12th	8th	1st	3rd	16th	76.5
OGIO Grom	$229.99	8th	4th	10th	11th	11th	74.5
IZZO Versa	$219.99	6th	6th	5th	11th	9th	71.25
Wilson Staff NFL	$129.99	11th	13th	2nd	10th	15th	70
Bag Boy Chiller	$179.95	7th	11th	6th	12th	12th	69.75
October Golf Gear Stand Bag	$149.99	12th	13th	10th	9th	14th	67.75