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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.
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The Best Stand Bags in 2018
Cobra Ultralight
|
Storage
|
4th |
|
Style
|
3rd |
|
Weight
|
4th |
|
Walkability
|
1st |
|
Features
|
1st |
|
Total
|
93.25 |
Shop & Support
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What We Liked
- Well designed and constructed bag
- Compact and practical
- Makes walking 36 holes is a breeze
- Features are functional and easy to use
- Great dividers
Pros
- Detachable straps
- Well placed water bottle holder
- “Best in Class” Stand System
- “Best in Class” Features
Cons
- The handle can dig into your back slightly depending on the height of the golfer and the adjusted length of the straps
- Limited colorways
Ping Hoofer
Editor's Choice
|
Storage
|
3rd |
|
Style
|
1st |
|
Weight
|
5th |
|
Walkability
|
6th |
|
Features
|
2nd |
|
Total
|
90.25 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
- Multiple color options
- Effective strap pass-through
- Works well for both walking and riding
- Comfortable weight distribution
- Legs opened and retract with ease
Pros
- Ingenious magnet pocket for easy access
- “Best in Class” Style
- “Best in Class” Water Bottle Holder
- Great cart strap for riders
Cons
- Towel holder is difficult to use
Ping Hooferlite
|
Storage
|
5th |
|
Style
|
5th |
|
Weight
|
4th |
|
Walkability
|
5th |
|
Features
|
3rd |
|
Total
|
88.75 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
- Weight is distributed comfortably
- Well-designed straps taper around the midsection to maximize stability
- Great bag for walking
- Great divider system
Pros
- Zippers are smooth and durable
- “Best in Class” Zippers
- Easy access to pockets while walking
- “Best in Class” Water Bottle Holder
Cons
- Limited storage
- Towel loop needs improvement
Ping Hoofer 14
|
Storage
|
3rd |
|
Style
|
1st |
|
Weight
|
5th |
|
Walkability
|
6th |
|
Features
|
4th |
|
Total
|
88.75 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
- Feels great on your back
- Multiple colorways
- Pockets are accessible at all times – even while on your back
Pros
- Great stand system
- Balanced weight distribution
- Ingenious magnetic pocket for easy access
Cons
- Towel holder needs improvement
- Dividers could be more spacious
Cleveland Stand Bag
Best Buy
|
Storage
|
4th |
|
Style
|
8th |
|
Weight
|
4th |
|
Walkability
|
2nd |
|
Features
|
5th |
|
Total
|
88.25 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
- Massive storage capacity
- Comfortable when walking
- Stand system works with ease
Pros
- Bag is stable throughout
- A very comfortable walk
- Zippers are strong and durable
Cons
- Limited colorways
- Bulky for the category
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 |
LeftyBradd
15 hours agoSo quick question, which bag in MGS’s opinion is best for getting clubs in and out with the least amount of binding or catching? I have an old Ping Hoofer and I love it but my clubs are constantly getting stuck against each other. It has a 4 way top but only 2 full length dividers. I would love to hear from MGS or the community on this one. Thank you
Matt Rieger
4 weeks agoI am surprised 14 way bags aren’t number #1. Hoofer 14 vs than reg hoofer unless u like fighting irons on a hot summer day.
Dominic
1 month agoI didn’t see any Wilson Staff Nexus bags, for me personally I love the bag, light weight with a really good structure and durability. The price was on point and lots of pockets for storage. I was sold mostly by the exo skeleton type design and it really works well for me.
Ryan
1 month agoInteresting that the Vice bag went from #2 in last year’s test to middle of the pack with the new test metrics
MyGolfSpy
1 month agoCheck the scores.
2017: 84.5
2018: 85.3
Ryan
1 month agoYou have the scores reversed but point taken
Dave S
1 month agoAm I the only one who feels weird rocking a bag brand if I don’t also carry some of that brand’s clubs? I tend to go with “neutral” bag brands like Nike (RIP), Sun Mountain, UA, Ogio etc. Even if I love a Callaway bag, I feel odd carrying it if I don’t game at least one callaway club.
Preston
1 month agoI agree with!! Maybe I’m just ocd…
Golfinnut
1 month agoAwesome write up guys! That’s some serious testing going on right there. I’m glad to see a lot of OEM’s being used & the categories that were scored were spot on.
Jon
1 month agoGreat recap and thanks for the insight on 2018 golf bags.
TANGLE…..being a walker for 18 holes (70+ times a year) I have tried 5 different bags in 3 years. I understand the frustration with club removal and something not easy to solve. Club shafts quantity, divider count, and GRIP type all add to TANGLE. Added to this testing or build design, especially on carry stand bags, is a DIVIDER COUNT and SLEEVE attachment.
SLEEVE attachment to the outside edge of the bag makes a difference. Most just secure at the top divider area and bottom of bag. So the sides are open and TANGLE happens. Suggest sleeve material is sewn or secured on the outside edge of the bag and you will remove a big cause for tangle and removal frustration!
I took a brand new bag in October, from a premium manufacturer, and tried to get ahead of tangle that was evident the first 3 rounds using this new bag. Using epoxy, I secured the divider sleeve fabric along the outside edge of the bag on 4 sleeves. I had to cut out the plastic divider cross pieces at the top, and then re-engineer them after securing the sleeves.
Hope this works all summer after golf courses open here!
Keep up the good work. Shame on those who just spew negatives without consideration of OEM submission, without solution, or without proper consideration! Sending opinions is easy, sending educated arguments or solutions is best!
Thanks again-
Jon
Michael
1 month agoI thought a Sun Mountain 4.5 weighed 4.5 pounds. Part of the attraction. I have considered it versus some of the other bags that you cite as lighter and I just don’t believe it. Can you please confirm this number is correct in your table?
Harry Nodwell
1 month agoWe had this comment before and we weigh every bag that comes in. It has been known that some companies weigh the bag without certain items attached to the bag such as straps. We weigh the bag as a whole which might be the reason why it is heavier than suggested on the OEM’s website.
Tom
1 month agoI believe Sun Mountain bag designations (3.5, 4.5, etc) are the weight without straps or rain hood. I have a 2017 4.5 LS which has a weight of 4.9 pounds with straps, rain hood adds about another 1/4 pound. When I bought mine at the store I had put a bunch of them on the scale just to check and they were all the exact same weight. I’m surprised that MGS would have received an outlier that weighs 5.8, maybe they tested the 14 way.
Michael
1 month agoThere is no way to bride the difference between 4.5 lbs and 5.8 lbs based on straps. Less fussed by rain hood that’s I don’t necessarily need. Even with it. I don’t believe it. Can you re weigh for us readers. Hugely helpful. Thanks guys. Love the site.
Johnny Currie
1 month agoOnly 1 SM bag? 3 pings . Tried both over the years and the SM carry range are far superior
Tony Covey
1 month agoSun Mountain was encouraged to send multiple bags. For whatever reason, they elected to send just a single bag.
Harry Nodwell
1 month agoWe want to test as many bags as possible, but it is up the the OEM’s to how many and what to send for testing.
Chris R
1 month agoCurious as to why the ‘Editor’s Choice’ was awarded to the 2nd ranked bag, and not the highest ranked?
Tony Covey
1 month agoEditor’s choice is the staff’s favorite bag. While Editor’s Choice is often among the top finishers, it isn’t always the bag that finished first under the scoring system.
Harry Nodwell
1 month agoWhen it comes down to the editor’s choice, personal preference might outweigh something that finished above the editor’s pick and therefore influences their decision. Example would be, color over water bottle holder etc.
Brian
1 month agoI own a Ping Huffer from a coupe years ago. Basically same bag. Clubs were nearly impossible to get in and out and something scratched my wood shafts from the inside of the bag. Absolutely terrible bag IMO. Doesn’t look like ease of putting in and taking out clubs is a metric? Sun Mountain always makes the best bags period.
Tom
1 month agoTotally agree with you on this. Bought the 2017 Hoofer last year based on MGS and other glowing reviews. I only carry 12 clubs with standard size grips, but got so frustrated with club tangle that I sold the bag after just 2 rounds. Also thought the rain hood was just about the cheapest and most stupid design I had ever seen. Big disappointment as I am a long time user of Ping clubs.
Danielle
1 month agoAny time I see a Ping Hoofer ranked this high I know I can’t trust the rankings at all. I own mostly Ping clubs, and when I was looking for a new stand bag, after reading all the glowing reviews I decided on a Ping Hoofer 14. It was THE most frustrating, poorly designed bag with regards to club tangle I’ve ever used. I wanted to love it because the design and colors and smaller features were fantastic – but literally the one thing I do with my bag over and over and over again is put clubs in and pull clubs out. The Ping Hoofer is awful for this very important golf bag task. I ended up selling mine at a loss. I’m still annoyed that people are being misled about this bag. Avoid.
bonifacj
1 month agoEntirely agree. Do not understand why Ping Hoofer continues to rate highly. I have tried both the standard and 14 way divider versions. Clubs so difficult to get in and out.
Harry Nodwell
1 month agoWhen we score the bags, we have points for each category and dividers is definitely one. We take 14 clubs and insert them into each bag and put them in and out and see if they catch or snag. Each bag that comes to us is brand new and has not had wear due to many rounds of use. We can only test what we have in front of us and the Ping bag dividers performed well. The Hoofer 14 had 1 or 2 snags when putting the clubs in and out, but it was not a major issue, but it did lose points for doing so.
Danielle
1 month agoThen honestly the scoring system/evaluation needs to be changed. Nearly everyone who has had or used a Ping Hoofer admits the club tangle is a HUGE problem, not a small one. And if I had known that prior to purchasing, I would have skipped buying one. I realize there are multiple categories, but not getting your clubs tangled every time you pull one out has to be weighted much higher in my opinion. Who cares if there’s a velcro tab for your gloves if you can’t even put clubs back without constant aggravation? The Ping system for club storage is awful and they should fix it, not be rewarded with high rankings.
MyGolfSpy
1 month agoClub grabbing is an issue we see with some PING bags that is true. However we look at products like tools and how well those tools do their job. And we score them accordingly. The PING bag in all other categories is one of the best tools tested. We are very confident in our analysis. So, while we can understand your personal frustration with one aspect of this tools job it is only one of many of the jobs a stand bag has to perform. And as mentioned in the CONS section we mention the bags dividers could be more spacious and grab. Pretty transparent about it shortcomings. Just as we are about all its other great features.
Tom
1 month agoI’m completely with Danielle on this one. Coming from Sun Mountain bags, I didn’t even know what club tangle was until I got the Hoofer. I bought it last year based on the MGS review and also sold it for a loss. Ultimately I have to hold myself responsible for my choices, but here we are a year down the road and now we have not only two, but three Ping bags at the top of the rankings.
Dave
1 month agoI had a buddy buy a new hoofer last year based on this site. Based on that review alone and the unusable nature of the hoofer bag he now distrusts this entire site…..rating something high that is totally unusable show obvious testing issues. He noticed the 1st round he played, I think by the 3rd round he decided to trash the bag.
john faieta
1 month agoMaybe weight some features higher than others. To me, club tangle with pings are terrible. Not bad if you just load them in and pull them out in a static environment, but walking 18 with them jumping around makes it annoying. I’ve been a lifelong ping carry bag guy and went to the sun mountain last year. i just figured all bags were the same. I can’t get over what a nice bag the sun mountain 3.5 is. If a convenient water bottle pocket is worth 1x in the review, club tangle and full length, attached club dividers should be worth 10x. It’s that important to those of us that game walking bags!
mackdaddy
1 month agoI have never used a stand bag because I always ride. Now that they have 14 way dividers I could be willing to make the change. What are the reasons to make the change?
Mark
1 month agoOnly change to a stand bag if you’re planning on walking. There are cart bags with 14 dividers and are designed for carts – stand bags will accommodate being on a cart but are not designed specifically for that purpose.
Joe
1 month agoI would highly recommend against a 14 way divider stand bag for cart use. Since the tops are MUCH narrower than typical cart bags, the 14 way dividers are very narrow. The top is also angled to in a way that doesn’t make it easy to pull clubs when using a cart. You’ll have the longest clubs closest to you vs. what you’d normally have in a cart bag. Using midsize grips, I constantly fight to get clubs in and out of my Hoofer 14. I walk a lot, so I’m a stand bag guy forever. I just hate mine on the rare occasion I have to take a cart. I love the bag and will replace it with another Hoofer, just not the 14.
Thomas Brokl
1 month agoI have a minor back problem, I still carry my own bag, but I can ONLY carry on my left shoulder. I would like to see if the bags can be carried on the left shoulder or right shoulder. Too often, bags have bulky pockets on the right side of the bag that prevent carrying the bag on the left shoulder & left hip.
Olly
1 month agoAnyone recommend a good carry bag that will sit well on a trolley please? Searched high and low.
Joe
1 month agoSun Mountain makes a version of the C130 with legs that is supposed to be great on a push cart. It is a little large/bulky for carry which is why I didn’t go with it. If you’re exclusively using the trolley, you could look at ClicGear’s bag designed specifically for use on their cart.
Ed Nelson
3 weeks agoPlayed my first round with the Cobra Ultralight on my Rovic 2L this afternoon and was thoroughly satisfied. The bag deserves the #1 ranking as a carry bag, but the easy off straps and solid bottom make it a natural for a trolley. Additionally, you can zip/unzip all the pockets without interference from the trolley bungee cords.
MyGolfSpy
3 weeks agoGlad to hear you are happy with your purchase Ed!
JonD
1 month agoI won my Titleist stand bag several years ago in Tournament. Awesome bag, don’t use it much as I have a Sun Mountain Cart Bag. But the Titleist bag, when I do use it seems like everything you would every want. My buddy won one in the same Tournament, but his wife snagged, she uses it all the time.
Also, I agree whole heartedly with Mark.
The cost of the bag definitely should be one of the criteria, even if it is not weighted the same as the rest.
Mark
1 month agoI’m curious why price is not part of the point system
Harry Nodwell
1 month agoHere at MyGolfSpy, we are only worried about performance and then project that to the consumer and unfortunately, price does not fall into the performance factor.
Nugget126lbs
1 month agoI would think that Price often varies among stores..
DJ Shack
1 month agoYou have the Titleist Player’s 14 listed with a weight of 6.4 lbs and the Titleist website lists the weight as 5.1 lbs. That’s a significant difference. I am curious, who has an incorrect number?
Tony Covey
1 month agoIt’s fairly common for us to find that the actual weight is heavier than the stated weight. It’s not always clear why, but in some cases, manufacturer weight specifications are without straps attached, which obviously changes the equation quite a bit.
CJ
1 month agoStraps may not be included in weighing the bag.
Greg
1 month agoThe Sun Mountain 2.5+ should win this if you walk most of the time. A wonderful bag.
Matt
1 month agoStraps on Sun Mountain 2.5 are horrible
Tom
1 month agoStraps on the 2.5 were horrible, much improved on the 2.5+. Still not the best but with a 2.8 pound bag there will be trade offs.
J-Full
1 month agoI wish the non club manufacturer bags placed higher. I don’t want a PING bag with my Taylormade clubs. The Frogger bag looks promising but it’s kinda ugly. Gonna check out OGIO
Berniez40
1 month agoMy Ogio gave me 3 full season of hard labour, and I gifted it to a friend, three years ago, and it’s still going.
Henner
1 month agoI feel exactly the same way. My clubs are mixed brands to begin with and I don’t really want a bag that says “Ping” while my headcovers say “Callaway.” That’s why I will stick with Sun Mountain unless I switch to Vice, Under Armour or OGIO.
Doug
1 month agoHa! I kind of let that bother me for a while. I’m mostly a Mizuno player myself, and as much as I really wanted a nice matching bag, the dividers weren’t cutting it for me, so I finally gave in and went to Titleist, even though I don’t own a single one of their clubs!
Bob
1 month agoOgio is now owned by Callaway. The Ogio bags used to be second only to Sun Mountain in quality in my opinion. Both used to have individual sleeves for each club, the latest Ogios that I have seen do not.
Mark
1 month agoOgio still makes the bags, They are known for the wood-e top and half their bags never had 14 way dividers. Still top notch, and they make some that are 14 way divided.
Darryl
1 month agoIMO the new Titleist Players stand bags are hands down the best looking of all stand bags in the market. I’m a 4 top cuff divider guy as I like more space to slot my clubs and it keeps the weight down. The only improvement would be to make the straps a little more padded. Other than that, it’s a perfect looking and functional carry bag. Pure style!
Berniez40
1 month agoAgreed.
Dallas
1 month agoI’ve got a ping hoofer from probably 5 years back and I love everything about it EXCEPT for the dividers. It’s by far the worst bag I’ve ever dealt with as far as club tangle goes. Do these new Ping bags fix this issue?
john faieta
1 month agoCouldn’t agree more. I just replaced my ping 4 series that was about 4 years old. The club tangle was awful. The dividers weren’t true dividers. Just bought a sun mountain 3.5 (which should have been included in the test) and it is hands down the best carry bag I have owned in 30 years!
Harry Nodwell
1 month agoA lot has changed in 5 years and the dividers on the new Hoofer line are great. The Hoofer 14 sometimes get caught when inserting and retracting clubs, but apart from that, the whole line is great for dividers.
Lynyrd
1 month agoI assume the test was between bags sent out by the various companies? I ask that as the bags compared are from different categories. Example; almost all manufacture a 14 way and some of the bags are and are not the lightweight versions from each mfg.
Now that Callaway owns Ogio, hopefully they bring color back to their line. Ogio bags looks wise have gotten very staid and stale.
I did notice that at a visit last week to Roger Dunn Golf shop in So Cal, only Callaway bags were displayed and no Ogio. It would be a big mistake for Callaway to do so. I won three Ogios and the appeal was NOT having a club manufacturer name on the side.
Kenny B
1 month agoWhatever happened to the Wilson Staff Nexus bag? It was The Most Wanted a few years ago. I bought one last year to replace a Sun Mountain cart bag and absolutely love it. I don’t carry it on the course but I do hike it to the practice facility which is a long walk. On days I play I put it on my push cart and it fits perfectly.
I could care less about Style and I agree with Hula_Rock that for this piece of equipment, durability is a huge factor that needs to be considered.
Danny R.
1 month agoI have been caddying part-time for the last 30 years. No offense to the newer bags, but my all-time #1 stand bag is the original Ping Hoofer.
Doug
1 month agoIs there another name or specific name for the Maxfli Air bag?
I can’t find them anywhere…
Doug
1 month agoAs far as I know, Maxfli is only available at Dicks and Golf Galaxy. I believe they own they brand
Gordon
1 month agoNice work again MGS.
I personally will only use a 14 way divided bag at this stage, and with how nasty this winter has been with rain and sleet during rounds taking a toll, I may actually need to look into one of these sooner than I planned.
This winter has sucked for golf in Jersey… ugh.
D.A.
1 month agoI humped my clubs thru the 60s, 70s, and most of the eighties. These feather light bags are amazing! I own one now and wished I could have had equipment like these new Stand bags back in the day. Tks for the review guys.
Hula_rock
1 month agoDURABILITY should be added to the testing matrix, at least in a follow up test. e.g. 6 months from now with normal wear and tear. I have used 2 of the bags listed in the test, one of which only lasted 4 months before it started to break down…..
Berniez40
1 month agoAgreed. I have seen many a Hoofer bite the dust way too early in life. Fortunately none of them were mine. I’ve owned Ogio, Sun Mountain, and Titleist, and managed to get at least three hard seasons out of each one. I may try the Cleveland next at that price, and hope it can do the same.
JimB
1 month agoI am the last guy who would ever plug Titleist but I have to say I have a helluva bag from maybe 10 yrs ago that I didn’t buy .. won. It’s a super all round bag. 6 dividers. Cracked Canoe model.
strokerAce
1 month ago…not sure how the maxfli air doesn’t get a best buy…. for less than 50 bucks you get the bag that is first in walkability and first in weight. maybe the storage and style aren’t there but is that worth another 100 bucks for the cleveland bag ?? Not in my book.
Doug
1 month agoI’m kind of surprised that that the Titleist Players 14 didn’t make the top cut. IMO, it’s tops with Ping Hoofer for looks (I wish the Titleist came in the same copper/black color!), has great carrying capacity, versatile strapping, and has the best 14-way diving for a stand bag along w/ maybe Ogio.
It might have been better to separate 14-way divided and standard open pocket bags, because the choices are quite different, and if you’re absolutely a freak about having 14-way dividers like me, the decisions are a little different.
The other thing that Titleist had over just about everyone else’s stand is a good putter well. Had Ping featured a front large well, I would have been sold, but good luck shoving a large MOI mallet head in the back of that bag with the cover on!
Jody
1 month agoI agree with you Doug,had the Titleist Staff Stand bag thought it was great until a strap broke,Titleist replaced it straight away with the 14 (my choice) best stand bag I’ve owned, and you are right about the putter I game a futura 6m.cheers
Joël BERGER
1 month agoSome brands such as PING are very well represented while some other like Sun Mountain are not. Why don’t you test Sun Mountain 2.5+ bag or Titleist player 4 waterproof ?
Doug
1 month agoGood question Joel. Sun Mountain has a good part of the market and they too have some pretty good bags. I’m sure part of it is participation by the manufacturers, and the fact that are just so many bags out there. For instance, I saw no Bennington, Under Armour (also one of the sharpest looking of bags) and only one Mizuno offering.
Harry Nodwell
1 month agoThere is a certain amount of discretion that we leave to the manufacturers when submitting product. We do request certain products, but leave it up to the OEM to decide exactly what they want to send/what they feel will test the best against the competition.
Terry
1 month agoThe Sun Mountian 2.5 is a wonderful carry-bag. Very light and well thought out. 5 dividers, a good yoke carrying system, and plenty of room for some rain gear if necessary. Their H2O model is also a great bag for wet conditions.
At 72, I usually carry 12-14 clubs, 3-4 balls, a handful of tees and a bottle of water.
Extra weight and extra stuff just slows you down…
McaseyM
1 month agoonly 3-4 balls??? That like the front 9 for me most of the time
Josh
1 month agoInteresting then that SM did not send more than 1 style of their bags then. I recently bought the 2.5+ replacing a 4.5 and it’s super light, comfy to walk with compared to my old bag that’s for sure. Not sure why they were rated low in a couple other categories, but like the video said, I haven’t had a chance to check out the cobra for instance. And hell if the maxfli air is only $50 I won’t be surprised to see it out there often.
Josh
1 month agoAlthough I don’t see it for sale anywhere and I’d rather spend my golf money anywhere else but Dick’s corp.
Josh
1 month agoNevermind again, they must have just fixed a typo, the Maxfli air is right up there with the rest of them. Was that video serious the pocket is see through? yeah no thanks.