Choosing between a stand bag and a cart bag can be challenging, but PING has made the decision easier in 2024 by offering the best options in both categories. If you’re wondering how the best stand bag vs. best cart bag compare, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the PING DLX and the PING Hoofer.
Weight
The PING DLX weighs around 7.5 pounds, two pounds heavier than the Hoofer. Since the PING DLX is not a bag you would carry, you may say that weight is irrelevant in a cart bag.
The PING Hoofer has very few negatives. Weight is one of them. This is a heavier carry bag. The bag’s strap design and overall functionality still make it walkable, but it’s not for those who want the lightest golf bag for walking.
Storage
The PING DLX has 15 pockets. It also has two deployable shoe pouches, so you can keep your street shoes when you play and your golf shoes when you head to the 19th hole.
We were impressed with the DLX’s storage capacity, not just the number of pockets but also the volume. The storage volume is 32L.
The PING Hoofer holds its own for a stand bag. It has 16 pockets. Eight of the pockets are zippered, and the rest are slip. The total volume for storage in the Hoofer is 22L.
If you like carrying a lot of gear, the DLX has you covered.
Dividers
The PING DLX has a 15-way top compared to the 5-way top in the Hoofer. The DLX is the better choice if you are particular about keeping your clubs separated and protected.
However, if you never put your golf bag on a cart, the Hoofer has enough separation and protection to work well for a walker.
It’s worth mentioning that this Hoofer model did have some tweaks made to the top. It’s a new ergonomic design at the top and the bottom to help decrease the chance of clubs getting tangled.
Features
With a larger bag like the DLX, it’s easier to include some additional features to improve the overall usability of the golf bag. The thing that kept coming up in testing was the shoe pouches and how convenient this made the golf bag.
In addition, you’ll get a dedicated putter well.
The PING DLX is made with a high-durability needle-texture vinyl construction and is built to withstand frequent play.
The Hoofer is all about ease of carrying. PING improved the most recent models, including leg guards, a new tangle-free top, and convertible straps. The new leg guards offer better leg separation when carrying.
You will still find a cart-strap channel, so throwing the Hoofer on a cart to give your legs a break is entirely possible. However, if you invest in a Hoofer, you should at least sometimes use it for its intended purpose and walk the course.
Value
The PING DLX is $335, compared to the PING Hoofer at $279. Neither is considered a bargain, but they are built to last. In our 2024 testing, they each received a 9.6/10, showing very few flaws in either of these golf bags.
Bottom Line
What did we learn from comparing the best stand bag vs. best cart bag?
The PING DLX and the PING Hoofer are both great golf bags.
If you plan to walk the course, the Hoofer is the hands-down winner. Golfers who prefer to ride and are also concerned about storage should choose the DLX.
The Hoofer can work if you are a golf cart rider but don’t like a heavy or large bag. The DLX does a great job keeping your clubs safe and organizing and storing your golf gear, so if you ride every time, go with the DLX.
PING DLX versus PING Hoofer: Which is right for you?
Who’s it For?
✅ You value storage: The PING DLX cart bag has useable storage if you like to pack a lot of gear for a round of golf.
✅ Quality is your main concern: The PING DLX cart bag features impressive zippers, magnets, and more. It’s also very easy to use.
Who’s it not for?
❌ You want something light: Luckily, you won’t be carrying the PING DLX around all that much, but it’s heavy when you have to.
❌ You want something small: Part of the reason why the DLX is so good with storage is that it’s really big.
Who’s it For?
✅ You value stability: Stability is important in stand bags; the PING Hoofer has the most stable legs of any stand bag we tested.
✅ Quality is important to you: PING Hoofer bags are great and have been for a long time. PING knows what golfers need.
Who’s it not for?
❌ Any player on a budget: This won’t be your cheapest stand bag option on the market.
❌ You want an ultra-light stand bag: The PING Hoofer is comfortable to carry, but it’s not the heaviest of the carry options out there.
Nicky P
2 years ago
Check out the Founders Club cart bag. I have had it three years and love it. Never lose a club since each one has their own slot. They never get tangled or are hard to put in or get out. Enough room for everything, including shies. rangefinder, rain gear, and enough balls to play for weeks and as a bonus, built in cooler that will easily hold a 6pack and ice.