Head To Head: Most Expensive Versus Least Expensive Stand Bag
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Head To Head: Most Expensive Versus Least Expensive Stand Bag

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Head To Head: Most Expensive Versus Least Expensive Stand Bag

The stand bags in our 2025 Best Golf Stand Bag test ranged from $189 to $469. The average price of the 45 stand bags we tested was $285,and more than 25 percent cost more than $300. The important question is: What does more money get you? We will look at the most expensive stand bag (Vessel Player V Pro) versus the least expensive (Maxfli Honors). Which is a better fit for your game and your budget?

What do these golf bags have in common?

While pricing may be entirely different, there are some similarities between the Vessel Player V Pro and the Maxfli Honors golf bag.

The Maxfli Honors comes with a 14-way top and while the standard model of the Vessel comes with a seven-way, it’s also available with a 14-way top when you customize it to your liking.

Both bags have a magnetic rangefinder pocket, large garment compartment and velour-lined valuables pocket. They also checked the box for water bottle storage and Velcro glove holder. In addition, the cart-strap pass-through makes them both good for push carts or riding carts.

Vessel Player V Pro

Why is the Vessel so much more?

So why is the Vessel more than double the price of the Maxfli golf bag?

  • Premium materials: Vessel is made from “tour-grade” synthetic leather with a “luxe” pebbled finish. Maxfli uses standard nylon/polyester which is durable but does not give it a refined look.
  • Advanced carrying strap system: Maxfli includes a basic double-strap system whereas Vessel includes an Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap system which self-adjusts for better weight distribution.
  • Usability/Club protection: Vessel has a patented Rotator Stand System and an internal base divider to reduce club jam and give the bag a wider overall base for stability.
  • High-end features: The Vessel bag has lots of premium features like an antimicrobial lining in the valuables pocket, a cooler pocket with drainage, an interior lock pocket and a cart strap sleeve to add more golf bag protection.

Which is better value?

When we do these head-to-head comparisons, there are times when it makes complete sense to spend the extra money or to save it. In this case of the most expensive versus least expensive stand bag, it really comes down to personal preference.

The Vessel Player V Pro is built with premium materials and high-end features to help improve durability and longevity. It’s built to last and it’s heavy. The Maxfli Honors is a lighter, budget-friendly bag with solid organization and walkability.

Vessel versus Maxfli: Which is right for you?

If you are still undecided about which of these two golf bags would better fit your game, here are a few other points to help you choose.

Vessel Player V Pro

Buy the Vessel Player V Pro if:

✅You like a little luxury in your golf gear

✅ You want something premium with options

Don’t buy this if:

❌ You’re looking to save money

❌ You want a lightweight golf stand bag

Buy the Maxfli Honors if:

✅You are on a tight budget

✅ You want storage and organization in a stand bag

Don’t buy this if:

❌ You’re looking for luxury and style

❌ You want premium features and zippers

Don’t see what you are looking for?

If neither of these golf bags is a fit for your game, take a look at our complete guide on the Best Stand Bags of 2025 or the Best Stand Bags of 2024.

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Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Scratch golfer, business owner, and mom of two kids; Britt has spent her life on and around the golf course. Picking up a club at the age of 7, she never really put it down. She spent 15 years working at private clubs on Long Island and in Florida before turning her golf playing and teaching career into a golf writing career. When she's not writing content for MyGolfSpy, you can find Britt on the golf course, playing pickleball, running, or out on the boat.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz





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      Tom

      1 month ago

      I too have a maxfli honors bag and I love it. I do see where quality issues can be questioned. I still believe pound for pound of you want to spend a little more the sun mountain c130 is a great bag

      Reply

      MEstep

      1 month ago

      I own a MaxFli Honors 14+ bag and have side by side compared it to a Vessel. Now I wouldn’t say it is an apples to apples comparison, but I would tell you that I would gladly buy 2 MaxFli’s for the price of one Vessel bag. No the MaxFli doesn’t have premium leather or carbon fiber legs. What it does have though is just what I need and guess what if it breaks after the extended warranty I can buy another one and still have some money in my pocket to play a couple rounds of golf. I guess if you have the money to burn go ahead I won’t tell you what to do with it. Shoot if you want to buy me one too you are welcome too (I will take one of the Sunday Red edition ones). For me at this time I will carry my MaxFli and play a couple more rounds of golf.

      Reply

      Tom

      1 month ago

      I too have a maxfli honors bag and I love it. I do see where quality issues can be questioned. I still believe pound for pound of you want to spend a little more the sun mountain c130 is a great bag

      Reply

      Joe

      1 month ago

      Do you remember back when Maxfli was a premium golf brand?
      Their ball, equipment, clothing was the top in the 70’s and 80’s.
      It sounds like the review of the Maxfli stand bag reinforced that their quality is still there but the ego was left out?

      Reply

      Dean D

      1 month ago

      Sadly another snooty golf is an elitist sport response. My other sport is diy elk hunting in the Rockies. We pay a premium for gear to be lighter & more efficient like the Maxfli. Carrying 80 lbs of meat on your back when you succeed extra weight is an unwanted burden. I’m an old man but still walk & carry so the lighter bag is an advantage. I try not to laugh at the soft youg guys who need a cart or caddy to be able to play.

      Reply

      Nicmo

      1 month ago

      One thing I look at is the zippers. Tossed a couple of bags due to zipper breaking. I’ve noticed the Ping bags use higher quality zippers (Y2K type) on the most used pockets and cheaper zippers on others.

      Reply

      Brian Wilson

      1 month ago

      Would like to see a comparison between the Titleist Linkmaster & the Maxfli modern stand bag.

      Reply

      TWO

      1 month ago

      I like it! Don’t care how much it weighs, I’m not a caddy😂

      Reply

      Scott

      1 month ago

      Vessels are beautiful bags. They appear to use high quality materials and are probably well made. My biggest gripe (and somewhat a of a cancellation factor) is that Vessel only offers a 1 year warranty on their bags. If I’m paying 2-3 times the amount of comparable bags, I feel that deserves a better warranty. The bag may last forever, but if they’re only willing to guarantee the craftsmanship for 1 year, what’s the use?

      Best compromise: get the Maxfli Modern Classic bag that is like a Vessel dupe. Looks almost as good. Same warranty. $170 less.

      Reply

      mackdaddy9

      1 month ago

      I use a Vessel 14 way stand bag I got from Pins & Aces for $385. I love it.

      Reply

      ChuckZ

      1 month ago

      I have always believed that you get what you pay for. You can find a quality product at a reasonable price if you do your research. I never look for a cheaper bag, meaning cheap price many times means cheap quality and will not last long. I do reviews to get the best bang for my buck and sometimes a more expensive is the better bang. When I purchase a more expensive bag, I expect it to last a lot longer.

      Reply

      Steve Scooby Scheibel

      1 month ago

      If you’re going to travel by plane get a well constructed bag. Pay up for it.
      I personally like and use light weight bags but I have a heavy bag for travel. Light weights for carrying or pushing.

      Reply

      WYBob

      1 month ago

      One small correction- the Vessel Player V Pro comes standard in either the 7 or 14-way top. Your choice when purchasing. The weight is either 7.55 lbs (7-way top) or 7.75 lbs (14-way top) sans the rain hood. It also comes in 7 colorways standard. It can be carried but is more of a hybrid bag. If you like the features but want to save weight and money there is the Player Pro Air which can be purchased for $379 and a weight of 4.45 lbs. (6-way top). The trade-off is it’s made with Cordura Naturalle Fabric instead of Tour-Grade Synthetic Leather. I have a Player III and it’s the best golf bag I’ve ever owned. Its 4 years old and look and performs like brand new. The key to buying a Vessel bag is to catch one of their sales which happens at least once a year (usally Black Friday) where you can save approximately 20% off retail.

      Reply

      OpMan

      1 month ago

      That Vessel is a heavy cart bag with legs. It’s not a stand bag for walking or carrying at all, why would you start at 10 pounds and then add all the clubs and accessories? You NEVER see anybody walk with it so it ought to be in a category of its own.

      Reply

      Fake

      1 month ago

      Seems like the Maxfli would do just fine for me, if I was in the market.

      As an aside, my dad has a beautiful old Tour bag from when the US Open was played at a local club back in the 80’s. Beautiful leather and color scheme.

      And it weighs as much as a Buick.

      Reply

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