MNML Golf Stand Bag Review
We Tried It

MNML Golf Stand Bag Review

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MNML Golf Stand Bag Review

There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

We Tried It: MNML Golf Bag Review

What We Tried

The MNML Golf MV2 stand bag.

Product Expert

Hi, I’m Harry and I am a professional golf equipment tester. (Yes, they exist.) I actually test a lot of things at MyGolfSpy and play professionally when I’m not checking and comparing specs on gloves, rangefinders, bags, ball retrievers, etc. You can call me the Director of Product Testing here at MGS. You can also just call me Harry. That’s fine, too.

What is MNML Golf?

MNML Golf is a relatively new golf bag company based in Manhattan Beach, Calif. As you can imagine, owner Sam Goulden is a super laid-back, easy-going guy. However, his passion for his golf stand bag is anything but laid back. He wants to get rid of all the clutter that golf bags have and strip it down to the essentials. Enter the MNML MV2 golf stand bag.

The MNML MV2 golf stand bag might seem like another everyday golf bag. However, with a few hidden surprises, that isn’t the case. The MV2 comes with three magnetic pockets which isn’t unusual but they’re stronger than any magnetic pocket I’ve come across. This makes it incredibly easy to get into the pockets without messing around with jammed zippers. It also comes with a Bluetooth speaker and solar panel portable charger to ensure you don’t lose your phone’s battery—or music for that matter. Neat, huh?

The MV2 has a cooler pocket for ice-cold beverages of your choice. There’s also room for extra items that you may need on a typical round. Look at the top of the golf stand bag, The MV2 comes with a four-way divider to keep your clubs easily separated. To round it off, the bag has a fully functional stand system, double straps and a phone holder that allows you to film your dingers.

On paper, the MNML golf stand bag seems to have some tricks up its sleeve. But how does it perform?

The built in phone holder on the MNML Golf bag is great for recording your swing.

Why Are We Trying The MNML Golf Bag?

Remember the days of the PGA Merchandise Show pre-COVID? Vaguely? Yeah. Me, too. During the 2020 PGA Show, walking along the “breaking into the industry walkway”, we came across MNML Golf. They had a bag that was similar to the MV2 with slightly different pocket designs. We started talking to them and quickly learned they had something unique. The bag caught our eye because of how small and compact it was, as well as the magnetic pockets. Anyway, after chatting with the guys, we wanted to include it the 2020 Most Wanted Stand Bag test.

Things didn’t quite work out, as they were working on the bag you see today: the MV2 and it just wasn’t ready at the time of testing. Yes, it took two years to design, engineer and develop but here we are. So let’s be real. It was well worth the “We Tried It” article to determine if you, the consumers, should invest in a new golf stand bag.

Using The MNML Golf Bag

My first impression of the MNML MV2 bag is that it’s clean and sexy looking. It has the appearance of a Stitch bag from a distance but once you get closer, the material is different. The MV2 is easier to keep your bag clean and looking new, thanks to its Lightweight Microsuede material. Huge plus, in my opinion.

The two main pockets are a good size for your rain jacket and water. I packed tees, a yardage book, CBD, a rain jacket and a couple of snacks and everything fit just fine. Until I tried to shut the pockets. The pockets were too full and struggled to close with the magnetic closure. Another issue when the pockets are full is that items can fall out, as the security hammock is too low and needs to be extended higher. HOWEVER, these issues only happen if you really pack in those pockets otherwise you’re Gucci.

The carry straps on the MNML golf bag make it easy to walk with.

One of the critical attributes of a great golf stand bag is the stand system. The MV2 worked well with the legs extending and retracting with force making sure it doesn’t hit your legs when you’re walking. That s**t is annoying (college flashbacks). When moving up to the double straps, they’re certainly padded and plush. They might be too padded if there’s such a thing. The bag can also be turned into a single strap for those who play a course with caddies.

At the top of the bag, there are dividers made of a material that screams “suede.” High-end stuff. It has the right amount of padding to make sure your shafts are protected for years to come. Also, at the top of the MNML golf stand bag is a phone holder that MNML claims can fit an iPhone 12 (and other phones of a similar size) to ensure filming your swing is easy to do. We tried that and it’s a little snug but it fits.

Tell Me What You Really Think

Would I use this bag as my go-to bag? Possibly. Here’s why.

If I was planning on playing nine holes after work with limited add-on items, I would certainly use this bag. It has all the features of a regular stand bag but saves a few pounds here and there. One of the biggest positives is that the MV2 bag has a speaker, charging port for your phone and camera holder to film your swings. All features are sweet in my eyes and work well.

Here is where the MNML Golf Bag could improve

In my opinion, the strap system was an after-thought. Let me explain. The double straps are padded and plush which is great. However, they are extremely wide, making it hard for your arms to hang naturally. As a result, the straps pinch/dig into your body. Just by trimming an inch and a half off each strap and contouring the straps to your body would make the carry much more pleasant. MNML could have also hidden the strap connector that is now attached to the handle and incorporated it into the bag so it doesn’t appear like an after-thought. My last qualm is that you cannot adjust the second strap on the back portion of the strap. So if you need raise the height of the bag on your back, you can’t.

The side pockets I have mentioned and prove not to be an issue if you have the standard amount of items in there. The ball pocket can hold two sleeves of balls or nine balls loosely which is all you need. (Unless you’re having a bad day and you need more balls. You know who you are.)

The dividers are plush at the top but can end up snagging from time to time, especially if you have oversized grips.

The speaker on the MNML Golf bag is a neat feature.

So where did the MNML Golf stand bag excel?

Its features aspect is second to none. I used the Bluetooth speaker a lot while testing the MNML Golf stand bag and, while it might not be the best quality, the sound is clear enough to enjoy a bit of Marvin Gaye on the course. You can also charge your phone at the same time without losing battery. Huge plus if you have to call your partner and explain you’re playing an extra nine holes.

The stand itself is great and works well. No issues there. It should also be noted that all the pockets are easy to open and close thanks to the magnetic system. Makes life so much easier.

If you want to convert your bag into a single strap, it is simple and easy to do by removing the clip on one and attaching it to the bottom. The caddies will love you for it. Another ingenious design by MNML is, if you find yourself playing a few rounds riding in a cart, you can wrap your bag strap around the top of the bag. Once completing that, you need to thread the cart strap through the bag strap to protect your golf stand bag.

While many bag companies have customizable options, MNML Golf customization is a little different. They have a in-house artist to take care of any design you want to make it a true one-of-a-kind golf stand bag.

The MNML Golf bag full shot

MNML Golf Stand Bag Final Thoughts

The bottom line: If I had a choice between the MV2 or a PING Hoofer, I would choose the PING, the main reason being their strap system. Let’s face it, the primary reason for a stand bag is to carry it. The MV2’s strap system seems to be an after-thought, excluding the single-strap system. If MNML fixed the straps, I would certainly consider this bag as my go-to golf stand bag.

However, if you’re a player who doesn’t carry many loose items or plays nine holes every evening, this is CERTAINLY the bag for you. You can use the MV2’s single strap no problem while listening to music as the sun starts to disappear beyond the horizon.

Also, if I had this bag, I would be sure to customize it with my Dinger logo to make it that one of a kind, for sure.

The bag costs $249 and comes in black or white. The up-charges are the tech kit and customizable artwork. But if you have an old working stand bag, you can trade it in and get yourself a new MNML Golf stand bag for $199.

Let me know in the Comment section if this bag is something you would consider or if you have the MV2 already.

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Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

Harry is the Senior Director of Product Testing, overseeing the facility and delving into everything Soft Goods related. His job is to cut through all the marketing and inform you, the consumer, what the best products are. Whether it be shoes, bags or gloves Harry has your back. Harry recently turned professional after being a two time All-American in golf and soccer. When he's not on the course, Harry loves to spend time with his lovely wife Miranda and dog Puma. #TruthDigest

Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

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Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

Harry Nodwell

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Harry Nodwell

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      Rick G

      4 months ago

      These bags are terrible. The first one I got had defective pockets that would always flop open and my stuff would fall out. I bought a second one at half price and after eight months the white bag is turning yellow.

      Reply

      Paul F

      2 years ago

      Just purchased and agree w all of your comments. Would emphasize the strap and storage issues. I’d really like the bag but they should add a side zipper compartment for rain gear and the like, particularly when u consider rain hood is included. Live in New England and weather changes every hour, requiring different apparel gear. Phone holder very tight as well.

      Reply

      Terry

      3 years ago

      Reviewer was right on the mark with straps and carry system, but a bit too kind on overall review.. Terrible straps, terrible return policy as well. Phone pocket on top is too small for current models of phones. Was given to me as a gift and since it is personalized, they won’t take it back. Pockets poorly designed unless you want to treat your golf bag pockets like the “junk drawer” in your kitchen. Good luck finding what you’re looking for.

      Don’t waste your money. Bag only good for golfers who don’t really play golf, they just drink and listen to music. Stay home and save the greens fees.

      Reply

      Tom

      3 years ago

      Harry,

      I am about to join a country club and am looking for a stand bag that doesn’t piss off the caddies, but also meets my needs (reasonable amount of pockets to throw in rain gear on days projected to rain, rangefinder pocket, valuables pocket, and balls/tees. I was looking at the Vessel VLX (but read it is tight for 14 clubs) and the Vessel VLS Luxe, but also read that the cart strap for when you ride causes rash to the bag. I was also looking at the Titleist Linkmaster and Titleist Stadry 4. Open to other options up to $400. Any suggestions. I also feel weird using a Ping bag when I don’t play ping if that makes any sense. MNML seemed interesting. Don’t think Stitch is an answer.

      Reply

      Scott D

      3 years ago

      Do phones really lose that much charge over the time it takes to play 18 holes, or even 36 holes? If so, you either need to stop using your phone on the course and save it for an emergency and spend a little more attention on having fun and golfing or get a new battery for inside your phone.
      Also, I feel very sad for those people who seem unable to be without music or their favorite talk radio (yes I have heard talk radio on the course) for 18 holes. What is your life like if you can’t have a few hours without your music? Do you sleep with the music on also? Do you ever have any time without your music, ever? Pathetic…. Open your ears and spend a little time listening to the rest of the world and give yourself (and everyone else) a break from your music.

      Reply

      Dan

      3 years ago

      You must be fun at parties…

      Reply

      Omar

      3 years ago

      Yikes. Maybe some of us play golf for fun, and our music enhances the experience. Pathetic would be allowing yourself to get worked up about hearing someone having a good time.

      Reply

      Really getting tired of all these companies thinking that they have to add as many gimmicks as possible to every product. But hey that is the way the world is going so go for it. People spending money on all kinds of garbage, but won’t spend a dime for a lesson. Bag, cart, speakers, a couple thousand on clubs and a golf swing that looks like some guy wrestling an octopus. Couldn’t break a 100 if they quit after 12. Swoosh on Bro’.

      Reply

      Adam

      3 years ago

      Ditch the stupid bluetooth speaker and solar charger that will charge your phone 2% over the course of a round and knock the price down.. We don’t want gimmicks..
      This is so telling of modern golf industry. Bring out the cheap gimmicks and skimp on things you really need done well like the carry strap. $250 bag and it’s not even comfortable to carry, you have to be kidding me. But hey, you can totally jam out on your bluetooth speaker on your way to the chiropractor.
      A carry bag has three basic goals…. Weight, Comfort, and Capability (pockets). Not speakers, solar chargers, and beer chillers.

      Reply

      Dan

      3 years ago

      So… buy a different bag then…

      Reply

      RT

      3 years ago

      Gag me with a spoon ! price is too high , I don’t need nor want a phone pocket especially where the bag is strapped to a cart.. the legs are always the weak in the product.

      Reply

      Dan Zimmerman

      3 years ago

      Agree completely

      Reply

      Alex

      3 years ago

      How water proof (water resistant) is the bag?

      Reply

      PA SMITH

      3 years ago

      Marvin Gaye, nice.

      Reply

      Marc Plante

      3 years ago

      I suppose you could use the speaker to play a metronome at the range? The usual suspects are pretty solid these days. Not sure about microsuede either.

      Reply

      Albert

      3 years ago

      I used this bag for a year, and here were the pros and cons:

      Pros:
      1. Really lightweight
      2. Looks great, premium material
      3. Great pockets: magnetic pockets are a game changer
      4. The holder for phones is awesome for those who film themselves on the range

      Cons:
      1. The legs are not sturdy, one of them bent badly
      2. The battery system is very poor – not even sure if the solar power is even charging b/c there is no indicator. I had to charge by taking the battery out which is a bit onerous. Battery also doesn’t hold much juice. I ended up just carrying an external battery.
      3. Bluetooth speaker works fine, but just playing music straight from your phone is more than enough for on the course, or even in a cart, unless you want to have a concert. (Read: don’t)
      4. No handle on the top of the bag, which seems super minor but I found myself missing it badly when lugging the bag or loading/unloading into the car trunk.

      Overall, this is a nice bag but when the rubber hits the road (especially with the tech components) it’s not quite there yet. Maybe it will be there in a few iterations?

      IMHO Vessel and Stitch are the frontrunners for premium golf bags atm. And for light carry bags/Sunday bags Jones is up there as well.

      Reply

      Dan

      3 years ago

      This is the TL;DR we all needed. Thank you! Looking for a good all purpose bag, and maybe this is not quite the one (yet!)

      Reply

      Herb

      3 years ago

      Call me a traditionalist. I play golf to get away from the phone, and other non=natural distractions such as music. As far as carry stand bags are concerned the Sun Mountain 2.5 is the best.

      Reply

      Chris

      3 years ago

      I’d want individual club dividers too. Easy to pull your club and protects them too. (I even use head covers for my irons which tells you something about my regard for club protection.)

      Reply

      Dan Zimmerman

      3 years ago

      Ping Hoofer Craz-E-Lite is the best bag ever! 2 features no one else has (1 which almost no one knows even exist): 1. Attached, hidden, easily deployed rain cover serves double-duty as padding for my backside! 2. Easily missed — by all the sales staff in 3 different Dick’s and Golf Galaxy! — is the zippered access port to the inside bottom of the bag via the large garment pocket… handy for golfers like me who have “lost” tees/ball markers/golf pencils/trash and my iPhone!!!

      Reply

      dr. bloor

      3 years ago

      Surprised they managed to keep it at 5 lbs given all the bells and whistles, but that’s still a little on the heavy side for hard core carriers.

      Reply

      Dan Zimmerman

      3 years ago

      My Ping Hoofer Craz-E-Lite is the best bag ever! It also has a couple of features that don’t get featured: First is the (zippered) access to the inside bottom of the bag via the large garment pocket. Who never “lost” tees/pencils/ball marker/ (glove?) in the bottom of their bag? Second is the quick-release straps that allow a (sometimes) cart golfer to tuck the straps neatly inside that garment pocket.

      Reply

      Ed

      3 years ago

      I actually have this bag. I really enjoy it. It’s great for a late Sunday round or if I just want to walk. I haven’t had the issues with the straps. The blue tooth speaker has good sound and you don ‘t lose juice on your phone since you can charge it. Great bag overall.

      Reply

      Doug

      3 years ago

      The very first sentence is “we get a kickback if you buy one”. That’s some honesty right there! But, then the “review” isn’t very flattering, and almost deters one from buying one due to a poorly designed strap, and pockets that will fail if overloaded., among other things including a statement that the author would buy a Ping bag rather than this bag.
      so a double dose of honesty about the bag…
      I’m too old to carry anymore so I’d never buy this regardless, but I just wanted to point out the lack of bias towards this product to those who would complain that it’s a rigged review based on possible financial gain.
      Its also not the best review that the producers would have liked, but it will also help them continue to refine their product into a highly competitive market, so they can eventually be a realistic “playah”.

      Reply

      Will

      3 years ago

      The best ultra light weight stand bags that I have used, is the Sun Mountain 2.5 & 3.5. Nothing else comes close…

      Reply

      Dan Zimmerman

      3 years ago

      Ping Hoofer Craz-E-Lite is 3 lbs, and better IMHO

      Reply

      Scott

      3 years ago

      Unfortunately this looks like a case of trying to do too many things and none of them well. The primary function of a carry bag is to carry clubs comfortably, and if the straps aren’t adjustable and comfortable enough, then it fails right away.

      The bluetooth speaker and solar charger are neat ideas, but once again, the speaker doesn’t have great sound according to the article. I would appreciate the phone charger, but my rounds are usually quick enough that my phone doesn’t drain dramatically. Plus, this bag weighs in at 5 pounds, which isn’t very MNML.

      The two things I think this bag does seem to get right are the magnetic pockets and price. The magnetic pockets are a great idea on a minimal bag, and the $249 price is good for a bag with such features.

      For me, I’ll stick with my Ping Hoofer Craz-E-Lite and a JBL clip speaker. They cost more than the MNML bag, but I’m willing to accept that for better functionality and lighter weight.

      Reply

      Bart

      3 years ago

      Did you ask the CEO why a company whose name is “Minimal” created a bag with more gadgets than a Greg Norman golf cart?

      Reply

      RT

      3 years ago

      Aman , I don’t want to hear any music when I’m playing .The BOOM.BOOM ,Thud shaksak etc. . is for a skating rink not a golf course !!!

      Reply

      RC

      3 years ago

      Being able to film your swing is nice I guess, if you’re playing with strangers you don’t trust with your phone. Strong magnets are a nice touch. Being able to charge your phone is a very nice touch. But music on the golf course? Not a fan…

      Reply

      Michael Hayden

      3 years ago

      Very good review of the bag. I would not consider it based on your input, especially the straps. You have to get that right on a stand bag.

      Reply

      David

      3 years ago

      Nope.

      Ping, T-M, Titleist, Sun Mountain, OGIO, Callaway…

      Good luck in a saturated market.

      Reply

      David Conlon

      3 years ago

      Interesting concept. Too expensive for me, though. The BlueTooth speaker has zero appeal for me, as I intensely dislike music on the golf course.

      Reply

      Harry Nodwell

      3 years ago

      You don’t have to buy the speaker. It’s an add on and I don’t mind it at all when I’m practicing

      Reply

      Ian

      3 years ago

      My question is why buy a golf bag where the speaker is stuck on the bag? Buy a JBL Clip and you can use the speaker elsewhere. Seems like a bag with too many gimmicks rather than features.

      Andy

      3 years ago

      Nice kit but I pray to God that Bluetooth speakers stay in the US and out of Scotland!

      Reply

      Paul Vicary

      3 years ago

      I’m with you Harry. Bag is too gimmicky. The main reason for a bag like this is to carry it. If straps are an afterthought, what does that tell you. Besides that music does not belong on a golf course . Save it for your home. Also don’t need a phone charger. On the links to get away from the phone. Give me a Ping or SunMountain any day.m

      Reply

      Harry Nodwell

      3 years ago

      I wouldn’t say it is gimmicky. I like all the add ons but it certainly caters to the younger crowd for the most part. The bag is perfect for those who don’t carry that many extra items but yes, if they can fix the straps I think they will do just great

      Reply

      Corey

      3 years ago

      Looks like a fantastic bag, except for one thing. I wish it had individual dividers for each club. I know I’m probably being nit-picky, but I love my current stand bag with 14 dividers so I can quickly find the club I need and reduce the clanging club heads where possible. When they make that version, I’m all-in!

      Reply

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