2023 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag Review
Editor’s Note: Sun Mountain understands that the big trade-off in carry bags is the bag’s weight versus the number and types of features. Sun Mountain offers the 2.5+, 3.5, and 4.5 LS models to meet varying needs and desires in their standard carry bag product line. The weight of each model roughly corresponds with its number. And each bag’s features increase with its weight.
The 2023 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag, with a 4-way top, is our favorite Sun Mountain bag. Not too heavy while offering outstanding features.
Please take a look at our 2023 Buyer’s Guide to see our preferred carry/stand bag specifications. Click here.
2023 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS With 4-Way Top: Specifications and Features
Weight
The 4-Way Top Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Carry/Stand Bag weighs 4.9 pounds, including straps.
As time has passed, 4.9 pounds is now in the upper third of the weights of our recommended full-featured bags. A few years ago, it would have been among our lightest.
Getting Clubs In and Out of the Bag
The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS has a four-way, somewhat rounded opening with a width of 9 inches. It has four full-length dividers to minimize clubs getting snarled up.The opening of the bag is our preferred size. The top design easily accommodates all clubs with oversized grips.
Click Here To Check Out Amazon Prices and Ratings
Ease of Carrying the Bag
Sun Mountain upgraded the 4.5 LS’s strap system in 2023 to the E-Z Lite Dual Strap System in line with its other carry stand bags.The E-Z Lite Dual Strap System allows one strap to slide, automatically adjusting to a golfer’s movements. This ability to adapt to the golfer’s movement offers a greater degree of dynamic adjustment than in the prior fixed strap system.
The bag is easy to get on and off and works well as a single strap for short carries.
The 4.5 LS also has a redesigned lumbar support, Air Flow hip pad for added comfort (pictured below).
The bag has top rim and spine handles and a lower pocket lift-assist strap for easy lifting options.
Given the bag’s relatively lightweight and padded straps and hip pad, this bag is comfortable to carry.
Storage/Pockets
The 2023 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag has eight pockets, including:
- Roomy apparel pocket
- Water-resistant, velour-lined valuables pocket with a new “thermoformed pocket face” to provide extra protection for phones and other valuables
- Upgraded range finder pocket with a magnetic opening.
- Multiple additional accessory pockets
- Hydration pouch positioned for easy access
Extra attachment points include:
- Umbrella holder, towel ring, and pen holder
- Daisy chains provide attachment points for additional accessories
The bag has our preferred number of pockets with ample storage and specialization.
Stability of the Bag
The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS has highly durable carbon fiber legs. The bag also has a patented roller bottom leg mechanism and a Y-spring leg activator for firm leg action.
The legs have triangular, enlarged, non-slip foot pads to resist slipping and sinking.
The bag’s stability features and performance are at the top end of our preferred models.
Extras
The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Bag has the following:
- A cart strap pass-through that runs behind the clothing pocket so that no pockets are blocked
- A cart-friendly bottom and leg lock system designed for an easier fit into a golf cart
- The 4-way top version of the 4.5LS currently comes in six color options ranging from conservative black to brighter color combinations
- A matching rain hood
Value
Sun Mountain’s suggested retail price is $249.99.
The $249.99 price tag is on the higher end of MSRP prices for our recommended full-featured carry bags. This bag’s value is in its simplicity, construction, sturdiness, ease of carrying, and appealing look.
Click Here to Buy the 2023 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag
For those of you who are interested, Sun Mountain also makes a 14-way top for this bag. Check out our post on 14-way tops. Click here.
Just to be clear, the actual weight of the 4.5 LS is 4.9 pounds including straps. I have a 2017 and that’s where it comes in. If you call customer service at Sun Mountain they will tell you that the weight is in the 4.7-4.8 pound range.
At least SM is getting closer to their weight designations. I had a 3.5 from 2013 which weighed close to 5 pounds.
Tom,
Thanks for the comment. SM is definitely trying to align their names with the actual weights. They are getting closer. It partly comes down to whether you include the straps and the rain hood. And, it varies manufacturer by manufacturer.
Brad
Can you please include a review for the 2020 Hoofer Lite. I feel that it should be head-head compared against the 3.5 and 4.5
I love the Ping bags. They are rock solid workhorses and set the standard in golf bags in many ways. I will definitely take a closer look at the Hoofer Lite. Thanks for the suggestion.