2020 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag Review
Sun Mountain understands that the big trade-off in carry bags is the bag’s weight versus the number and types of features.
Back in 2017, Sun Mountain optimized the features and technology they offered at a given weight.
Now, when buying a Sun Mountain bag, a golfer knows the bag’s approximate weight by its name.
And they know that as they look at the 2.5+ vs. 3.5 vs. 4.5 vs. 5.5, the extent of features increases as the numbers go up. Congrats to Sun Mountain for clarifying its product line.
The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag, is our favorite Sun Mountain bag. Not too heavy while offering outstanding features.
Take a look at our 2020 Buyer’s Guide to see our preferred carry/stand bag specifications. Click here.
2020 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Specifications and Features
Weight
As mentioned, the weight of the Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Carry/Stand Bag is 4.5 pounds, including straps.
As time has passed, 4.5 pounds is now in the upper third of the weights of our recommended full feature 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 four full-length dividers measuring 10″.The opening of the bag is our preferred size. The top design easily accommodates putters with over-sized grips.
Ease of Carrying the Bag
The bag comes with Sun Mountain’s E-Z Fit Dual Strap System (an upgrade over the 2.5+ and 3.5 LS models) with two shoulder straps that join in a center back pad. The straps have three layers of construction to promote comfort.
The 4.5 LS also has a cushioned hip pad for added comfort. Also, the bag has top rim and spine handles and a lower pocket lift-assist panel for easy lifting options.
Given the bag’s relatively light weight and the three-layer strap construction, this bag is comfortable to carry.
Storage/Pockets
The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag has nine pockets, including:
- Full-length apparel pocket
- Water-resistant, velour-lined valuables pocket
- An additional velour-lined pocket for a range finder
- Beverage pouch positioned for easy access
- Multiple additional accessory pockets
In terms of other attachment points, the bag has a pen holder and a towel loop.
The bag has our preferred number of pockets with ample storage and specialization.
Stability of the Bag
The Sun Mountain 4.5 LS has 26″ legs with a spread between feet of 22.5″. The bag also has a patented roller bottom leg mechanism and Y-spring leg activator for firm leg action. The legs have triangular, non-slip foot pads to resist slipping and sinking.
Although the leg spread of the 4.5 LS is slightly narrower than some of our other recommended bags, 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:
- A matching rain hood
- A cart strap pass-through that runs behind the clothing pocket so that no pockets are blocked
- A cart-friendly bottom designed for an easier fit into a golf cart
- Six color options ranging from conservative black to brighter color combinations
Value
Sun Mountain’s suggested retail price is $219.99.
The $219.99 price tag is near the midpoint MSRP prices for our recommended full feature carry bags. This bag’s value is in its simplicity, sturdiness, ease of carrying, and appealing look.
Click Below to Buy the 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.