Tag Archives: golf carry bag

Our reviews of the best golf carry and stand bags for golfers who love to walk the course

TaylorMade FlexTech Carry Stand Bag Review

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2020 TaylorMade FlexTech Stand Bag

TaylorMade 2020 FlexTech

This review reflects improvements made for the 2020 TaylorMade FlexTech Stand Bag model. The only advertised 2020 upgrade is the use of fade-resistant, yarn-dyed fabric to hold color longer. Other than this change, and a change in color patterns, the bag is essentially the same as the 2019 model.

A Little History: In 2017, TaylorMade introduced the FlexTech line of carry/stand bags. These bags replaced the PureLite series and came with:

  • an upgraded base and leg system for greater stability, as well as
  • a more adjustable, better padded shoulder strap system 

The upgrades in 2017 over the prior model line were significant improvements on top of an already solid lineup of bags.  

Continue reading TaylorMade FlexTech Carry Stand Bag Review →

Which 14-Way Golf Stand Bag Will You Absolutely Love?

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14-Way Golf Stand Bag -- Sun Mountain 4.5 LS 14 TopWe love walking the course carrying our clubs because of the freedom of being able to pick up and go. But some aspects of carrying can sometimes be a hassle.

For instance, there is nothing more annoying than when your clubs get disorganized or completely tangled within the bag.

When the grips are intertwined, you can’t quickly get the clubs in or out. Not fun!  A 14-way golf stand bag is the answer to stop the tangled mess.

We have updated this post for 2020 and identified our top recommendation for a 14-way golf stand bag.  Anyone who purchases it will love it. Continue reading Which 14-Way Golf Stand Bag Will You Absolutely Love? →

Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag Review

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2019 and 2020 Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag

Setting Things Straight

  1. Sun Mountain 3.5 LS
    Click Image for Amazon

    Sun Mountain has optimized the level of features and technology that they can offer at a given weight.  Now, when buying a Sun Mountain bag, a golfer knows the approximate weight of the bag by its name. 
  2. And, since golfers know that there tends to be a tradeoff between weight and features, golfers 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.  
  3. Other than color combinations, there are no significant differences between the 2019 and 2020 3.5 LS model years.  The specs are the same.  So, as you read below, the description is the same for both years.  We tend to be frugal shoppers, so we prefer the 2019 model due to price.
  4. One last thing, while we love the 3.5 LS for its lighter weight, are favorite Sun Mountain stand bag is the 4.5 LS (reviewed here).

Continue reading Sun Mountain 3.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag Review →

Single Strap Golf Stand Bag — Searching for a Blue Unicorn (Part 2)

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Single Strap Golf Stand Bag as Rare as a Blue Unicorn. Image by User:Yamavu, Hashar & Kalki CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
By User: Yamavu, Hashar & Kalki CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

A couple of years back, when we first wrote Part 1 of this blog, we claimed that high-quality, single strap golf stand bags were as rare as a blue unicorn. We searched extensively throughout the electronic golf marketplace and discovered that although not quite as rare as the mythical beast, there were not many options.

In the few years since then, some manufacturers have increased their single strap offerings.  For the most part, these options are not exclusively single strap bags (except for some full-featured caddie or staff bags). Instead, some manufacturers are offering their dual strap bags in single strap configurations.  To be candid, that means that the bags are not fully optimized for a single strap.

After looking at a bunch of bags, we found one option that stood out. Continue reading Single Strap Golf Stand Bag — Searching for a Blue Unicorn (Part 2) →

2020 Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag Review

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2020 Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag

Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag
Click Image for Amazon Review

The 2020 Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag is an excellent choice for folks looking for a light, straightforward, high-quality bag.  An added benefit is the Titleist name for all of you Titleist brand loyalists.

Take a look at our 2020 Buyer’s Guide to see our preferred specifications. Click here.

Weight

The weight of the Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag is 3.8 pounds.

This light weight places the Players 4 Stand Bag as one of the lightest among our recommended models.  And while the Players 4 isn’t the most lightweight bag in Titleist’s range of stand bags, we believe it is the best tradeoff between weight, quality, and features. Continue reading 2020 Titleist Players 4 Stand Bag Review →

Single Strap Golf Stand Bag — Searching for a Blue Unicorn (Part 1)

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Single Strap Golf Stand Bag as Rare as a Blue Unicorn. Image by User:Yamavu, Hashar & Kalki CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
By User: Yamavu, Hashar & Kalki CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

This post, both Part 1 and Part 2, has been fully updated for 2020.

A few years back, we were asked for our recommendation for the best single strap golf stand bag.

The person who asked didn’t like the hassle of the four-point, backpack style strap systems that have become the standard in the industry. He felt that a single strap style was significantly easier to put on and take off.

At the time, we thought that the request would be straightforward, although we couldn’t quickly recall any current high-quality models with the single strap configuration.

To make a short story shorter, back when we first began researching this topic, we failed to come up with a quick recommendation for this person who was eager to purchase. So, in this blog (Part 1 & Part 2), we chronicle our pursuit of a “blue unicorn” – a high quality, single strap golf stand bag. Continue reading Single Strap Golf Stand Bag — Searching for a Blue Unicorn (Part 1) →

2020 OGIO Fuse 4 Stand Bag Review

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2020 OGIO Fuse 4 Stand Bag

OGIO Fuse 4 Stand Bag
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The Fuse 4 Stand Bag is our favorite OGIO carry bag for 2020.  The bag keeps OGIO’s high standards of quality while asserting a more athletic and modern look and features.

Take a look at our 2020 Buyer’s Guide to see our preferred specifications. Click here.

Weight

The weight of the OGIO Fuse 4 Stand Bag is 4.4 pounds, including the strap system.

This weight places the Fuse Bag in the lighter end of our preferred range and is one of the most lightweight bags OGIO has produced.

In setting our weight range, we consider both the pure weight of the bag as well as the tradeoff of weight versus features. Typically, the lighter the bag, the fewer the features and the lesser the quality of the materials. So, finding the absolute lowest weight bag is not always the best path for selecting a bag. Continue reading 2020 OGIO Fuse 4 Stand Bag Review →

Ping Hoofer Carry Bag Review

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2020 Ping Hoofer Carry Bag

Ping 2020 Hoofer
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Ping continues to make progressive improvements to its flagship Hoofer stand bag.  For many golfers, this bag is the gold standard to which all other carry bags are measured against.  We have always loved this stand bag.  Below are the bag’s specs for the 2020 version.

Take a look at our 2020 Buyer’s Guide to see our preferred specifications. Click here.

Weight

The weight of the 2020 Ping Hoofer is 5.5 pounds, including the attached rain hood.

The Ping Hoofer’s weight is at the upper end of our preferred range.

Weight can be an indicator of quality. Some companies that have aggressively tried to trim weight have paid the price in the quality of the bag’s material or the sturdiness of the stand system. Ping does not cut corners with weight and has always used premium materials for quality and durability. Continue reading Ping Hoofer Carry Bag Review →

2020 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag Review

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2020 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag

Sun Mountain 2020 4.5 LS 4 Way Stand Bag
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Sun Mountain understands that the big trade-off in carry bags is the weight of the bag versus the number and types of features.

Back in 2017, Sun Mountain optimized the level of features and technology that they offered at a given weight.

Now, when buying a bag, a golfer knows the approximate weight of the bag 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.

Something else that is clear to us at BGCB, the 4.5 LS, is our favorite Sun Mountain bag.  Not too heavy while offering outstanding features. Continue reading 2020 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS Stand/Carry Bag Review →

2020 Sun Mountain 2.5+ Stand Bag Review

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2020 Sun Mountain 2.5+ Stand Bag

2020 Sun Mountain 2.5+ Stand Bag
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After re-introducing the Sun Mountain 2Five Stand Bag in 2017, the company upgraded the ultra-light carry bag and re-named it the Sun Mountain 2.5+.  With this upgrade, Sun Mountain improved both durability and comfort while only increasing the weight by the equivalent of two golf balls.

The 2020 version of the 2.5+ is now available, featuring all the upgrades of the intervening models with much-improved color combinations.

For golfers who want an ultra-light, full service, golf carry bag, the Sun Mountain 2.5+ should be your top choice. Continue reading 2020 Sun Mountain 2.5+ Stand Bag Review →

What Makes a Women’s Golf Stand Bag Different?

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This post has been updated for 2020 with our preferred women’s golf stand bag models from Sassy Caddy and Sun Mountain. 

Sassy Caddy Women's Golf Stand BagWhen we recently attended the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, we asked a few of the leading vendors of women’s golf bags to explain what differentiates a women’s golf stand bag from a men’s bag. We received our best answer from Emily, the designer, and the creator of Sassy Caddy. As she walked us through the features of her highly fashionable women’s golf stand bags, she said the difference comes down to three key things:

  • The bags are more stylish and have greater personality
  • The pockets of the bags are tailored to more specialized uses
  • Women’s golf stand bags are shorter than men’s golf carry bags to provide a better fit for the shorter length of women’s clubs

Continue reading What Makes a Women’s Golf Stand Bag Different? →

JCR DL550S Stand Bag Review

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JCR DL550s Stand Bag

JCR DL 550S: A great golf carry bag
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I was recently able to catch up with Dan Langer, the owner of JCR Inc at the PGA Merchandise Show.  It was great to have Dan walk through the upgrades to the original JCR DL550, now called the DL550s. 

The upgraded bag has some small improvements over the original and makes a great bag even better. Continue reading JCR DL550S Stand Bag Review →

OGIO Cirrus Stand Bag Review

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OGIO Cirrus Stand Bag

2018 OGGIO Cirrus Stand Bag
Click Image For Amazon Review

Product Update

OGIO has discontinued the Cirrus Stand Bag.  

In the last few years, as OGIO has merged with Callaway, they have re-imagined their entire golf bag product line.  Unfortunately, this fantastic, near five-star bag is no longer available.

Our favorite OGIO Bag is currently the OGIO Fuse 4 Stand Bag.  Click here for our full review of the Fuse 4 Stand Bag.

Original 2018 Review

The OGIO Cirrus Stand Bag is our favorite OGIO carry bag.  Over the last two years, the OGIO Cirrus Stand Bag has become OGIO’s front running lightweight, full feature carry bag.  The bag keeps OGIO’s high standards of quality while asserting a more athletic and modern look and features.

Weight

The weight of the OGIO Cirrus Stand Bag is 5 pounds, including the strap system.

In 2018, this weight placed the Cirrus Bag in the lighter end of our preferred range. (In 2020, this weight would now be in the high end.) Continue reading OGIO Cirrus Stand Bag Review →

Ping Carry Bags: Which One is Right for You?

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Ping has earned itself an army of followers that is vocal, loyal, and large. If you spend any time reading reviews in the golf forums or listening to customers, it is easy to find stories of “serial” Ping owners, and individuals who have owned their Ping carry bags for 8 – 10 years.

Given this following of Ping admirers, we thought it would be useful to provide a side by side comparison of Ping’s three full-featured stand bags to give newbies and veterans alike a clear picture of their similarities and differences. Continue reading Ping Carry Bags: Which One is Right for You? →