TaylorMade FlexTech Carry Stand Bag Review
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.
Take a look at our 2020 Buyer’s Guide to see our preferred specifications for golf stand bags. Click here.
2020 TaylorMade FlexTech Stand Bag Specifications and Features
Weight
The weight of the TaylorMade FlexTech Stand Bag is 4.5 pounds.
This weight sits in the sweet spot of our preferred range of weights. At 4 – 4.5 pounds, manufacturers can offer many features while still offering a relatively light bag.
Getting Clubs In and Out of the Bag
The TaylorMade FlexTech Stand Bag has a slightly elongated, five-way opening with full-length dividers and a top diameter of 10″.The opening of the bag is within our preferred size range. We like five tops in that they offer some club separation while not taking up too much space with padded dividers. The top design easily accommodates putters and clubs with over-sized grips.
Ease of Carrying the Bag
The bag has a self-adjusting, four attachment point, dual strap system. The straps can be individually adjusted in length. The straps come together at a center “slider,” which allows the straps to move in relation to each other to dynamically adjust the bag’s balance across a golfer’s back and shoulders.
The bag has top rim, spine, and bottom handles for easy lifting options.
The shoulder strap system is self-adjusting, comfortable, and easy to use. The three handles are what we expect with a high-quality carry bag.
Storage/Pockets
The TaylorMade FlexTech Carry Stand Bag has 11 pockets, including:
- Full-length side apparel pocket
- Water-resistant, micro-suede lined valuables pocket
- Rangefinder pocket
- Easily accessible insulated water bottle pocket
- Ball pocket
- Pen sleeve
- Other accessory pockets
In terms of other attachment points, the bag has an umbrella holder, Velcro glove patch, and towel ring.
At eleven pockets, the bag is above the high end of our preferred number and specialization of pockets. Sometimes less is more.
Stability of the Bag
The TaylorMade FlexTech Carry Stand Bag has a patented, hinged, flex-base replacing their prior kickstand models. Also, the bag’s legs are slightly bent and hinge wider than some other bags. This base/leg combination is sturdy, sleek, and is an improvement when you choose to use a cart.When we inspected the bag, we found the stability features to be excellent. The flex bottom and leg release were solid. In general, we are big fans of the flex bottom in terms of its sleekness and that it makes it easier to position the bag on a cart. The stance of the legs is wide, and this increases stability.
Extras
The TaylorMade FlexTech Carry Stand Bag has:
- Five color combinations, which are somewhat brighter than the prior year
- A matching rain hood
- A cart strap pass-through channel for use when a golfer takes a golf cart. By using the channel, the cart strap does not block any of the bag’s pockets
Value
TaylorMade’s suggested retail price is $214.99.
The $214.99 MSRP is in the mid to high range of our recommended full feature carry bags. It is a definite upgrade over their older PureLite line in terms of stability and comfort.
Click Below to Buy the TaylorMade FlexTech
By saying that the base in “an improvement when you choose to use a cart”, is it still as competitive as the Sun Mountain range in that regard, or just as best to stick to the original PureLite range?
I’m looking for a stand/carry bag that’s lightweight and cart compatible… I’m a relative newbie to golf trying to cover all bases at least expense without too much compromise – a challenge!!
Thanks!
Definite improvement over the PureLite. Comparable to Ping (designed to be very similar). Can’t go wrong with the FlexTech, Ping or SunMountain.
But still no cart strap channel which the 4.5 and Hoofer/Hoofer lite both have.
The 2019 and 2020 FlexTech models both have a cart strap channel with the opening near the top of the bag and to the left of the full length clothing pocket.