New bag?

big_drive

Looking for recommendations for a new bag, my own one of approx 15 years is nearly done at this stage.

I have always used a stand bag which i use on my trolley, never actually carry for a game. But have found the stand bag a good option as it's also handy for the few times I use the driving range/practice. Doesn't fit ideally on trolley due to the leg sticking out at bottom. So I suppose I'd be better switching to a proper trolley bag and I can still use my current bag if I ever need a stand bag.

Open to any recommendations from anyone who's had a bag they felt was very good, I don't have any definites it must have, I never owned a waterproof bag so not sure if that's something I should consider or not. I'd be hoping to keep it for a good few years so don't mind paying a bit if it's worth it long term

Russman

One thing I've done when buying a bag in recent years is try it on my trolley first. Sometimes the shop will stock the trolley I have, other times i've had to bring it in from the car. Most newer bags have their base designed to fit into certain trolleys. Just something to be aware of.

As regards bags, I've found the Ping Traverse to be a very good, lightweight trolley, almost like a stand bag with no stand ! Its not waterproof but they do other models that are, plus the larger Pioneer, which I had but even though it was great, it was just too big for what I need. I use a Golf Glider and Pings are one of the few bags that sit half decently on a Glider (probably my only criticism of Glider tbh). Titleists, for me, almost fit perfectly, but the cradle on my Glider digs into the side pockets just enough that I think it might wear a hole in it. Titleist bags are great though, I think they might be made by Sun Mountain. There was one waterproof bag, either Motocaddy or Powercaddy, that fit lovely on the Glider when I last bought a bag, but it was just a little bulky for what I needed.

I'm on the fence about waterproofing, if I could find one that fitted the trolley I'd probably get it, but how often do I play in the heavy rain ? Not sure tbh. Most bags are water reisitant to some degree or other anyway.

Best advice is to go to a McGuirks or Halpenny and try a few.

RoadRunner

Small pointers (not qualified to recommend an "actual" bag though)

• Hold on to your stand bag (in storage perhaps), useful for winter, and for travel particularly plane flights.
• be careful of the term "cart bag" when you're buying. I think this is an american phrase to mean to put the bag on the bag of a buggy not what we think of as on an electric trolley. The driver and putter pockets are reversed and this can be very annoying in the beginning if you switch over from the way you are used to now.
• try to get a bag with similar style pockets, ie you are used to putting your car keys, wallet, phone in a particular pocket. And then even golf balls, laser up near the top of the bag in a zip-up pocket, try to get something that mimics the way you are used to dealing with. Small things like this can mean the difference between getting into your car after a tough round and not having to go back out on to the course to try find your carkeys or something 🤣
• if I was getting a new bag I think I'd possibly take my old bag to the shop to make sure the clubs fit in the same way I'm used to with my old bag.
• a zip is often the first thing to go on a bag, not being able to zip up a pocket in a shower is a pain. A bag with a damaged zip is often considered to be fit for the bin. I would totally buy a bag 2nd hand. But if a zip is damaged I wouldn't even consider a 2nd hand bag for free. So try get something with good quality zips. I'll put this one out there to the wider group, is there a bag manufacturer with better zips?

Ottoman_1000

I got myself a MotoKaddy Dry Series about 3 years ago in a black Friday sale, and its a quality bag. Also its beneficial that the base is fit for the MotoKaddy buggy too, so it fits easily.

blue note

If I was buying a stand bag I'd look at the seed ones, I think they look great and have found their products to be very nice. And I like to support Irish. Unfortunately I bought a Wilson bag just before they released it, so it'll be a decade before I get to try it.

If I was buying a bag for a trolley I wouldn't look at a stand bag, they just never sit right on them.

Whatever you're buying I'd look at the dividers in the bag. I like 6, some people want 14. I don't know how anyone keeps their sanity with a bag with 4. And make sure it has the pockets you want. I don't need many pockets, some people like millions. Make sure it has enough for you.

awec

My missus got my an Ogio trolley bag for Christmas last year, I'd highly recommend it. It's waterproof and has the 15 way divider at the top (in fairness I think most trolley bags have this now).

Pocket layout is very good. The umbrella slot goes down the length of the bag and importantly it isn't the loop and string type and it also isn't one of the ones where the umbrella slot goes through another pocket reducing space.

2 large pockets on the side for gear, I use one for dry clothing and one for wet gear, then 3 large pockets on the front, one of which is a cooler pocket for food.

coillcam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122672640#Comment_122672640

I got one in a deal a while back and it is a quality bag. The only fault is that the hood is badly designed and awkward to use. Otherwise it's miles better than the titleist staydry I had previously.

big_drive

Is that the Ogio ones with the unusual dividers, almost like holds the clubs in place?

Gallant_JJ

Does anyone own the seed bag and happy to offer their thoughts on it?

bobster453

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122671029#Comment_122671029

Or you could just win one 😁😁😁

coillcam

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122673681#Comment_122673681

Mine has normal full length dividers. I think there are models that have a rubber tag/flap in the slot for each club to keep it from moving.

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122683078#Comment_122683078

Ya they were the ones I'm thinking of, look interesting but not sure how well they work

awec

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122683302#Comment_122683302

They are to stop clubs rattling, I think all the newer models have them.

Probably more useful on stand bags that you carry than cart bags tbh.

big_drive

Course closed tomorrow due to orange warning, maybe I do need a waterproof bag the way things are going!!

CalamariFritti

Need a new one recently too. Was looking at Motocaddy to match my trolley but find their colours a bit on the boring, dull side. Got a Titleist Stadry and like it a lot over my old bag.

The bottom is wider no tendency to fall over even when full loaded with jackets and rain pants and everything.

The bottom also has a much better groove to snap into my trolley's bottom bit, not the full on Motocaddy snap-on but good enough, no more twisting the bag on the cart.

Somehow the dividers are better done. My clubs no longer clank against each other or very little.

Plenty enough room, zips seem good and the drinks compartment is a decent size. Will hold a bigger bottle and also a couple of bars or even a roll or samba.

Waterproof but so was the old one.

A little pricey though but nothing is cheap anymore.

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122686609#Comment_122686609

I have a motocaddy trolley too. Like yourself I'm thinking about the motocaddy bag as it's probably the best option but similar I find the bags a bit plain or something. Which is silly I know as performance is what counts. Good to hear the Titleist is a decent option, I'll definitely have a look at those. As I said before I'll pay a bit extra if I think I'll get a decent few years from the bag

soverybored1878

I recently bought one of these Big Max bags to stop my clubs smacking together (can't stand looking at the dents)

Fully waterproof, a TON of pockets and whisper quiet, I'm very happy with it. Be warned though, it's pretty big.

https://www.clubhousegolf.co.uk/acatalog/Big-Max-Dri-Lite-Silencio-2-Golf-Cart-Bag-Black.html#SID=1306

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122692670#Comment_122692670

I like the look of the Big Max range, from reading reviews online I've been put off slightly by the numbers complaining about the zips going

awec

Won't be long now til the ropes are back up on the course, so I am looking to pick up a stand bag for carrying in the winter. It's surprisingly hard to find a waterproof one that's not massive or really expensive. I want waterproof cause it saves me having to air it out to dry after playing in the rain (as well as the obvious thing of keeping everything in it dry).

Anyone any suggestions?

Russman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122692848#Comment_122692848

Cheap, light & waterproof - you might be looking for something that doesn't exist.

Just did a quick search and this came up:

https://www.mcguirksgolf.com/p/callaway-fairway-c-hd-dbl-stand-bag--silver---black---green/ca22a0509003

or this one, but it says the zippers are 100% waterproof and the fabric is water resistant. Light though @ 2kg. I believe most leaks are through the zips anyway.

https://www.mcguirksgolf.com/p/big-max-dri-lite-seven-g-stand-bag--white---navy---red/3508-23006

If you sort the search into stand bags, waterproof and then by price, there's options starting at €119 right up to €379. I have no affiliation with McGuirks, just did a random search. Shocked at the price of waterproof stand bags tbh.

blue note

I think I'm on my own on this, but I don't think the bag being waterproof is all that important. A waterproof pocket is good, but even if a bag doesn't have it - you can just put in a zip lock bag for your valuables.

soverybored1878

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122692704#Comment_122692704

I think that seems to be a common thing with waterproof zips in general. That said I've only had it a few weeks and played 4-5 rounds with it and they seem well made to me.

It's a great looking bag and I couldn't be happier with it myself. Not the most compact of bags though, but that's Big Max for you. Clue is in the name as I found out 😂

swededmonkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122693145#Comment_122693145

After getting drenched yesterday and everything saturated, I'd be happy not to have to dry out the entire bag contents. Unreal the amount of crap that accumulates

Miley Byrne

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122693145#Comment_122693145

Whatever about keys etc that you want to put into a ziplock bag. Wouldn't you like to have the clubs and any rain jacket that you may not have on at the start of the round nice and dry? Waterproof is a complete non-negotiable for me when it comes to bags

blue note

The clubs will be fine with a hood on the bag. It would want to be a monsoon for it to be a problem. The raincoat - well if that gets wet in my bag due to rain please slap me.

spacecoyote

I think broadly speaking in shops, they'll usually say that if you buy a vinyl bag it should hold up in rain, if you're not willing to go waterproof. I certainly wouldn't go with a canvas type material that'll soak up the rain in Ireland, unless it's a bag you'll only use when you've checked the forecast

awec

I was thinking that a vinyl type bag might be good enough. Taylormade look like they do a nice small, light one called the Flextech Super Light. Pricey enough though!

billy3sheets

I gave up on waterproof bags after 2 zips broke, rendering it pretty useless. Now I use a bag cover which I find adequate for the odd day it rains.

https://www.decathlon.ie/p/176273-196843-golf-bag-rain-cover-inesis-black.html

Liam O

Has anyone bought the decathlon bags? Seem decent for the price.

token56

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122694782#Comment_122694782

I have one of the INESIS carrier bags like this https://www.decathlon.ie/p/346419-283026-golf-stand-bag-inesis-light-black.html

Being going with it for about 1.5 years now and no issues. The only thing I will say is that it is probably a bit of the heavy side, certainly compared to some of the more expensive bags but if that isn't any issue then I'd recommend it.

big_drive

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122694764#Comment_122694764

This was another option I was thinking about, as generally if it's torrential rain I'm not going to bother actually playing. So something like that might do the job on a day where's it's raining but not heavily

DrewEats

hi there - got a Vessel golf bag two years ago - stand bag that can go on trollies. Easily the best bag I’ve ever had and worth every penny. Vessel make a lot of ‘branded’ bags….tiger’s, President cup, Ryder cup etc. good in rain too. Think some of the latest Cobra bags are made by them too. Hope that helps.

almostover

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058371465/new-bag

I bought one of these motocaddy bags 2 years ago and find it brilliant for the purpose you describe. I have a motocaddy cube push trolley that I use in the summer months with it and then when winter rules come in I carry my clubs in this bag. Normally reduce from 14 to 9 clubs too for winter golf. It works well in both scenarios, especially with a motocaddy trolley because it has the locking system in its base.

Was at the driving range tonight with it and it's perfect for that too with the stand. I'll be buying another when it eventually fails.

The waterproofing is excellent, especially for winter golf, and I've had zero issues with the zips. Would highly recommend one for your application.

https://www.motocaddy.ie/hydroflex-golf-stand-bag/

awec

I'm having a hard time making a decision between getting a smaller, light carry bag or just getting a standard sized one.

E.g. something like this

https://www.halpennygolf.com/en/TaylorMade-TM24-Flextech-Carry-Stand-Bag-IvoryDark-Navy/m-46019.aspx

or something like this

https://www.halpennygolf.com/en/TaylorMade-TM24-Flextech-Stand-Bag-Navy/m-46023.aspx

Cost difference is minimal, I have vouchers to use up for Halpennys anyway. The smaller one is about .5kg lighter and my course is quite hilly, but I am wondering if I'll find the limited pocket space annoying and regret it?

Like I'm wondering how viable the really small bags are for Irish winter golf, where I'll be carrying wet gear, hat, spare towel etc?

This is primarily for winter golf, so mostly 9/13/15 holes, with maybe the odd 18, though I'd probably take the trolley out for 18.

Anyone have one of the smaller bags?

Russman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122707781#Comment_122707781

I don't have either of these bags, but am toying with the very same dilemma. I have an old Sun Mountain 3.5 that I think I'll try when we go to less than 18 holes, but am seriously considering a pencil bag with small legs. Kinda taking the view that for the winter, I'll be wearing the waterproofs anyway, certainly the bottoms will be on from now until March/April and probably a windbreaker or jacket. I'm thinking, pencil bag, half set of clubs, towel, half a dozen balls and some tees will be perfect for those 12 hole winter rounds.

Sorbet

Newbie question but why are people cutting down club numbers/bag sizes for winter? Do people not use trollies in winter (only got my first one this summer)?

CalamariFritti

They do use trolleys in the winter but due to the softness of the course trolleys will often be restricted. You may only be allowed near the green from one side or not allowed between green and bunkers or only down the cart path for a certain length etc. Not that everyone adheres to that but the idea is course protection.

Some people prefer to carry then.