Ping Hoofer II (2014)

I've wanted to replace my original Hoofer for a few years now. I don't have any major complaints, though the straps and divider padding are a bit worn, but most courses are cart-only these days anyway. I like the large pockets, I like the umbrella sleeve, and I like that it's lasted 15 years.

I didn't get any of the past few Hoofers because of their retractable straps. That seems like a terrible idea, that you're just asking for the straps to degrade over time! They replaced large pockets with a bunch of small ones designed for specific items. Why do I need a specific pocket for a rangefinder when my rangefinder has its own case? Now there's a bunch of wasted space and I can't carry larger items.

The 2014 "Hoofer II" seems to go back to traditional straps, but I'm still on the fence about the pocket configuration and the plastic-looking patch on the upper side pocket is really ugly. Should I wait for the next version?

It's not a plastic patch. That's a waterproof pocket for your valuables/phone.

[quote name='leftypga' timestamp='1393484789' post='8756004']
It's not a plastic patch. That's a waterproof pocket for your valuables/phone.
[/quote]
Yes, I understand that's what it's for, but they could have put the plastic-looking material on the inside of the fabric for waterproofing. It's not the ugliest thing in the world, but it would look better with the same outer fabric.

Ping has this thing which puts engineering over pretty looks. I'd guess it works very well...

Got one..... Love it. To each is own

I have the previous year model and the waterproof pocket is inside the fabric. Rest of the bag is functionally pretty much the same as the 2014 model.

[attachment=2090494:image.jpg]

I have a 3 yr old hoofer I'm trying to replace and I cant
nothing is as good
they have them on sale now, but part of me doesn't want to buy the same model, but new
I know, makes no sense

i like the pocket config on the 14 hoofer, but not a fan of the colour combos

[quote name='enis750' timestamp='1393627662' post='8767542']
I have a 3 yr old hoofer I'm trying to replace and I cant
nothing is as good
they have them on sale now, but part of me doesn't want to buy the same model, but new
I know, makes no sense

i like the pocket config on the 14 hoofer, but not a fan of the colour combos
[/quote]
Do you have the 2012 Hoofer, the one with the "wing" design on the large pockets? I believe Ping has a 2-year product cycle on their bags, though they may introduce new colorways on the off years, and I believe the 2010 Hoofer was the C-1.

The new ones seem to have the nice thicker material again...this is great news imo. Unless you absolutely want to get rid of it...this bag will not wear out with that material, other than the straps eventually. I want the Hoofer 14, new for this year, but am a bit disappointed at the arrangement of the compartments.

There are pockets everywhere on the 14, as compared to my old titleist stand bag. I went for the all black.

And the straps on the 14 are really nice. Lots of padding. Don't know why I ever went away from a ping carry bag at all

I went with the 4 series, I too didn't like the rubber patch on the outside, the new sun mountain 4.5 has it as well. Mg previous bag that I loved was the 2010 4 under but it ripped, was an awesome bag. Had a hoofer in like 1999 but found the 4 series to be better

WKYTrooper, how do you organize your clubs in the 14? The top of it looks weird to me.

Oh, sorry. I meant the 20"14" when I wrote that. Had them order a regular one. I just can't do a 14 way divider.

With that said, I am extremely happy with this bag. Got a great deal on it but after using it I woulda paid more.

I´ve been already a fan of the last Hoofer bag, but the 2014 one is much better for me. The new pockets are placed better and really make the bag a winner.
FINALLY the water bottle sleeve doesn´t block other pockets anymore, even if you put in a pretty big bottle. I like that the rain hood has it´s own place under the hip pad, the range finder pocket is a nice plus.

Overall this bag is awesome, I will get one.

I agree I saw the bag in person and really did hate the plastic pocket.

Nothing tops the titleist lightweight bag year after year.

[quote name='Yellow Jacket' timestamp='1393486291' post='8756056']
[quote name='leftypga' timestamp='1393484789' post='8756004']
It's not a plastic patch. That's a waterproof pocket for your valuables/phone.
[/quote]
Yes, I understand that's what it's for, but they could have put the plastic-looking material on the inside of the fabric for waterproofing. It's not the ugliest thing in the world, but it would look better with the same outer fabric.
[/quote]

I agree it looks ugly and makes it hard to have your club's logo stitched on that panel and look centered. Because of this, I think they will lose customized sales....I am going to wait for next year when they figure this out.

Still playing with my Hoofer Vantage. Like it, but don't love it. Titleist X47 was the best I have ever owned.

I'm super late to this but it may help someone. Take a look at my with tried to give good shots for anyone thinking about the 2014 hoofer. Things that u cant see are that the padding on the shoulder straps are super comfortable, the lining of the ports can be lifted and cleaned , when standing the bag straight up its not entirely sturdy so using the legs are necessary otherwise it will tumble over. The pockets are solid in their structure ad hold everything a walker would need.
One thing that really stands out other than all the features mentioned is that the. Rain hoos doubles as additional padding and s connected via a rubberband like strap to the inside of the bag which is a major plus. I always seem to loose my rainhood cover.

The new Hoofers are great. Especially since Ping went back to the sturdier nylon material instead of the very flimsy "rip stop" nylon they were using. However, I kind of miss the retractable strap. I can't explain why, but there was something about it that I liked. Now if the engineers can find a way fully seal off the dividers to help with club tangle.

Club tangle is my only beef with the 14 hoofer. It's sooooooo close to being the perfect bag.

I've been a long time user of Ping Bags, but never had a Hoofer. Are they worth the extra? From owners I'm also curious which is better, the 14 way top or the standard one?

I stupidly bought a Sun Mountain four5 on my pro's advice 18 months ago, the stand fell apart and the fabric wore through within 6 months so got it replaced under warranty. The same happened with the replacement and the stand is now held together with a large screw. Should never have left Ping....

I bought the hoofer last year and liked the bag except for one thing. Within the year that first zipper above the triangle is not sewn in and the zipper began to pull away from the bag. Before you buy it, take a look at what I am talking about. What bothered me is this happened within 1 year of use and I did not play a lot last year. Also, I should add I have not overly stuffed that compartment or been abusive with the bag. The bag is warranted for 2 years but this should not of happened IMO.

[quote name='blazman11' timestamp='1408255977' post='9950279']Club tangle is my only beef with the 14 hoofer. It's sooooooo close to being the perfect bag.[/quote]

Same for me.