Who actually uses a stiff arm in their travel bag?

[jdcadkin]

Always. No exceptions.

[dubbelbogey]

Yes - but mine's homemade - a wood dowel with a tennis ball on both ends (my dividers are big enough to allow a ball to fit through.)

[Jack Daniels]

PVC cut to just a bit longer than my driver. Used it a dozen times or so, cost a couple bucks.

[kerila07]

Everytime I fly I have to straighten my stiff arm out after the trip bc of how bent it gets during transport they are well worth the investment also important to remove the club heads as well if possible

[negolfking]

I use an item called the golfer's toolbox

It is strong and longer the the driver.

Have never had an issue at all, also weave a towel around the heads.

[SAM_PGA]

Just picked up my 3rd different strong arm type of device.... the ClicGear Shaft. I used the ClubGlove StrongArm and also had a BagBoy version. Both the BB and ClicGear versions have a rectangular shape which keeps the spring buttons all in alignment which is a BIG PLUS when trying to fine tune the length after placing in the bag. I like the new ClicGear Shaft because of the robust build, larger dome top, AND it has an integrated hook and loop strap that is adjustable to secure your woods close to the shaft itself. It's an extra measure of security for me.

 

 

[games]

I use a SKLZ Gold Flex. Also, I remove the driver head and carry with me on the plane.

[e-man]

This thread made me buy two stiff arms at Dick's yesterday. They were on sale. I couldn't resist.

[dpb5031]

I can guarantee the guy who showed up at my club straight from the airport today and opened his travel bag only to find his driver in two pieces wishes he'd used one!

[sdandrea]

Always. No exceptions.

 

^^THIS^^

[gripandrip]

Always. No exceptions.

 

+1

[CGM]

Travelled this weekend only to find my stiff arm was broken when I opened my travel bag. The plastic head cracked into 3 pieces. Better that than my driver!

[GolfingDad44]

Always! An extra layer of security can't hurt. As others have mentioned, I also wrap about 3 towels through my clubs to add an additional layer of security.

[Invisible-z]

that or your driver becomes the stiff arm

[kejoal11]

I use a sun mountain tour glider bag and always use my CG stiff arm. I travel quite a bit overseas and on ships for deployments and have had no issues. A must have in your travel bag IMO.

[JDFish]

I use one in my Club Glove (or did, until after my recent trip to a Florida country club the bag room sent my clubs back to me in someone else's travel bag). I've had one break in the past, but it did it's job and protected my clubs. I don't see the downside for the peace of mind.

[Jarlaxle]

Always use one but would say the ability to remove heads of my driver and 3 wood now is probably the more important factor. I just stick the loose heads inside their headcover and then fold them up and put them in one of the pockets my bag. Also really reduces the vertical footprint of the bag as whole. FWIW I use a Club Glove Collegiate bag.

[ebrasmus21]

Yes, and as others have mentioned I also:

• Stuff extra towels up, in and around the iron heads
  
• Remove heads from woods/driver
  

[ddetts]

Use it every time - however I'll echo what others have said. I get it in there pretty tight to maintain the structure of my bag, but the TSA inspector(s) release it and when they put it back in they never get it it tight against the top of the bag. It is usually still above the tallest club.

- Remove any heads that come off - I actually put the heads in my carry on suitcase.

- I try to put a towel inside the club dividers of my bag about 1/2 way down to give the shafts a little support just in case something heavy gets put on top of my golf bag.

- I don't worry much about the irons, just try to keep them from potentially banging into shafts or non-removable heads.

- I use a TSA lock, that way the airline employees can't open the bag

[games]

I like traveling Allegiant Air, but their fees are notoriously "ala carte" and they are pretty hard on golf clubs, both in terms of handling and baggage cost.

 

In addition to using my Gold Flex as a "stiff arm" I remove heads and put them in my personal item, along with golf balls and golf shoes.

Then, I pack my clothes in my golf bag.

 

They don't charge for the personal carry on (even though it is a bit heavier) plus my heads are safe.

My only checked bag is my golf bag, but since it's under 40# it gets charged as one checked item without a "sporting goods" surcharge.

[dubbelbogey]

I like a hockey stick with a tennis ball. It'll never collapse, ever. It's cut to exactly the right length to keep my travel bag "filled out" lengthwise. When I arrive at my destination, I just pull it out and stick in the corner of my hotel room or car trunk, so it's never in my way.

[flaghunting1987]

silly if you don't... CG will send you a replacement cap if it cracks, but if the rod breaks, they will not cover and it did it's job. Not worth risking IMO.