2019 TaylorMade Flextech Lite Review with Pics

[madeinguam81]

I ditched the new 2019 Sun Mountain 4Plus for this bag and for the first time in a long time, I don't feel like I'm making any compromises - both in features and in styling.

 

With the 4Plus, while I liked many of the features and the green color, the bag was too "techy" for me with unnecessary graphics and orange accent straps everywhere. I was able to sell it for what I paid for it so I jumped on the new TM Flextech Lite.

 

For those who may not know, the Flextech line is very very similar to the Hoofer - which I love. I prefer the seemingly sturdier material compared to the tent-like material that companies like Sun Mountain use. If you're considering the Hoofer (which I've owned many) I would highly recommend you consider the Flextech line as well.

 

Here are my Pros and Cons:

 

PROS

 

- Style. Very minimalistic, especially when compared to the 4Plus.

 

- Color. The TM website photo doesn't do this color justice. They label it "charcoal" but this is more of a blue/gray which is I really like. When I first saw this in store, I thought it was a new color that wasn't on the site because of how different it looked.

 

- Valuables pocket. The bag doesn't have a cart strap pass through, however TM placed this pocket lower than other bags so you can still easily access this when on a cart. I carry a lot but I also ride so this is a HUGE PLUS.

 

- Truly a full length apparel pocket. I keep a very light bag but it's nice to have the space should I need it (likely when traveling).

 

- Velcro glove patch. It's very discreet and incorporated into the towel loop.

 

- Biggest plus - THE NEW STRAPS!!!! These are like the old Ping Hoofer/4 Series straps and they even have the same strap connector in the center. HUGE IMPROVEMENT over the previous Flextech straps and way better than the new Hoofers (I've owned both). A small detail that TM included this time around was they included small strap retainers so the excess straps don't flap around. When I had the previous Flextech, I bought Velcro strips to make my own retainers to combat the loose excess.

 

CONS

 

- The new dedicated rangefinder pocket. This thing is SMALL and does not fit my Bushnell X7, which was/is a pretty popular model. I still need to use the Bushnell case to hold it like other bags. Having said that, this pocket is perfect for my cell phone. This isn't TM's intended use but I really like using it for my phone when carrying. It's very easy to access when walking and I no longer have the need to keep my phone in my back pocket.

 

- Stand. It's completely functional, however I've noticed that the stand don't retract as quickly and surely as the 4Plus. Not a huge con but I want to be fair.

 

- TaylorMade's release schedule. This isn't really a knock on the bag but more on the company and how frequently they update their products. I can easily find the previous Flextech Lite for less than $100 online and I can't help but think that the bag I just paid retail will be on sale for much less in about a year.

 

 

 

STRAPS

 

 

"RANGEFINDER POCKET"

 

[Cwing]

Nice review. How about the top size, club tangle, etc...

[madeinguam81]

Nice review. How about the top size, club tangle, etc...

 

Thank you. Just measured the top and it's 8" wide x 9" high. The eyeball test tells me it's comparable to the Hoofer Lite, 4Plus, and other similar light carry bags. As for club tangle, it's a non-issue.

[MikeDelic14]

Awesome, and thank you for taking the time to write up this review! I had the previous version Flextech Lite and loved everything about it; except for the straps. Glad to see they've addressed the issue.

[Z1ggy16]

Cool review. I have some questions for you OP:

 

Currently in the 14 way Sun Mountain 4.5 14-way. I'm considering going back to a 4/5/6 way bag because I often go to the range with more than 14 clubs and this bag doesn't give me a lot of flexibility. I love SM and I noticed you had the 4Plus prior to this. I want to note... SM lists an all black colorway so does that make your point about the OJ "flair" kind of moot? Didn't seem like you had a lot of cons for it as far as functionality and quality, no?

 

My biggest question is in regard to the straight dividers. My biggest drawback to the typical 4 way bag is how my irons tend to collect in the bottom corners and bunch up and tangle. With flat dividers, did this go away or cause other issues?

 

Lastly, have you tried the Ogio Shadow? They have more of a W looking divider shape to keep the issue of all irons collecting in the bottom corner.

[maxpeck]

Got this bag, quite like it coming from a Sun Mountain 2.5+. Basically I agree with everything the OP has said, i also have the same colour, however went without branding on mine.

[Jlender21]

Does it have a cooler? Also pass through strap Incase your ride that day? Thanks in advance, looking to pull the trigger soon

[flaghunting1987]

I got the FT lite in Charcoal and absolutely love it. I had the ping hoofer lite and getting in and out of the pockets was very difficult. Love the new TM bag and they even offer free panel embroidery option.

[maxpeck]

> @Jlender21 said:

> Does it have a cooler? Also pass through strap Incase your ride that day? Thanks in advance, looking to pull the trigger soon

 

I don't think so, but I never use a golf cart so I don't know. There is a pocket for your water bottle of that its what you are asking.

[wagsgt]

> @Jlender21 said:

> Does it have a cooler? Also pass through strap Incase your ride that day? Thanks in advance, looking to pull the trigger soon

Has a water bottle holder. No pass but as noted that in review the valuables pockets is lower and able to access with cart strap

 

[madeinguam81]

> @Z1ggy16 said:

> Cool review. I have some questions for you OP:

>

>

>

> Currently in the 14 way Sun Mountain 4.5 14-way. I'm considering going back to a 4/5/6 way bag because I often go to the range with more than 14 clubs and this bag doesn't give me a lot of flexibility. I love SM and I noticed you had the 4Plus prior to this. I want to note... SM lists an all black colorway so does that make your point about the OJ "flair" kind of moot? Didn't seem like you had a lot of cons for it as far as functionality and quality, no?

>

>

>

> My biggest question is in regard to the straight dividers. My biggest drawback to the typical 4 way bag is how my irons tend to collect in the bottom corners and bunch up and tangle. With flat dividers, did this go away or cause other issues?

>

>

>

> Lastly, have you tried the Ogio Shadow? They have more of a W looking divider shape to keep the issue of all irons collecting in the bottom corner.

 

 

From a functionality standpoint, the only real negatives I saw with the 4Plus are the somewhat rigid water bottle pocket as well as the unnecessary straps/loops. That last part may seen more cosmetic but to me, the little straps didn’t serve a legitimate purpose so they’re not functional.

 

I do think an all black 4Plus would better hide those unnecessary loops but there are some design decisions I just didn’t care for - for example putting the word “HYDRATION” on the water bottle pocket. To me, this is the opposite of a clean and streamlined look.

 

I didn’t think club tangle was an issue at all on the 4P.

 

As for the Ogio, I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never liked Ogio bags based on looks alone. To me, it felt like they took some of the crazier Nike bags and made them more futuristic, complicated, and neon. Having said that, the Ogio Shadow Fuse was the first Ogio bag that I thought was interesting but I never truly considered it based on my previous impression of the brand.

 

 

 

[Z1ggy16]

> @madeinguam81 said:

> > @Z1ggy16 said:

> > Cool review. I have some questions for you OP:

> >

> >

> >

> > Currently in the 14 way Sun Mountain 4.5 14-way. I'm considering going back to a 4/5/6 way bag because I often go to the range with more than 14 clubs and this bag doesn't give me a lot of flexibility. I love SM and I noticed you had the 4Plus prior to this. I want to note... SM lists an all black colorway so does that make your point about the OJ "flair" kind of moot? Didn't seem like you had a lot of cons for it as far as functionality and quality, no?

> >

> >

> >

> > My biggest question is in regard to the straight dividers. My biggest drawback to the typical 4 way bag is how my irons tend to collect in the bottom corners and bunch up and tangle. With flat dividers, did this go away or cause other issues?

> >

> >

> >

> > Lastly, have you tried the Ogio Shadow? They have more of a W looking divider shape to keep the issue of all irons collecting in the bottom corner.

>

>

> From a functionality standpoint, the only real negatives I saw with the 4Plus are the somewhat rigid water bottle pocket as well as the unnecessary straps/loops. That last part may seen more cosmetic but to me, the little straps didn’t serve a legitimate purpose so they’re not functional.

>

> I do think an all black 4Plus would better hide those unnecessary loops but there are some design decisions I just didn’t care for - for example putting the word “HYDRATION” on the water bottle pocket. To me, this is the opposite of a clean and streamlined look.

>

> I didn’t think club tangle was an issue at all on the 4P.

>

> As for the Ogio, I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never liked Ogio bags based on looks alone. To me, it felt like they took some of the crazier Nike bags and made them more futuristic, complicated, and neon. Having said that, the Ogio Shadow Fuse was the first Ogio bag that I thought was interesting but I never truly considered it based on my previous impression of the brand.

>

>

>

 

Yeah I went and found some 4P's in person and find them too small. May be fine for a summer carry bag for that spring/fall season around here when I need to bring a few layers of clothing with me.. some food, water, etc.. not going to cut it.

 

I love the idea of straight dividers though. I also tried out the regular 4 way 5.5 bag which had the size to be a good cart bag but all my clubs just kind of fall to the corners because of the canted dividers. If they could make a 5.5 with straight dividers, I would order in a heart beat. For now... I'm keeping my 14-way 4.5LS.

[madeinguam81]

> @Z1ggy16 said:

> > @madeinguam81 said:

> > > @Z1ggy16 said:

> > > Cool review. I have some questions for you OP:

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Currently in the 14 way Sun Mountain 4.5 14-way. I'm considering going back to a 4/5/6 way bag because I often go to the range with more than 14 clubs and this bag doesn't give me a lot of flexibility. I love SM and I noticed you had the 4Plus prior to this. I want to note... SM lists an all black colorway so does that make your point about the OJ "flair" kind of moot? Didn't seem like you had a lot of cons for it as far as functionality and quality, no?

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > My biggest question is in regard to the straight dividers. My biggest drawback to the typical 4 way bag is how my irons tend to collect in the bottom corners and bunch up and tangle. With flat dividers, did this go away or cause other issues?

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Lastly, have you tried the Ogio Shadow? They have more of a W looking divider shape to keep the issue of all irons collecting in the bottom corner.

> >

> >

> > From a functionality standpoint, the only real negatives I saw with the 4Plus are the somewhat rigid water bottle pocket as well as the unnecessary straps/loops. That last part may seen more cosmetic but to me, the little straps didn’t serve a legitimate purpose so they’re not functional.

> >

> > I do think an all black 4Plus would better hide those unnecessary loops but there are some design decisions I just didn’t care for - for example putting the word “HYDRATION” on the water bottle pocket. To me, this is the opposite of a clean and streamlined look.

> >

> > I didn’t think club tangle was an issue at all on the 4P.

> >

> > As for the Ogio, I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never liked Ogio bags based on looks alone. To me, it felt like they took some of the crazier Nike bags and made them more futuristic, complicated, and neon. Having said that, the Ogio Shadow Fuse was the first Ogio bag that I thought was interesting but I never truly considered it based on my previous impression of the brand.

> >

> >

> >

>

> Yeah I went and found some 4P's in person and find them too small. May be fine for a summer carry bag for that spring/fall season around here when I need to bring a few layers of clothing with me.. some food, water, etc.. not going to cut it.

>

> I love the idea of straight dividers though. I also tried out the regular 4 way 5.5 bag which had the size to be a good cart bag but all my clubs just kind of fall to the corners because of the canted dividers. If they could make a 5.5 with straight dividers, I would order in a heart beat. For now... I'm keeping my 14-way 4.5LS.

 

I used to have the 5.5. Cool hybrid bag with a ton of room. Hated the clear valuables pocket but I got rid of it because I started walking a lot more.

[Z1ggy16]

> @madeinguam81 said:

> > @Z1ggy16 said:

> > > @madeinguam81 said:

> > > > @Z1ggy16 said:

> > > > Cool review. I have some questions for you OP:

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Currently in the 14 way Sun Mountain 4.5 14-way. I'm considering going back to a 4/5/6 way bag because I often go to the range with more than 14 clubs and this bag doesn't give me a lot of flexibility. I love SM and I noticed you had the 4Plus prior to this. I want to note... SM lists an all black colorway so does that make your point about the OJ "flair" kind of moot? Didn't seem like you had a lot of cons for it as far as functionality and quality, no?

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > My biggest question is in regard to the straight dividers. My biggest drawback to the typical 4 way bag is how my irons tend to collect in the bottom corners and bunch up and tangle. With flat dividers, did this go away or cause other issues?

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Lastly, have you tried the Ogio Shadow? They have more of a W looking divider shape to keep the issue of all irons collecting in the bottom corner.

> > >

> > >

> > > From a functionality standpoint, the only real negatives I saw with the 4Plus are the somewhat rigid water bottle pocket as well as the unnecessary straps/loops. That last part may seen more cosmetic but to me, the little straps didn’t serve a legitimate purpose so they’re not functional.

> > >

> > > I do think an all black 4Plus would better hide those unnecessary loops but there are some design decisions I just didn’t care for - for example putting the word “HYDRATION” on the water bottle pocket. To me, this is the opposite of a clean and streamlined look.

> > >

> > > I didn’t think club tangle was an issue at all on the 4P.

> > >

> > > As for the Ogio, I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never liked Ogio bags based on looks alone. To me, it felt like they took some of the crazier Nike bags and made them more futuristic, complicated, and neon. Having said that, the Ogio Shadow Fuse was the first Ogio bag that I thought was interesting but I never truly considered it based on my previous impression of the brand.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> > Yeah I went and found some 4P's in person and find them too small. May be fine for a summer carry bag for that spring/fall season around here when I need to bring a few layers of clothing with me.. some food, water, etc.. not going to cut it.

> >

> > I love the idea of straight dividers though. I also tried out the regular 4 way 5.5 bag which had the size to be a good cart bag but all my clubs just kind of fall to the corners because of the canted dividers. If they could make a 5.5 with straight dividers, I would order in a heart beat. For now... I'm keeping my 14-way 4.5LS.

>

> I used to have the 5.5. Cool hybrid bag with a ton of room. Hated the clear valuables pocket but I got rid of it because I started walking a lot more.

 

Yeah my 4.5 fills the gap very nicely. I usually ride once a week, and then walk 9-12 holes another day of the week. Most courses have at least 2-3 holes where you need to walk up/down hill quite a bit, so size and weight are fairly important.

 

I just want that extra room to carry an extra club or two & my SuperSpeed sticks with me. With the 14-way bag, that's really hard. I'm open to other brands but I've just found that SM overall makes the best bag for me (despite places like MGS not ranking them particularly high).

[MakersMarsh3]

Great info yall

 

Love the color...

Been a flextech convert since the new design came out, Got be wanting the new one

[propredicr]

Was excited to buy my boy a new, blacked out, full size 2019 TM Flextech. Did my research and loved the amount of pockets, straps, full length dividers; the set up is similar to his older Ping Hoofer.

 

He’s a tourney golfer, so, pocket space is important and sitting properly on the Clicgear 3.5+, is paramount.

 

Took the FT out for its maiden voyage, yesterday. I was walking 50 yards behind him and couldn’t figure out why he was walking so slowly. Then, he told me the front wheel wasn’t turning. I looked and the bottom of the bag was sitting/rubbing on the tire. We were walking 18, so, that wasn’t going to work!

I made sure the wheel was locked down and bag was seated correctly. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a fix, other than buying the Clicgear plastic booster piece, so, we returned the bag and will return back to a great Ping bag ...with club tangle?.

[ctsgolf]

I have a 2017 FlexTech Lite and so far I love it. I do wish it was more comfortable to carry with one strap though, maybe it's because I haven't gotten the straps dialed in though.

[maxpeck]

I have adjusted mine a lot and it seems fine on one or two shoulders. Keep trying I would say.

[Florida Gator]

I love my Flextech bag, very little to complain about. Quite honestly the best carry bag I’ve owned since my original hoofer

[fortheloveofthegame]

Experiencing a lot of club tangle with my Hoofer C-1 bag, is this really a non issue with the Flextech bag?

[SullyForged]

On the new FlexTech Lite bag, has anyone experimented with cutting the elastic band in the rangefinder pocket? It seemed unnecessary to me and made it difficult to get the device in and out. That’s the only reason I haven’t ordered this bag yet.

[SullyForged]

How did you order one without branding? Thanks.

[maxpeck]

 

I ordered it from a place in the UK. Snainton Golf, can recommend them, they were able to order it without any branding at all.

https://www.snaintongolf.co.uk/

[Ti-Cip]

has anyone noticed how poorly the legs retract when walking. i notice the outside leg, and sometimes both, just hang almost 50% retracted as i walk. i tried to push up on the plastic piece that i assumed keeps tension on the legs, but it really did nothing. i firmly believe the legs on the this bag are really poorly designed. just terrible.