Lightweight Stand Bags

[GooseHook]

Small details are what make and break everything, exactly the type of input I was hoping to get!

For me, I've been spoiled by pushing a cart for years and can't do without having the ability to blindly grab my laser on a moment's notice. Having that and a no fuss top will really sway me in my decision to purchase.

I will probably use my 4.5LS for another month, but once it gets hot and humid in MD I'm going to need a lightweight setup.

[goheels11]

Understood. At our club, we have the option of taking a club owned push cart (sun mountain) or carrying. I carry my k1-LO with no regret. I like my Nike sport lite as well, but not as nice to carry.

[brew4eagle]

I'd recommend the 2.5+ 2019 model, great price at dallasgolf as well

[Minarets]

Man, so conflicted. Love the opening and small foot for leg deployment on the 2.5+.

 

love the straps on the k1-lo so much and better looks.

[MyShortGameSucks]

My son and I both switched from Sun Mountain 3,5LS to their plus4 model. Great bags. IMO the Plus4 is the perfect walking bag. Surprised they are not more popular. Definitely a little smaller on pocket space but way better strap system than the standard 3.5LS straps which are awful. Seems like a good compromise size wise between 2.5 and 3.5. I actually had SM swap out my 3.5LS straps for the ones from the 4.5LS which helps but my sons 3.5LS straps remained a tangled/twisted mess!

[GooseHook]

Nice catch, I hadn't considered that one! Looking into it more, I initially mistook the 4 Plus as a different color Collegiate bag. The Collegiate has a much bigger apparel pocket and I think pushes closer to 5 pounds.

How do the straps on the 4+ compare to the 4.5? If it's actually 4 pounds, that could be a great option considering the value.

[GooseHook]

Those Sun Mountain colors are like a lazy eye on a supermodel. Honestly if I end up with the 2.5+ or 3.5, I'm going to put my EZ Fit Straps on.

[boggyman]

Cobra Ultralight Sunday bag? Not but 3 color choices but a good looking light bag. 3 way top. Might be worth a look.

[Minarets]

I worry how the 2.5+ and k1-LO will take rain. Thought about a H2NO Superlite, but it’s over 4lbs. Not sure the exact weight.

[GooseHook]

COBRA ULTRALIGHT SUNDAY BAGProduct PagePrice: $129Weight: 3.8 lbsTop: 3-way, diameter unknownPros: moniker aside, this looks like it could be an everyday carry bag. Clean looks, full length apparel pocket, two spine pockets and full length club dividers. Amazon reviews are excellent. Cheapest bag in this category by far outside a box store brand. Cons: Huge branding, top may not be as large as others, and there are competitors with more features at the same weight.

[goheels11]

Navigate the pockets on a stadry or h2no in the store before you commit. I found the single side zipper pulls not ideal for access. Each to his own, may not be an issue for others.

[gjlang76]

I believe the 2020 version of the SM plus 4 is the Eco-Lite. Nearly identical pocket set-up to last year's plus 4, comes with the EZ lite strap system and is under 4 lbs. The EZ lite strap alone makes this a better option than the 3.5 in my opinion. Less colorways, but the white/grey/black looks great IMO.

[GooseHook]

They are very close. Only difference is the side of the bag where the water bottle sleeve is, and the Eco only has one spine pocket.

[Minarets]

Yeah the eco lite was interesting to me originally but then was trying to figure out why it exists? Just to have a bag made of plastic bottles? It’s not lighter than the 2.5+.

 

I guess i don’t see where the fit is.

[gjlang76]

Well, for me, it fits perfectly. As a walker almost exclusively, I need a bag that is less than 4 lbs. I owned the 2.5+ last year and the straps were dreadful. Also wasn't a fan of the water bottle pocket. The 3.5 comes with the same straps and there isn't one colorway I would buy, but that's totally subjective. Really I wish SM would just do away with the x-strap. My favorite all-time walker bag is the Jones original which is what I use almost exclusively. On dew mornings or wet days, I want a stand bag and I think SM builds them better than most.

[GooseHook]

So we know that Sun Mountain can sell you the EZ-Fit straps individually, I wonder if they'll do the same for EZ-Lite?

[Minarets]

Has anyone tried the EZ lite dual straps?

 

seems to have a swinging mechanism for the left arm strap. Different than the X straps or EzFit.

[brew4eagle]

It's so individual. I find the X-Straps to be way better than any other strap system except the 2016-2018 Hoofer/ 4 Series, which are basically the same as X-Straps. The X-straps go on-and-off much easier than the EZ Fit, they don't have that bulky back pad thing that does nothing but get in the way, and the X-Straps work great for single strap carrying unlike the EZ Fit. So if anything I'd want Sun Mtn to put the X-Strap on all their bags.

[GooseHook]

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUtLgR-DlocAt 0:17, you can see the previously mentioned issue with the 3.5LS. Apparel pocket (on the left in the video) is pinched by the stand leg.

[brew4eagle]

That does happen when pocket is empty. When there's a few things in there to 'puff' it out then it doesn't catch, at least not nearly as often when empty.

[goheels11]

Good news, Mizuno replaced the bag, and brand new bag now in possession. All because of a tear in the mesh pocket that is within the ball pocket. Excellent customer service.

[Minarets]

sweet deal. any differences in the new bag, that you can tell? same white/blue staff color? that was pretty quick. i assume that came from their place in ATL to get to you that quickly.

[goheels11]

identical to the other bag. Are the 2020 k1’s different or updated?

[GooseHook]

Well I was ready to get some actual bag weights this evening, but when I pulled up to my nearest Golf Galaxy I discovered that it is now a shoe store :(

[Minarets]

I know of no new differences to the k1. Just wondering if there were any.

[rumstove]

I took a look at these on Cobra's website after your post. That grey (Quiet Shade I guess it's called) color bag looks fantastic and decent price. Thanks for mentioning!

[boggyman]

Sure thing. I’m gonna look at them next week myself!! I’m a Cobra fan!!

[GooseHook]

So far I'm leaning towards the 3.5LS or 4Plus. Have to decide if thinner straps and the stand leg annoyance is worth the weight savings and rangefinder pocket. Sadly there is barely any info out there on the 4Plus.

I emailed Sun Mountain CS today, waiting on an answer whether EZ-Lite straps can be ordered. That's a potential option for those looking at the 2.5+ or 3.5.

[Minarets]

juat curious, what do you like more about the 3.5 over the 2.5? Added pockets?

[GooseHook]

So far, I think once I'd add the inevitable strap upgrade and hang my laser off the bag it's around 3.5 lbs. Haven't ruled it out yet though.

Also I wouldn't mind something that could pull double duty- I go on a trip every year that involves walking and riding. Suppose I could just use my 4.5 when that comes up though.