Sun Mountain Bag Question

[nick2kaylin]

Went to Sun Mountain's website and the first thing that pops us is the new Eco-Lite stand bag for 2020. I thought the green version was very different. I tried to order it and was told it was temporarily out of stock. That was 2 months ago. Checked back and was told it was no longer available. Is it just me or does that seem odd for a bag that just came out. There are a few random retailers that have them but I'm afraid that the bag could be a lemon. Any thoughts or anyone that has one, your input is greatly appreciated.

[Z1ggy16]

Possible recall? That seems odd. I've had four SM bags now and they've all been great. I'd call them and ask why it's not available now.

[MMB1500]

Could be supply issues. Have you contacted them and asked?

[Hawkeye77]

You can order it on Amazon right now.

[catfish86]

Consider yourself lucky, and buy a Ping or Jones bag. I purchased a 2.5+ Sun Mountain and it’s complete junk.

[Minarets]

Go on......

 

would like to hear your thoughts.

[JLew]

I'd be interested as well. What don't you like about the 2.5+? I bought one about a year and a half ago and really like it for walking and I play 90% of my rounds walking. IMO can't beat it in terms of functionality for weight. Always looking for other ideas when I replace it, though.

[RobotDoctor]

Does a pound really make that much of a difference? I play with a 3.5.

[acemandrake]

The latest 2.5 seems to be made from cheaper material than previous versions.

 

The straps are low quality. I want better padded straps and a return of the clasp that connects the front of the straps for easier carrying.

 

 

[nick2kaylin]

I spoke with a Sun Mountain rep and they said the bag was no longer in stock but would be returning in August as a 2021 version.

 

[catfish86]

Cheap material, terrible zippers that snag on every use, plastic scratches so easily, not water resistant whatsoever (including rain hood), legs broke, and straps are terrible....it’s such poor quality compared to any Ping, Nike or Jones bag. I honestly can’t even believe the brand is still in business if the other bags are of similar quality as the 2.5+.

[Minarets]

Well, that is certainly a strong take.

[JLew]

What does Ping, Nike or Jones have that is 2.5 lbs? I think that's the part being missed here... and I've used both Ping and Nike bags extensively in the past and have buddies with Jones bags. Even the Ping Hoofer Lite is 5lbs. Jones Players is 3lbs but that is just carry, no stand.

You buy the 2.5+ if you want a light carry bag w/ a stand. In order to get that, you're going to have to compromise somewhat on materials, etc., to keep the weight down. If anything, I think you could argue the 2.5+ should be priced a little lower.

For those asking whether a pound makes a difference. One hand, I would say no because it's just a pound... on the other hand, imagine you're 3.5 being 30% lighter (unloaded of course).

[catfish86]

In my ownership experience of Ping, Jones & Nike bags I’ve never had a worse combination of the items mentioned. My 2.5+ Zippers snagging, quickly becoming water soaked, top & bottom plastic scratching so easily, and legs breaking are just unacceptable in my opinion....especially during the first season of ownership. Overall I describe the bag as extremely delicate, as weight was by far the overall design priority (to a fault). I’m confident other Sun Mountain bags do not suffer from these issues. What was also quite disappointing was the somewhat smug service I received when contacting Sun Mountain about these items. They did send me a replacement leg, but their lack of concern for the bag’s lack of water resistance was not what I expected. As the bag is essentially made of lightweight backpack material, I had water shedding expectations and some water resistance. Instead the bag & rain hood literally absorb water in even the lightest of drizzle and the bag becomes heavier and completely soaking wet including all contents in any pockets. On the positive, I keep using the bag because it is indeed very lightweight and the price was expensive enough that I want to get some further use out of it.

I’ve never experienced any of these issues with Ping, Jones & Nike bags.

[Hawkeye77]

Haha - I bought another after liking the first one so much. Last year's version had upgraded material, FWIW.

Great bags and mine have gotten heavy use.

[Hawkeye77]

What's the point of this? Already told you to order off Amazon. Just went to Carl's Golfland site and you can order it right now from them as well. Also several other retailers. If you want one, get one.

[Hawkeye77]

I had a 3.5 I played with for years and it was my favorite bag ever. Hands down. But one of the legs finally broke and a zipper finally failed (and I still used it for a year I liked it so much). Switched to the 2.5+ --- as I said in another post, the first version had lighter fabric and I think because of that had to be careful with the zipper (i.e., not just grab it and yank) but no big deal. Most recent version has beefed up fabric but still as light. Straps aren't "cushy" IIMO but do the job fine.

Carrying, yes that extra pound and smaller size makes a difference to me. Push cart? Doesn't matter, and some may like the 3.5 better for a push cart because of a little more size. 3.5 had more room for "stuff" as well.

If someone is buying the 2.5 versions for a very lightweight carry bag that is very well made, go for it, perfect for that and what it is designed for. If someone is the type it has to be "the" general purpose do everything, carry everything bag - I guess it may not be for them, but for me it's okay for my "do everything" bag.

I have two regular Jones style bags which I use from time to time for fun, but this bag is a lot lighter, doesn't shift around like the single strap when carrying and my back appreciates the two carry straps and I like being able to stand it up when it's wet out.

[Mr. Grumpy]

Just wanted to chime and and say that I have not experienced the problems @catfish86 has. I personally use and my HS golf team uses Sun Mountain bags. We went with them years ago when Ping upped the prices of the Hoofer bag without much reason. I find their construction to be top notch, zippers work, legs work, etc. and this is with a bunch of ragamuffin teen golfers abusing them most of the year.
They are great bags IMHO.

[tiderider]

zero issues with my 2.5+ ...

[MMB1500]

I've had two SM bags in the last 12 years. Both have lasted and I've never had any quality control issues whatsoever.

[4x4GGG]

Ping.com is selling a Hoofer 14 for under $200 right now. Almost pulled the trigger but love my J Bag too much.

[brew4eagle]

Love my 2.5+, use it to carry and ride all my rounds. Super durable, great to carry, nearly the perfect bag.

[naws-golfer]

I have the original 2.5, love it and keep it in rotation. But I have use the Jones original and players mostly nowadays.

i haven’t had any problems with the sun mtn. If you are a walker primarily, it’s a no brained for me, if you split time between walking and riding, the 3.5 is a little more stout riding on a cart. The jones and 2.5 are not great on carts. They work and I do it, but if I rode most of the time I wouldn’t use them.

[ylwdogsc]

Go to Walmart and get a can of Kiwi Camp Dry. I use it on all my bags, reapplying every 6 months. Keeps things inside nice and dry and it does not change the colors or make the colors bleed. You can also apply to your umbrellas.

[Minarets]

The amazon reviews show some yellowing on white things. My bag is a really light gray (almost white). I'm too afraid of yellowing. Need a waterproofing spray tho. Maybe never wet.