Titleist Players 4 vs Ping Hoofer

[paul.r]

I’m done with my Stitch SL1 bags. I’ve replaced the legs due to the feet falling off, glued the feet on the legs to try to get them to say, and the stitching ripping out of the side pocket where everything now dumps into the main club compartment has finally pushed me to look for a replacement.

I carry most of my rounds and prefer a lighter bag. I’m comfortable with one strap (might even prefer a convertible option where a double strap can be reconfigured as a single strap). I don’t carry rain gear if it’s sunny, don’t use an umbrella, and minimize extraneous gear during the round, so I don’t need a ton of pockets. Ideally it’s a ball pocket, larger pocket for rain gear or a pullover, a place to put the range finder that’s easily accessible (Titleist looks better here, though my range finder has a case and clip) and a valuables pocket for phone, keys and cash.

I’m focusing on these two bags. I’ve looked at them in the store, and am leaning towards the Players 4 bag, though the strap system on the Ping looks a little better, as do the “nubs” on the bottom of the Ping legs vs. feet on the Titleist (going back to the bad experience with the feet on the Stitch constantly falling off). Does anyone have experience with either (both?) of these bags?

 

As far as other bags:

The Ping Craz-E-Lite does look intriguing, but I can’t find much information on it.

I did look at the Players 4 Carbon, and did like a lot of it’s features, but the straps seemed inferior to the regular Players 4.

 

Any other bags I should look at? I’ve had the Sun Mountain 2.5 (and 2.5+) in the past, but the material, straps and pockets were the weak points for me.

[goheels11]

I like the bags you have mentioned, probably lean towards the Titleist over the hoofer bc it’s a pound lighter. Really like my Mizuno K1-LO, but you may not like the material if you didn’t like the 2.5. Mine has held up well, and I walk 90% of the time.

[paul.r]

Thanks for the feedback. The material on the 2.5 tore easily, and while the 2.5+ was an improvement, the strap slipping was a bit of a pain without weaving them back through the buckles.

I’ll look for a Mizuno in store and will check it out.

[texasdave]

If you're looking at the Players 4 I think the better comparison would be with the Hoofer Lite..

I never got along with the Players 4..the club top is to small, the straps are way harder to slip on and there is leg droop. The Hoofer and Hoofer Lite don't have this..

The only drawback to the Hoofer Lite is the drink pocket is not user friendly on the 2018/19 model but is much improved on the 2020.

[paul.r]

Appreciate it. Hoping to get by a PGA Superstore today and check out a bunch.

 

ive been hesitant to look at Ping due to their weight. But they seem the most functional.

[paul.r]

So I’m pretty sure I’ll end up with the Titleist Players 4 Carbon. It best fit my needs overall, thought there were a few things on the Hoofer Lite that I preferred.

The Hoofer Lite definitely has the most comfortable straps. I like the water bottle pocket and the small pocket just below it. It’s a perfect place to throw a range finder with easy access while the bag is on your shoulders. However, it was noticeably larger (and heavier) than the Carbon, I really don’t like any of the color options (black is the only monotone option) and the deal killer for me was the friction on the grips when removing/inserting when the bag was full made it way too frustrating.

The double straps on the Carbon aren’t as comfortable as the Ping, but the single strap replacement option is great (I’m familiar with and used to that method) and it provides a great option when visiting places where caddies/double bag loops are the norm. The water bottle pocket is really just a netting and I’m concerned about it’s durability. I’ll probably look to see if I can find a double strap from one of the larger Titleist bags and use that for a double strap option. I also really like the way the straps buckle on. Makes it easy to swap out from single to double strap altogether, or even remove the straps completely for use in a push cart or powered golf cart.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed on the durability. I don’t believe the Titleist bags are made by Sun Mountain anymore so to me they’re a bit of an unknown.

I couldn’t find the Mizuno or the Craz-E-Lite in stock anywhere,

 

[Golf64]

The Ogio Fuse is another good light weight bag. Ping is always my go to bag! Hard to beat their quality and functionality!?

[GoTime]

Any updates? How has the Carbon been treating you? Considering it vs the Hoofer lite and SM 2.5 as you were.

[simon1988]

Love my players 4 bag. Lightweight, straps are great and can be clipped off and converted to single strap. I also don't carry much, but I'm from the UK and the rain gear and umbrella do go in occasionally and it still has plenty of room. Carry mostly and sometimes stick it on a push cart. Great for both.

[paul.r]

I like the Carbon, but it’s been relegated to a cart/foul weather walking bag. I was disappointed with the design/material of the mesh water bottle holder. It ripped within three weeks of owning it just from putting it in and out of a SUV. I just ended up cutting it off and putting my water bottle in the adjacent pocket. I do really like the strap system. Can go with two, one or none if you’re putting it on a cart. The legs do sag a little when walking but I’m sure there’s a way to adjust them. Just haven’t looked into it.

I’ve gone to the Titleist Carry Bag for most of my rounds. No legs, but two straps and one divider in the opening. Kind of like the old Ping Moonlite but with two straps. Great minimalist bag.

 

I won’t even consider the SM 2.5 due to the strap system that always slips, twists and doesn’t carry comfortably.

[eddiecut]

What about the Taylor Made Flextech Light?

[goheels11]

I have the same feedback regarding twist of the sun mountain 2.5. I called their customer service and they said they would send me their easy fit strap system from the bigger bags if I wanted to purchase one. I didn’t pull the trigger, but it is an option.