Lightweight Stand Bags

[ChiFas]

First outing of the season up here and took the Navy 2.5+ out for the first walk too. Couldn’t be happier. Zero club tangle. More than enough room for anything you need. 
 

Spent time adjusting the straps before I left the house and a couple times while out there. 2.5+ carried well on those short walks as a single strap. 
 

Started with the rangefinder in the ball bag but moved it to the water bottle holder and was never afraid of it falling out. Water bottle went to the ball holder. 
 

I mentioned before, but it definitely fits on the Click 3.5 Trolley. 
 

 

[MikeW2]

It might be a silly little feature, but I really like the tee slots on the spine of the sun mountain bags.

[Bashdash]

ChiFas thanks for the update and the info on the clicgear.  Hope you had a good first round.

[Bashdash]

Fyi.  If anyone is interested.  Maplehillgolf.com is running a 15% off deal.  I tested out a sun mountain bag and it DID work.  Too bad the 2.5 isn't on there but a lot of other options are.

 

Code is golfshow15

 

 

[brew4eagle]

I'm bored so figured I'd post a side-by-side of the Hoofer Lite (HL) and 2.5+ and point out some differences...

 

Water bottle pocket- the 2.5+ is the same tried and true design Sun Mtn has used for years.  Simple and works great.  PING is insulated and can be closed with a zipper if desired.  Could be useful if you want to pack something with a coldpak.  Drawback is anything bigger than a 16 oz plastic bottle is a tight fit.  I use a 16 oz bottle, so either bag works well.

 

Spine pockets- 2.5+ has a top spine pocket for the first time.  Nice addition, but it is a horizontal zip and shallow pocket.  I've always used this pocket for a few tees, few balls, and ballmark tool.  So it works for this.  HL pocket is a bit deeper and has depth as well, very nice pocket.  Prefer the HL here.

 

Apparel pocket- similar designs, but HL is bigger AND since the rainhood goes in the hip pad on the HL it has even more space.  There's also a very useful pocket inside the apparel pocket on the HL, as well as a key clip.

 

Valuables pocket- both are very nice.  HL is on the top edge of the apparel pocket, which keeps it somewhat hidden.

 

Cart strap pass thru- HL has one, 2.5+ does not.

 

Weight- HL 5 lb, 0 oz.  2.5+ 3 lb, 2 oz.

 

Straps- the HL straps are perfect.  Nice and slim but plush, and the puck design keeps it from teeter-tottering as you walk.  If you look carefully at the HL you can see how the puck has very little freedom to move, whereas the 2.5+ puck can move in both directions all the way, which is a dumb design.  If you strapped a tri-glide/slide buckle (or something similar) on the back straps of the 2.5+ the puck wouldn't have as much freedom and it might prevent the teeter-totter effect on the 2.5+.

 

Tops- very similar size.  Base/legs more stable on the HL, but the collapsing base stand mechanism on the HL pushes the wedge grips up and back towards the woods section when using the stand, which crowds the grips together.  As a result, you're much better off to set the bag straight up when swapping clubs in and out.  If on a riding/push cart the stand is not engaged and the bag behaves just like the 2.5+ with zero tangle.

 

On both bags- I hate the little icons for the pen pocket, water bottle pocket, etc.  Especially dislike the water bottle icon on the 2.5+, really takes away from a minimalist perspective.  Less is more, wish manufacturers would realize this, but I get their desire to advertise the features to the novice consumer.

 

 

Edited March 14, 2021 by brew4eagle

[brew4eagle]

So I found this 1" tri-glide on an old backpack and put it on the 2.5+ strap to prevent the range of the motion of the 'puck'.  This has really helped with the stability of the bag on the shoulders...

 

[ChiFas]

24 minutes ago, brew4eagle said:

So I found this 1" tri-glide on an old backpack and put it on the 2.5+ strap to prevent the range of the motion of the 'puck'.  This has really helped with the stability of the bag on the shoulders...

 

Brilliant 

[RobDMB]

For those who have bought "no-logo" SM's are there any logos/writing at all on them? Or totally plain? Does it almost look too plain with nothing on it? Been debating whether to get a 2.5+ 14-way with or without logo.

[brew4eagle]

10 minutes ago, RobDMB said:

For those who have bought "no-logo" SM's are there any logos/writing at all on them? Or totally plain? Does it almost look too plain with nothing on it? Been debating whether to get a 2.5+ 14-way with or without logo.

They still have the writing near the top handle and the icons to show what goes where.  I had a black one and liked it, but it did seem a little off like it was missing something.

[XHoop24]

17 hours ago, brew4eagle said:

I'm bored so figured I'd post a side-by-side of the Hoofer Lite (HL) and 2.5+ and point out some differences...

 

Water bottle pocket- the 2.5+ is the same tried and true design Sun Mtn has used for years.  Simple and works great.  PING is insulated and can be closed with a zipper if desired.  Could be useful if you want to pack something with a coldpak.  Drawback is anything bigger than a 16 oz plastic bottle is a tight fit.  I use a 16 oz bottle, so either bag works well.

 

Spine pockets- 2.5+ has a top spine pocket for the first time.  Nice addition, but it is a horizontal zip and shallow pocket.  I've always used this pocket for a few tees, few balls, and ballmark tool.  So it works for this.  HL pocket is a bit deeper and has depth as well, very nice pocket.  Prefer the HL here.

 

Apparel pocket- similar designs, but HL is bigger AND since the rainhood goes in the hip pad on the HL it has even more space.  There's also a very useful pocket inside the apparel pocket on the HL, as well as a key clip.

 

Valuables pocket- both are very nice.  HL is on the top edge of the apparel pocket, which keeps it somewhat hidden.

 

Cart strap pass thru- HL has one, 2.5+ does not.

 

Weight- HL 5 lb, 0 oz.  2.5+ 3 lb, 2 oz.

 

Straps- the HL straps are perfect.  Nice and slim but plush, and the puck design keeps it from teeter-tottering as you walk.  If you look carefully at the HL you can see how the puck has very little freedom to move, whereas the 2.5+ puck can move in both directions all the way, which is a dumb design.  If you strapped a tri-glide/slide buckle (or something similar) on the back straps of the 2.5+ the puck wouldn't have as much freedom and it might prevent the teeter-totter effect on the 2.5+.

 

Tops- very similar size.  Base/legs more stable on the HL, but the collapsing base stand mechanism on the HL pushes the wedge grips up and back towards the woods section when using the stand, which crowds the grips together.  As a result, you're much better off to set the bag straight up when swapping clubs in and out.  If on a riding/push cart the stand is not engaged and the bag behaves just like the 2.5+ with zero tangle.

 

On both bags- I hate the little icons for the pen pocket, water bottle pocket, etc.  Especially dislike the water bottle icon on the 2.5+, really takes away from a minimalist perspective.  Less is more, wish manufacturers would realize this, but I get their desire to advertise the features to the novice consumer.

 

 

Thanks for the review and photos. Well done. I like the idea of the SM but wonder if there is a good place to store a rangefinder. I always like storing mine in the top spine pocket. 

[brew4eagle]

3 minutes ago, XHoop24 said:

17 hours ago, brew4eagle said:

I'm bored so figured I'd post a side-by-side of the Hoofer Lite (HL) and 2.5+ and point out some differences...

 

Water bottle pocket- the 2.5+ is the same tried and true design Sun Mtn has used for years.  Simple and works great.  PING is insulated and can be closed with a zipper if desired.  Could be useful if you want to pack something with a coldpak.  Drawback is anything bigger than a 16 oz plastic bottle is a tight fit.  I use a 16 oz bottle, so either bag works well.

 

Spine pockets- 2.5+ has a top spine pocket for the first time.  Nice addition, but it is a horizontal zip and shallow pocket.  I've always used this pocket for a few tees, few balls, and ballmark tool.  So it works for this.  HL pocket is a bit deeper and has depth as well, very nice pocket.  Prefer the HL here.

 

Apparel pocket- similar designs, but HL is bigger AND since the rainhood goes in the hip pad on the HL it has even more space.  There's also a very useful pocket inside the apparel pocket on the HL, as well as a key clip.

 

Valuables pocket- both are very nice.  HL is on the top edge of the apparel pocket, which keeps it somewhat hidden.

 

Cart strap pass thru- HL has one, 2.5+ does not.

 

Weight- HL 5 lb, 0 oz.  2.5+ 3 lb, 2 oz.

 

Straps- the HL straps are perfect.  Nice and slim but plush, and the puck design keeps it from teeter-tottering as you walk.  If you look carefully at the HL you can see how the puck has very little freedom to move, whereas the 2.5+ puck can move in both directions all the way, which is a dumb design.  If you strapped a tri-glide/slide buckle (or something similar) on the back straps of the 2.5+ the puck wouldn't have as much freedom and it might prevent the teeter-totter effect on the 2.5+.

 

Tops- very similar size.  Base/legs more stable on the HL, but the collapsing base stand mechanism on the HL pushes the wedge grips up and back towards the woods section when using the stand, which crowds the grips together.  As a result, you're much better off to set the bag straight up when swapping clubs in and out.  If on a riding/push cart the stand is not engaged and the bag behaves just like the 2.5+ with zero tangle.

 

On both bags- I hate the little icons for the pen pocket, water bottle pocket, etc.  Especially dislike the water bottle icon on the 2.5+, really takes away from a minimalist perspective.  Less is more, wish manufacturers would realize this, but I get their desire to advertise the features to the novice consumer.

 

 

Thanks for the review and photos. Well done. I like the idea of the SM but wonder if there is a good place to store a rangefinder. I always like storing mine in the top spine pocket. 

Expand  

I think it would fit in the top spine pocket, but reaching in there might get annoying.

[brew4eagle]

I messed with the 2.5+ some more and it's growing on me.  I loaded it up with everything I carry and tweaked the straps some more and definitely found the optimal balance point.  Now I'm not so sure about returning it.  I still have a couple of weeks left to return the Hoofer if I wanted to.  Tougher choice than I originally thought when I unboxed the 2.5+.

[Bashdash]

So if I don't have a old bag around the house I can literally go on amazon and buy a 1 inch tri-glide and exchange what is currently on there?   I think brew4eagle needs to start a youtube channel as the bag guru.   Your posts have been very helpful in helping me pick the right bag.

[Minarets]

2 hours ago, brew4eagle said:

I messed with the 2.5+ some more and it's growing on me.  I loaded it up with everything I carry and tweaked the straps some more and definitely found the optimal balance point.  Now I'm not so sure about returning it.  I still have a couple of weeks left to return the Hoofer if I wanted to.  Tougher choice than I originally thought when I unboxed the 2.5+.

I looked at a Hoofer lite vs 2.5+ today when at GG.   Same opening size at my H2NO.  I think the 2.5 opening is bigger than the HL.  

[brew4eagle]

11 minutes ago, Minarets said:

I looked at a Hoofer lite vs 2.5+ today when at GG.   Same opening size at my H2NO.  I think the 2.5 opening is bigger than the HL.  

They're very similar in overall size.  Shapes are different though, so one may be better than the other depending on where you put certain clubs.  Both have ample room for my 12 club setup, and either could handle 14 just as well.

[brew4eagle]

58 minutes ago, Bashdash said:

So if I don't have a old bag around the house I can literally go on amazon and buy a 1 inch tri-glide and exchange what is currently on there?   I think brew4eagle needs to start a youtube channel as the bag guru.   Your posts have been very helpful in helping me pick the right bag.

Yes, a 1" tri-glide from amazon would work perfectly.  Just pay close attention when taking the straps out of the 'puck', then slide the tri-glides on the straps you want to experiment with then reassemble the straps thru the puck and to the shoulder straps. 

[Bashdash]

hi all....FYI i saw a sun mountain 2.5 on facebook marketplace if anyone is interested.   It is available for shipping.  It appears available still but you would want to check.  

[slowburnin]

After months of research - a purchased then returned VLX - finally made a decision and went with the 2.5.

 

Room for everything I need. Straps feel great so far. Larger opening than all other bags in the same category and full length dividers. Seems like the perfect bag when you walk most of the time.

[rorykoepka]

41 minutes ago, slowburnin said:

After months of research - a purchased then returned VLX - finally made a decision and went with the 2.5.

 

Room for everything I need. Straps feel great so far. Larger opening than all other bags in the same category and full length dividers. Seems like the perfect bag when you walk most of the time.

Nice setup! What did you not like about the vlx? I was strongly considering it

[Minarets]

44 minutes ago, slowburnin said:

After months of research - a purchased then returned VLX - finally made a decision and went with the 2.5.

 

Room for everything I need. Straps feel great so far. Larger opening than all other bags in the same category and full length dividers. Seems like the perfect bag when you walk most of the time.

Looks great.  That was the color and bag choice for me if the H2NO was going to be too heavy for me.  Looks great.  Enjoy b

[slowburnin]

2 hours ago, rorykoepka said:

Nice setup! What did you not like about the vlx? I was strongly considering it

Thanks! 

 

Man, that VLX was soooo close to being perfect.  But - legs not only didn't snap back to position with some authority like I am used to with my 4.5 - but one of the legs was drooping 4 or 5 inches right out the box. With the higher cost comes higher expectations, and because of the stand, it didn't meet my personal expectations.  

 

Aside from the droopy leg, in my opinion, the quality of the materials is unlike anything else being offered by Ping, SM, Titleist etc. 

[slowburnin]

2 hours ago, Minarets said:

Looks great.  That was the color and bag choice for me if the H2NO was going to be too heavy for me.  Looks great.  Enjoy b

You have good tastes Minarets, first bag I've owned that was not black.  Looking to bring a bit more color to 2021 after whatever the hell 2020 was.

[dreynolds819]

9 hours ago, slowburnin said:

After months of research - a purchased then returned VLX - finally made a decision and went with the 2.5.

 

Room for everything I need. Straps feel great so far. Larger opening than all other bags in the same category and full length dividers. Seems like the perfect bag when you walk most of the time.

 

Is that in your house? Sweet putting station if it is! 

 

[BallerNate]

On 3/14/2021 at 3:55 PM, brew4eagle said:

So I found this 1" tri-glide on an old backpack and put it on the 2.5+ strap to prevent the range of the motion of the 'puck'.  This has really helped with the stability of the bag on the shoulders...

 

Really like this idea...will be trying this for sure!

[BallerNate]

Well, there’s a lot of love for the 2.5+ and the Hoofer Lite on this thread, so I figure I should balance that out with some love for the 3.5LS!!

 

Took it out today for my 2nd round this week in the frozen tundra of the Great White North (-2 C / 40 F today), and I absolutely love this bag!!

 

It actually has ended up being the perfect bag for me so far, and is definitely checking all the boxes: Light to carry, great straps, lots of pockets, Tee holders on spine, legs that snap up with zero sag, 0 club tangle etc.

 

Really nothing bad to say about it so far, and this will be my gamer until it breaks down, which I think will be a few years at least!

[Cruisin1966]

3 hours ago, BallerNate said:

. . . Took it out today for my 2nd round this week in the frozen tundra of the Great White North (-2 C / 40 F today), and I absolutely love this bag!! . . .

 

 

Sorry buddy, as a fellow Canuck, this is either wrong or misleading.  -2ºC ~= 30ºF   +4ºC ~= 40ºF  😉

[BallerNate]

33 minutes ago, Cruisin1966 said:

 

Sorry buddy, as a fellow Canuck, this is either wrong or misleading.  -2ºC ~= 30ºF   +4ºC ~= 40ºF  😉

-2 Celsius with a windchill of about -10 is the part I know for sure...the rest I blame on my weather app.

 

The point is, we were freezing our asses off!! 🥶🥶🥶

[FairwayFinder11]

Best stand bag for push cart or riding — GO!

[GooseHook]

On 3/13/2021 at 8:25 PM, ChiFas said:

First outing of the season up here and took the Navy 2.5+ out for the first walk too. Couldn’t be happier. Zero club tangle. More than enough room for anything you need. 
 

Spent time adjusting the straps before I left the house and a couple times while out there. 2.5+ carried well on those short walks as a single strap. 
 

Started with the rangefinder in the ball bag but moved it to the water bottle holder and was never afraid of it falling out. Water bottle went to the ball holder. 
 

I mentioned before, but it definitely fits on the Click 3.5 Trolley. 
 

 

 

My exact bag! I've tried a bunch of different ideas with the rangefinder. The grips on the handle get stuck if you try to use the velour pocket, it gets knocked around too much in the ball pocket, and if you use a water bottle like a sentient being it doesn't work in the small side pocket.

 

If the 2.5+ had the little elastic pouch the 3.5LS had, it would be basically perfect. 

[GooseHook]

11 hours ago, FairwayFinder11 said:

Best stand bag for push cart or riding — GO!

 

Honestly it depends on your push cart, but it would be a toss up between the 4.5LS and Taylormade Flextech. 4.5 has a huge top and lots of specialized pockets, and won't kill your back if you decide to actually carry for a round or two.