Nike Air Hybrid vs SM LS 4.5 14-Way

[rjp217]

 

Lets start with the Sun Mountain. Scaled at 5.2lbs. I’ve used it for about a year, 90% carrying and 10% in the cart, totaling about 50 rounds. It’s a wonderful bag. Light, easy to carry and hits the mark on storage. The hidden cart strap and dividers work great as well. It’s shortcomings for me are the size of the water bottle holder and sometimes I get some stickiness of the legs when I transition from it on the ground with them out to my back. The legs will hang and catch the back of my calves. Luckily it doesn’t happen often. Aesthetically it is very nice though it does clash with my towels, headcovers, clothing, etc.... overall it’s the best bag I’ve used when compared to the Hoofer and TaylorMade Flextech.

 

Now, onto the Air Hybrid. Why would I buy a bag after that review? Well, I am Team Nike, I needed some retail therapy and I flat out love the looks of this one. I was skeptical of the white color getting dirty but I’m pretty gentle on my equipment and I just really think it’s fire. Scaled at 6.6lbs. You can tell the weight difference when held by the handle but I didn’t see much difference when on my back. It was comfy. It’s slightly taller than the SM but as a man who is 6’4 that’s not a problem. The water bottle holder seemed smaller than the SM which is a bummer but the bonus was there’s one on each side and the built-in cooler compartment zippered in behind is sweet. This has just as much storage as the SM as well as the waterproof pocket. The extra fourth open pocket on the bottom front of the bag is a nice touch. I like the tackiness on the front of the straps, they’re easy to grab. It was super easy to adjust as well.

 

I can’t think of much more to add. Both appear to be excellent choices for the carry guy but just wanted to throw some pics out there and my initial thoughts. Feel free to ask me any questions. Obviously haven’t gamed it yet and it won’t be for awhile, thanks coronavirus, but once I do I’ll add to the review.

[BraveAnthony]

Thank you for the review. Exactly what I was looking for as I am debating if I should get the 4.5 14-way instead of Air Hybrid which I just picked up yesterday. It seems the clubs slide in and out not as smooth as 14-way cart bags. How would you compare the two with respect to club tangle?

[rjp217]

They’re both full length dividers so no club tangle

[brad1978golf]

Thanks for the review. I just pulled the trigger on a 14way 4.5 on Wednesday last week.

 

[ephul]

I'm choosing between a Nike Hybrid, Ogio Convoy SE and Sun Mountain 4.5... one big thing for me is an insulated beverage compartment that drains well... how big is the Nike compared to the Sun Mountain?

[brad1978golf]

I haven’t received my bag as of yet and snow is still on the ground in the great white north. Once it arrives I will update.

 

[rjp217]

The SM is slightly bigger. Both can be stretched with a band type opening.

[ephul]

Really? Thanks for the info! Any idea on SM vs Ogio?

[rjp217]

Yeah i would say the SM is slightly wider but theyre both similar depth. Nike has two bottle pouches and a cooler pouch which is nice.

 

I don’t have any experience with Ogio.

[ephul]

thanks for the info. Thought about ordering something without seeing during this COVID stuff, but may just have to wait...

[Pworld]

I now have 2 air hybrids. I had to come back to it. No other bag offers as much bang for the buck imo. And I tried to step away from Nike bags for once.

[ephul]

Well, got a 2019 Sun Mountain 4.5 LS 14 way...

[jetmech879]

Bumping this thread. This is the exact same two bags I’m considering. I actually have a Nike inbound. My question is do blade style putter headcovers fit in the putter slot ok? I play my putter short so I’ve had issues with headcovers falling off. 

[brew4eagle]

On 12/24/2020 at 8:31 PM, jetmech879 said:

Bumping this thread. This is the exact same two bags I’m considering. I actually have a Nike inbound. My question is do blade style putter headcovers fit in the putter slot ok? I play my putter short so I’ve had issues with headcovers falling off. 

One solution is to put a club tube in the putter slot and then put something in the bottom of that tube so the putter will bottom out at the desired height.  Will add some weight though.

[jetmech879]

That’s a good idea! I might give that a go if I can find a tube big enough for a large putter grip. 

Edited December 26, 2020 by jetmech879

[WillyL]

Use a fluorescent light protector tube. You can get at home depot. 

[jetmech879]

So the sun mountain 4.5 LS only made one round before returning it. After 9 holes the bag started irritating me on my right side. There is a hard area for the handle that was chafing me and not comfortable. I now have the 2021 Nike air hybrid bag to try. I can already tell it’s going to be better. Also the materials feel better quality along with a better overall layout for the pockets. I’ll report back after a round Sunday. 

[WillyL]

I did the same experiment last year. My 14 yr old now has the Sun Mountain🤣🤣. I love my Air Hybrid‼️

[jetmech879]

After one round with Nike air hybrid bag I can safely say it’s twice the bag the sun mountain is. It was so comfortable to carry and it also felt lighter. I know it’s not but there must be something in those air straps. Looking forward to walking many rounds this year with this bag! I hope they keep this style for years to come! 

[donbbq]

Hi!  I'm considering purchasing the Nike Air Hybrid bag, do you have any input on how the white color of the bag has been holding up in regular use?  Thank you!

[rjp217]

On 3/15/2021 at 1:10 PM, donbbq said:

Hi!  I'm considering purchasing the Nike Air Hybrid bag, do you have any input on how the white color of the bag has been holding up in regular use?  Thank you!

It def will get dirty but for reference mine goes in the back of a pickup truck so that won’t help.

[dbdors]

Wrong thread

 

Edited November 24, 2021 by dbdors

[tayler fichtner]

I am considering several new golf bags. i currently have the ping hoofer bag and i hate the cooler pocket and how much the clubs get tangled and how your always fighting with them. kinda leaning towards the nike bag because of color schemes. but dont want to have to buy another bag for a while. 

 

Is the club tangle an issue with either of these bags ? which has the better cooler pocket ?