2020 Ping Hoofer - Early impressions (with pics)

[jshel]

I am of the belief that there isn’t a perfect golf bag. There are times when one kind of bag is better than others. That’s why I have several bags based on what I need at the time.

If it is dry in the summer, I’m probably going with my Mackenzie. If it is wet or I’m using a push cart or riding, I’m using a stand bag.

I was in the market for a new stand bag and picked up a a 2020 Ping Hoofer last week. Since then, I have used it for three 18-hole rounds and one 9-holer. Two of the rounds were at clubs that are more difficult than average to walk and featured a good bit of elevation change.

Why I went with the Hoofer vs. others:

The Hoofer is a little heavier than some options, but that wasn’t a huge deal for me as I have a Mackenzie for when I want to go light. My most recent stand bag was a Titleist Players 4, so I wanted to go back to Ping. Could have certainly went with a Hoofer Lite, but I think some of the creature comfort sacrifices you make for the Hoofer Lite isn’t worth it because you’re only saving 0.5 pounds. I will carry this bag some and push it some. I have only carried it at this point, but will likely push at least once this weekend.

Things I really like:

The balance: This bag really balances nicely and it stays in place on my shoulders. I don’t have to hold the club head end of the bag down, I don’t have to hold the bottom of the bag up all of the time. Sometimes it needs a quick adjustment when I put the bag on, but then it stays in place very well (even on a warm day). This was a rare stand bag where I felt like I didn’t have to touch the bag while it was on my shoulders and walk at the same time and not have it move.Positioning of water bottle pocket: It’s in a perfect spot to be able to grab it while walkingComfort of the straps: These things are quite comfortable and there is a good bit of padding thereThe magnetic rangefinder pocket: I know this isn’t a new feature, but it is really nice. It seems to be right in the sweet spot between being easy enough to open, but also sturdy enough to stay shut where you don’t have to worry about the pocket opening and the rangefinder falling outNo leg flop: The strap that engages when you are carrying the bag to hold the legs against the body of the bag is great. I’m not a huge fan of leg flop and that happens a lot on many bagsClean looks on logo bags: As you can see in the photos, I bought this from my club. I like that club logo bags can come with zero Ping branding. I think it makes the bag look sharpThings I don’t totally love or find weird:

It’s not great when carrying on only one shoulder: If the green to tee walk is short, I sometimes just put the bag on my right shoulder for the short walk and not worry about getting the whole backpack on. The Hoofer doesn’t have great balance when I go one shoulder. I feel like I have to hold down the club end. This is my first true backpack Ping bag as others I have had featured the two separate straps. This is far from a deal breaker, but if you really like to go one shoulder only, I would look at other optionsThe color of the legs: This is totally not a big deal, but I find it weird that on a bag that doesn’t have black anywhere on the bag (other than the straps) have black and red legs. Just weird.Zipper: The quality of the bag is very good, but the ball pocket zipper in particular doesn’t feel the strongest. I think this bag is very solidly made, but those zippers seem to be on a different level from the rest of the bag.Final thoughts:

This is a very solid bag and I would certainly recommendThe weight is a bit more than some options, but the number of pockets, the variety of pockets and functionality of the pockets are really good. For me that convenience made the extra pockets a non-factorThis bag doesn’t feel 5.5 pounds because of how easy the thing carries. I felt great after carrying (both that night and the next morning) Here are some pics. Feel free to HMU if you have questions.

 

[Argonne69]

Minor nit: the zipper on the pocket near the water bottle doesn't stay closed. You zip it, walk a few holes, and the rubbing against the body causes the zipper to open a few inches.

Minor nit #2: The rubber bands that hold the excessive strap material don't always hold the material. 'Hate the webbing flapping in the wind.

This is my first stand bag in ages. The club tangle is annoying. I'm still getting used to holding the bag upright to get clubs in.

I think the weight is fine. Now, the half gallon of water I'm carrying is another thing. Lol.

Wish there was a velcro patch for a glove. My Ping Pioneer has one.

 

[Jarlaxle]

If you are talking about the current Hoofer there is a velcro patch for your glove, it's right below the handle.

[Argonne69]

Lol. Good Lord, I'm blind. 'Never noticed it, even with the little hand icon.

[Jarlaxle]

All good. Only reason I was sure it had one is the little patch on the Craze E Lite one is just tiny but I figured if there was one on that bag, there had to be one on the Hoofer.