Vessel Lite Stand Bag vs Ping Hoofer

subwrx · June 26, 2020

I have been a Ping Hoofer bag user for quite a few years and love them but haven't been able to walk or play much the last few years due to injuries. Well this year I I've been feeling better than ever so now I have walked every round this year other than 2. This lead me to wanting to try something a bit lighter and that is the Vessel Lite Stand Bag (2020 Version). There are pros and cons to the bag but overall I am quite pleased with my purchase. Is it worth the $200+/- more than the hoofer,,,, It's defiantly debatable. It's not really a fair comparison as the Ping Hoofer is a 5 way, larger opening at the top and it's just a bigger, heavier bag overall but it's what I'm comparing it to as I have always felt that they are the best bags for walking and there stand system is the best.

PING HOOFER 2015 VERSION

PROS - Carry's well, shoulder straps are really wide with ample padding, 5 way top, pockets are well done with lots of storage and a nice valuables pocket. Range finder pocket is convenient and the water bottle cooler pocket is in the perfect spot, easy to put my drink in and out when walking. Hidden rain top for those bad days. The price is reasonable.CONS - Just a bit on the heavier side, a bit bulky (When compared to any 4way), 2 Full length divider are nice but should be attached to the sides of the bag for better separation.VESSEL LITE STAND 2020 VERSION

PROS - Carry's well, ample storage, magnetic range finder pocket which is the same spot as the ping but it's nicer having the mag latch. Stand system is the best I've used next to the ping. Easy to grab tabs on the zippers. Lighter bag at 4.2LBS. Material is easy to clean and is just a sweet looking bag.CONS - The 4 way top is smaller and it's a bit snug at time's when putting clubs in or out of the bag. Water cooler pouch is bigger than my Hoofer but its in a dumb spot. Leg system isn't as good when compared to my ping because you have to apply more pressure for the bags to fully extend but maybe this is a good thing as the retraction of the legs should keep them tight to the bag over time.

VESSEL Golf · June 26, 2020

This is really great feedback for our design team, thank you! We hope you enjoy your Lite Stand for years to come!

SullyForged · June 26, 2020

Can you most some photos, especially of the water bottle pocket. What do you think of the strap comfort and set up?

subwrx · June 29, 2020

Yes I will post some photos tomorrow. The strap system set up is nicer than my Ping when on the shoulders as it self levels itself. Only gripe now that I have a few rounds under my belt with it is that the straps could be a bit thicker. These straps are thicker than most but I’m comparing them to my Ping. I’m not sure how thick the Ping straps are now on the Hoofer as mine is 4/5 years old. That’s one of the things that I have noticed over time is that most brands skimp out on decent straps.

subwrx · June 29, 2020

Your welcome and thank you for noticing my break down. This is the sweetest looking bag that I have ever owned or scene. The water cooler pouch just needs to be lower, ysimilar to the Ping, then it would be perfect. It’s easy to use when it’s vertical and legs extended out. It’s just a matter of me getting use to grabbing my bottle before I pick up the bag. Also a bit thick straps would be nice ?

subwrx · July 1, 2020

Okay here are some pics of the bag and the pics kinda suck but you can see the purple gatorade in both pouches. With the Ping it's really easy to access when on the back vs the Vessel is not. You can also see the difference in the straps for width and thickness and the Ping is at least twice the thickness and a bit wider. Now I can say after getting a few more rounds under my belt with the Vessel that the straps are to thin, if I pack my rain gear and have too many balls (I find lots) then I notice the straps digging in. With the Ping no matter how much stuff I cram in the straps never dig in which is why I feel it's a better bag for walking/packing especially if you like to have everything with you at all times. The Vessel is a sweeter looking bag and enjoyable but you have to pay attention to what's in the bag. The only thing that needs to change with the Vessel is they need to move the cooler pouch lower down and make the straps a lot thicker especially with it being a premium bag with a premium price. As for the clubs being snug it's a 4way with the Vessel vs the 5way on the ping so there is obviously less snagging with the ping vs the Vessel but it's manageable for a full set of clubs and I did't find it to be an issue.
Now I just have to wait and see and hope that they one day come out with thicker straps that I can purchase.
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