Ping Pioneer Vs SM C130?

[RainShadow]

Currently have a 6-7 yo C130 and it’s starting to show it’s age a bit.

Thinking  of replacing with Ping Pioneer, which seems to have a slimmer profile, even with extras stuffeD in the side pockets.

It will be used as both cart and push cart bag (clik gear).

Thoughts on the two?

 

 

 

[crazygolfnut]

Both are nice bags but for me the big difference is the location of the cooler pocket.  Ping has theirs on the front and Sun Mountain has theirs on the side.  I found it difficult to put a bottle of water in the C130 when it is on a cart because it pushes out too much and makes it difficult to remove a beverage.   On the Ping bag you can load several beverages in the front pocket and not have problem rubbing the cart or the bag next to you.  

[BSTRONG1313]

I just ordered a Ping Pioneer after considering both of these. I went with the Pioneer because of the placement of the cooler, a few more pockets and the C130 had a weird notch on the putter slot where the store rep said he had several people complain about tearing up their putter grip or hitting their hands. I also personally think the Pioneer is better looking but that's subjective. 

[rufus mangler]

Just got a 2019 C130 after much research, measuring, etc. Had my finger on the trigger for the Pioneer. Both are great bags. I just found the material on the Ping to be a bit lighter/thinner. I thought the front cooler might rest on the clubs, especially while on a pull cart. I know this is petty, but I don't play any Ping clubs. Finally, the 2019 SM was $20-40 cheaper. Both are top rated bags. Good luck.

Edited September 10, 2020 by rufus mangler

[amateur pro]

16 hours ago, BSTRONG1313 said:

I just ordered a Ping Pioneer after considering both of these. I went with the Pioneer because of the placement of the cooler, a few more pockets and the C130 had a weird notch on the putter slot where the store rep said he had several people complain about tearing up their putter grip or hitting their hands. I also personally think the Pioneer is better looking but that's subjective. 

regarding the notch, can you describe where? is it inside on the bottom? i had a couple of superstrokes get marred on the butt of the grip, but thought it was due to me nicking the top of the putterwell a couple of times when putting it back in the bag. i have also noticed the end of the grip (closest to the head) gets caught in the plastic putterwell divider if you dont pull it straight up and out all the way. i was thinking of a new c130, for a new set, but may reconsider. 

[BSTRONG1313]

1 hour ago, amateur pro said:

regarding the notch, can you describe where? is it inside on the bottom? i had a couple of superstrokes get marred on the butt of the grip, but thought it was due to me nicking the top of the putterwell a couple of times when putting it back in the bag. i have also noticed the end of the grip (closest to the head) gets caught in the plastic putterwell divider if you dont pull it straight up and out all the way. i was thinking of a new c130, for a new set, but may reconsider. 

It's at the top, it's a little indent with a screw. I think it's there to make it easy to pick up with 2 hands but I can see how it would do exactly what happened to you.

 

The Pioneer putterwell pretty much went straight down. No notch. 

[mljones99]

The Pioneer is one of the best cart bags you can get.  I just wish it came in the black camo that the Traverse comes in.

[whitefro]

18 hours ago, BSTRONG1313 said:

I just ordered a Ping Pioneer after considering both of these. I went with the Pioneer because of the placement of the cooler, a few more pockets and the C130 had a weird notch on the putter slot where the store rep said he had several people complain about tearing up their putter grip or hitting their hands. I also personally think the Pioneer is better looking but that's subjective. 

How many cans can you fit in the cooler pocket? I know the DLX can fit 10 or so with ice, so Im curious about the Pioneer.

[BSTRONG1313]

9 hours ago, whitefro said:

How many cans can you fit in the cooler pocket? I know the DLX can fit 10 or so with ice, so Im curious about the Pioneer.

I haven't recieved it so I can't say for sure. It's probably similar to the DLX. 

[Golf64]

Another vote for Pioneer. Personally prefer the lighter/smaller Traverse. Don't carry much, so no need for the Pioneer. Also to fit on a Clic Gear, prefer the Traverse again due to the angle of the top. Clubs 'hang' better for me.

[ScottF]

Another vote for the Pioneer. I’m sure the Sun Mountain is a good bag but I bought the Pioneer and couldn’t be happier. Lots of little features I didn’t expect besides the main ones. Like the hook to hold your keys so they don’t fall down in the pocket. Or even the little pocket for your sharpie. They even give you a way to access the bottom of the club slots if you drop something down there. The designer thought of everything 

[karstens_ghost]

The putter well of the 130 was always a downside for me. The Pioneer has been an excellent bag for me for over a year now. When it eventually has too many cart rub spots or whatever, I will definitely stick with another one. If you push or ride, it's fantastic.

[RainShadow]

Went with the Pioneer. 

Seems a little more compact than the C130 was.

Only beef is the cart strap pass through is too low, and causes the strap to cover the small upper pockets.

Works perfect for my Clic Gear push cart, though.

Edited October 14, 2020 by RainShadow

[Moby]

Another vote for Pioneer. 

[portland]

Pioneer.  

I have owned both bags and the Pioneer is better in just about all ways.  The one feature I really liked about the C130 was the rear Velcro straps that secured the bag to my Club Car.  It was nice to not use the bag strap and keep all the pockets easily accessible.  Would love to see the Pioneer add this feature in the future.