2020 Ping Hoofer Lite Vs Sun Mountain 3.5

[userwasx]

Hi all.  I have narrowed down my new bag to the hoofer lite and the SM 3.5.  I have used both and def pluses and minuses.  I walk about 60% of the time and carry a full set of 14.  Anyone have thoughts on which one long term?  Thank you!

[Nixhex524]

Interested in this too.... I have been looking for a lighter weight bag than my Z85 (which I love) to carry instead of put on a push cart.  I had a previous generation Hoofer Lite and it was GREAT to carry, very balanced and comfortable, but the pockets were tight and the club tangle really bothered me.  I know, I know, "just stand the bag upright and there's no tangle"... that is true but I would have preferred it to just work.  Minor complaints but I think the SM may be able to hold the clubs with less tangle.  I like Ping's leg mechanism better on the inside of the bag instead of the protruding foot on the SM as well...  Long term though, I would guess the Hoofer Lite will hold up much better, I have had a couple SM rip on the inside before.

[Dubv23]

my vote goes to the 3.5 but with the EZ Fit strap purchased seperate from sun mountain.  Its $27 and replaces the x strap so you can get the balance you like from the hoofer.  I put the strap on my 2.5 yesterday and i think i will really like it.  

 

the 3.5 with the wide top and foot mechanism creates nearly zero tangle

 

- additionally, im not a huge fan of the phone/valuables pocket on the lite this year.  its angles down so when the bag is on your back i feel that there is a real chance my phone or range finder will fall out of that pocket if i leave it open by accident.

Edited September 15, 2020 by Dubv23

[userwasx]

30 minutes ago, Dubv23 said:

my vote goes to the 3.5 but with the EZ Fit strap purchased seperate from sun mountain.  Its $27 and replaces the x strap so you can get the balance you like from the hoofer.  I put the strap on my 2.5 yesterday and i think i will really like it.  

 

the 3.5 with the wide top and foot mechanism creates nearly zero tangle

 

- additionally, im not a huge fan of the phone/valuables pocket on the lite this year.  its angles down so when the bag is on your back i feel that there is a real chance my phone or range finder will fall out of that pocket if i leave it open by accident.

Thank you.. I also had the same concern on the range finder pocket of the SM falling out. 

[userwasx]

57 minutes ago, Nixhex524 said:

Interested in this too.... I have been looking for a lighter weight bag than my Z85 (which I love) to carry instead of put on a push cart.  I had a previous generation Hoofer Lite and it was GREAT to carry, very balanced and comfortable, but the pockets were tight and the club tangle really bothered me.  I know, I know, "just stand the bag upright and there's no tangle"... that is true but I would have preferred it to just work.  Minor complaints but I think the SM may be able to hold the clubs with less tangle.  I like Ping's leg mechanism better on the inside of the bag instead of the protruding foot on the SM as well...  Long term though, I would guess the Hoofer Lite will hold up much better, I have had a couple SM rip on the inside before.

 

The ping def feels better made and heavier on the back.  I like the cart strap pass though also.  The straps on the SM def feel less comfortable. 

[Dubv23]

1 hour ago, userwasx said:

Thank you.. I also had the same concern on the range finder pocket of the SM falling out. 

 

If you use the small pocket above the ball pocket, that could definitely happen.  I put my rangefinder in the lined pocket on the apparel side and its canted differently than the ping so there isnt much chance for it to fall out.  

[Nixhex524]

I just looked at the Hoofer (no Lites in the store) and the 3.5.  I have to say, the 3.5 is obviously much lighter but it feels REALLY flimsy.  I realize that may be better for walking but I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the regular Hoofer.  Overall construction of the Hoofer is FAR superior, the storage is better, the straps are better and it's only a half pound heavier than the Hoofer Lite.  I don't see the Hoofer having tangle issues like the Hoofer Lite did having the bigger top either....  

 

I'm not sure why I'm going to even buy another bag as my Z85 has been really good honestly, but the Hoofer storage IS much better overall.

[userwasx]

3 minutes ago, Nixhex524 said:

I just looked at the Hoofer (no Lites in the store) and the 3.5.  I have to say, the 3.5 is obviously much lighter but it feels REALLY flimsy.  I realize that may be better for walking but I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the regular Hoofer.  Overall construction of the Hoofer is FAR superior, the storage is better, the straps are better and it's only a half pound heavier than the Hoofer Lite.  I don't see the Hoofer having tangle issues like the Hoofer Lite did having the bigger top either....  

 

I'm not sure why I'm going to even buy another bag as my Z85 has been really good honestly, but the Hoofer storage IS much better overall.

And the amount of weight didnt bother you?  I walked 18 with the lite last week and liked the straps, but the tangle bothered me and the legs. 

[Break68]

I bought the HooferLite 2 weeks ago, bag is amazing when carrying on the course. But when standing upright my HooferLite falls over constantly, It fell over 3 times on the weekend. I just called Ping Customer Service and they said I should email them pictures of the bag. Email has been sent, now I wait.

This is my first Ping purchase and I am not very happy.

The bag is great when walking/carrying but a nightmare when I stand it up at home.

I just bought new wedges and irons and 1 of the wedges has already been damaged on the weekend when the bag fell on the hardwood.

 

 

 

[Break68]

HooferLite definitely has a club tangling issue.

[userwasx]

13 minutes ago, Nixhex524 said:

I just looked at the Hoofer (no Lites in the store) and the 3.5.  I have to say, the 3.5 is obviously much lighter but it feels REALLY flimsy.  I realize that may be better for walking but I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the regular Hoofer.  Overall construction of the Hoofer is FAR superior, the storage is better, the straps are better and it's only a half pound heavier than the Hoofer Lite.  I don't see the Hoofer having tangle issues like the Hoofer Lite did having the bigger top either....  

 

I'm not sure why I'm going to even buy another bag as my Z85 has been really good honestly, but the Hoofer storage IS much better overall.

Also agree on the flimsiness of the bag, feels like the zippers will crumble in your hand. 

 

[userwasx]

Just now, Break68 said:

HooferLite definitely has a club tangling issue.

Is there an issue if you pull out the clubs while the bag is vertical?  Also did if fall while it was leaned up against a wall?

[Break68]

3 minutes ago, userwasx said:

Is there an issue if you pull out the clubs while the bag is vertical?  Also did if fall while it was leaned up against a wall?

Vertical, sometimes yes. Bag falls over if leaned against a wall, a bookshelf or even when not leaned against anything. It is driving me insane.

[userwasx]

Just now, Break68 said:

Vertical, sometimes yes. Bag falls over if leaned against a wall, a bookshelf or even when not leaned against anything. It is driving me insane.

wow, def sounds like an issue.  thanks for sharing!  sounds like you are going to return? or does the good outway those issues?

[Break68]

8 minutes ago, userwasx said:

wow, def sounds like an issue.  thanks for sharing!  sounds like you are going to return? or does the good outway those issues?

Good out ways for now, but I am going to lose my mind if another club gets damaged falling on the hardwood. I am OCD about my clubs when new at the best of times.

I will wait to hear from Ping Customer service and most likely exchange for another HooferLite but only after in store testing with my full setup of clubs and balls and towel.

[userwasx]

5 minutes ago, Break68 said:

Good out ways for now, but I am going to lose my mind if another club gets damaged falling on the hardwood. I am OCD about my clubs when new at the best of times.

I will wait to hear from Ping Customer service and most likely exchange for another HooferLite but only after in store testing with my full setup of clubs and balls and towel.

yes, i am ocd as well and if it fell over, it would go nuts!!

[Break68]

Just now, userwasx said:

yes, i am ocd as well and if it fell over, it would go nuts!!

Bag has fallen over 7 times in 2 weeks. I wedge damaged. Sanity waning now at best!

 

[Nixhex524]

36 minutes ago, Break68 said:

I bought the HooferLite 2 weeks ago, bag is amazing when carrying on the course. But when standing upright my HooferLite falls over constantly, It fell over 3 times on the weekend. I just called Ping Customer Service and they said I should email them pictures of the bag. Email has been sent, now I wait.

This is my first Ping purchase and I am not very happy.

The bag is great when walking/carrying but a nightmare when I stand it up at home.

I just bought new wedges and irons and 1 of the wedges has already been damaged on the weekend when the bag fell on the hardwood.

 

 

 

It fell over with the legs out?  Honestly, I wouldn't expect it to stay upright without the legs out, it's just not one of those bags IMO.  

 

I just looked at the Hoofer Lite again and it seems to have been redesigned from the previous model I had so I am now considering taking the leap since I like some of the colorways better than the Hoofer, but if there is tangle, I think that will really bother me.  It was one of the reasons I moved my last one.... 

 

 

[userwasx]

58 minutes ago, Nixhex524 said:

It fell over with the legs out?  Honestly, I wouldn't expect it to stay upright without the legs out, it's just not one of those bags IMO.  

 

I just looked at the Hoofer Lite again and it seems to have been redesigned from the previous model I had so I am now considering taking the leap since I like some of the colorways better than the Hoofer, but if there is tangle, I think that will really bother me.  It was one of the reasons I moved my last one.... 

 

 

Def a tangle when I was trying it out.  To me the build seems superior to the SM3, just material, zippers, construction etc. but it is heavier

[Gsea]

1 hour ago, Nixhex524 said:

It fell over with the legs out?  Honestly, I wouldn't expect it to stay upright without the legs out, it's just not one of those bags IMO.  

 

I just looked at the Hoofer Lite again and it seems to have been redesigned from the previous model I had so I am now considering taking the leap since I like some of the colorways better than the Hoofer, but if there is tangle, I think that will really bother me.  It was one of the reasons I moved my last one.... 

 

 

its a stand bag to be used with the legs. Seriously ur upset cause it didn't stand on its own. Ping is nuts if they pay for the club.

[golffeen007]

3 hours ago, Break68 said:

HooferLite definitely has a club tangling issue.

My SM 2.5 has less tangle my Ping Hoofer Lite. Had the SM 2.5 , 3.5 , 4.5 and Hoofer and Hoofer Lite.  They're all great bags but favorite for walking is SM 2.5/3.5. 

[Nixhex524]

So, I pulled the trigger, on the Hoofer Lite.  I really like the Hoofer, but I'm thinking it is more bag than I need.  I don't carry much so the Hoofer Lite might be more suited to my life and game and I did prefer the colorways of the Lite.  My ONLY concern is the club tangle, will report back for sure.  

[userwasx]

Just now, Nixhex524 said:

So, I pulled the trigger, on the Hoofer Lite.  I really like the Hoofer, but I'm thinking it is more bag than I need.  I don't carry much so the Hoofer Lite might be more suited to my life and game and I did prefer the colorways of the Lite.  My ONLY concern is the club tangle, will report back for sure.  

Nice!! Lets us know.  I am actually going to carry the SM 3.5 for a round tomorrow and see how that goes.

[userwasx]

Anyone also consider the Vessel VLX STAND?  Looks nice but single strap could be an issue!  The white looks nice!

 

Edited September 16, 2020 by userwasx

[Dubv23]

9 hours ago, userwasx said:

Anyone also consider the Vessel VLX STAND?  Looks nice but single strap could be an issue!  The white looks nice!

 

beautiful bag but tiny top. I also believe that bag weighs almost 5 pounds even though it is so streamlined. 

[userwasx]

14 hours ago, golffeen007 said:

My SM 2.5 has less tangle my Ping Hoofer Lite. Had the SM 2.5 , 3.5 , 4.5 and Hoofer and Hoofer Lite.  They're all great bags but favorite for walking is SM 2.5/3.5. 

If you could just pick one for walking / riding.  Waking 60% of the time, which one would it be?  Thank you.

[userwasx]

4 hours ago, Dubv23 said:

beautiful bag but tiny top. I also believe that bag weighs almost 5 pounds even though it is so streamlined. 

Yep, 7" top seems to me it will be tight to remove the clubs.  Also, not a fan of single strap. 

[golffeen007]

60/40 and want some extra pockets for gear but still an all around light bag free from tangle (unless you play Bryson’s grips) 3.5 is hard to beat. I still ride with my 2.5 some and it serves the purpose even with a full bag. 

[userwasx]

1 minute ago, golffeen007 said:

60/40 and want some extra pockets for gear but still an all around light bag free from tangle (unless you play Bryson’s grips) 3.5 is hard to beat. I still ride with my 2.5 some and it serves the purpose even with a full bag. 

Thank you.  The few things I do not like on the 3.5 are the weak zippers and no cart pass though.  Also worried about long term wear and tear.

[golffeen007]

If your concerned with a cart pass through as an issue ,you might have answered your own question and maybe you would need to purchase a larger/slightly heavier bag designed for carts but you’re adding weight when you walk. They make a cover that goes over the cart strap to protect the material if that’s the concern. My 2.5 has no issue on a cart without a passthrough. 
SM is top notch and you don’t have to worry about much in the way of wear and tear if you take care of it. I don’t know of a lightweight walker with all the amenities that lasts forever. 
You have a lot of good options. Go check them all out and make your decision on what you want most and can likely do without.