FlexTech v Sunmountain 3.5

i*windows · November 26, 2020

I've narrowed my year long search down to these two bags. I'll be carrying the bags and want something that is tough and easy to carry. The Flextech is a little heavier than the 3.5 but it seems better made, the 3.5 seems to be made out of bin liners - but it gets lots of good reviews. Can anyone give any advice?

ckay · November 26, 2020

The Flextech served me well for years.

Nixhex524 · November 27, 2020

I think the FT will be more durable long term, but the SM will be lighter if you carry. I just got a 3.5 LS, haven't had a SM in years, and I am actually pretty happy with it. I wanted to carry more but it's just not working out that way... I had picked up a Hoofer Lite and while that bag is tough and somewhat comfortable, it is noticeably heavier than the 3.5. To get light, you have to sacrifice some material these days it seems.

brew4eagle · November 27, 2020

I disagree with the FlexTech being potentially more durable. I had a FlexTech Lite briefly and I got rid of it as it seemed quite poorly constructed vs. Sun Mtn and PING. If down to 3.5LS vs FlexTech, it's not even close in my opinion. 3.5LS is far and away a better bag, to include construction quality/durability.

Edited November 27, 2020 by brew4eagle

Cho_Dynasty · November 28, 2020

Beware of SM’s weak zippers. Have a 2017 SM3.5 LS and valuable pocket zipper broke about a year ago. Everything else about the bag is great, but reaching in that duct taped valuables pocket is annoying. Guess it’s time for a new bag! Hence why I’m in this section of the forums. Lol. I’ll take durability from hear on out.

brew4eagle · November 28, 2020

9 minutes ago, Cho_Dynasty said:

Beware of SM’s weak zippers. Have a 2017 SM3.5 LS and valuable pocket zipper broke about a year ago. Everything else about the bag is great, but reaching in that duct taped valuables pocket is annoying. Guess it’s time for a new bag! Hence why I’m in this section of the forums. Lol. I’ll take durability from hear on out.

Pretty sure Sun Mtn uses YKK zippers which are top quality. Not saying they can't break, but it's not like Sun Mtn is cutting corners there.