The perfect walker's bag, why is it so hard to get it right?

[tjhanch]

1 hour ago, Jarlaxle said:

Got a nice surprise today, my club called and my bag is in.  Think this may be the first 2021 StaDry to hit the interwebs.  This is the Players 4 which is definitely on the compact side and I may ultimately regret going this small but that was intentional on my part.  Weighed it dry on  my not so accurate bathroom scale and its in the neighborhood of 4 pounds including the straps and rain cover. Included a couple of shots with a measuring tape for those that are curious.  Only complaint so far (if you can call it that) is that the zipper on the ball pocket is fairly stiff, have to hold one side to pull it open/closed.  Hopefully will loosen up a bit but again, that's a pretty small nitpick.  And while the straps are good enough, I do wish they were as good as the Pings.

 

On to the pics!

 

Just ordered this bag myself. Looks good.  Going from the 4 plus to the 4 I'm a bit concerned about the club tangle, particularly the woods/putter section, have you noticed anything too bad?

[Florida Gator]

1 hour ago, Jarlaxle said:

Got a nice surprise today, my club called and my bag is in.  Think this may be the first 2021 StaDry to hit the interwebs.  This is the Players 4 which is definitely on the compact side and I may ultimately regret going this small but that was intentional on my part.  Weighed it dry on  my not so accurate bathroom scale and its in the neighborhood of 4 pounds including the straps and rain cover. Included a couple of shots with a measuring tape for those that are curious.  Only complaint so far (if you can call it that) is that the zipper on the ball pocket is fairly stiff, have to hold one side to pull it open/closed.  Hopefully will loosen up a bit but again, that's a pretty small nitpick.  And while the straps are good enough, I do wish they were as good as the Pings.

 

On to the pics!

 

 

Love the donut cover!

[Florida Gator]

4 hours ago, Redjeep83 said:

 

Get what you mean but imo then you kind of end up with a frankenstein bag that looks weird.

Black bag with no graphics, black straps with no labels.  You’d really have to look hard to notice.  When I carry the bag versus using my e-wheels v2, I only use the single strap, so it’s not really that obvious.

[Minarets]

How are the new premium straps? 

[miss0033]

On 1/26/2021 at 11:21 PM, Minarets said:

I also believe it has to do with the size opening SM uses and the full length boxed dividers.  That’s why I went H2NO. I wanted waterproof and all those otter things.  I too can’t stand tangle

 

I may reach out to Sunmountain and ask for the eco-light straps in black

Can I ask why not get the Eco-Lite bag, versus just the straps?  I realize you already got the H2NO, what drew you to that over the eco-lite?  Strictly the waterproofing?  Just cruious.

 

I am in the market for a new bag (coming from a 2012~ish Ogio Grom w/ Woode that is about worn out and has become too heavy).  Eco-lite was one of the ones I had it narrowed down to, or so I thought.  Wondering why that bag might not be a good idea. 

 

Looking at SM Eco-Lite, SM 3.5 LS, Ping Hoofer (The Lite is only about .5LB lighter...), Nike Air Sport, and Titleist 4 Stadry...

 

I find myself walking much more the last few years as several of the courses I play are charging $25+ for a half cart on 18.  I'd rather buy new gear than pay $25 to ride.  The 6.5lb grom is noticeably heavy around hole 14 - even though the bag is usually about 10 balls lighter by that point... haha.

 

Looking for a 4-5LB bag with better straps and balance to hopefully help.

[brew4eagle]

10 minutes ago, miss0033 said:

Can I ask why not get the Eco-Lite bag, versus just the straps?  I realize you already got the H2NO, what drew you to that over the eco-lite?  Strictly the waterproofing?  Just cruious.

 

I am in the market for a new bag (coming from a 2012~ish Ogio Grom w/ Woode that is about worn out and has become too heavy).  Eco-lite was one of the ones I had it narrowed down to, or so I thought.  Wondering why that bag might not be a good idea. 

 

Looking at SM Eco-Lite, SM 3.5 LS, Ping Hoofer (The Lite is only about .5LB lighter...), Nike Air Sport, and Titleist 4 Stadry...

 

I find myself walking much more the last few years as several of the courses I play are charging $25+ for a half cart on 18.  I'd rather buy new gear than pay $25 to ride.  The 6.5lb grom is noticeably heavy around hole 14 - even though the bag is usually about 10 balls lighter by that point... haha.

 

Looking for a 4-5LB bag with better straps and balance to hopefully help.

Don't dismiss the Hoofer Lite, it's better than the Hoofer for a walker.  Also better than the 2021 3.5LS and Air Sport.  Haven't tried the others you've listed.

[miss0033]

6 minutes ago, brew4eagle said:

Don't dismiss the Hoofer Lite, it's better than the Hoofer for a walker.  Also better than the 2021 3.5LS and Air Sport.  Haven't tried the others you've listed.

 

Noted, thanks.  I do like the Blue/Bright Blue/Neon Colorway as well.  I also have gone to carrying much less in my bag, so maybe fewer pockets would keep it that way.

 

Also, in looking through the thread, it seems like I can eliminate the titleist bags, as that top compartment is too small for my Putter, driver, and 4 hybrids all with headcovers.

 

With the Hoofer Lite, does it also have the zipper to get to the bottom of the bag (club area) from the apparel pouch?  Really like that featured on my buddies' Hoofer 14...

[Minarets]

22 minutes ago, miss0033 said:

Can I ask why not get the Eco-Lite bag, versus just the straps?  I realize you already got the H2NO, what drew you to that over the eco-lite?  Strictly the waterproofing?  Just cruious.

 

I am in the market for a new bag (coming from a 2012~ish Ogio Grom w/ Woode that is about worn out and has become too heavy).  Eco-lite was one of the ones I had it narrowed down to, or so I thought.  Wondering why that bag might not be a good idea. 

 

Looking at SM Eco-Lite, SM 3.5 LS, Ping Hoofer (The Lite is only about .5LB lighter...), Nike Air Sport, and Titleist 4 Stadry...

 

I find myself walking much more the last few years as several of the courses I play are charging $25+ for a half cart on 18.  I'd rather buy new gear than pay $25 to ride.  The 6.5lb grom is noticeably heavy around hole 14 - even though the bag is usually about 10 balls lighter by that point... haha.

 

Looking for a 4-5LB bag with better straps and balance to hopefully help.

I went with H2NO over the eco lite just for the waterproofing.  If not that bag would have done eco lite.  Love the eco lite straps but wanted a waterproof bag.  
 

it just came in today. Trying to dial In the straps now. 
 

 

can say fully boxed full length dividers is a pure luxury that I love.  The tangle (lack there of) is def almost perfect.  Better than the K1Lo that I had but those Mizuno straps were perfect to me.  

Edited January 29, 2021 by Minarets

[Minarets]

[brew4eagle]

1 hour ago, miss0033 said:

 

Noted, thanks.  I do like the Blue/Bright Blue/Neon Colorway as well.  I also have gone to carrying much less in my bag, so maybe fewer pockets would keep it that way.

 

Also, in looking through the thread, it seems like I can eliminate the titleist bags, as that top compartment is too small for my Putter, driver, and 4 hybrids all with headcovers.

 

With the Hoofer Lite, does it also have the zipper to get to the bottom of the bag (club area) from the apparel pouch?  Really like that featured on my buddies' Hoofer 14...

Yes, it has the internal zipper

[Frankensteins Monster]

13 hours ago, Jarlaxle said:

Got a nice surprise today, my club called and my bag is in.  Think this may be the first 2021 StaDry to hit the interwebs.  This is the Players 4 which is definitely on the compact side and I may ultimately regret going this small but that was intentional on my part.  Weighed it dry on  my not so accurate bathroom scale and its in the neighborhood of 4 pounds including the straps and rain cover. Included a couple of shots with a measuring tape for those that are curious.  Only complaint so far (if you can call it that) is that the zipper on the ball pocket is fairly stiff, have to hold one side to pull it open/closed.  Hopefully will loosen up a bit but again, that's a pretty small nitpick.  And while the straps are good enough, I do wish they were as good as the Pings.

 

On to the pics!

 

Looks nice. Can you take a picture of the tee pocket above the ball pocket so I can see how much room is in there? Is there anything in the ball pocket or is it just one big pocket? There were two nets in there. Also, where's the water bottle pocket?

[Jarlaxle]

17 hours ago, Minarets said:

How are the new premium straps? 

 

They are comfy but you can tell there is going to be a big crease where they fold when not on the back. I plan to remove them when I use my Clicgear (which I use 80%) of the time.  Wanted to be able to carry for emergency 3/6/9 hole rounds as I do that a bunch in the evenings once the days get longer again.

18 hours ago, tjhanch said:

Just ordered this bag myself. Looks good.  Going from the 4 plus to the 4 I'm a bit concerned about the club tangle, particularly the woods/putter section, have you noticed anything too bad?

Headed to the club today to play a few so will let you know.  I can say anything more than 2 woods, a putter and an alignment stick is probably going to be tight. 

[Ripken08]

14 hours ago, brew4eagle said:

Don't dismiss the Hoofer Lite, it's better than the Hoofer for a walker.  Also better than the 2021 3.5LS and Air Sport.  Haven't tried the others you've listed.

2020 Hoofer Lite is about as close to perfection as possible.  It definitely does not feel as heavy as it is listed and is super comfortable to carry once adjusted.  I want a forest green version with large white PING logo on the side like the older bags had.

[Jarlaxle]

6 hours ago, Frankensteins Monster said:

Looks nice. Can you take a picture of the tee pocket above the ball pocket so I can see how much room is in there? Is there anything in the ball pocket or is it just one big pocket? There were two nets in there. Also, where's the water bottle pocket?

See pics, for reference the bottle is a 20oz bottle.  Tried to fit a Camelback Chute but it's too big around. Tee pocket is quite big as I can easily fit my whole hand in and no, there is no netting inside the ball pocket.  It's big enough to toss an extra jacket or whatever into and still have room for way too many balls. All in all I think this bag has more than sufficient storage for anyone who is actually carrying.  I felt the 4 Plus was just too big, really wanted a compact bag but still full featured, think this strikes a great balance.  

 

[Frankensteins Monster]

25 minutes ago, Jarlaxle said:

See pics, for reference the bottle is a 20oz bottle.  Tried to fit a Camelback Chute but it's too big around. Tee pocket is quite big as I can easily fit my whole hand in and no, there is no netting inside the ball pocket.  It's big enough to toss an extra jacket or whatever into and still have room for way too many balls. All in all I think this bag has more than sufficient storage for anyone who is actually carrying.  I felt the 4 Plus was just too big, really wanted a compact bag but still full featured, think this strikes a great balance.  

 

Awesome. Will place order once online sites have them available for purchase!

[MK7Golf21]

I'm liking that players staydry that was posted recently but man that top does look a little tight. My 4 series definitely has more room on the top.

 

Looks like the staydry top size from the helpful pics posted above is 7" across and little over 7" top to bottom, measuring the open space not end to end.
Vessel lite that I returned because top was too small was  6" across and 9" top to bottom.
My current 4 series is 8 x 8.5.

[Jarlaxle]

Used the bag yesterday and today, didn’t have much of an issue with tangle,

It’s definitely a compact bag but I never really struggled to pull a club or put one back. And I’m actually carrying 1 extra club at the moment. 
 

I realized what was happening with my prior bag, everything would sort of slosh around as you walk. This one feels more like a backpack when you are hiking. There is weight there but it never shifts or sloshes, feels like the bag and clubs are just one solid unit. Way better carry for sure. 
 

Again, the only niggling issue is the stiffness of the zippers but that’s par for the course for waterproof zippers. Hopefully with time they’ll break in a bit.

 

[Minarets]

6 hours ago, Jarlaxle said:

Used the bag yesterday and today, didn’t have much of an issue with tangle,

It’s definitely a compact bag but I never really struggled to pull a club or put one back. And I’m actually carrying 1 extra club at the moment. 
 

I realized what was happening with my prior bag, everything would sort of slosh around as you walk. This one feels more like a backpack when you are hiking. There is weight there but it never shifts or sloshes, feels like the bag and clubs are just one solid unit. Way better carry for sure. 
 

Again, the only niggling issue is the stiffness of the zippers but that’s par for the course for waterproof zippers. Hopefully with time they’ll break in a bit.

 

I would agree with the zippers.  My H2NO bags zippers do not glide smoothly yet.  Maybe they won’t ever

[brew4eagle]

59 minutes ago, Minarets said:

I would agree with the zippers.  My H2NO bags zippers do not glide smoothly yet.  Maybe they won’t ever

Waterproof zippers are a pain.  Maybe try that silicone lubricant that comes with Yeti and similar soft sided coolers.  That stuff always makes those zippers a lot smoother. 

[Minarets]

57 minutes ago, brew4eagle said:

Waterproof zippers are a pain.  Maybe try that silicone lubricant that comes with Yeti and similar soft sided coolers.  That stuff always makes those zippers a lot smoother. 

My bag sits in the bed of my truck when it in use and the tonneau cover leaks every now and again.  More than once pulled the K1Lo out and grips were wet and side of bag and couldn’t figure out how.  Part of the reason I want a waterproof bag.  

[Bburch4]

On 1/28/2021 at 5:23 PM, Jarlaxle said:

Got a nice surprise today, my club called and my bag is in.  Think this may be the first 2021 StaDry to hit the interwebs.  This is the Players 4 which is definitely on the compact side and I may ultimately regret going this small but that was intentional on my part.  Weighed it dry on  my not so accurate bathroom scale and its in the neighborhood of 4 pounds including the straps and rain cover. Included a couple of shots with a measuring tape for those that are curious.  Only complaint so far (if you can call it that) is that the zipper on the ball pocket is fairly stiff, have to hold one side to pull it open/closed.  Hopefully will loosen up a bit but again, that's a pretty small nitpick.  And while the straps are good enough, I do wish they were as good as the Pings.

 

On to the pics!

 

What is the logo on the ball pocket? As you can see by my name I’m partial to any logo with a B in it. 

[Jarlaxle]

20 hours ago, Bburch4 said:

What is the logo on the ball pocket? As you can see by my name I’m partial to any logo with a B in it. 

Brookfield Country Club which is in the suburbs of Atlanta.

[Jarlaxle]

On 1/31/2021 at 9:08 AM, brew4eagle said:

Waterproof zippers are a pain.  Maybe try that silicone lubricant that comes with Yeti and similar soft sided coolers.  That stuff always makes those zippers a lot smoother. 

ok thanks, that makes sense.  think I still have a gun cloth from my old carbon steel putter, will try opening it up and rubbing down each side, see if that helps.  if not then will try the lubricant. 

[brew4eagle]

3 minutes ago, Jarlaxle said:

ok thanks, that makes sense.  think I still have a gun cloth from my old carbon steel putter, will try opening it up and rubbing down each side, see if that helps.  if not then will try the lubricant. 

I'd just go straight to the lubricant.  It's specifically made for waterproof zippers and makes them open so much easier.  Works great on the yetis and I'm sure it will do the same on the golf bag zippers.

[Minarets]

Thoughts for sure I’d hate the straps on the H2NO and getting them right.  It’s always been my problem with trying the 2.5 and 3.5 in store.  My problem may have been that they weren’t under any weight.  
 

with my H2NO is loaded I got the straps just right and they slip on with ease. Not as padded as the K1LO but they sit just right and where I want the bag.  Haven’t walked yet with the bag as it’s been too cold but it feels great in the garage.  
 

Now I need to get that zipper stuff. 

[MK7Golf21]

How hard do you guys think it would be to remove logos from a golf bag? There is a ping hoofer lite bag but would like to remove the white logos printed on the bag. Read a couple posts on the forum of a guy that did it with a hairdryer and butter knife but said it was only like 95 percent perfect

Edited February 4, 2021 by Redjeep83

[brew4eagle]

4 hours ago, Redjeep83 said:

How hard do you guys think it would be to remove logos from a golf bag? There is a ping hoofer lite bag but would like to remove the white logos printed on the bag. Read a couple posts on the forum of a guy that did it with a hairdryer and butter knife but said it was only like 95 percent perfect

I think best case scenario is a ghost image would be left behind

[MK7Golf21]

1 hour ago, brew4eagle said:

I think best case scenario is a ghost image would be left behind

Yea, that is a concern of mine too and would probably happen. Be interested if anyone has done it to a new bag and outcome. I like the color way of a college bag my local shop is selling but I don’t want the college logos. 

[Frankensteins Monster]

17 hours ago, Redjeep83 said:

How hard do you guys think it would be to remove logos from a golf bag? There is a ping hoofer lite bag but would like to remove the white logos printed on the bag. Read a couple posts on the forum of a guy that did it with a hairdryer and butter knife but said it was only like 95 percent perfect

There will be glue discoloring left behind, or ink seepage if it was screen printed, for sure. To adhere they have to be absorbed, even slightly, by the fabric, even the waterproof ones.

[Kid B]

On 1/28/2021 at 8:52 PM, miss0033 said:

Can I ask why not get the Eco-Lite bag, versus just the straps?  I realize you already got the H2NO, what drew you to that over the eco-lite?  Strictly the waterproofing?  Just cruious.

 

I am in the market for a new bag (coming from a 2012~ish Ogio Grom w/ Woode that is about worn out and has become too heavy).  Eco-lite was one of the ones I had it narrowed down to, or so I thought.  Wondering why that bag might not be a good idea. 

 

Looking at SM Eco-Lite, SM 3.5 LS, Ping Hoofer (The Lite is only about .5LB lighter...), Nike Air Sport, and Titleist 4 Stadry...

 

I find myself walking much more the last few years as several of the courses I play are charging $25+ for a half cart on 18.  I'd rather buy new gear than pay $25 to ride.  The 6.5lb grom is noticeably heavy around hole 14 - even though the bag is usually about 10 balls lighter by that point... haha.

 

Looking for a 4-5LB bag with better straps and balance to hopefully help.

I have a Hoofer and an Air Sport, plus the Nike air Hybrid (2016 and 2020 versions) and a Sport Lite. 
 

For me the winner is the Hoofer. Despite the extra weight, it does everything I care about really well:

- minimal club tangle, even with a full 14 & midsize grips. I’ve put 18 clubs in it for a range session and made it work

- water bottle pocket is big enough, and it’s in the perfect spot/angle so you can access it while walking

- best stand bag on a riding cart.  Strap pass through is solid and the straps are easily stowed when you unclip halfway

- comfortable and everything just sits in a good spot. 
- more storage than you really need if you’re walking, but it’s there
- The all grey version looks amazing
 

I walked 36 with that bag 4-5 days a week all summer long and any fatigue was not the bag’s fault. I’m a little bigger than the average person, but not enormous or anything, and I’ve got a bad left knee and left shoulder.  Turning 40 in a few months. 
 

love that bag, I own two.