Ping Hoofer Vantage versus C-1

[e-man]

Trying to decide between the two. Has anyone compared?

Hey guys. I'm trying to decide between the Vantage and the new C-1. The C-1 is a tad more expensive (about $30), but that won't be a deciding factor. I currently have a Hoofer 2 that I really like, but it's getting old and I'd like to replace it.

I've compared the two bags in the store, and from what I can tell, the primary differences are:

• the Vantage is made of heavy-duty canvas, while the C-1 is made of a thinner, vinyl material;
• the primary strap on the Vantage retracts at both ends, while the primary strap on the C-1 only retracts at the top of the bag;
• the straps on the Vantage have more padding than the straps on the C-1;
• the pocket orientation in slightly different on the right side of the bags -- the C-1 has a full length garment pocket, a 1/2 length accessory pocket overlaying the bottom of the garment pocket, and a velour-lined valuables/rangefinder pocket near the top; the Vantage has a smaller garment pocket (maybe 3/4 of the side of the bag), an accessory pocket overlaying the top part of the garment pocket, and a smaller valuables pocket at the very top.
• the C-1 is advertised as less than 5 pounds; the Vantage, as I recall, is about 5.5 pounds.

I've attached a picture of the two bags side by side. For some reason, the Vantage looks much taller, but it's actually the same height.

Please let me know what you think.

e

[Shwagin1066]

Vantage, no question. Way better looking, and the best stand bag ever made. Period.

[dk10]

^^ I disagree

I've owned both bags. I actually even owned the same colorway as the vantage your looking at. I like the c-1 better. Little details such as a drain hole for your water bottle pouch it's also closes by magnet compared to a zipper on the vantage. Vantage was inconvenient to store my drink and access it on the fly. Additional handle on the c-1 for easy lifting in and out of the trunk. I could go on but my point it.. C-1 is the way to go

[bioman]

I'd say C-1 if you do a lot of walking, otherwise Vantage.  I believe the Vantage has better top dividers as the one's in the C-1 are not good.  

[Obsessotron]

What do you guys think of the Latitude V2? It looks like a great option, reasonably light with a great amount of storage and compartments.

[pkshooter]

I'd go with the Vantage. I like the more durable material as my primary consideration. I've had my for a few years and it has held up well. Has pockets in all the right places, especially if you use a range finder (I have a Bushnell that fits in the smaller side pocket next to the long apparal pocket). I walk 90% of my rounds.

[thegolfguy007]

love the vantage went from a hoofer 2 and never looked back at the 2

[milzy]

Id go with the Vantage. I own a Vantage and a Voyage. The materials are far better than the C1. I like the voyage better than the Vantage for a carry bag.

[e-man]

Thanks for all the replies. I actually called Ping customer service this afternoon to talk to them about it. They basically confirmed that the Vantage is made with sturdier, more durable materials (although the price you pay for that is extra weight to the tune of a little more than a pound). They also said that one minor complaint they're getting with the C-1 is that the water bottles are sliding out of the pocket because the pocket does not hold a bottle in very tightly.

I think the bottom line is that it's a matter of personal preference and you can't go wrong with either. I will say that one annoying thing about the Vantage is that both ends of the primary strap retract. If I get the Vantage, the first thing I will do is untie the bungie cord from the bottom strap so that it no longer retracts (the strap is actually fixed to the bag on the inside, so the retractor is not necessary).

If anyone has further thoughts, please chime in. Thanks.

e

[BIRD]

Ive got a white C1 . .great looking bag that gets a lot of compliments (where did you get this cadillac of a golf bag) lol

Only problem i have with it is the top diver and internal dividers suck . . my clubs always get stuck on other grips and have trouble going all the way in? I dont think my other ping hoofer extreme had this trouble . . but I have no problems with the water bottle section . . works great with the magnet

[odshot68]

[quote name='Shwagin1066' date='06 April 2010 - 04:09 PM' timestamp='1270584546' post='2364163']
Vantage, no question. Way better looking, and the best stand bag ever made. Period.
[/quote]

Show me a vantage that looks as good as this! Love my C-1 Tour...

[Br7ian]

Who at PING signed off on the black script on navy bag? In addition to looking terrible, it's not exactly great advertising.

[littleprov1x]

I use the vantage at college but always switch out during the summer to a lighter carry bag. I think it's terrible, IMO. I've gone through a number of them in the past few years. Small pocket near long one always breaks on the inside. Dual retraction strap has broken a couple times (the little metal eyelet seems to be the issue). I don't like the new mesh where they used to have that faux velvet- scratches graphite shafts like crazy (I think the C1 has the same). Also, I usually have a problem with the legs. It sure does look great though. Take into consideration that I use my bag every day, walking at least 18 in all kinds of weather- probably not what it was designed for.

[MattMo]

I love my Vantage. I think the C-1 looks strange without the pingman on the spine pocket. Just too bland.

[Bubb]

I bought a Vantage a few months ago after having a Sun Mountain 3.5 for a few years. I have to say that I'm a little disappointed. I walk alot and this feels quite heavy and cumbersome. The storage is also not nearly as convenient. I also miss the top handle. If I had to do it over, I'd get the PING 4-under, probably.

[chi chi]

I had a vantage for about two years, walk a lot, found the bag to be on the heavier side but I knew the ping quality was there. I got sick of looking at the same bag so time for a new one. Looked very hard at the C-1 for a while but just not old school ping enough for me, so I bought the vantage witch is lighter, I don't know by how much but I can feel it. I'm sure either way your going to get a good bag, if you walk a lot and your conditioned then the vantage will be fine and cheaper, but, well you know the rest, GO PING!!!!!