Which new Bag? Opinion Poll

[Vision54]

new bag for 2007 - what to go with?

Heading to Japan, saw these on a website, curious on people's opinion

[Bushy]

S44 Timeless classic

[Sam-Tee-Time]

S44 Timeless classic

 

 

:cheesy:

 

U GOT THAT RIGHT! I own that bag, and I love it tremendously. Here's my review:

 

PREFACE: I have been in the search for a cart bag, to hopefully provide more storage space, and eliminate the constant hangups/tangles from using stand bag. I've tried 3-4 different stand bags, but have always been frustrated with getting the clubs in/out. Since I rarely walk a course anymore (and when I do walk - I use a pullcart), I wanted a larger staff/cart bag.

 

I compared various brands/models, but I settled on the Titleist S44 cart bag, which is a 9.5" bag, with a large carry strap. I really, really liked the looks of the bag, and got it for a decent price ($145) from an Buyer's club membership I have at a local upscale course (Tour18 in Flower Mound TX). Here's my review:

 

CLUB DIVIDERS: This bag has the traditional 6-divider, velour-lined 9.5" top section, partitioned with 3 major full-length fabric dividers inside. As with most larger bags, the dividers are held in place with a leather strap that comes through the bag section, and a small buckle. I don't like this, as the small buckle looks prone to damage, but I would imagine that allows you to replace it if necessary.

 

I really wanted a separate putterwell, this was my main sacrifice with this bag. However - the larger size of the bag makes it much easier to handle my clubs in/out, and provides much more storage space than my old stand bag (Callaway Daytripper). Ideally, I would prefer the Ogio "Woode" system, but I liked the appearance of this bag much, much better.

 

POCKETS: Starting from the bottom: A "coal-chute" ball pocket on the very bottom, a medium-sized accessory pocket, lined with nylon taffeta that looks very easy to tear/get damaged, then a smaller Horseshoe-shaped velour-lined pocket for valuables and other items.

 

Each side of the bag has two pockets for flatter items like gloves, rulebook, other non-bulky items. All pockets on the front/side of the bag are easily reachable when the bag is mounted on a cart.

 

The back of the bag has a very roomy velour-lined pocket for valuables, when mounted on a cart is out of reach of thieves. You would have to take the bag OFF the cart to get access to this pocket, which makes it out-of-reach for thieves to take your car keys, watch, etc. OTOH - this is the side that would be placed on the ground, which may damage those same valuables.

 

The rear section of the bag has a full-length zipper on each side for the access to the main rear storage compartment. I've found that the round section of the bag makes it somewhat difficult to place odd sized items in there. Stuffing clothing in there is very easy, but the odd shape makes it somewhat of a problem for food and other items which are easily squashed. It would be better if this rear section was somehow compartmentalized, but it works OK.

 

STRAPS & EXOSKELETON: The main strap is a BIG hummer - very padded, comfortable, and easy to carry. Each side has two VERY robust/durable-looking circular metal hooks (painted black, which are starting to flake off), and bery durable snap-hooks. But........the bottom section is clamped about halfway in the middle of the bag which doesn't provide the proper weight/clamp distribution. It would be better if the bottom section was somehow clamped more near the bottom of the bag, for a more equal weight distribution. Some tour players on TV show a double-clamp situation on the bottom, and the strap links to each side of the bag - that's a much nicer way to carry a heavy bag. There is an additional U-shaped strap at the bottom to help you get it in and out of the car, as well as a VERY robust and nice feeling grab handle near the top.

 

DURABILITY & WEIGHT: This bag is a monster - very durable looking, great materials, and it looks as if it will last a long time. Since it's larger, its' of course much heavier than my previous stand bag. I don't mind this, as I don't carry it around to often.

 

BONUS FEATURES: The hidden umbrella pocket is great - it's on the side, out of the way, and has a very robust round hole for the end of the umbrella. The coal-chute ball pocket and the other 2 accessory pockets are very, very easy to get access, and they're very roomy. The "Step-Down" design of the top is not totally flat - it has contours that are supposed to allow you easier club access.. I can't really tell if it makes a difference, but I like the way it looks.

 

Aesthetics - are a huge plus, as I get a lot of positive comments on this bag, and I think it looks GREAT. This is one of the best looking golf bags I've ever seen, and every time I see it , I can't help but smile. OTOH - this may be a negative, as it attracts a lot of attention. Often at the range, putting green, chipping area, or at a course - I find people staring at my bag, then looking around to see who it belongs to! Oddly enough, this makes me feel like quite the professional, but it also makes it a magnet for theft.

 

Rain Hood - is AWESOME. It has a clear plastic window section allowing you to see your clubs, secures very easily to the bag, and has a double-sided zipper to allow for access from either side of the bag. Placing the rainhood on/off requires you unclip the strap and slide it through a little slot, but it goes on/off very, very quickly. While I don't often get stuck in the rain, ironically - the first day I used the bag, it was on a rainy day, so I had a chance to test it immediately!

 

NEGATIVES: I really miss my putterwell - My previous callaway Daytripper had a full-length divider putterwell, with a little verticle "hood" that blocked the putter from banging against your other clubs. Since I use a soft-metal putter, that allowed me to not even require the headcover. Not so with the S44 - the traditional design requires you use the puttercover at all times to eliminate dings and dents on your soft-metal putter.

 

Another negative is the sheer size/weight of it makes it impossible to carry (without a caddy of course!) easily for 18 holes. I don't often carry my bag on a course, but when you do - it makes sense to also have a carry bag as an option.

 

SUMMARY: I've never owned a large cart/staff bag before, and I'm very happy with my purchase. I love the appearance of this bag, and I'm getting used to the pocket configuration. While some other bags have nicer club arrangement configurations (ex: Ogio "woode" system), I like the extra room of this one, and it works for me. If you're looking for a more traditional-looking staff/cart bag, I highly recommend it.

[Bushy]

I like my bag even more now after reading that....

 

The Titleist Caddy 620 in white gets my vote or you can pick up a mint S44 on ebay for £70 which will last a lot longer as the new Titleist bags are not great on quality

[infinii]

Is that S44 bag discontinued?

 

I am also in a similar position where I rarely carry anymore. This year I bought a push cart so I'm going to start walking again but the staff bag I have now is a bit big and heavy for pushing. Need a compromise between a stand bag and a staff bag.

 

Problem with "cart" bags is the ones I've seem seem to be very plain in looks when compared to staff or stand bags.

[Vision54]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!!

[pattawit]

Tourstage stand bag.

[JHR]

That Titleist Caddy 620 is very nice, and by far the best of the choices you have provided.

 

Pick it up and post some authentic pictures.

[Vision54]

What do you think of the Tourstage stand bag. I saw this one as well, but I was kinda leaning to a cart bag to replace my hoofer stand bag. I would be curious to know your thoughts on your tourstage bag.

[The Big Pinch]

OGIO Edge bag. Great for walking or riding.

 

 

 

[WyGuy]

That Titleist 620 looks great! That would be my pick.