Is it just me, or do bags seem really flimsy these days?

[jasonpetermann]

I have not purchased a bag in quite some time. I usually so quite a bit of homework before I make a purchase, and this was no exception. I went to a few different places to look, and was really disappointed in what I saw. The bags seemed so flimsy and cheaply made compared to what I have right now (which is a Callaway GBBII cart bag).

I did like the Sun Mountain C130 and a couple of bags by Ogio that seemed fairly sturdy compared to the rest, but those were a bit out of the range I wanted to pay. (I know, you get what you pay for) I really waned a bag with full length dividers and a large putter well for the oversize grip I have.

I did some more research online, and really liked the looks of the Ogio Itza bag (and found it at a decent price). I was not able to find it locally to look at it, but based on the other Ogio bags I saw, I decided to go ahead a get it. I received it Friday and was really disappointed.

The bag just does not seem sturdy. I can hold the top of the bag and actually twist the bag in the center. Maybe it is the new standard to be able to make them as light as possible, but it just seems cheap.

So I guess I am asking, do these bags hold up ok? Maybe I am being to picky. I don't want to carry a full staff bag. Any recommendations from you all on a nice sturdy bag that is not a staff bag.

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Thanks!

[Dave2512]

I don't think modern bags are fragile due to the weight relief. The fabrics are certainly durable and my Ogio has light metal rods in it. What I don't like is all the gimmicky convenience options, some of those are poorly executed. Less is more with bags. I don't want external ball holders and other plastic accessories that can be easily damaged. A good pocket design with durable zippers is all I want.

[David L Yskes]

Yes I know what you mean..   My old bag was cheap n flimsy and I went out and bought a good bag not sure of the brand.. But it's in U of Michigan colors with Michigan on it...  And I bought it back in 2008 and have had no issues with it at all..

I think I paid around 70$ for it...

[WUTiger]

I played my old Sun Mountainbag for about 13 years. I replaced it mainly to get more pouches, and a bit more room in the slots.

My new Sun Mountain Superlight 3.5 feels lighter, but is sturdier. The fact that you can twist your bag a little shows flexibility, and ability to endure a little rough handling.

Some stand bags fit on riding carts or pull carts better than others. If I'm using either type of cart, I usually tie down the stand legs with the velcro straps to prevent deployment, or the base plate from setting down sideways. Again, some stand bags are more cart-friendly than others.

I find that a carry bag with four large compartments is more comfortable and feels better balanced than one with 14 full-length divider slots. Just a personal note.

[Dave40]

I know what you mean about the sturdy feel of old golf bags compared to the ones today.  The only brand that I think is consistently sturdy is Bag Boy.  The quality of other brands seem to vary from year to year.  If you really want a sturdy feeling bag, you might want to check out the full size tour model staff bags from different companies.  Probably going to be a 10 lb. bag though.

[jasonpetermann]

Used the Ogio bag for the first time today (on a driving cart mind you). One of the interior metal rods of the bag rubbed a hole right through the material of the bag. Called Budget Golf as soon as I got back to the office. Not happy at the moment, and do not plan on another Ogio bag to replace it

[newtogolf]

Seems the push for light weight bags has resulted in some compromises in quality.  I have used the Ogio Recoil and Chamber bags for about a year and have not had any issue except the "Trap Door" ball holder does not remain as closed as it did when it was new.  Recoil sits in my trunk and is my range / second bag.  Chamber stays at the club and is used about 1 - 2 rounds per week March - November.

[rkim291968]

I went through 2 bags in 4 years, and the 3rd bag I have is falling apart.   Like other things made in China, price is cheap but it won't last long.

[Mr. Desmond]

Sun Mountain Bags seem to work and endure.

[dsc123]

I don't have a single complaint about my Sun Mountain Four5.  Its durable, relatively light weight, has plenty of pockets, and full-length dividers.  You can buy old models at good prices, too.  I got mine for $147.

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by Dave40

I know what you mean about the sturdy feel of old golf bags compared to the ones today.  The only brand that I think is consistently sturdy is Bag Boy.  The quality of other brands seem to vary from year to year.  If you really want a sturdy feeling bag, you might want to check out the full size tour model staff bags from different companies.  Probably going to be a 10 lb. bag though.

I have a 1980s midsize bag, and keep my vintage mid-1970s MacGregor MT woods and irons in it. I picked it up a few weeks ago, and it's noticeably heavier than my current Sun Mountain SL 3.5 bag. As a high school caddie, I used to carry two of those heavier bags on 18-hole loops.

The classic staff bag was the huge one used by Rodney Dangerfield's character in Caddyshack . In the movie, school-boy caddies were passing out every two holes from the weight of carrying it.

Not all pros use true, large staff bags. I volunteered at the Senior PGA Championship this May, and saw about a third of the field using stand bags. Some were rather light.

User error also causes bag problems. At my course, I've seen golfers throw a lightweight bag into the back of a SUV, on top of their tool box and garden rake. Golf bags aren't bullet-proof.

[jasonpetermann]

Well, I am now looking at the Sun Mountain c130 bag. I like the looks of it a lot. Hopefully I can find a good deal on it somewhere as it is a bit out of my price range. I may just wait a bit and see what else may surface.

I use to have full size staff bags. I like them, and never carry, so they worked fine for me. I just want something that is very sturdy, has full length dividers and a putter well. I have the Super stroke Fatso on my putter and it causes issues if it is in a divider with other clubs.

The bag I have now is the Callaway GBBII bag. I love the construction of it. Have had it quite some time now as well.

[MEfree]

I have had a Ping "Hoofer" bag the last couple of seasons- maybe 50 rounds with more than half with the bag riding on a cart.  Much of the fabric does not seem that durable with a tear on the outside of the lower pocket.  More significantly, the fabric part of the bag has begun to separate from the bottom at one of the rivets.  Very Disappointing!

[WhySoSerious]

I have a Sun Mountain Hybrid that honestly seems like it might be the last bag I'll ever own, it's that well made. I strongly considered the Ogio bags when I was searching to replace my old Callaway, with broken zippers everywhere, and to me the Ogio's were full of 'neat features' but short on quality and durability.

[Jmdmbike]

In 2005 I bought a Sun Mountain Phantom cart bag. The quality of SM is the best. Everything is so solid, and nothing has gone wrong with the fabric or zippers. This year I got a Titleist 14 way stand bag because I wanted something a bot more compact and lighter. I heard the Titleist bags are made by SM so essentially the same bag as the Four Five. It is also really high quality and seems that it will be a very durable bag. All I would say is that whether you want a cart bag or stand bag, SM's quality is the best. They may cost a bit more, but definitely worth it for the quality and longevity you get in return. If you get a SM, make sure you like the colors because you're going to have it for a looooong time!

[cooke119]

Just picked up Bag Boy bag, appears to be well made. I plan on keeping it for many years, especially given what I paid for it.

[jasonpetermann]

Settled on a Sun Mountain C130. They did not have the one I wanted in store, so had to have it delivered. Can't wait to get it! Hope it fairs better than my Ogio experience!

[TourSpoon]

I still have my '92 Tuff Horse Tommy Armour Staff Bag and its in great shape. It holds my spares. I just retired my Titleist Cart bag circa 2000 and picked up a Titleist Premium Stand 2011 and just recently, a Sun Mountain C-130. The C-130 wants for nothing and is my favorite. Plenty of pockets and I love the forward facing top. Clubs don't get tangled and there is plenty of storage for all my stuff in a lightweight bag. Don't tell anyone, but I even have an 8 foot telescoping ball retriever in one of the garment pockets.