MNML MR1 Golf Bag: Nothing Minimal About It

There is a lot of cool gear in the golf equipment world that doesn’t always fit neatly into Most Wanted Tests or Buyer’s Guides. You still want to know how it performs. In our We Tried It series, we put gear to the test and let you know if it works as advertised.

What We Tried:

The MNML MR1 Golf Bag. We last heard from MNML Golf a few years ago when we reviewed the MV2 stand bag. Since then, the California-based brand has been tweaking their original design to make it even more functional (and eco-friendly)

Who Tried It:

Connor. Director of Soft Goods Testing and resident sneakerhead. I believe golf is better with a pair of cool shoes and comfortable joggers. When the MNML MR1 showed up at my door with my initials hand-painted on the front pocket, it got me feeling some type of way.

MR1 Specs

Made of 100% Global Recycle Standard certified fabric 5.5 pounds (same as the PING Hoofer) Nine pockets Thermal-lined beverage pocket Waterproof speaker Solar phone charger Dual- or single-strap configurations Top handle and five-way dividers

MNML MR1 Golf Bag Review

The goal of this review is to find out if the MNML MR1 is your vibe or not. As with any product I review, the MR1 golf bag is not for everyone.

MNML MR1: Who Is It For?

You don’t take the game (or yourself) too seriously. Playing in a T-shirt and shorts is more your thing. A few drinks on the course? Why not? The MNML golfer is laidback, chill and overall happy to be out enjoying this game we call golf.

Sound like your vibe? The MR1 is the bag for you.

In short, the MNML MR1 is the golf bag for the everyday golfer. The weekend warrior.

It is not, however, for everyone. It’s not going to be the most functional carry bag out there. If what you value is storage or you’re on the hunt for a simpler bag, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

Here’s what there is to love about the newest bag from the company that’s anything but its namesake.

More Tech(s) Than an NBA Game

If Patrick Beverly were a golf bag, he’d be the MNML MR1. Why? That man is the king of technical fouls. In a world where there are too many Plain Jane golf bags, the MNML MR1 is the king of technology.

Onboard the MR1 you’ll find a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that boasts eight hours of playback. If my calculations are correct, that’ll get you through Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” a whopping 137 times.

Rick Roll aside, the speaker doesn’t produce audiophile quality sound. If you’re picky about your sound profile, you better bring your own Bluetooth speaker (perhaps the Bose Soundlink Flex, winner of our 2023 speaker test).

That said, the attached speaker is plenty serviceable for the golf course. Pairing my phone to the device took mere seconds and it is plenty loud to annoy the group that won’t stop hitting into you.

Perhaps my favorite thing about the MNML MR1 golf bag is the included solar power bank. Mounted front and center, the power bank boasts 8000mAh of juice. To put that into perspective, it’ll (nearly) charge your new iPhone 15 Pro Max twice.

The power bank can be configured to charge Apple or Android devices. Oh, and it also has a nifty phone pocket to help you film your swing.

Can your golf bag do all that? The answer (unless you own the MNML MV2) is no.

Sleek and Streamlined

Everything about the user experience on the MNML MR1 golf bag is smooth, thanks to its defining characteristic: magnets. Each of the nine pockets is operated sans zipper. Yes, all of the storage pockets rely on magnets to get the job done.

Why magnets? Besides giving the bag a more sleek, sexy appearance, magnets are less prone to fail than zippers. Once a zipper rips, the pocket becomes largely unusable.

While magnetic pocket closures are my preference, they have to be implemented correctly. A good magnetic pocket should snap shut after use.

I was pleasantly surprised with how functional each of the magnetic pockets on the MR1 is. Each pocket was very quick to snap shut after use. The force required to open them was just enough to keep a tight seal, something that’s just as important.

I’m also a fan of the ability to switch from double straps to a single strap. While the mechanism is a bit clunky (I think Vessel does a great job at this), it still works without fail.

For the Player, For the Planet

Perhaps the defining “feature” of the MNML MR1 is not a feature at all. In years past, MNML golf bags have been constructed of synthetic leather-like material. This year, the MR1 is made of 100-percent GRS Certified Recycled Material.

Based on my best judgment, the new material is similar to a ripstop. It’s flexible, lightweight and feels very durable.

I won’t sit here and act like I’m suddenly a conservationist (I can’t stand paper straws in my Diet Coke) but I am a huge fan of this move by MNML. Instead of sticking with the tried and tested bag design, they went with something out of their wheelhouse, but close to their hearts.

The result is perhaps a touch less luxurious than before but still simply stunning. Making the move to a recycled golf bag is just a small part of what MNML does for our planet.

One of my favorite things that MNML offers is a trade-in program. Through MNML’s Trade It Forward initiative, golfers can donate their old golf bag when they purchase a new MR1. The mission is twofold: to slow waste buildup and to provide gently used golf bags to underserved junior golfers.

A Few Shortcomings

Is the MNML MR1 the perfect golf bag? Despite the upgrades and thought put into MNML’s newest model, there are a few shortcomings you should know about before you make your purchase.

Room for improvement is just that, though. In any golf product, sometimes more can end up being less. Take, for example, the magnetic pockets. While super-functional and sleek, the side-mounted pockets struggle to stay shut if you pack them full. They have an acceptable amount of storage. But uou’re not fitting your entire golf wardrobe in there.

And, while I love the switch to 100-percent recycled materials, the overall feel of the bag is less “premium” than one should expect from a bag in the $300-plus price range.

The last thing I’ll say is that the fit and finish of the straps is a little rough. Nothing crazy but they just aren’t as polished as the rest of this awesome, functional golf bag. The stitching isn’t the cleanest, and the edges can be a tad sharp. They’re also a little wide for my liking which causes the straps to pinch near the chest.

A Personal Touch

You’ve decided to purchase a MNML MR1 golf bag. Great choice! Now, the fun begins. Despite their name, MNML doesn’t shortchange you on things like customization. While most golf bag manufacturers offer some level of customization or personalization, MNML employs artists to hand-paint logos, initials or designs on your golf bag.

Hence, the bright orange “CL” on my MR1.

Where else are you getting a hand-painted golf bag? Ain’t nothing minimal ‘bout that!

Wrapping Up

Does the MNML MR1 deserve a spot in your trunk? That depends on what you value. If you’re looking for a bag that’s high on features and function but a little lower on storage and size, the MNML MR1 is a solid choice.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find any golf bag with more features than the MR1. That said, with storage that echoes the brand’s name, this isn’t the bag for you if you plan on bringing Thanksgiving dinner to the course with you.

All in all, the MR1 is a solid golf stand bag that does things that no other golf bag has ventured into (yet). As the trailblazer in the category of technical golf bags, MNML looks poised to make some waves with its new MR1.

While the MNML MR1 is not available to the general public until Nov. 15, our loyal MGS readers have been given exclusive early access to purchase the MR1.

And to sweeten the deal, MNML is throwing in a free towel OR free hand-painted initials ($50 value). While their towel is dang cool, I’d highly recommend getting your initials painted onto your new MR1.

Follow the link below and use the password “MYGOLFSPY” to enter the exclusive access page. From there, it’s easy to select your free gift.

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