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The Best Stand Bags of 2021
2021 Stand Bag Buyer’s Guide
Are you in the market for a new stand bag? Or just want to add another to your collection? If so, we have you covered with the Best Stand Bags of 2021!
This has been our most comprehensive stand bag test to date. It was comprised of 39 different models from 24 OEMs, ensuring you get the best advice possible based on our review of the majority of the stand bags on the market.
The stand bag category has expanded from the traditional slim design to hybrid and ultra-slim categories, making your buying decision even tougher.
That’s where we come in. We have identified which bag is best in each category to suit your personal preference.
Keep reading to find out what to look for when purchasing a new stand bag.
PXG Hybrid - Best Storage Stand Bag 2021
The PXG Hybrid has a tour look about it. Its cross between stand and cart makes it appealing but its storage is where it shines. You can throw the kitchen sink in there and still have room for more items. Its leather exterior makes it easy to wipe down on those rainy summer days.
The Best Stand Bags of 2021 – What to Look For
Storage
When it comes to storage, more is often better—provided it’s usable. Good storage design is often more about the layout of the pockets than the number. What good is a pocket if it’s difficult to access or is rendered useless because you put something in a different pocket?
The best stand bags of 2021 have well-designed pockets that don’t intrude on one another. If the pockets are laid out intelligently, each pocket can function to its full capacity without limitation, giving you more room for your stuff.
Water bottle pockets should be easily accessible. Bags like the PING Hoofer and Hoofer 14 have water bottle holders that remain upright whether on your back or standing up, avoiding leakage. When it comes to insulated pockets, bigger is typically better, especially if you’re a frequent snacker.
Golfers looking to maximize storage should consider the PXG Hybrid.
Titleist Hybrid 14 - Best Hybrid Bag 2021
For those who want to carry one day and ride the next, the Titleist Hybrid 14 has you covered. Its large front and expandable side pockets allows you to pack your essentials including a beverage or two. Its reenforced stand will stand the test of time and saving you some money in the process.
Dividers
As with pockets, more dividers aren’t always better. While 14-way dividers allow you to put everything in its place, they often prove frustrating in stand bag designs. In this category, four- to six-way dividers typically prove more functional. Keep in mind that every divider eats up precious space (and adds weight) and, as the count increases, so does the likelihood of clubs snagging as you pull them out. A well-designed top keeps your clubs separated and prevents snagging while still providing good organization.
We find the dividers offered by the PING Hoofer and the TaylorMade FlexTech to be exceptionally functional.
Comfort
While it sounds obvious enough, comfort is a huge part of carrying. The best stand bags of 2021 have reinforced shoulder straps and extra padding to help support your lower back and keep you feeling good over 18 holes. Maybe even 36.
The PING Hoofer Craz-E Lite and the Maxfli Air are among the most comfortable bags for walkers.
PING Hoofer Craz-E Lite - The Best Walking Bag
For the most avid walkers and the Hundred Hole Hike crowd, it doesn't get any better than the PING Hoofer Craz-E Lite. Weighing in at 3.3lbs, the Craz-E Lite forgoes many of the bells and whistles (storage) of larger and heavier bags in favor of saving every ounce of weight possible. That's not to say it's a bare-bones designs. Despite its ultra-lightweight structure, there's still enough space to hold your essentials.
Weight
Weight is a critical consideration for the walking golfer. While a single pound might not sound like much, the extra mass can dramatically affect fatigue levels throughout a round. A little extra weight can mean the difference between finishing strong or leaking oil on the back nine.
For those who push or ride, weight should be less of a concern. If the bag is rarely on your back, go for the increased storage, additional features and more versatile tops found in hybrid bags.
Cart users looking for a cross between stand and cart bags should consider the Titleist 14 and PXG Hybrid.
EXPERT TIP - You Don't Need 14 Dividers
While it's tempting to choose a 14 or 15-way top to give each club its own special place, the best stand bags of 2020 feature 4 to 6 dividers.
Stand Leg Stability
The materials, opening system and frame of the legs are a critical part of what makes a great stand bag. Once your bag is fully packed with equipment, the stand needs to be sturdy and durable. The best stand bags of 2021 easily open to the proper standing position, close just as easily and remain closed while on your back.
The most stable leg systems we tested were on the PING models and the Vessel Player III DXR.
THE BEST STAND BAGS 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Colors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 7 | 14 | 8 | 5 |
 | Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Check Price | 5.2 | 14 | 7 | 7 |
 | Callaway Hyper Lite Zero Check Price | 3.4 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
 | Cleveland Stand Check Price | 5.8 | 14 | 8 | 4 |
 | Cobra UltraDry Pro Check Price | 4.12 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
 | Cobra Ultralight Check Price | 5.1 | 5 | 8 | 6 |
 | Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 5.14 | 14 | 6 | 8 |
 | Inesis Light Check Price | 4.14 | 5 | 6 | 1 |
 | Inesis WaterProof Check Price | 5.11 | 14 | 5 | 1 |
 | Izzo Lite II Check Price | 5.11 | 6 | 8 | 1 |
 | Maxfli Air Check Price | 2.14 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
 | Maxfli Honors + 14 Way Check Price | 6.3 | 14 | 11 | 27 |
 | Mizuno K1-L0 Check Price | 2.15 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
 | Mizuno Tour 6 Check Price | 7.7 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
 | Motocaddy Hydroflex Check Price | 5.13 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
 | Nike Air Hybrid Check Price | 6.7 | 14 | 10 | 1 |
 | Nike Air Sport Check Price | 5.11 | 6 | 9 | 1 |
 | Nike Sport Lite Check Price | 4.7 | 5 | 6 | 1 |
 | Ogio Fuse Check Price | 4.7 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
 | PING Hoofer Check Price | 5.8 | 5 | 11 | 7 |
 | PING Hoofer 14 Check Price | 5.14 | 14 | 11 | 5 |
 | PING Hoofer Craz E Lite Check Price | 3.3 | 4 | 7 | 3 |
 | PING Hoofer Lite Check Price | 5.1 | 4 | 7 | 10 |
 | PING L8 Check Price | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
 | PXG Fairway Camo Check Price | 5.1 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
 | PXG Hybrid Check Price | 9.2 | 6 | 12 | 2 |
 | Sitich SL2 Check Price | 5.4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
 | Srixon Z Stand Check Price | 5.3 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
 | Sun Mountain 2.5+ Check Price | 3.2 | 4 | 6 | 9 |
 | Sun Mountain C-130 Check Price | 7.4 | 14 | 9 | 4 |
 | TaylorMade FlexTech Check Price | 5.6 | 5 | 8 | 2 |
 | TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Check Price | 5.15 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
 | Taylormade FlexTech Lite Check Price | 5 | 4 | 7 | 4 |
 | Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 6.12 | 14 | 9 | 6 |
 | Titleist Players 4 Carbon Check Price | 4.11 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
 | Vessel Player III DXR Check Price | 6.7 | 6 | 10 | 5 |
 | Wilson Staff EXO Check Price | 5.5 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
 | XXIO Premium Check Price | 8.3 | 5 | 5 | 2 |
 | Zero Friction ZF Check Price | 5.3 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
EXPERT TIP - Stand Stability
The most important part of a stand bag is the stand. Without a durable and dependable stand, a stand bag loses its purpose. Reinforced stands like those found on the PING Hoofer provide the best stability and durability.
More Tips
Do you carry a GPS or rangefinder? Bags like the PING Hoofer and Vessel Player III DXR offer an easily accessible magnetic pocket. While waterproof bags are good in rainy conditions, their pockets often require two hands to open and close. If you walk or push more often than you ride, consider a hybrid bag. They offer more storage space and their 14- or 15-way tops are more functional on push or riding carts. If you frequently play courses with limited or no water stations, you may want to choose from bags offering large cooler pockets, like the Bag Boy Chiller, for multiple water bottles. If your stand bag is almost always on your back, fatigue can be an issue. Consider forgoing all but the minimum storage space necessary in favor of a lighter bag. Nylon is lighter but tends to retain grime. Stitch bags are made made from leather and easy to clean. Don’t just count pockets. Consider the quality and functionality of the storage space. Look for pockets that are easily accessible and can hold everything you need them to hold. Tired of losing the your bag’s rain hood? Look at the PING Hoofer family with its integrated rain hood.THE BEST STAND BAGS 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Storage | Style | Weight | Walkability | Features | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PING Hoofer Check Price | 5th | 5th | 11th | 7th | 1st | 94.5 |
| Vessel Player III DXR Check Price | 9th | 5th | 25th | 5th | 2nd | 93 |
 | PING Hoofer Lite Check Price | 12th | 10th | 11th | 7th | 2nd | 92.5 |
| PING Hoofer 14 Check Price | 5th | 5th | 25th | 7th | 4th | 91 |
| PXG Fairway Camo Check Price | 9th | 1st | 11th | 23rd | 7th | 89.5 |
| TaylorMade FlexTech Check Price | 23rd | 12th | 11th | 5th | 7th | 88.5 |
| Taylormade FlexTech Lite Check Price | 23rd | 12th | 11th | 2nd | 13th | 88 |
| Titleist Hybrid 14 Check Price | 5th | 1st | 35th | 29th | 6th | 88 |
| Cobra Ultralight Check Price | 23rd | 12th | 11th | 14th | 7th | 87.5 |
| Srixon Z Stand Check Price | 12th | 12th | 11th | 18th | 11th | 87.5 |
| TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Check Price | 17th | 12th | 25th | 18th | 4th | 87.5 |
| Titleist Players 4 Carbon Check Price | 30th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 15th | 87.5 |
| Sitich SL2 Check Price | 38th | 1st | 11th | 2nd | 11th | 87 |
| Motocaddy Hydroflex Check Price | 12th | 12th | 25th | 14th | 13th | 86.5 |
| PING Hoofer Craz E Lite Check Price | 35th | 21st | 3rd | 1st | 18th | 86 |
| PXG Hybrid Check Price | 1st | 1st | 40th | 35th | 7th | 86 |
| Sun Mountain 2.5+ Check Price | 30th | 10th | 3rd | 7th | 23rd | 86 |
| Cleveland Stand Check Price | 2nd | 24th | 11th | 29th | 15th | 85 |
| Cobra UltraDry Pro Check Price | 17th | 12th | 6th | 14th | 26th | 85 |
| Wilson Staff EXO Check Price | 17th | 24th | 11th | 23rd | 15th | 83.5 |
| Mizuno K1-L0 Check Price | 38th | 24th | 1st | 7th | 23rd | 82 |
| Ogio Fuse Check Price | 9th | 24th | 6th | 29th | 31st | 82 |
| Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid Check Price | 23rd | 21st | 11th | 23rd | 31st | 81 |
| Inesis Light Check Price | 23rd | 35th | 6th | 23rd | 26th | 81 |
| PING L8 Check Price | 35th | 12th | 11th | 35th | 18th | 81 |
| Inesis WaterProof Check Price | 17th | 35th | 25th | 23rd | 21st | 80.5 |
| Maxfli Air Check Price | 38th | 24th | 1st | 2nd | 34th | 80.5 |
| Mizuno Tour 6 Check Price | 35th | 5th | 35th | 23rd | 21st | 80.5 |
| Sun Mountain C-130 Check Price | 2nd | 12th | 35th | 38th | 31st | 80 |
| Callaway Hyper Lite Zero Check Price | 12th | 24th | 3rd | 29th | 40th | 79.5 |
| Nike Sport Lite Check Price | 23rd | 35th | 6th | 7th | 37th | 79.5 |
| BagBoy Chiller Check Price | 5th | 24th | 35th | 40th | 23rd | 79 |
| Maxfli Honors + 14 Way Check Price | 32nd | 24th | 25th | 14th | 31st | 79 |
| Datrek Go Lite Hybrid Check Price | 2nd | 23rd | 25th | 29th | 37th | 78.5 |
| Izzo Lite II Check Price | 17th | 40th | 25th | 29th | 26th | 78.5 |
| Nike Air Hybrid Check Price | 23rd | 23rd | 25th | 14th | 34th | 78 |
| Nike Air Sport Check Price | 17th | 35th | 25th | 14th | 34th | 78 |
| XXIO Premium Check Price | 32nd | 23rd | 39th | 14th | 29th | 77.5 |
| Zero Friction ZF Check Price | 12th | 35th | 11th | 38th | 37th | 76 |
EXPERT TIP - You Don't Need 14 Way Dividers
While it's tempting to choose a 14 or 15-way top to give each club its own special place, the best stand bags of 2021 feature 4 to 6 dividers.
The Best Stand Bags of 2021 – FAQ
Q: Do I need an insulated pocket?
A: Although most stand bags today come with insulated pockets, bigger is normally better. For instance, those who play 18 holes may want to consider a bag with a large cooler pocket. Golfers who only play nine holes at a time can typically get away with a smaller insulated pocket.
Q: Can I use my stand bag on a cart or push cart?
A: The short answer is yes. Some bags, like PING, offer a cart strap pass-through which helps retain the full functionality of every pocket. Stand bags that are used on push carts tend to slide around during a round. If your push cart offers a stand lock-in design, opting for a stand bag shouldn’t be an issue at all.
Q: How much does the strap system matter?
A: Finding a strap system that works for you is critical. The seemingly smallest details matter. Look for straps with ample reinforced padding. Curved strap designs are generally more comfortable. If you love the bag but hate the straps, aftermarket systems like those from Walk18Golf can dramatically improve comfort but add to the cost of your bag.
Q: Does the top matter?
A: Definitely. If you carry all the time, a four- or five-way top is almost certainly the way to go. Having fewer dividers makes getting clubs in and out of the bag easy. Bags with 14- or 15-way tops are more prone to snagging and are much better suited to the push cart mafia and riders. Keep in mind that bags with four-way tops are, on average, two pounds lighter than those with 14-way tops.
Q: How much should I spend on a bag?
A: A well-designed, fully featured bag generally starts at $150 with the majority of the best stand bags for 2021 around the $250 range. Golfers who play just a few times a year may be able to find a suitable offering for a bit less.
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