2017 TRAVEL BAG BUYER'S GUIDE
Travel bags are about one word. Protection.
It's simple but important. If you're going to play golf, your clubs must arrive safely. A broken driver not only costs money to replace but also ruins your mood and maybe even your vacation. Investing in the very best to protect your clubs is an absolute must.
The process of buying anything in today's time has become stressful and time-consuming. We feel the best reviews are those that help you make the right choices and help you get the most out of your time and money. This way you can buy with confidence and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. We are here to help show you how a product will perform before you buy.
One key to our testing protocols is that we test products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put them through extensive and detailed head-to-head testing. We test both in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products, explain why products finished where they did, and give awards to the best-performing products in the category.
For travel bags, our scoring centered around the protection of clubs and the durability of the bag. The possible storage within the bag and the storage of the bag after use were also considered. Maneuverability - especially through airports - was tested too.
THE METRICS
We're always fine-tuning the process to make sure we're collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we've updated and refined this year's analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.
FEATURES CHART
| Name | Cost | Colors | Warranty | Wheels | Material | Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUN MOUNTAIN CLUBGLIDER TOUR | $329.00 | 4 | 1 year | 4 | BALLISTIC WEAVE NYLON | 2 |
| CLEVELAND/SRIXON GOLF HEATHER TRAVEL COVER | $249.99 | 1 | 1 year | 2 | DURABLE HEATHER NYLON | 7 |
| CLUBGLOVE LAST BAG XL | $359.99 | 16 | 5 years | 2 | CORDURA FABRIC | 2 |
| PING ROLLING TRAVEL COVER | $249.99 | 1 | None* | 4 | 1200D POLYESTER | 1 |
| OUUL FOLDABLE ROLLER COVER | $199.99 | 2 | None* | 4 | N/A | 1 |
| WILSON STAFF HARD TOPPED TRAVEL COVER | $199.99 | 1 | 1 year | 2 | PREMIUM FABRIC | 2 |
| CADDY DADDY PHOENIX | $99.99 | 1 | 1 year | 2 | 1800D NYLON | 3 |
*Company doesn't provide a specific warranty but commits to standing behind its product.
We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics. The metrics and attention to detail are better than ever.
To determine the best test travel bags, we prepared a golf bag with any and all possible gear one could need while traveling. We included 1 Set of Alignment Sticks, 1 Box of Golf Balls, 14 Clubs, 1 Umbrella, 1 Pair of Golf Shoes, Tees, 4 Gloves, 1 Set of Rain Gear, and 1 Rangefinder.
Once the bag was prepared, testers loaded and unloaded the travel bags. They were then asked to walk around pulling or pushing the bag as they would through an airport.
Tester survey questions centered around whether or not the tester was comfortable with the protection of their clubs. While travel bags serve other minor purposes, this is their most significant function.
Durability (25 points) - To determine durability, we evaluated the stitching of the bag along with the material used. Regardless of what you're buying, you expect it to last. Travel bags, especially because they're used so infrequently, need to be durable enough to last several years. Some bags are made of inexpensive materials, while the top performers in this category offer wheels, zippers, buckles, and materials that are built to last.
Packing (15 points) - Quite simply how much gear can the bag hold? Many of our testers mentioned that they used their travel bag as extra storage on the flight. With the price of carry-on fees these days, we're on the same page. The best bags in this category offer room for the necessities, as well as plenty of room for extras.
Maneuverability (10 points) -How easy is it to load and unload the bags from the car? How easy is it to move through the airport? We closely examined the design of the wheels, the handle placement, as well as the structural base of the bag. Bags that performed poorly were awkward while walking. The top performers are not only easy to walk with but were also able to stand without assistance. Bags that were more stable through the middle section generally performed better.
Protection (45 points) - Your golf clubs are a significant investment. A travel bag then must protect your clubs in every situation. We closely examined the top portion of the travel bag because it is where clubs are the most vulnerable. Manufacturers use a variety of different methods to protect the clubs, but one constant is that poor performers lack coverage on the top and sides of the bag. The bags that provided effective protection do so by combining protective padding with a snug fit.
Storage (5 points) - When you put your travel bag in a corner of your garage, how much space does it take up? Some bags simply fold up, while others are designed specifically with space-savings in mind.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring travel bag, and awards are given to the top three bags. Also, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to bags in certain categories (like maneuverability, protection, and durability) that push the industry's design envelope.
We also give an "Editor's Choice" and a "Best Buy" award to those products that provide value products that compete with the bigger names on performance.
THE BEST GOLF TRAVEL BAGS OF 2017
SUN MOUNTAIN CLUBGLIDER TOUR
|
COST
|
$329.00 |
|
MANUEVERABILITY
|
1st |
|
DURABILITY
|
2nd |
|
PACKING
|
4th |
|
STORAGE
|
4th |
|
PROTECTION
|
1st |
|
SCORE
|
90.25 |
What We Liked
The ClubGlider Tour Series features a 4-wheel design that performs exceptionally under the stresses of the airport. The top half of the bag offers outstanding protection. There is adequate storage space for both golf clubs and travel supplies. The Glubglider Tour provides all the necessary features of a travel bag with the maneuverability of a standard suitcase.
Pros
- “The Best Travel Bag in 2017”
- “Most Functional Travel Bag for 2017”
- “Best in Class” Maneuverability
- “Best in Class” Protection
- Fantastic 4-wheel design
Cons
- Wheel mechanism is difficult to release
SRIXON/ CLEVELAND GOLF HEATHER TRAVEL COVER
"Best Buy"
|
COST
|
$249.99 |
|
MANUEVERABILITY
|
2nd |
|
DURABILITY
|
3rd |
|
PACKING
|
1st |
|
STORAGE
|
4th |
|
PROTECTION
|
3rd |
|
SCORE
|
86.5 |
What We Liked
Cleveland/ Srixon’s travel cover is an above average performer across all categories. Those looking for an easy-to-pack travel cover will love the way the bag opens. The padding throughout the bag provides adequate protection without limiting functionality. The heather design is extremely stylish for a travel bag.
Pros
- “Best in Class” Packing Space
- Functional travel sized pockets
- Easy to pack
- Great wheels
Cons
- Lacks multiple intuitively located handles
- Comparatively less protection
CLUBGLOVE LAST BAG XL
"Most Durable Bag"
|
COST
|
$359.99 |
|
MANUEVERABILITY
|
4th |
|
DURABILITY
|
1st |
|
PACKING
|
5th |
|
STORAGE
|
4th |
|
PROTECTION
|
2nd |
|
SCORE
|
85.75 |
What We Liked
Did you know: 90% of tour players use ClubGlove travel bags? The stat is impressive, but not surprising. All ClubGlove bags are 100% made in the USA. The Last Bag provides plenty of storage space and protection. Since 1990 the Last Bag has been the travel bag option in golf, and that won’t change anytime soon. The most durable piece of equipment we’ve tested all year.
Pros
- “Best in Class” Durability
- Made in USA
- Diverse selection of colors
- Effective protection from top to bottom
- Numerous size options
Cons
- Must be propped up
- Comparatively awkward when walking
2017 TRAVEL BAG BUYER'S GUIDE
| NAME | COST | MANUEVERABILITY | DURABILITY | PACKING | STORAGE | PROTECTION | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUN MOUNTAIN CLUBGLIDER TOUR | $329.00 | 1st | 2nd | 4th | 4th | 1st | 90.25 |
| SRIXON/CLEVELAND TRAVEL COVER | $249.99 | 2nd | 3rd | 1st | 4th | 3rd | 86.5 |
| CLUBGLOVE LAST BAG XL PRO TOUR | $359.99 | 4th | 1st | 5th | 4th | 2nd | 85.75 |
| PING ROLLING TRAVEL COVER | $249.99 | 3rd | 4th | 3rd | 1st | 4th | 84.5 |
| OUUL FOLDABLE ROLLER COVER | 199.99 | 5th | 5th | 2nd | 1st | 5th | 79 |
| WILSON STAFF HARD TOPPED TRAVEL COVER | $199.99 | 7th | 6th | 7th | 1st | 6th | 73.5 |
| CADDY DADDY PHOENIX | $99.00 | 6th | 7th | 6th | 4th | 7th | 69.25 |
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