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2018 Cart Bag Buyer's Guide
Finding the right product for your needs isn't just a time-consuming process, it can be stressful. Here at MyGolfSpy, 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. The MyGolfSpy mission is simple: conduct and publish the most objective and comprehensive product tests in the golf industry.
One key to our testing protocols is that we test every category head-to-head. We select the top products and put them through rigorous side-by-side testing. We test in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products, explain why, and give awards to the best performing products.
For 2018 we approached Cart Bag testing with more critical scoring and improved protocols from previous years. Changes were based on an intensive look at the market and feedback from consumers just like you. Several key findings from that research influenced the updated bag testing process.
Everything from the organization of dividers, efficiency of zippers, rigidity of bag, the design of pockets, and the installation of divider linings were – among many other things - considered.
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 | Weight | Dividers | Pockets | Zipper Pockets | Velcro | Cart Strap | Umbrella |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PING Pioneer | 7.2lbs | 15 | 11 | 8 | Y | Y | Y |
| Cobra King | 6.2lbs | 15 | 12 | 10 | N | Y | Y |
| PING Traverse | 6.2lbs | 14 | 10 | 7 | Y | Y | Y |
| IZZO Gemini | 6.2lbs | 14 | 10 | 6 | Y | Y | Y |
| Mizuno BR-D4 | 5.8lbs | 14 | 11 | 8 | Y | Y | Y |
| PING Monsoon | 6.4lbs | 15 | 10 | 8 | Y | Y | Y |
| Sun Mountain CX1 | 5.4lbs | 15 | 8 | 7 | Y | Y | Y |
| Cobra Ultralight | 5.4lbs | 14 | 12 | 9 | N | Y | Y |
| OGIO Cirrus | 5.8lbs | 15 | 9 | 9 | Y | Y | Y |
| Titleist 14 | 6.4lbs | 14 | 7 | 7 | N | Y | Y |
| Ogio Grom | 6.8lbs | 15 | 8 | 7 | Y | Y | Y |
| Wilson Staff NFL | 5.4lbs | 15 | 11 | 9 | Y | Y | Y |
| Bag Boy Chiller | 6.6lbs | 15 | 12 | 9 | Y | Y | Y |
| Datrek SGO | 6.4lbs | 15 | 12 | 9 | Y | Y | Y |
| Datrek Lite Rider 2 | 6.2lbs | 15 | 7 | 7 | Y | Y | Y |
| Bag Boy Revolver | 9.2lbs | 14 | 7 | 7 | Y | Y | Y |
| Cleveland Cart Bag | 7.2lbs | 15 | 8 | 8 | Y | N | Y |
| Stewart Golf Sport Drive | 6.8lbs | 15 | 9 | 9 | Y | N | Y |
| Stewart Golf Staff Pro | 8.7lbs | 15 | 9 | 9 | Y | N | Y |
| MaxFli Honors | 4.3lbs | 14 | 11 | 9 | Y | Y | Y |
We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics. The numbers are more meaningful than ever.
Over the course of the test, bags were loaded with 14 clubs, and a dozen golf balls. Our panel of testers was encouraged to load and unload clubs from the bag as they would during a typical round of golf.
While some golfers do use cart bags on push carts, our tests focused on usability while attached to a driving cart.
Storage (42.5 points) - In this category, we consider the functionality and capacity of the pockets. The number of pockets is not important here, only how much stuff the bag fits. Top performing bags feature storage that is designed and built in a way that allows for the full utilization of the space. On the other hand, in some of the poorer performing bags, while the potential for greater functionality exists, stitching inhibited the use of the storage. The highest performing bags within this category, feature pockets that are accessible and easy to use when the bag is mounted on a cart.
Style (10 points) - Score is established by considering what we believe the majority of consumers would deem stylish, not whether the individual tester likes the look of the bag. Survey questions provided to testers were developed to combat any brand-driven favoritism on the part of the individual respondent.
Weight (5 points) - All bags are ranked based on weight, and then assigned relative scores. For example, the lightest bag in the test received 5 points, second lightest received 4.75 points, and so on. The heaviest bag received 2.75 points.
Features (42.5 points) - This is the category where the best bags separate themselves from the pack. It's what you should consider first when purchasing a new cart bag. Score was determined by a compilation of the sub-categories below:
- Strap Pass-Through (5 points) - Based on the strap's on-course functionality. A design flaw found in some bags, pockets become inaccessible when the pass-through is used on cart.
- Pockets (15 points) - Score is based on whether a bag has or does not have certain pockets outlined in our predetermined checklist (including rangefinder pocket, insulated pockets, storage pockets, ball pockets, etc.). Interesting pockets outside of our list are always noted and investigated thoroughly. Pockets are tested head to head which results in some pockets - PING's one finger magnetic rangefinder pouch for example - becoming the benchmarks by which similar pockets are scored.
- Dividers (15 points) - Combines the design, build, and overall functionality of the dividers to establish a score. While the tendency for the clubs to grab was considered, it was not the sole consideration. We also noted the arrangement of the dividers and whether or not the design inherently aided in club organization.
- Zippers (7.5 points) - Score is based on how effective the zippers function and how easy they are to use. The best performing bags need one hand to open, and the zippers do not snag or catch, while the lower performing bags need two hands to open and snag and catch when opening. While zipper function is necessary for an effect bag, we score on how easy it is for the player to access the pockets with the need to use one or two hands when using the zippers.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring bag, and awards are awarded to the top five cart bags. Also, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to bags in certain categories (like storage, lightweight, etc.) that push the industry envelope.
BAGS TESTED
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The Best Cart Bags in 2018
PING Pioneer
|
Storage
|
1st |
|
Style
|
1st |
|
Weight
|
17th |
|
Features
|
1st |
|
Score
|
96 |
What We Liked
- Highly functional bag
- Plenty of colors to choose from
- Compact and well-built
- “Best in Class” Style
- “Best in Class” Storage (tie)
Pros
- Easy access to all pockets
- Great one finger magnetic rangefinder pocket
- Outstanding storage
Cons
- Velcro has a slight tendency to snag when taking clubs in and out
- A bit heavy
Cobra KING
|
Storage
|
1st |
|
Style
|
8th |
|
Weight
|
7th |
|
Features
|
2nd |
|
Score
|
94.25 |
What We Liked
- A well thought-out bag
- Professional look
- Brilliantly positioned pockets
- “Best in Class” Storage (tie)
Pros
- Incredibly stable
- Great water bottle holder designed to handle leaks
- Perfectly positioned cart strap pass-through
Cons
- Some of the pockets are not completely functional
- Tiny snag on the side of the divider when pulling clubs
PING Traverse
|
Storage
|
3rd |
|
Style
|
2nd |
|
Weight
|
7th |
|
Features
|
3rd |
|
Score
|
94.25 |
What We Liked
- Well built, functional bag
- Great use of velcro pad
- Well-positioned strap pass-through doesn’t interfere with storage
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Great water bottle holder
- Smooth operating zippers
Cons
- Handle on dividers digs when picking up bag
- Cooler pocket is placed where ball pocket is typically found
Mizuno BR-D4
|
Storage
|
3rd |
|
Style
|
8th |
|
Weight
|
5th |
|
Features
|
4th |
|
Score
|
92 |
What We Liked
- Great color options
- Well designed pockets are easily accessible
Pros
- Great strap pass-through
- Dividers are positioned well and work with ease
- Some deep pockets for mass storage
- “Best in Class” strap pass-through
Cons
- Could be more stable
IZZO Gemini
|
Storage
|
3rd |
|
Style
|
6th |
|
Weight
|
7th |
|
Features
|
5th |
|
Score
|
92 |
What We Liked
- Multiple magnetic pockets for easy access
- Tonys of storage
- Excellent use of dividers
Pros
- Great use of magnetic pockets for all major storage
- Cart strap is positioned well
- Bag as a whole is well thought-out
- Great add-on for power pocket
Cons
- Lacks stability
- Lacks water bottle holder
2018 Cart Bag Buyer's Guide
| Name | Price | Storage (42.5) | Style (10) | Weight (5) | Features (42.5) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PING Pioneer | $219.99 | 1st | 1st | 17th | 1st | 96 |
| Cobra King | $240.00 | 1st | 8th | 7th | 2nd | 94.25 |
| PING Traverse | $200.00 | 3rd | 2nd | 7th | 3rd | 94.25 |
| Mizuno BR-D4 | $200.00 | 3rd | 8th | 5th | 4th | 92 |
| IZZO Gemini | $239.99 | 3rd | 6th | 7th | 5th | 92 |
| PING Monsoon | $249.99 | 3rd | 17th | 11th | 5th | 90.25 |
| Cobra Ultralight | $200.00 | 7th | 8th | 2nd | 7th | 90 |
| Sun Mountain CX1 | $189.99 | 8th | 3rd | 2nd | 11th | 90 |
| OGIO Cirrus | $199.99 | 9th | 5th | 5th | 9th | 89.25 |
| Cleveland Cart bag | $139.99 | 9th | 8th | 17th | 20th | 82 |
| Ogio Grom | $229.99 | 9th | 8th | 14th | 9th | 87 |
| Titleist 14 | $270.00 | 12th | 3rd | 11th | 7th | 88.5 |
| Stewart Golf Staff pro | $280.00 | 12th | 7th | 19th | 17th | 81.75 |
| Stewart Golf Sport Drive | $220.00 | 12th | 12th | 14th | 18th | 81.75 |
| Wilson Staff NFL | $159.99 | 12th | 17th | 2nd | 15th | 84.25 |
| Bag Boy Chiller | $179.95 | 16th | 14th | 14th | 12th | 83.75 |
| Datrek SGO | $179.95 | 16th | 14th | 11th | 14th | 83.75 |
| Datrek Lite Rider 2 | $159.95 | 18th | 12th | 7th | 16th | 83.75 |
| Bag Boy Revolver | $219.95 | 19th | 14th | 20th | 12th | 82.5 |
| MaxFli Honors | $119.99 | 19th | 20th | 1st | 18th | 81 |
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