2017 Cart Bag Buyer’s Guide

The process of buying anything in today’s time has become stressful and time consuming. We want to help solve that problem for you. The MyGolfSpy mission is simple: create the world’s most objective and comprehensive testing in the industry. 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.

One key to our testing protocols is testing products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put the products through 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 and explain why, and give awards to the best performing products in the category.

This year we approached Cart Bag testing with more critical scoring and improved protocols. This was based on an intensive look at the market and feedback from consumers just like you. Several key findings from that research influenced the bag testing process for 2017.

Everything from organization of dividers, efficiency of zippers, rigidity of bag, 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	Putter Well	Pockets	Velcro Pad	Pass-Through
PING PIONEER	7	15	Y	9	Y	Y
PING DLX	8	15	Y	14	Y	Y
PING TRAVERSE	5.6	14	N	10	Y	Y
COBRA ULTRALITE	5.2	14	Y	9	N	Y
OGIO CIRRUS	5.8	16	Y	9	Y	Y
MIZUNO PRO	8.6	14	Y	9	N	Y
DATREK DG LITE ii	6	15	Y	7	Y	Y
SUN MOUNTAIN C130	7.2	14	Y	10	Y	Y
BENROSS HTX	5.6	14	Y	9	Y	N
MOLHIMAWK M2500	4	14	Y	7	Y	Y
WILSON STAFF NEXUS	6.4	14	Y	9	Y	Y
OCTOBER GOLF GEAR	13.2	14	N	19	Y	N
SRIXON ZCART	6.4	15	Y	8	N	N
BAGBOY CHILLER	7	15	Y	9	Y	Y
DATREK LITE RIDER ii	6	15	Y	7	Y	Y
SPINITGOLF EASYDRY	5.4	8	Y	7	Y	Y
CLUBGLOVE FCO iii	10.4	6	N	10	N	N

We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics. The numbers are better 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 (25 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 (10 points) – All bags are ranked based on weight, and then assigned relative scores. For example, the lightest bag in the test received 10 points, second lightest received 9.5 points, and so on. The heaviest bag received 2 points.

Features (55 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 – 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.

Velcro Pad- Score is based on both the size and functionality of the pad. Many bags have pads that are far too small, while others have pads that are almost completely unusable. While a velcro pad may not be a priority for all golfers, a good cart bag should include a functional offering for those who want it.

Pockets – 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- 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.

Putter Well- Based on design and functionality. We focused on binding problems (specifically with bigger grips), the placement of the well (important to organization), and the materials used to build the well. The well was tested with a full bag to reflect how the clubs would be arranged relative to the putter.

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. In addition, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to bags in certain categories (like storage, lightweight, etc) that push the industry ‘envelope.’

BAGS TESTED

The Best Cart Bags in 2017

2017 CART BAG BUYERS GUIDE

Bag Name	Price	Storage	Style	Features	Weight	Overall
SPINITGOLF EASYDRY	$179.95	17th	17th	16th	7th	52.8
CLUBGLOVE FCO iii	$319.00	15th	14th	17th	16th	48.3
SRIXON ZCART	$199.99	15th	12th	12th	9th	69.5
BAGBOY CHILLER	$179.95	14th	7th	14th	11th	66.8
MOLHIMAWK M2500	$109.00	12th	14th	10th	1st	73.5
WILSON STAFF NEXUS	$199.99	12th	5th	11th	9th	72.8
DATREK DG LITE ii	$119.95	11th	10th	7th	3rd	78.6
DATREK LITE RIDER ii	$159.95	9th	11th	15th	7th	66.5
BENROSS HTX	$175.00	9th	4th	13th	4th	73.9
OGIO CIRRUS	$199.99	8th	8th	5th	4th	83.1
SUN MOUNTAIN C130	$229.99	7th	8th	9th	11th	77.5
COBRA ULTRALITE	$180.00	6th	5th	4th	2nd	87.1
OCTOBER GOLF GEAR	$199.99	5th	16th	8th	17th	71.5
MIZUNO PRO	$279.99	3rd	13th	6th	15th	79.1
PING TRAVERSE	$169.95	3rd	3rd	3rd	6th	87.4
PING DLX	$269.95	1st	1st	2nd	14th	87.8
PING PIONEER	$219.95	1st	1st	1st	11th	90.8