2009 Equipment Reviews

Wedges Gloves Improvement Irons Players Irons Fairway woods Putters Carry Bags Waterproofs Waterproof Shoes

Ping Hoofer C-1 Designed to offer style and substance as well as plenty of storage space Number of compartments: 5 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 8 SRP: £110 www.pinggolf.com  01427 615 405  02894 460 333 Our verdict ALL things considered we don’t think there are many better bags on the market than the latest Hoofer – the C-1. It has plenty of space to store all types of accessories and gadgets, looks great, and has one of the most stable stands out there. The build quality is also superb and ensures it is very durable. We could only find fault with the lack of dividers – five is low in comparison to many others on test. Joe: I think this bag is easily the best-looking in our test, and also one of the most comfortable Dan: It has a foolproof and comfortable strap system and a clever stand which copes with high winds and uneven ground Mark: Very comfortable and well-made. It has plenty of pockets to store everything I need for a round and looks great

Mizuno Twister A DETACHABLE main pocket offers the option of a lightweight summer or multi-pocket all season bag Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 7 SRP: £150 www.mizuno.com 0118 936 2100 Our verdict NOT only does the brand-new Twister offer great comfort and a lot of storage space, it also has a neat divider to make selecting your clubs very easy. All testers agreed it is very good-looking, too, and hailed the removable main pocket which helps you transform your stand bag to a pencil bag. Mark: I liked how comfortable the straps were and how light the bag becomes when you take off the main pocket Joe: I like the modern looks and thought the straps were the best in the test Dan: It looked good and was very comfortable. It is also very light, even when packed with a full set

Cobra DB-09 A 9” step-down 7-way lined elliptical top, and 3-way full length dividers; a comfortable strap ensures it won’t hurt your shoulders Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 7 SRP: £115 www.cobragolf.co.uk 01480 301 114 Our verdict PACKED with features and topped off by a comfortable strap. All testers commented on how easy the bag was to carry and how the double strap sat well on the shoulders. Compliments were also paid to the black-and-yellow colour scheme which looks very sharp and modern. Dan: Impressive amount of storage space and the strap is excellent Joe: I particularly liked the looks – one of the best on test Mark: I thought the dividers worked very well and housed a full set with ease. It also separated woods from irons well and prevented scuffs and scratches

Taylormade TMX Stand Integrated stand system, which features triangular foot pads, offers great stability in high winds Number of compartments: 6 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 6 SRP: £159 www.taylormadegolf.eu 00800 8624 4653 Our verdict A STUNNING bag which is also very functional. It closely resembles some of the Tour bags but is much lighter and easier to carry. However, our testers did find the strap slightly uncomfortable Dan: It is very nice looking but can be quite uncomfortable. You can’t argue with the performance, though Joe: I really like the looks and how easy it is to use, but I find the strap quite uncomfortable – especially when packed with a full set Mark: I don’t think it would look out of place on the Tour – it looks that good

Cleveland Tour Stand AN improved stand system increases stability while a six-way divider offers easy club selection Number of compartments: 6 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 8 SRP: £149.99 www.clevelandgolf.com 01252 761 300 Our verdict DECEPTIVELY large, Cleveland’s Tour stand bag can hold a full set of clubs without even breaking a sweat. Our testers found the colour scheme to be very easy on the eye, while the strap ensured all were comfortable. Mark: I think the Cleveland looks superb and the strap really fitted my shoulders really well Dan: The dividers are very effective – they make removing and inserting your clubs easy Joe: The style of the bag is a little bright for my personal taste, but I could not argue with the performance it produced

Titleist X96 A proven top-cuff and integrated stand mechanism makes the X96 extremely comfortable and hassle-free Number of compartments: 6 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 7 SRP: £102 www.titleist.co.uk 01480 301 114 Our verdict WITH great looks, and a really lightweight construction, the X96 performed superbly. All reviewers found the build quality to be of the highest order and so too the colour scheme which was also a hit. The strap proved to be extremely comfortable, too. Joe: My favourite bag on test by far – it has everything for me: looks, comfort and plenty of storage space Dan: I liked how well-built the bag was and the amount of space available but the looks weren’t for me Mark: A great bag at a great price, I thought the Titleist was a very strong contender but just lacked that finishing touch the winning bags had

Callaway Warbird X Features a new XTT stand mechanism which makes it very stable in the wind yet very light Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 10 SRP: £109.99 www.callawaygolf.com 0208 391 0100 Our verdict FEATURING trademark, modern looks, and unrivalled comfort, the Warbird X has an excellent strap. We were also impressed by how easy the pockets made it to store all possessions. Joe: With 10 storage spaces you can carry everything you need and more – but it still remains lighter than most Dan: You expect looks, quality and functionality from Callaway and the Warbird X delivers on all levels. It is a very impressive bag Mark: I think it looks very stylish and is seriously comfortable. One of my favourites

Ping 4 under

A sleek, lightweight nylon design features enough space for a full 18 holes of equipment. It is the lightest Ping stand bag Number of compartments: 4 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 5 SRP: £90 www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405 + Great looks and lightweight construction make it perfect for a summer evening or quick nine holes - The small number of dividers in comparison to some can lead to a lot of club clattering

Srixon Premium

Crafted from lightweight materials and features dual Izzo strap for optimum comfort and stability when carrying Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 7 SRP: £99 www.srixon.co.uk 01420 541 709 + It looks great and is superb quality – this looks like a bag that will last the pace - Slightly larger than a lot of others and thus a bit on the heavy side

Adams Deluxe

A lightweight yet sturdy design which features stylish looks and plenty of technology, including three straps – a double and a single Number of compartments: 14 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 8 SRP: £119 www.adamsgolf.co.uk 08000 139 139 + Fourteen dividers let you store clubs effortlessly and will suit the organised golfer - The three straps, although a very interesting concept and a useful one, can sometimes get in each other’s way

Premier Licensing

Designed using the highest quality materials on offer to ensure football fans do not have to sacrifice performance for novelty Number of compartments: 10 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 7 SRP: £119 www.premier-licensing.com 02891 811 900 + Superb quality – you might have expected a bag that looked better than it performed but this is good quality - The only teams available are those in the top English and Scottish leagues

RAM TGX

A dual strap provides optimum weight distribution while a collection of pockets offers plenty of storage space Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 8 SRP: £69.99 www.ramgolf.co.uk 0161 886 4010 + Plenty of pockets to store all you need for a round – with an especially generous clothing pocket - Not the best looker in the field and you will need a big boot to store this in

Titleist X91

Weighs only 1.5kg but features a lot of extras you may not find on a larger bag including a double strap and quick-action roller bottom Number of compartments: 2 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 5 SRP: £67 www.titleist.co.uk 01480 301 114 + Lightweight and really good looking – excellent if your car has a small boot - Only two dividers means clubs knock into each other a lot and this can make the bag look a bit crowded

Callaway Strike Light

A streamlined design gets rid of unnecessary weight to offer a very light, easy-to-carry bag Number of compartments: 5 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 5 SRP: £99 www.callawaygolf.com 0208 391 0100 + Very comfortable, easy to carry, and both distinctive and attractive to look at - The divider system isn’t the best around so clubs are not always removed with ease

Nike Xttreme Sport Carry

Combines light construction with heavy-duty features including an eight-way divider and six pockets Number of compartments: 8 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 6 SRP: £85 www.nikegolfeurope.com 0800 056 1640 + Has a good divider system and is very light and comfortable to carry - Probably not the best looker in the test in our opinion, although it will appeal to some tastes

Nike Xtreme Element

Very light exoskeleton frame offers carrying comfort while still maintaining strength and stability Number of compartments: 5 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 6 SRP: £110 www.nikegolfeurope.com 0800 056 1640 + Very light, easy to carry and sports cutting-edge modern looks that really set it apart from the crowd - The divider system isn’t the most functional and so clubs can clatter when carrying

Woodworm Premium

A SEVEN-WAY divider provides easy access to clubs, while a robust stand offers great stability Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 5 SRP: £39.99 www.thesportshq.com 01527 598 388 + Very good value for money and the functionality of the Woodworm is top notch - Perhaps not the best quality bag on test – so best suited for someone who will not be using it for 52 weeks of the year

Forgan 2.4 Ultra Light

High-quality stand bag featuring velour-lined valuables pocket and a drinks holder Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 8 SRP: £49.99 www.forgan.co.uk 01527 598 388 + Good-looking and has most of the features of other bags two and three times the price - If you play a lot it might not quite last the pace as well as some – but then at less than £50 you could hardly expect it to

Wilson Eco Carry

CREATED from a super-light, recycled fabric which is both durable and lightweight. It’s also waterproof Number of compartments: 6 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 6 SRP: £54.99 www.wilsonstaff.com 01276 404 970 + Very nice looking and good for the environment – also the strap is superb - It is on the small side and could use a few more pockets to improve the storage capabilities

Snake Eyes SE

THE SE features an eight-way top, with special putter pouch for easy club selection and seven accessory pockets Number of compartments: 7 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 7 SRP: £89.99 www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800 + Very functional and surprisingly comfortable when you load it on to your shoulders - Although it performs well, when compared to others in the test the looks were a little on the plain side

Benross Air

WEIGHING in at under 4lbs the Air stand bag is designed to be the ultimate lightweight bag Number of compartments: 8 Full-length dividers? Yes Storage spaces: 6 SRP: £59.99 www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200 + Extremely light and comfortable and therefore no hassle to carry - The looks won’t appeal to everyone – but the performance is really very impressive

Titleist X90 Carry Bag

A collapsible, feature-packed carry bag which can house anything from a few clubs to a full set. Has a double strap for added comfort Number of compartments: 2 Double strap? Yes Number of storage spaces: 4 SRP: £41 www.titleist.co.uk 01480 301 114 Our verdict WITH a double strap and plenty of room for accessories, the X90 is a great option. It is very comfortable, looks great and is decent value. And, as it is Titleist, it is very good quality and will survive years of use.

Nike Skinny II

Tough nylon material offers protection from all types of wear-and-tear and weather conditions Number of compartments: 2 Storage spaces: 4 SRP: £30 nikegolfeurope.com 0800 056 1640 + Light as a feather and holds more clubs than you might imagine with a minimum of effort - It looks like it was designed as part of a starter pack – so not Nike’s most sophisticated effort

Callaway Strike Pencil

Very light and easy to carry bag – perfect for a sneaky nine holes Number of compartments: 4 Double strap? No Storage spaces: 3 SRP: £39 www.callawaygolf.com 0208 391 0100 + Very easy to carry – it also holds a full set of clubs with great ease when the need arises - It’s completely functional but perhaps not quite as stylish as the likes of the Titleist and Ping equivalents

Ping Moon-Lite II

FEATURES a standing strap for convenience and comfort. Also has a towel ring and can hold a full set Number of compartments: 3 Storage spaces: 4 SRP: £35 www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405 + The fabric is strong, durable and light, and the strap is streets ahead of the competition - The plastic standing strap is functional but makes the Moon-Lite II not as easy to store and can look slightly cumbersome

John Letters Patterson

DESIGNED to allow the golfer to carry as little weight as possible while still being able to hold a full set Number of compartments: 2 Storage spaces: 4 SRP: £39.99 www.johnletters.com + Very light and easy to carry – so it does exactly what it says on the tin - The divider doesn’t work particularly effectively so don’t expect your clubs to be neatly compartmentalised

Benross Atom Soft

CAPABLE of holding a full set, but ideal for a few holes on a summer evening or holidays when weight and space is an issue Number of compartments: 3 Storage spaces: 4 SRP: £24.99 www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200 + It is very light and has an impressive amount of storage space for a bag in this category - The extra space comes at a cost – it makes the Atom Soft a little bulky when compared to some