Ping introduced the Hoofer range of golf bags back in 1993 and the standout feature was that it was one of the first stand bags to feature a built-in retractable leg mechanism. The ‘Hoofer’ name came from the notion of walking the golf course, or ‘hoofing it’, and the initial bag was specifically designed for carry comfort, balance and durability, especially for the increasingly rare breed of golfers that carry their bag.
As one of that rare breed, I have to confess that my preferred ‘gamer’, is the variant that first made an appearance around 2010, namely the Ping Hoofer Lite.
This Ping Hoofer Monsoon golf carry bag review will delve the waterproof version of the Hoofer range. Read on to see how if this will now become my go to carry golf bag or not….
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NCG Summary
NCG Summary
This is a top quality bag from the Ping Hoofer range.
It offers a waterproof fabric and seam sealed pockets to keep out the elements.
There are a number of neat design features that make this bag a pleasure to use in poor weather conditions. It comes highly recommended.
PROS
- Comfortable and balanced carry.
- Durable construction.
- Reasonable weight at 5.5lbs.
- Clever, tethered rain hood.
CONS
- Colour options lack flair.
First Impressions
My first impression of the Monsoon is that it is unmistakably a Ping Hoofer. It doesn’t look like an obviously waterproof bag until you see the tell-tale seam sealed zippers which give the game away. The black/red colour (one of three options) offers a rather conservative look, especially when compared to some of the almost psychedelic patterns available on the standard Hoofer and Hoofer Lite. So I hope that Ping come out with some funkier colour ways to brighten up golf on rainier days.
As with all Hoofers there is a durable look and feel to the construction. I can’t see that much has changed from the previous Monsoon iteration, but that is no bad thing. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s constructed from fully waterproof PU coated material, with seam sealed waterproof zips and an integrated waterproof hood. When the latter is not in use, it provides extra hip padding and doesn’t occupy half the apparel pocket as can occur with some competitor brands.
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On course performance
There is a range of three colour choices. The bag I tested was the black/red, which gives a rather staid but functional look. There’s a bit of logoing going on with the Monsoon. I found no less than 5 “Ping” logos as well as 3 “Hoofer Monsoons” so you’re sure to remember the make and model of the bag you’re using.
The pocket configuration is interesting in that it’s a bit different from the norm. There is the standard full-length clothing pocket that will comfortably fit a set of waterproofs and a midlayer. What is different is that, rather than being integrated into the body of the bag, there is a flap construction with the underside of the flap being secured to the body of the bag by three sturdy velcro discs.
There is a concealed mesh slip pocket beneath the flap which has been designed to house wet gear that you have taken off (Hurrah! It’s stopped raining!). I think this is a great design idea, and of course this mesh pocket can also fit a snack if required. A medium sized, single compartment, velour-lined valuables pocket sits on the same side of the bag. The Hoofer Lite offers a dual compartment valuables pocket which I use for wallet and rangefinder. I rather like that design but I think we are prioritising wet weather performance here. Both zips on this side are seam sealed and offer robust zip pulls.
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There is another decent sized waterproof flap pocket on the other side from the clothing pocket where I tend to keep more tees and used balls. Next to it there is a sleeve for a drinks container, and hidden beneath this flap there is yet another mesh pocket. Ping states that there’s 20 litres of storage in all these pockets. All I’d say is that there is plenty!
Moving on from pockets, the carbon stand legs have scratch-resistant plastic guards at the top This is perhaps more relevant if you’re using this bag with a trolley. The adjustable strap system looks unimpressive at first sight but is padded and supremely comfortable. The zips all flow smoothly. The overall impression is of a bag that will give years of reliable service.
The Ping Hoofer Monsoon weighs 5.6 lbs. This is a little heavier than some waterproof competitor bags. However, even when loaded with 14 clubs and various bits of apparel, it didn’t feel heavy. It was really easy to obtain a balanced and comfortable carry.
There is a 5-way top with 3 full-length club dividers. Another design feature invisible to the naked eye is described by Ping as “an innovative new bag bottom which improves club removal by guiding golf clubs to the correct segment and keeping clubs separated”. This sounds like a simple but good idea. I am not sure whether it makes any practical difference but what I love is that Ping are constantly enhancing and innovating.
I was able to easily access all relevant pockets whilst on the move. This should be a given for carry bags but sadly isn’t always the case.
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We haven’t had any heavy rain in Yorkshire for ages so I haven’t been able to test it in real-world wet weather. We also have a hosepipe ban in force currently so I’ve not been able to go down that route. I have played in the odd light shower which hasn’t troubled this bag. The lightweight rain hood sits inside a separate pocket which acts as a cushioned hip pad when not deployed. This is another brilliant but simple Ping design feature. The hood is tethered to the pocket but is so easy and quick to fix in place with four press stud closures.
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