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Jonathan Taylor brings you the low down on the Vessel Lux XV 2.0 cart bag.
Carlsbad-based Vessel, founded twelve years ago by Ronnie Shaw, has become a renowned name in the USA, known for building custom bags for tour pros and discerning amateurs alike. It has its roots in the lauded Zonson company, launched by Ronnie’s father, David, in 1981 as Taiwan’s first golf bag factory. Zonson grew to become the most internationally recognized OEM company supplying premium golf bags to major brands in the golf industry and on tour.
Vessel is perhaps less well known in the UK, but I expect that to change as their premium equipment gains traction in this country.
The company produces a range of options from lightweight carry bags right through to today’s cart bag for review, the Lux XV 2.0.
As I have mentioned in previous bag reviews, I almost always use a carry bag. I currently have a stable of four that I choose from, depending on such variables as weather forecast, length and hilliness of the course to be played etc. I might occasionally saddle up my carry bag and put it on a trolley, for example, if I played 36 holes in a day, but these instances are rare.
But I have to say that when the Lux XV 2.0 cart bag arrived in the NCG office, I was immediately struck by the premium looks, feel and construction. It is a thing of beauty – particularly in the white colour with black trim. This is one of four colour options available, and I think it is the most appealing.
I was struck by the multitude of well-designed storage pockets, many of them velour-lined, and a number of detailed design features that really makes this bag stand out from the crowd.
Full features include;
Smart synthetic leather construction which is waterproof.
Additional genuine leather touchpoints.
15-way top with full-length dividers.
Specific velour lined putter well to allow for thicker grip.
Two upper grab handles.
Multiple roomy pockets including a huge insulated cooler pocket.
Concealed valuables pocket with padlock.
An excellent rain hood.
Towel clip which doubles up as bottle opener!
Battery pack pouch at rear.
Measured weight (inc. rain hood) of 9.9lbs.
At first glance, there are no less than fourteen pockets/sleeves on the Lux XV. That does not include hidden compartments. So let’s break this down, pocket by pocket.
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On the right-hand side there is the usual full-length apparel pocket and adjacent velour-lined valuables pocket. Both were easily accessible and roomy. The valuables pocket has a clip to attach to a key ring. And there’s a hidden valuables pocket (velour lined, of course) within the full-length apparel pocket that has a zip/padlock closure for your particularly valuable valuables. There is another slightly smaller apparel pocket on the same side, perhaps for a mid layer.
There are then four pockets at the front of the bag. Going from bottom to top there is a ball pocket, which has three internal mesh pockets, for new balls and gloves. Just above that, there is a magnetic velour-lined pocket with two compartments. I haven’t yet decided what this is for. Above that is a deep zippered pocket for tees, ball markers and perhaps a pencil and scorecard. Near the top of the bag, there is another magnetic velour-lined pocket, again with two compartments, ideal for a GPS device or two.
Another neat feature is the two drink holders on either side of the bottom front pocket. They have a magnetic closure that snaps shut when not in use, but they are designed to support huge drink bottles. Just lateral to the drinks holders are a couple of sleeves for pens.
Moving on to the left side of the bag, there is a further full-length ‘cooler’ pocket, which is large enough to satisfy the thirstiest four ball. There is yet another velour-lined valuables pocket on this side, and, finally, a slightly more compact pocket, perhaps for a spare towel.
The synthetic leather fabric of the bag looks and feels to be of premium quality. It comes with a sturdy rain cover which is easy to put up and take down. The fabric offers water resistance which certainly makes this an all-year-round bag, although I’m not sure that I’d want to take it out in the worst of weather. The fabric is also straightforward to wipe clean and keep looking smart. This is more relevant if you choose the version in white rather than a darker colour.
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Another pleasing feature is that there’s very little in the way of branding; just a couple of logos over the drinks holders and ‘Vessel’ embroidered at the top of the large apparel pocket on the right.
So, how did the Vessel Lux XV 2.0 perform on the course?
On the course
I partnered the Lux XV with a Cube push trolley for testing over several rounds. There is a ‘strap pass’ route at the top of the bag, and there’s also a removable sleeve which is designed to contain the trolley strap and prevent rubbing. This was the only aspect of this bag that I could criticise because it was fiddly to operate, and probably unnecessary. The bag fitted securely on the push trolley, with all pockets easily accessible.
The 15-way top ensured that all my clubs were easily accessible and there was no rattling about. If you wish, you can purchase an additional club organiser, that sits above the 15-way top but I can’t really see the need for that.
And as for the pockets, everything just works. There has clearly been a lot of thought put into the design of the pockets, and it was a delight to use. There is space for everything you need for a round of golf and more besides. Admittedly, when fully loaded, the bag is pretty heavy; after all the bag itself weighs almost 10lbs. But it’s designed with plenty of handles, so it’s easy enough to load into and out of a car boot and onto a trolley or cart.
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We encountered some rain showers during testing and the bag, with the rain cover fitted, it kept everything nice and dry.
To summarize, I think that the Vessel Lux XV 2.0 is a first-class trolley or cart bag. It looks clean and classy, is really well-designed, and even though it’s not cheap, I think it represents excellent value for money as its timeless design and robust construction will offer many years of enjoyable use. It gets a well-deserved 5-star review!
The Details
Available: Now
RRP: from £455 / $415
Colours available: White / Black / Croc Black/ Grey / Navy / Iron Brew
