When the only real criticism is that this travel bag, because of the ample space it offers, may encourage some golfers to over pack (as I did), then you know you’re talking about a very good product.
I understand that some people may be deterred by the price ($399.00), but if you’re a frequent traveller with your golf clubs and you want a high-end case to protect your pride and joy, then this model ticks just about every box.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’m a big fan of Vessel. I’ve got the Vessel Player Air stand bag and Vessel PrimeX Plus backpack – both of which exude the same quality design and style as this travel case. I also own a G/FORE Daytona Plus carry bag, which is made by Vessel.
Vessel, for those of you who didn’t know, is a Californian brand, one that is proving a big hit with Tour players and discerning golfers.
So, what’s so special about the Vessel Golf Travel Case 2.0; after all, a golf travel case is just a golf travel case, right? Wrong. Poorly designed ones can get your golf trip off to a terrible start!
Not only does this case do the basics, such as giving your clubs very good protection – it makes a powerful statement as you glide through the airport and hotel lobby. There are plenty of functional travel cases out there, but this one is on that next level.
Airlines don’t always treat luggage with great care, but you can be sure that your clubs aren’t going to get damaged with a 360-degree, thick-padded top and a reinforced protective panel looking after them. The runner guards on the bottom also offer another layer of protection, not just for your clubs but also for the bag itself, which you obviously want to keep in top condition.
Scuffs and knocks are sure to happen but the ballistic nylon is a material that is going to help keep blemishes to a minimum – so it’s also a big tick for durability. Some might feel it’s a little pointless spending so much money on something that’s likely to be roughly handled on occasions – a fair argument – but I think the leather aspects will help it to age well and maintain it’s premium look for many a year.
Meanwhile, the integrated wheel system makes it easy to manoeuvre, as the best golf travel bags on the market should be. On the subject of manoeuvrability, I’d probably say a few models rival this one in that regard and maybe even trump it, but it’s still scores highly in this department.
Onto storage, because we all like to pack lots of golf gear. Even with a golf bag and a full set of clubs packed in, this case has plenty of room for extra golf accessories, including shoes. You don’t feel like you have to find spaces for items. I actually made the mistake of putting too much in – which is easy to do – but that’s only because I’d assumed the weight limit for EasyJet was 23kg, as it is with British Airways. It is, in fact, currently just 20kg. I certainly can’t blame Vessel for the excess weight fee I was handed.
I’m going to talk about the design again and some of the additional touches, because that’s what sets this case apart. The three leather-lined grab handles, compression straps and buckles all fulfil a job and help reduce unnecessary bulk, but they also look very smart.
The other impressive feature is that it can be stored in a compact case. For anyone else who’s a bit of a golf gear hoarder, or simply just has limited room at home, as I currently do, this is a nice bonus.
I guess for those who like their golf travel bag to stand out more on the conveyor belt so they can dive in quick and get out of the airport, they might be disappointed to learn there’s only a black option. Personally, I like the fact it matches with my other Vessel items.
