When it comes to the best stand bags the long standing conundrum is the trade-off between lightness and features. If you wanted a lightweight golf bag then you had to accept a relative lack of features and space to store your kit. On the flipside, for those wanting features and space it normally came at a cost of increased weight.
In Vessel’s latest offering, the Player Air, the California based brand seems to have achieved the Holy Grail and delivered a genuinely lightweight golf bag that is packed with features and has plenty of room for storage.
The Player Air comes in at a fraction over 5 kgs for the model with the 6 way divider top (there is a 14 way top too if that’s your thing but it’s 0.5kg heavier). That lightness is achieved by the materials used to construct the bag. The exterior is made of Cordura Naturalle Fabric and the legs from carbon fibre. Traditionally lightweight fabrics have not had the waterproof properties of some of the heavier materials on the market however testing I found the Cordura to perform really well. It's not guaranteed to be 100% waterproof but I recently played a round at St Andrews in heavy persistent rain and everything stayed dry.
In terms of features there's a lot to talk about - five pockets and a water bottle holder means there's space to take everything you could need for 18 or 36 holes although obviously the more you take the heavier the bag will be to carry!
I managed to fit in a waterproof rain jacket and a quilted mid layer in the main pocket with no issues at all. On the outside of the main pocket there is a valuables pocket which is lined. There's a very roomy ball pocket and above it a smaller pocket with a magnetic closure (a trademark Vessel touch) that Vessel says that's designed for a rangefinder but I use it for tees, pencils ball markers, Sharpies and the like.
On the opposite side to the main pocket there's a smaller hip pocket which is perfect for a cap and gloves. If I had a criticism of this bag, it's that the zip pullers do feel a little on the flimsy side. I find myself being deliberately gentle when zipping or unzipping a pocket. By contrast the carry/grab handles on both on the spine of the bag and the top of the divider are extremely robust. The one on the spine is well padded and the one on the top divider features leather surround - it’s a great touch and really makes a big difference when you are lifting the bag - either in and out of the car or out in the golf course.
Vessel’s patented Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap is very clever and delivers multiple benefits. It features an 8-point swivel mechanism which self-adjusts to the way a golfer walks meaning it balances perfectly. The straps themselves are padded and very comfortable. I played 36 holes carrying the bag and it did not feel any fatigue in my shoulders that happens with many bags do when you're out for a full day on the golf course. There is also an easy clip on/off strap attachment system that allows you to switch between a single & double strap set up.
Another of Vessel’s patented features that’s found on the Player Air (and all their stand bags) is the Rotator Stand System that allows the base of the bag to sit flush against the ground when the legs are fully deployed for maximum stability even on uneven ground and in windy conditions.
Retaining straps for the legs (which mean this stand bag works well on a trolley), an umbrella holder and a towel/accessories loop complete the list of features.
Finally there's the looks of this bag which are, in a word, stunning. Vessel has a reputation for producing some of the most stylish bags on the market and the classy understated design of the Player Air is the latest great creation. There's some very subtle Vessel branding on side of the bag and on the base but that's it. There's' no huge logo emblazoned across the side so you don't feel like you're walking advert for brand X or Y.
All this innovation, style and high-quality materials does mean the Player Air is very premium priced. But, if you are in the market for a very stylish, super lightweight golf bag with tons of features and great storage then I think you can justify the investment.
