I’ve now played hundreds of rounds with Vessel golf bags.
And I’m just going to say it: While there are a lot of bag brands that I really like, Vessel is the brand that consistently makes the highest-quality golf bags that I think tend to be the best fit for most golfers, assuming they have the budget for it.
The problem isn’t with accepting that Vessel’s stuff is great. That’s not really open for debate. They make the bags for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, if that tells you anything.
No, the problem is deciding which one is the right Vessel bag for you. Because, man, they’ve got a lot of different models. And I have to admit, it can get overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve written this guide. I’m going to break down the entire Vessel lineup, tell you what I’ve personally tested and loved, and help you figure out which bag actually makes sense for the way that you play golf.
If that sounds good, let’s dive in.
Understanding Vessel Bags
A couple of quick things before the bags themselves.
First one is that I can’t really think of another brand outside of Vessel that I would go so far as to say everything in their lineup is first-rate. They just make really high-quality bags.
They aren’t the least expensive bags.
And I wouldn’t say that in every single instance, they are the absolute best bag in a specific category.
Their bags also tend to be on the heavier side, which I’m not always crazy about.
But man, do they deliver on design and build quality. Their stuff is always well constructed and built to last.
The other thing to understand is how they sort their lineup. It’s actually very simple, but important to pay attention to, obviously, because, well, you want the right bag for how you want to play.
Vessel lumps cart and staff bags together. These are of course, your larger bags best for riding or for pushing.
Then they’ve got their stand bags, which are of course designed for carrying, though many of them also can work great in push or riding carts.
Vessel also has some Sunday bags and travel bags, which I’ll break out and talk about separately.
And, finally, what you should know about Vessel is that they’ve got a ton of golf bags. I mean, a lot. So, feel free to skip to just the sections that apply to how you want to use a golf bag.
I’m primarily a walking golfer, so I’m partial to stand bags. Let’s start there.
What Are the Best Vessel Stand Bags?
This is where I’ve spent most of my Vessel time.
Although, as I’ll talk about below, Vessel is the brand that actually kind of makes me want to be a cart guy.
Still, unless I’m playing at a resort course, I’m a walker for the most part.
Vessel’s stand bags come in two main series: Player and Lux. I’ll walk through each option, focusing the most on the bags that I’ve personally tested and know the best.
The Player Series
The Player Series is Vessel’s flagship line, and it’s what I’ve been using for years. These bags are bigger, heavier, and more full-featured than anything other stand bag in their lineup.
You get more dividers (6-way, 7-way, or 14-way tops), more storage, and honestly, more of everything.
The one tradeoff for getting more is that these Vessel Player Series bags definitely aren’t the lightest golf bag option out there. Although, as I’ll get to in a minute, they’ve got a couple of options in this lineup that make for a very easy carry.
Player V Pro Stand: The Best “Hybrid” Bag on the Market
For years, the Player Series has been my go-to. I loved the Player III. Then I moved to the Player IV Pro and loved that. Then the Player IV Pro DXR. And now most recently, I’ve been using the Player V Pro.
This is Vessel’s current flagship stand bag, and I personally think it’s the best hybrid bag ever made.
I will say that at about 7.5 pounds without straps, this is not a light bag.
In reality, it actually carries a lot better than I expected. The Equilibrium strap system is legitimately the best in the business. The way they balance the weight across your shoulders just works.
But the real reason I think this bag is special is because it just works in every scenario. You can carry it. You can push it. You can throw it on a cart.
The hidden cart-strap pass-through means it sits securely without crushing pockets.
The 7-way or 14-way top (I go 7-way) keeps clubs organized.
And the storage on this bag is massive. I can fit my full-frame camera with a telephoto lens in the garment pocket. I can fit a jacket. I can fit a ridiculous amount of golf balls because my game has regressed.
There’s room for everything.
So, yeah, it’s heavy, but it’s also the most versatile bag I’ve ever used.
This is a bag that doesn't compromise on materials or quality. It's also the perfect bag for the golfer who likes to vary their experience via carrying, pushing, or riding in a cart. The Player V Pro might be the best all-around hybrid golf bag ever made.
Player V Stand
I haven’t personally tested the non-Pro Player V version, but here’s what I know:
It’s lighter at 6.6 pounds. It has a 6-way top instead of 7. You lose the velour lining on the dividers and straps, and you get a slightly smaller opening.
The standard Player V is still a really good bag. But at the current prices, you can get the Pro model for $30 more, which I think makes it a no-brainer upgrade.
A lighter alternative to the Player V Pro model. Excellent in all the same ways as the Pro, but for less money while also an easier carry.
Player V Pro DXR Stand and Player V DXR Stand
This one’s the same bag as the Player V Pro and standard Player V Stand, but with X-Pac ripstop fabric instead of synthetic leather. It’s more durable, more weather-resistant, and a bit lighter.
I haven’t tested this specific version, but I did test the Player IV Pro DXR, and I really liked the DXR material. It’s tougher, it holds up better in rain, and it’s got this cool diamond pattern texture that looks high-end.
X-Pac ripstop material makes this bag lighter and tougher than the Player V Pro or standard Player V. Great if you want a solid carry bag that's going to last.
Player V Pro Carbon Stand
Alright, a $1,999 golf bag is obviously not going to be for everyone. It’s excessive, and I can’t say that I’d spend $2k on a golf bag.
But as far as the ultimate in luxury, exclusivity, and just flat-out swag go, this is the one.
This is only for the .5% of people who want something no one else has. It’s essentially the exact same as the Player V Pro, but with carbon fiber, a couple extra magnetic pockets, and a whole lot of extra “cool factor.”
If you can swing it and you're shopping for the best, why not? This carbon-wrapped bag combines durability, looks, and comfort like few if any can.
The Player Air Stand: The “Lightweight(ish)” Option.
Here’s an interesting bag.
I tested the Player Air when it first came out, and it solved one of my biggest complaints about Vessel bags, which is the weight.
At 4.45 pounds (plus another half a pound for the straps), this is the lightest full-featured bag in their entire lineup.
Vessel swapped in this Cordura nylon material instead of their usual synthetic leather. They kept the carbon fiber legs and Equilibrium straps and the leather-wrapped handles, which I love.
And the result is a bag that feels very much like a Vessel but actually carries like a lightweight bag.
I will say that because of the Cordura material and it being so lightweight, this bag doesn’t hold its form as well as the leather versions.
Vessel also used super-thin zipper pulls to save weight. So the combination of the weight and the zipper pulls means that when you have a pocket that’s not fully packed, it can be kind of annoying to zip and unzip with one hand.
Definitely not a dealbreaker, but it’s about the only thing I can say against this bag. It’s otherwise an outstanding bag if you’re looking for a lightweight option.
Love the quality, look, and features of Vessel bags - but don't like the weight? At less than 4.5 pounds, the Player Air is the bag for you.
The Lux Series: Best of Both Worlds
This is the part in the Vessel lineup that’s most appealing to me personally.
I thought I loved the Player series. It was my go-to for years. But lately, I’ve kind of landed in the Lux Series as the bag I reach for the most.
It’s harder to summarize the Lux Series because it’s got everything from minimalist bags to full-featured options. But what they all have in common is a slightly smaller footprint than the Player bags.
Most Lux Series bags feature fewer club dividers than in the Player series, which for my personal preference, is a plus.
Lux Stand: The Bag I Personally Used Most This Past Year
I’ve been kind of obsessed with this bag since I reviewed it last year.
It’s basically a 20% smaller version of the Player V Pro. So it’s got the same layout and premium materials. Just shrunk down.
And that actually makes a huge difference.
The bag is 5.4 pounds without straps, compared to the 7.5-pound Player V Pro. I mean, that matters when you’re walking and carrying.
But what surprised me was that I really haven’t missed the extra storage space at all. I thought I would, especially being a packrat. But the smaller size of the Lux Stand has actually made me more intentional about what I bring – and this has been a good thing.
You still get the leather-wrapped handles, magnetic rangefinder pocket, and a really good-sized garment pocket. And it’s got that gorgeous tour-grade synthetic leather that just looks and feels really, really nice.
I think that for someone who walks more than they ride, this is the sweet spot. At least it has been for me.
The Vessel Lux Stand is the most well-rounded bag Vessel has made to date. It's blends premium materials and carryability in a way that I've been waiting for for years. Highly recommended.
Lux Stand DXR
Same bag, different material. Just like in the Player Series, here you get the X-Pac ripstop instead of the synthetic leather. So it’s lighter, tougher, and better in wet weather.
The price is the same as with the Lux Stand, so it just depends on whether you prefer the leather look or the ripstop performance material.
I haven’t tested this version specifically, but given what I know about their DXR material and what I know about the regular Lux Stand, I’m sure this bag is outstanding.
Instead of Vessel's classic synthetic leather, this bag is made of an X-Pac ripstop material that makes it more durable, a bit lighter, and more weatherproof, all for the same price as the standard Lux Stand bag.
Lux Carbon Stand
This is the Lux Stand with carbon fiber panels integrated into the design.
It weighs 6.1 pounds and costs $200 more than the standard Lux Stand. For those reasons, I can’t say it’s my first recommendation.
But if you want cutting-edge materials mixed with that classic Vessel aesthetic, this could be right for you.
Vessel's Lux Stand bag with carbon fiber panels that give it an elevated look and feel. It's more expensive than the standard Lux Stand, but for those looking for a touch of luxury, this is a great choice.
Lux Air
Think of this as the lightweight version of the Lux Stand.
I tested this bag, and at 4.3 pounds without straps, it’s even lighter than the Player Air.
Vessel used the same Cordura nylon material as the Player Air. But they upgraded the zipper pulls. Instead of those super thin pulls on the Player Air, the Lux Air has the classic leather zipper pulls that Vessel uses on their other bags.
That might sound like a small thing, but it makes a definite difference in usability.
The bag is also a touch smaller than the Lux Stand, so you’re giving up some storage. But if you want the easiest Vessel bag to carry and you’re willing to pack a little lighter, this is it.
I’ve been reaching for this bag more than I expected to. It’s just so easy.
The Lux Air is Vessel's lightest full featured bag, and I've loved the layout and ease of carrying. You sacrifice a bit of space, but if the reason you've avoided Vessel is weight? This might be the bag for you.
Lux Looper
This is Vessel’s minimalist stand bag.
It’s got a 4-way top, weighs 5.4 pounds, and is for golfers who want to strip things down and keep it simple.
I haven’t tested this one yet, but if you walk most of your rounds and don’t need maximum storage, this is worth looking at.
For what it’s worth, on a recent trip to Ballyneal, I brought the standard Lux Stand, and my caddie there said it was totally fine from a weight perspective. So if you want something a little bit more full featured than this, I’d consider that one.
This is a more minimalist Vessel golf bag. At 5.4 pounds and optimized for comfort, it's perfect for caddies or regular carriers.
Vessel’s Cart Bags and Staff Bags
If you primarily ride or use a push cart, Vessel’s got plenty of options. I can tell you from personal experience, these bags are fantastic. While I’m most often a walker, this is the line of bags that seriously makes me want to ride more.
Lux Cart 2.0 and Lux Pro Cart 2.0
First of all, these bags are gorgeous.
The standard Lux Cart 2.0 comes with either a 7-way or 14-way top. I personally go with the 7-way because I’m not disciplined enough to put every single club back in the exact same slot every time. If you’re that organized, great. I’m not.
The bag weighs under 7 pounds, has 11 pockets, and it’s wrapped in Vessel’s signature tour-grade synthetic leather that just feels premium. There’s a cart strap pass-through, magnetic rangefinder pocket, cooler-lined compartments… pretty much all the stuff you’d expect from Vessel.
At first glance, the Pro version looks and feels pretty much the same as the standard version. But when you start looking closer, you realize the Pro has a lot more packed into what feels like the same footprint.
The Pro has 30 pockets! The standard has 21. You get an extra garment pocket, a magnetic valuables pouch, and extra storage compartments.
Is the Pro version worth an extra $50? I think that if you’re already spending in that $400 range for a cart bag, you’re probably OK with spending that much more. But it just depends on how much you think you’ll need the extra storage.
Looking for the best luxury cart bag and money is no issue? These latest bags from Vessel are the ones I'd buy in this segment.
These have been on sale recently, so check current pricing!
Lux Pro Cart
This is the original Lux Pro Cart version, before the newer 2.0 model.
And honestly, considering that you can still buy this older model but for more than $100 less than the Lux Pro Cart 2.0, I think it’s definitely worth considering.
The 2.0 Pro adds some nice refinements like premium touchpoints, new storage options, more magnetic access, enhanced weather protection, and small design tweaks for a more modern look.
But it’s not like they reinvented the bag. There’s a lot more that’s the same than that’s different.
I loved this golf bag when I first reviewed it. And, yes, for me the 2.0 model surpasses it. But I don’t know about $100 better. There’s still a lot to like with this original model for as long as it’s available.
If you're someone who needs a cart bag, but doesn't want to sacrifice on quality, features, or looks, then the Vessel LUX Pro Cart is the bag for you. Big savings available on Vessel's site.
Lux Prime Cart
This is Vessel’s statement cart bag. I haven’t tested it personally, but I think of it as like staff bag styling with cart bag functionality.
It’s got a 6-way top, this gorgeous crosshatch leather styling, and it weighs just under 10 pounds.
This is for the golfer who wants that tour-level presence without committing to a full staff bag.
Vessel's statement cart bag. This is full-on tour-presence luxury - like a staff bag on a cart. It's heavy, but if you're riding, who cares?
Prime Staff and Prime Mini Staff
These are staff bags.
If you know you want a staff bag, chances are you’re a very high level player or you really like the look of a staff bag and you’ve got a cart or a caddie to deal with it.
The Mini Staff is the scaled-down version with a 5-way top and just under 9 pounds. The regular Prime Staff is the full-sized tour bag.
Both are beautiful. But both are definitely heavy and designed for situations where weight doesn’t matter.
Chances are, most Breaking Eighty readers aren’t shopping for staff bags, but if you are, you can’t go wrong with Vessel. That’s true of whatever type of golf bag you’re looking for.
If you're in the market for a gorgeous tour-level bag, you can't do better than this. The Prime Staff Mini option lightens the load just a touch but still provides plenty of luxury.
Vessel’s Specialty Bags
Alright, just a few more to cover.
Vessel’s got some bags that cover fairly specific situations, mostly really light Sunday bags, kids’ bags, and travel bags. Let’s take a look at each.
Sunday III Stand, Sunday III DXR Stand, Sunday III Leather Stand
These are Sunday bags. Smaller, lighter, designed for quick or casual rounds.
The standard version weighs 4.5 pounds and has a 3-way top.
The DXR version weighs 4.15 pounds and uses that ripstop material.
Then there’s the leather version at $999. It’s genuine leather. And it’s definitely beautiful. But it’s also a thousand dollars for a Sunday bag.
If you want an extremely high quality Sunday bag, without going for a more expensive bespoke option? The Sunday III may be just what you're looking for.
Pencil Stand
This is Vessel’s ultra-minimalist option. It’s a 2-way top, weighs just 3 pounds, and is perfect for super casual golf or for trips to the range.
If you want the absolute simplest, lightest option, this is it.
Vessel's ultra-minimalist option. It weighs just 3 pounds and is perfect for those super casual rounds or for when you only need your essential clubs.
Junior Stand and Junior DXR Stand
These are scaled-down Vessel bags designed for junior golfers under 5 feet tall.
The great thing about these bags is that you’re getting the same Vessel design and build quality, but in options that weigh around 4 pounds.
If you’ve got a junior golfer who’s serious about the game and plays enough to justify getting a bag that’s on the nicer side compared to the rest of the options on the market, these are worth considering.
If you've got a junior serious about golf, this is a high-quality bag that's going to hold up to regular play until they grow into something full-sized.
Vessel’s Travel Bags
If you fly with your golf clubs even occasionally, you should own a golf travel bag.
Vessel makes two:
Golf Travel Case 2.0
This is the soft-shell option. It’s made from ballistic nylon with thick padding. And it folds up for storage. It fits carry bags and most midsize cart bags, but not staff bags.
Vessel's soft-shell travel bag provides protection from your clubs while being more foldable and easier to store.
Golf Travel Hard Case
This is the armored option. Built with SKB, it’s a true hard-shell case that’s waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof. It weighs 18 pounds, but it gives you complete peace of mind.
If you want total peace of mind that your clubs are going to arrive undamaged, this is how you protect them.
Which Vessel Golf Bag Should You Actually Buy?
Alright, given the fact that we’ve just talked about 25 different golf bags, let me try to narrow this down a bit better according to my personal experience and how I see it.
If you ride or push most of the time, go with the Lux Cart 2.0 if you want streamlined luxury, the Lux Cart 2.0 Pro if you want maximum storage, or the Lux Cart Prime if you want that tour-level presence.
If you mix walking, pushing, and riding pretty equally, I think the Player V Pro is the ultimate hybrid bag. It’s heavy, but it works in every situation.
If you walk most of the time but don’t mind a little weight, the Lux Stand is where I’ve landed personally. It’s the perfect balance of premium materials and manageable weight.
If you walk most of the time and you want something lighter, the Lux Air is your best bet. It’s the lightest option that still feels like a real Vessel bag. The Player Air is also great, but I don’t like the cheaper zipper pulls quite as well.
If you walk almost exclusively and you pack light, the Lux Looper or the Sunday III series are your best bets.
I’ve now tested several different Vessel models over the last few years, and every single one has been excellent. The materials are always best-in-class and the attention to detail is unmatched. They always deliver when it comes to quality.
Yes, they’re expensive. And some of their options are a bit heavy.
But if you’re serious about golf and you want to invest in a higher-end product that’s going to last and be comfortable, I don’t think you’ll regret choosing a Vessel bag.
And now you hopefully know which one makes the most sense for you.
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