The MNML MR2 is a High Tech Golf Bag. But…

A solar-powered phone charger. A built-in filming station for your swing. A custom, hand-painted design option. Bluetooth speaker compatibility.

You can’t accuse the new MNML MR2 golf bag of being boring. In fact, it’s got features — a number of them — that I’ve never seen in any other bag.

But is all that innovation actually useful when you get it out on the course? Or are we venturing into gimmicky territory here?

The MR2 is a seriously interesting golf bag. But at $319, the question needs to be asked: Is it actually worth buying?

Now having had the chance to put it to the test out on the course, I’ve got thoughts on all the things that are so interesting about this bag.

Some of these cutting-edge features? They’re legitimately really cool.

And others? Well, especially for some golfers, they’re not likely to justify the price.

In this review, I’ll get into what works with the MNML MR2, what doesn’t, and who this unique golf bag is best suited for.

Let’s break it all down.

First Impressions: High-Tech Meets Minimalist

One thing that sets MNML (pronounced “minimal”) apart is how they sell. This is a 100% direct-to-consumer brand. You can’t walk into a pro shop or a big box store and find one.

You order it from MNML, they ship it to you, and that’s part of how they’re able to pack this much innovation into a product that doesn’t totally break the bank.

Now, I’ll admit: My expectations were pretty high for this MR2 bag, just based on how the brand has positioned itself and how this bag is marketed. I was hoping for Vessel-level design and quality at a lower price point. And in some areas, the MR2 hits that mark. In others, it doesn’t quite get there.

Let’s start with first impressions.

When I took it out of the box, I loved the look. True to the name, the branding is minimal and clean. The recycled ripstop nylon material gives it a modern, lightweight vibe, and we’ll talk more about that in a minute, because it plays into some of this bag’s more unique features.

But right away, I could tell this doesn’t feel quite as high-end as some of the more luxurious bags I’ve reviewed.

If you’ve used the synthetic leather on the Vessel Player V or Player V Pro, or even the ripstop on Vessel’s DXR line of bags, those all feel a step above the MR2 in terms of refinement.

Same goes for the synthetic leather on the new Sun Mountain Matchplay.

That’s not to say the MR2 feels cheap. It definitely doesn’t. It just wasn’t quite what I was expecting based on the marketing and the price point.

That said, I think plenty of golfers might actually prefer this material over something like the canvas-style Jones bags. It definitely has a more contemporary, performance-oriented look and feel.

MR2 Size and Club Storage

This isn’t a hybrid bag. It’s not trying to be all things to all people. The MR2 is a true carry bag, and you feel that in the dimensions.

The top opening is 7.5 inches, which is noticeably tighter than the 9.5-inch openings you’ll find on something like the Vessel Player V Pro.

And I have to say, with 14 clubs in the bag, things do get a little cramped, and you’ll likely run into some minor club tangle. Not a big deal but something to be aware of.

The divider system is a 5-way velour-lined top with three full-length dividers. It works fine and the velour is definitely nice, but if you’ve gotten used to larger openings or more separation between clubs, you’ll feel the difference here.

On the plus side, the smaller profile makes the bag more nimble and walk-friendly. It’s lighter and more compact than most of the bags I’ve been using lately, and that’s exactly what it’s designed for.

Carrying Experience and Strap System

Straps are a huge part of the carry experience, and the MR2 nails some aspects while falling short in others.

Let’s start with the good. The velour lining on the straps is incredibly soft and comfortable. The padding is thick, and overall, the bag feels great on your shoulders.

The strap system itself is convertible, using a plastic clip setup that lets you quickly go from dual-strap to single-strap. It works. It’s functional. But it doesn’t feel as refined or high-end to me as some of the integrated strap systems on premium bags.

At a $319 price point, I would’ve liked to see more polish in this area. That said, there will be users who really value the ability to quick-switch to a single-strap carry option, and I think those people are going to love this strap system. So, it’s really personal preference.

Overall, the aim here by MNML is for a minimalist, comfortable carry bag. And to that end, it does the job very well.

Magnetized Pockets and Storage Layout

This is one of the cooler and more practical elements of the MR2: All of the pockets are magnetized. There isn’t a single zipper on the bag.

I think this design definitely improves on durability, since zippers are one of the most common failure points on golf bags. And after testing it out, I found the pocket system to be super slick. I’ve seen this before but only on a couple other bags.

I really like this all-magnet design. It gives the bag a high-end touch, and it makes it extremely practical. It’s really easy to access everything quickly when you just have to pull open a magnetized pocket instead of unzipping and re-zipping each time.

The magnets are strong. They close easily. And it’s a detail that I think genuinely improves the user experience.

There’s even a little magnet on the front of the bag where you can attach a ball marker, which is kind of a nice little touch.

As for pockets, here’s what you get with the MNML MR2:

• Ball pocket: Fits as many as two dozen balls
• Thermal pocket: Holds up to six 12-ounce cans
• Valuables pocket: Velour-lined for your watch, wallet, or phone
• Phone-charging pocket: Specifically designed for solar charging, which we’ll discuss
• Rangefinder pocket
• Rain cover pocket

There’s also a small side pocket near the hip pad that’s oddly shaped, a little too tight, and not particularly soft. I really haven’t found much use for that pocket, and I don’t really see it as adding much to the bag’s design.

One thing missing? A full-length apparel pocket. You can stash a jacket or pullover in the thermal or side pockets, but space is limited. And if you’re planning to also haul beverages, you’re going to have to make some choices. This bag can’t accommodate everything.

This is one of those design decisions that makes sense for a minimalist walking bag, but if you like to carry extra layers, you’ll feel the pinch.

I’m also not crazy about how this is one of those bags designed so that all of the storage is on the lower half of the bag. I just don’t find myself gravitating to that type of pocket layout. But, again, these are matters of preference and really not dealbreakers either way.

Filming Pocket: Surprisingly Smart

This is one of those “Why didn’t anyone think of this before?” features.

On the spine of the bag is a magnetic, upright phone slot designed for filming your swing.

Just drop your phone in, position the bag behind or to the side of you so that the camera is capturing your swing, and hit record.

It’s a smart, simple idea that works really well. And it’s a feature I think people are really going to enjoy using. We can all gain a lot from video replay of our swings, but getting a camera set up out on the range is a pain that most of us just skip altogether. This makes it really easy.

I think this feature alone is a strong selling point for golfers looking for something really cool and different but also really functional and beneficial.

Solar Charging: Genius or Gimmick?

This is probably the biggest attention-getter about the MR2. There’s a solar panel built into the side of the bag, which connects to an integrated USB-C port inside a protected pouch. Plug your phone in, and it charges.

And yes, it works. I tested it out on the course, and it worked flawlessly. And as long as you’re outdoors in the sun, you’re getting power. It’s cool.

But is it really necessary?

On the one hand, having a built-in power source right on your golf bag is undeniably awesome. If you play music on your phone, use GPS apps, take lots of videos, or whatever else, you’ll appreciate the backup juice.

On the other hand, for $20 you can buy a USB charger on Amazon that’s easy to replace.

So this one depends on how much you value convenience and integration. For me, it was a fun bonus, but not quite a must-have. I see this one as more of a cool conversation starter and something that could come in handy from time to time, but not the groundbreaking feature it aims to be.

Optional Bluetooth Speaker

You can bundle the MR2 with a matching matte-black Bluetooth speaker for an extra $39. It magnetically clips into the bag and charges via the same solar system.

The sound quality is decent (about on par with the JBL Clip 3 or Clip 4, though I’d give the slight edge to JBL). It won’t blow you away, but it’s plenty loud enough and functional for on-course music.

Again, it’s a nice touch. It’s not like you can’t find other similarly priced speakers of this size, but if you want a fully integrated experience, the speaker add-on fits the bag’s vibe perfectly.

Hand-Painted Customization Option

Now, I think this is really cool.

When you order an MR2, you can select the hand-painting option, and one of MNML’s artists will reach out to collaborate on a design. Then they’ll literally hand paint your selection on your golf bag.

That’s a feature I’ve never seen before with any other golf bag company. It speaks to the brand’s attention to detail and desire to stand out by doing things differently.

And it’s another one of those touches that’s going to play very well if you’re the type of golfer who wants something different from all of the other bags you see out at your course.

Apparently, it’s that 100% recycled ripstop nylon that allows for this hand-painted option. I don’t know enough about bag materials to know if you could paint on a different surface with the same results, but again, I haven’t seen any other bags with this option.

Another bonus, MNML says that the recycled bag material in each bag equals about 40 plastic bottles saved from landfills. So especially if you’re sustainability conscious, this is another clear win.

Where the MR2 Falls Short

For all its cleverness, the MR2 isn’t without drawbacks. Or at least design decisions that may or may not work for you.

The ripstop nylon is durable and looks good, but it doesn’t have the luxurious hand feel of synthetic leather bags in this price range. Then again, none of those bags offer a hand-painted customization option.

Storage in the MR2 is definitely a bit cramped. Personally, I miss having a full-length apparel pocket. If you tend to carry extra gear, I think this bag is going to present some challenges if it’s your regular go-to.

The top handle on the MR2 is plastic and kind of thin. It’s fine and it works. But for this price, I think a more premium leather or synthetic leather thicker handle would have been a nice touch. Again, is that a deal-breaker? Of course not.

In fact, none of these things are dealbreakers. But at $319, it’s fair to hold this bag to a high standard.

That’s what makes it an interesting product. I think that some golfers are going to see this as the perfect blend of minimalism, innovation, and luxury. And they’re going to appreciate a coolness factor that not every bag delivers.

Other golfers are going to see some of these limitations as shortcomings that make the price seem inflated.

Final Thoughts on the MNML MR2 Golf Bag

If you walk regularly, value unique features, and want a bag that stands out from the crowd, the MR2 is one of the most innovative bags I’ve tested. It includes features I’ve literally never seen before on any other golf bag.

It’s not a luxury bag in the traditional sense, even though I think the price might suggest that it is. But it’s thoughtfully designed, genuinely very fun to use, and packed with clever touches that definitely make it stand out.

If you carry more than you cart, appreciate minimalist styling, don’t need a ton of storage, like techy extras like solar power and a filming pocket, and appreciate a unique hand-painted customization option, then the MR2 might be your perfect golf bag.

If you regularly ride or use a push cart, want top-tier materials and traditional luxury feel, or prefer more storage and organization, you might want to keep looking.

I’ve really enjoyed using this bag. MNML is doing something different here, and they deserve credit for that. It’s refreshing to see a brand stepping out and taking chances, and I think their ideas are going to land well with a lot of golfers.

The MR2 isn’t for everyone. But for the right kind of golfer, it’s pretty awesome.

The MNML MR2 includes features I've never seen before. The question is, are they worth $319?

8.4 Innovative

This golf bag includes a lot of unique features, not the least of which are a filming pocket and a solar panel. For the right gofer, those features are going to be very attractive. But build quality isn't quite as good as other similarly priced bags, and the tech is a fine line between useful and gimmicky.

The Good

1. A lot of unique features that are going to be very cool to the right type of golfer
2. Magnetic pockets feel premium and practical
3. Comfortable to carry and thoughtfully designed

The Bad

1. No full-length apparel pocket
2. Materials don't feel quite as high-end as similarly priced bags
3. Storage is tight for over-packers

• Presentation 9
• Performance 8
• Quality/Features 9
• Price 8
• Personal Affiity 8