Why the Lux Stand Might Be My New Favorite Vessel Golf Bag.

Earlier this week I arrived at Ballyneal and asked my caddie if I needed to take anything out of my bag.

His response?

“Oh no way, this is super light. You’re good.”

I’m not sure I’ve ever had someone say that about one of my Vessel bags, which are incredibly premium but notoriously heavy.

But the new Vessel Lux Stand? They might have just nailed the perfect combo of size, features, build quality, weight, and carryability.

The question is, should you pay the premium to buy it over other similar bags?

Let’s find out.

First Impressions: This is a Beautiful Golf Bag

When I was choosing my colorway for the Vessel Lux Stand, there was one that immediately stood out: Crosshatch Green.

I recently reviewed the Sun Mountain Matchplay in a stunning green, and considering these bags are targeting the same market, I was curious to compare.

While the Matchplay is more of a bright kelly green, the Vessel is a darker forest green. Both look stunning. The Matchplay is definitely for someone who wants to stand out a little bit more, while the darker Vessel feels a bit more refined and subdued, in a classy way.

I think what surprised me most at first about the Lux Stand was how it really just felt like a baby Player V Pro. It has essentially the exact same layout, with everything just shrunken down by 20% or so.

I was a little concerned how I’d adjust to this, given I’ve been so used to having so much space in the Player bags. But we’ll get to how that turned out in a second.

Overall, I think this bag is beautiful. I’ve always liked Vessel bags (obviously), but especially in the green color, I think it might be my favorite-looking Vessel ever.

Build Quality and Features: Best in Class

The faux leather material is fantastic. 

The crosshatch texture is subtly different (and, I’d argue, a step up) from the Player series—less rubbery, more high-end hide. Every stitch, every zipper, feels solid.

There was actually a Taylormade x Vessel collab a couple years back, and aside from some minor differences, this bag feels just like that.

There’s a felt-lined valuables pocket, which is nice and deep. The dual water bottle holders with magnetic pockets are excellent.

The bag comes with both their equilibrium double strap system, as well as a separate single strap – which was a nice inclusion to see.

Everything with this bag felt instantly familiar, since it really is just a smaller version of the Player series.

While I thought I’d miss the space, I haven’t once. It forces me to be a little more considerate about what I carry, but there’s plenty of room for whatever you need.

I was especially happy to see the garment sleeve was still very usable and large. It’s certainly a bit tighter than the Player series, but bigger than say, the Stitch SL2, which is borderline unusable. 

I had no problem putting a sweatshirt, a bottle of sunscreen, and even my large mirrorless camera – although it does get a little crowded when you add in the camera.

The rangefinder pouch is still there and works great, and the side pocket was even cooler lined, which is a nice touch.

The rain cover is nice in theory, and it’s obviously very well constructed. But it’s big and heavy enough that that even with rain in the forecast, I rarely use it on any of my Vessel bags.

Performance: The Most Enjoyable Vessel Carry Ever.

Over the past year, my favorite bag to carry is the Jones Rover Stand. At 4.2 pounds, that thing is a dream. It’s actually kind of surprising to me that this Vessel only weighs .7 pounds more than that, given the materials used are definitely a step up.

Well, there may be a new favorite in town.

I can’t believe how much I’ve enjoyed carrying this bag.

The double strap uses Vessel’s equilibrium technology, making it one of the comfiest carry systems I’ve tested. Even after 18 holes, there’s minimal shoulder strain thanks to the wide, padded harness and contoured back panel.

I’ve always loved these straps, and they’ve made carrying the 7.5+ pound Player V Pro feel much lighter than it is. But when you throw these straps on a bag that actually is lighter, it really provides for a wonderful carrying experience. 

What’s great is I don’t feel like I’ve had to sacrifice anything either.

The Player V Pro is more of a hybrid bag that leans towards golfers who push and ride in carts, and occasionally carry.

The Lux Stand goes the opposite way. This is targeted towards golfers who walk or push, and occasionally ride. That said, it still includes a cart strap pass through which is super well integrated and thoughtfully designed.

I’ve played one round with it on a cart, and it was great. It was large enough to be stable, and I had no issues at all with it.

I had no problems fitting 14 clubs in the bag, and only very occasionally had any issues with club tangle. When you’ve maxed out the pockets, you may run into issues pulling or putting the clubs back in, but that has only happened once or twice in 7 rounds with the bag (1 on cart, 2 walking, 4 with caddie).

Should You Buy This Bag? Lux Stand vs. Player V Pro

At $399, I actually think this bag is a really good value for what you get. Yes, that’s a lot of money. But this feels like the most refined Vessel bag I’ve used to date.

I didn’t think I’d ever switch from the Player series, but this may be the bag that does it.

It has everything I love about the Player, and solves my one major issue with that bag: the weight.

So if you’re debating between those two, it’s an easy decision:

Do you walk at least 70% of the time? Buy the Lux Stand.

Ride or push at least 70% of the time? Buy the Player V Pro.

Matchplay vs. Rover vs. Lux Stand

But where it gets trickier is deciding between my two other favorite bags in this class: the Matchplay and the Rover Stand.

As far as looks go, I think all 3 are beautiful – so that one is a matter of personal preference.

If price isn’t a consideration, I personally think the Vessel is the best bag overall.

But the reality is, price is a consideration. 

The Sun Mountain Matchplay retails for $369, but as of this writing, I’ve seen two colorways on sale for $280.

Great price on that bag.

At $280 vs $399, that’s a tough call.

You won’t see as many of the Sun Mountain bags out in the wild, so if you want something unique, go with that. Although I’ve had some minor issues with the stand, and some odd squeaking of the straps – all things I addressed in my review. Nothing that’s a dealbreaker, but things I noticed.

Whereas with the Vessel, I honestly have very few, if any, negative thoughts on it. It’s fantastic.

The Jones Rover and Lux Stand are a little bit easier to differentiate as they’re quite a bit different. The Jones is lighter, made of canvas rather than faux-leather, and the MSRP is over $100 cheaper.

So I think you’ll likely know which of those two bags you lean towards. If you want lighter, cheaper, and more of a throwback look with some cool color combos? Go with the Jones.

If a little extra weight doesn’t bother you, you want a real more of a “luxury” bag, and you’re ok with the price? Pick up the Vessel.

Worth noting, sometimes you see some closeout prices on the Rover that get down to closer to $200, or even less during major sales. So if you see one of those, it makes the Jones an even better value.

Final Thoughts on the Vessel Lux Stand

Honestly, this may end up getting my vote for best golf bag of the year. The more time I spend on this review, and thinking back to my experience with it, the more I realize just how much I enjoy this bag.

I thought I needed the space and larger size of the Player series, but this bag proved to me that I really didn’t. Not only that, but by being smaller and carrying less, it’s actually enhanced my enjoyment of carrying the bag.

$399 is a lot money to spend, and this bag absolutely won’t be for everyone.

But if you’re looking for a well-built, good-looking bag, which has plenty of storage, and is great to walk with? I have a feeling the Vessel Lux Stand is exactly what you’re looking for.

Father’s Day Sale: Get $75 Off

Vessel doesn’t do sales very often, but until Father’s Day, you can get $75 off any bag. This means you can pick up the Lux Pro for only $325. At that price, this is a pretty killer deal, and is one I’d absolutely recommend.

I also think that given the way this bag looks and feels, it makes for a great gift for the dad in your life as well.

I’d guess we won’t see another sale like this until Black Friday, so keep in mind if you’re planning to buy a Vessel sometime soon.

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This Might Be the Most Well-Rounded Vessel Bag Yet.

9.6 Buy It

The Vessel Lux Stand takes everything I love about the Player series, and shrinks it down by 20% without sacrificing anything. It's versatile, a joy to carry, and for once, it's actually pretty light as well.

The Good

1. Best in class build quality and materials
2. Looks stunning in any colorway
3. All the benefits of the Player series without the weight

The Bad

1. Still on the expensive side
2. While storage is good, it is smaller than some other Vessel bags
3. Rain cover is bulky

• Presentation 10
• Performance 10
• Features and Quality 10
• Price 8
• Personal Affinity 10