Over the last 4 years I’ve played over 150 rounds with Vessel golf bags.
The Player III is one of my all-time favorites.
More recently I switched off between the Player IV and Player IV Pro DXR.
Then there was the Player Air (until one of its legs got snapped off, thanks Delta…).
Needless to say, any time a new bag comes out in their hallmark “Player” series, I get excited.
When my new navy blue Player V Pro arrived, I was thrilled.
Everything about it looks and feels like models of the past, but with some very smart upgrades that you’ll need to look closely to see.
But for as much as the Player V Pro upgrades some features, two others took a big step backward.
In this Vessel Player V Pro review, I’m going to go over all the pros and cons of this bag, and help you decide if it’s worth spending (a lot) of money to pick one up.
Ready? Let’s do this.
First Impressions: Just as Beautiful as Ever
Simply put, I think Vessel makes the best-looking bags out there.
The pebbled faux-leather is soft and supple and screams high-end.
The first thing I noticed on the new model is the chrome and leather zipper pulls. They’re a nice touch and make the bag feel that much more luxurious.
At first glance, it also didn’t look that much different than the outgoing Player IV models. And those, frankly don’t look much different than the Player III before that.
This is a good thing.
But as I dug in deeper, I began to notice some smart changes that definitely improve quality of life when using the bag.
Player V Pro vs. Player 5: What’s the Difference?
Last year, Vessel released their first “Pro” model of their Player bag. They essentially were up charging $40 for features that used to be standard on the Player III.
It kind of rubbed me the wrong way, and just felt like an excuse to charge more.
This year, while I still kind of feel that way, the Player V Pro is bringing more to the table over the standard Player V model – which I think makes it a no-brainer if you’re considering one of these bags.
Here are the major differences:
- Pro features 7-way dividers (new putter well), and the standard V only has 6.
- All 7 Pro dividers are all full-length, the standard V only has 3
- Extra magnetic valuables pouch on Pro
- Pro is over an inch longer and has a larger top
- Pro has a pebbled texture, standard V does not.
- New top handle design on Pro has 3 different handles
- Weight: Pro is significantly heavier at 7.5 vs 6.6 pounds for 6/7 way divider models without straps (more on that in a minute)
There are probably some other minor differences, but those are the major ones.
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.
The Two Fatal Flaws of the Vessel Player V Pro
For years, I had the Vessel Player series as my “Best Overall Bag for Most People” in my list of best golf bags.
But this year? I can’t quite give it that distinction.
To be clear, I personally love this bag. I imagine the majority of my rounds over the next year will be played with it.
But there are two major issues that will make it a deal breaker for many people, and I need to address them before I go any further.
What are they?
- Price
- Weight
Vessel is a luxury, high-end golf bag company, and the Player V Pro at $469 is representative of that.
But there are plenty of great golf bags you can pick up for less than half the price.
Is it worth it? Yes, I believe so. But it’s still a tough pill to swallow and many people won’t even consider it for this one point alone.
The second may be the bigger issue for you depending on how you prefer to golf: it’s heavy.
Like really, heavy.
This has always been the major knock on nearly every Vessel bag. With the exception of the Player Air, the high-end materials Vessel uses translate to increased weight.
Last year’s Pro model tipped the scales at around 6.5 pounds. Heavy for sure, but manageable.
This year it’s a whopping 7.5 pounds, and that’s without considering straps or the rain hood. Throw both of those in, and the weight balloons to over 9 pounds.
If you’re a golfer who walks and carries their clubs on a regular basis, there are just too many other great options that weigh significantly less, to make this a major recommendation.
However, there are some big buts coming.
How Does the Player V Pro Perform on the Course?
While weight is important, it doesn’t tell the whole story.
For my first round with the Player V Pro, I carried it at Torrey Pines South. The only thing more surprising than the fact we literally showed up and walked onto the course, was the fact the bag was so enjoyable to carry.