Vessel Player V Pro Review: The Best Hybrid Golf Bag Ever Made

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.

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?

1. Price
2. 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.

Yes, on its own the bag is heavy. But it’s what you put inside it that makes a much bigger difference.

The Vessel Bag is 2-3 pounds heavier than what you might consider a “light” golf carry bag. But their equilibrium shoulder strap system is one of the best in the business. 

The velour-lined straps are very well padded and just carry extremely well. It balances the weight in all the right spots, and makes the bag feel lighter than it is.

The rotator base is great as well. Repeatedly setting the bag down always feels satisfying when it locks into place.

The magnetic rangefinder pouch is the best in the business, and I love how easy it is to access my device anytime I need it.

This bag has tons of storage options, so that’s where you need to be careful. I’ve had no issues fitting my full-frame camera with large telephoto lens in the garment pocket, along with a vest.

I’ve also been able to fit a pair of size 12 G/FORE Gallivanters in there no problem as well.

I also love the redesigned top handle for the V Pro which includes two additional handles. Not only does it fit nicely with the design, it really adds a level of functionality and convenience. 

So if you like to carry, and tend to be a packrat? That’s where you’ll get into trouble, and your back (or caddie) may hate you for it.

But all told, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how well this bag carries, despite its heft.

Why the Player V Pro is the Ultimate Hybrid Golf Bag

So yes, you can absolutely carry this bag, and be just fine. I have, and I will continue to do so.

But this bag wasn’t designed for that person.

The Player V Pro is the best hybrid bag I’ve ever tested.

What do I mean by hybrid?

This bag is a dream for the person who mixes up how they get around the golf course.

Do you ride 50% of the time? Use a push cart 30%? Walk 20%?

This bag excels in all of those conditions – and I think that’s who Vessel was going for when designing it.

One of the major updates over the Player IV is the hidden cart strap sleeve – and added protector.

Often carry bags are too small or light to work well on a cart – not the case here.

The Player V Pro with its slightly larger size and weight over the standard Player V, makes it almost as good as a true cart bag when it’s used on a cart.

For me, I generally tend to use a push cart. But I travel to write about a lot of golf resorts, and so often find myself in a cart for various reasons.

Having a bag that is great in both situations, and still totally carryable? It’s the perfect bag for the way I golf.

It’s worth noting, that this is also just large and stable enough to work well on electric caddies like the Stewart Golf Q-Follow or the MGI Zip Navigator.

Final Thoughts on the Vessel Player V Pro

At first, I was disappointed to see how much heavier this bag was than its predecessors.

But then as I used it more, not only was I pleased to see it carried much better than I expected it to, I began to consider the idea of a “hybrid bag”: equal parts cart, push cart, carry.

And when you look at it through that lens? It’s one of the best bags I’ve ever tested.

The people who’ve hated on Vessel for weight in the past, will have even more reason to do so.

Same goes for the ones who scoff at the price.

And that’s totally fine, this bag isn’t for everybody, and there are so many good options out there.

But for the person who wants a high-end bag that feels every bit of its price, and is usable in just about every situation you could throw at it?

This may be just the bag you’ve been looking for.

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Recent Updates:

November 6th, 2024: Added video review.