Vessel Golf Bags

[hunterdog]

I am pretty sure that I would like to purchase a Vessel VLS or Player III. My question is really about the synthetic leather versus the nylon. I am not in area where I can see the bags in person and this would be an internet purchase. I am not concerned about the weight difference. Does anyone have any experience and can compare the two?

[ChadL]

I own a Player III.  The overall construction, looks, quality is pretty outstanding. I got the Iridium color.  I was concerned because the dominant color is white.  I was concerned it would show dirt.  However, the material cleans really easily.  I have two gripes.  The first is the 14 way divider.  If I could do it over I would get the 6 way.  I've only had the bag 16-18 months and the dividers are coming apart.  I've literally had the divider sleeves pull out when taking out an iron. I also have a Bagboy hybrid 14 way and the dividers are still going strong after ~3 years.  My other gripe is their "Self Adjusting Strap". The buckle will get caught and pinch my shirt.  Probably not a big deal but it is annoying when you go to take the bag off and it pulls your shirt pretty hard. I am planning on buying a new bag this winter and even with those gripes I'm seriously considering another Player III (with a 6 way divider).

[Swopes30]

I've talked with Vessel customer service and they going to address the 14 way divider issue with the Player 4.  It is due to come out at some point in 2023.

[cardigan]

 

 

 

[Ger21]

9 hours ago, ChadL said:

I got the Iridium color.  I was concerned because the dominant color is white.  I was concerned it would show dirt.  However, the material cleans really easily.

Same here. I find the black actually shows scuff marks and dirt more than the white.

Also frustrated with the 14 way dividers. I've had times where I had to work really hard both to get a club out of the bag, and put it back into the bag. And I'm constantly pulling loose threads off the grips.

I had an Ogio for close to 10 years prior to this, and never had a single incident of a club sticking in their 14 way dividers. To be fair, they were much bigger.

Love everything else about the bag, though.

[mattseb]

I got the Player III. I overpaid for this beauty because i currently live in Indonesia but its well worth it in my opinion. The build quality is impressive compared to titleist bags. They do come with a hefty price tag but the bag itself feels premium. In regards to the synthetic leather, its really good against the elements. Here in the tropics rain is very common and the bag i waterproof. The material is easy to clean and the droplets of rain can be easily wiped with your golf towel.

[jah7838]

I have the recent TM Vessel bag and the only real complaint that I have is the water bottle holder.  It really can't hold much water.  It's not like I really use it for carrying while walking, so it's not that big of a deal, but when I do walk, I'll put bottle in the larger side pocket.  No complaints about the 4 way divider with this bag.  The quality is great and I'm a big fan of the grey color.  

[awtryau89]

21 hours ago, jah7838 said:

I have the recent TM Vessel bag and the only real complaint that I have is the water bottle holder.  It really can't hold much water.  It's not like I really use it for carrying while walking, so it's not that big of a deal, but when I do walk, I'll put bottle in the larger side pocket.  No complaints about the 4 way divider with this bag.  The quality is great and I'm a big fan of the grey color.  

I have the same bag and I snagged one of these.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081DVVDJG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Works great in the pocket as it is slim. Doesn't hold a ton of water but our club has coolers every other hole so I just fill up when needed. I really didn't want a huge bottle anyway because that is the biggest weight addition to any walking bag. 

[jah7838]

21 minutes ago, awtryau89 said:

I have the same bag and I snagged one of these.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081DVVDJG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Works great in the pocket as it is slim. Doesn't hold a ton of water but our club has coolers every other hole so I just fill up when needed. I really didn't want a huge bottle anyway because that is the biggest weight addition to any walking bag. 

I'll keep that one in mind if I walk with this bag more often.  I really only walk and carry when I'm playing 9 holes with the golfers I coach, and I don't use this bag that often for practice.  If I'm playing on the weekend and walking, I'll usually use my pushcart because the courses we walk don't have a lot of coolers on the course, so I have to carry more with me on my pushcart.  

[EagleCity]

Anyone use a Vessel VLS with a BagBoy Nitron push cart? Wondering how it fits, if it twists at all etc. 

[GolfCsty]

I currently have a Players 2.0 custom that, functional wise, is great but the color is loud and draws too much attention. Because I didn't pay for that bag I've been looking for something that's high quality but more subdued. Naturally I've been eyeing the VLS lux and TM vessel as alternatives. I got hands on a TM vessel at a store this morning. Material, even if they do say it's vegan leather, is different. Most notable it's thinner than the players 2.0 and I would have to assume it's thinner than the material on the 3.0. That's likely for the purpose of saving weight but I question it's durability. It could be very durable I just don't know without long term use. Quality outside of that seemed pretty darn good which should be expected and demanded at such a high price point. My other concern, without using it daily, is the size of the apparel pocket. I could foresee it being difficult to stuff a full size pullover/sweater in there. My own opinion, after seeing it, is I'm not sold. Based on my experience and knowledge of the 2.0 I'll probably go with the 3.0. Or save some money and get the tried and true classic Ping Hoofer.

Edited November 19, 2022 by GolfCsty
Proof reading

[tiger-vs-me]

…😍😍

[Zonazoo]

On 11/13/2022 at 8:45 AM, hunterdog said:

I am pretty sure that I would like to purchase a Vessel VLS or Player III. My question is really about the synthetic leather versus the nylon. I am not in area where I can see the bags in person and this would be an internet purchase. I am not concerned about the weight difference. Does anyone have any experience and can compare the two?

I have the VLX (synthetic leather) vs. the nylon. I am really happy with the choice because the leather looks much cleaner and is easier to maintain in my opinion. I strictly walk and was wondering if the leather was going to be too heavy vs the nylon and haven't found any issues with weight. 

[Lemonde]

Anyone looking at the VLX 2.0?  I’m seriously considering it.  

[Loose_Ferrule]

I'm strongly considering the VLX 2.0 in Carbon Navy. From the pictures I've seen the bag looks great. The larger top on the 2.0 is a welcomed addition.

 

Currently have the VLS DXR ( among others ) and trying to justify why I need a sixth golf bag🤦‍♂️

[MountainKing]

15 hours ago, Lemonde said:

Anyone looking at the VLX 2.0?  I’m seriously considering it.  

 

I bought one during the black Friday sale.  My main bag is/was a staff stand bag so I was a bit worried about space/tangle.  I mainly purchased it to have a smaller bag for some travelign we'll be doing next year, and knowing caddies won't want to lug my 9 pound bag around.  I took it out for one round when the weather warmed up a bit and I think I might just stick with it as my full time bag.  

[Zonazoo]

On 12/13/2022 at 3:59 AM, Loose_Ferrule said:

I'm strongly considering the VLX 2.0 in Carbon Navy. From the pictures I've seen the bag looks great. The larger top on the 2.0 is a welcomed addition.

 

Currently have the VLS DXR ( among others ) and trying to justify why I need a sixth golf bag🤦‍♂️

Saw the navy VLX 2.0 in person and it’s even better than the pictures online

[WiscoSmails]

On 11/18/2022 at 9:40 PM, EagleCity said:

Anyone use a Vessel VLS with a BagBoy Nitron push cart? Wondering how it fits, if it twists at all etc. 

Fits nicely. VLS seems like a great combo of comfort and weight, only imagine using the push cart on 18 hole rounds in the heat of the summer. 

[Jetsguy1792]

Got a vlx 2.0 and it’s the best bag ever. Had a linksmaster and the vlx 2 is lighter carry’s more comfortable and has just as much storage. Plus the 4 was top is better 

[Derek1387]

On 12/13/2022 at 4:59 AM, Loose_Ferrule said:

I'm strongly considering the VLX 2.0 in Carbon Navy. From the pictures I've seen the bag looks great. The larger top on the 2.0 is a welcomed addition.

 

Currently have the VLS DXR ( among others ) and trying to justify why I need a sixth golf bag🤦‍♂️

Thats where I am at. I have the LUX cart bag, a BB Chiller, and three Titleist Players bags, and a staff abg. Im a bag whore.

But now I want a matching Vessel stand bag LOL

[tiger-vs-me]

Today my new bag arrived. Yes, i’m a bag junkie, and really happy that i’m not the only one.

First of all, WHAT A BEAUTY 

I bought it via the black friday sale, and i must say, it was a easy process with great communication!

I put my logobrand on it so it took a bit longer. But it was worth the waiting.

Great product, high quality and i fall in love with it!

If anyone wants to see mor pictures, i‘ll do!

[bwclark174]

Has anyone had any issues using this bag on a cart?  I ride and walk equally and don't want to switch bags depending on which I am doing on a certain day.

[johnnyscarps007]

7 hours ago, bwclark174 said:

Has anyone had any issues using this bag on a cart?  I ride and walk equally and don't want to switch bags depending on which I am doing on a certain day.

No issues at all if you are talking about the above vls lux. I do use the cart strap pad to protect the material 

[Ripper212]

9 hours ago, bwclark174 said:

Has anyone had any issues using this bag on a cart?  I ride and walk equally and don't want to switch bags depending on which I am doing on a certain day.

Not sure which bag you're referring to, but I have a Players III DXR and have zero issues on a cart. I don't bother with a cart strap and certainly can't see any wear on the bag.

[wedgegame]

On 11/18/2022 at 7:40 PM, EagleCity said:

 

Anyone use a Vessel VLS with a BagBoy Nitron push cart? Wondering how it fits, if it twists at all etc. 

 

I used my Player 3 one round on a Bag Boy Nitron and it wore through the "Tour-grade Synthetic Leather".  It was never an issue with my Players 2.0 bag, and I was actually quite surprised how thin the material is.  I will say the customer service was great and they did send a replacement.  However, now I am question whether or not the replacement bag has the right amount of full length dividers.

 

 

Shouldn't there be a divider where my hand is?

 

 

I'm really torn because I love the bag, but I don't want to have to baby my golf bag. 

[JP1000]

On 11/18/2022 at 9:57 AM, awtryau89 said:

I have the same bag and I snagged one of these.

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081DVVDJG?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

Thanks for this tip, I've just ordered one now to try.

 

Don't get me wrong, Vessel bags are outstanding, and I currently own two (PIII and LiteLux).  It baffles, me though, how they designed the water bottle holder.  Not only is it slim, but if you have stuff in the center main storage compartment (adjacent to the botter holder), like extra golf balls, this stuff will lodge in the crevices near/under the botter holder, making it impossible to push a bottle back into the holder.   I'm sorry, if my description is not clear, but I think those who own Vessel bags will know what I'm talking about.  It's not once in awhile but invariably every round.  Like someone else posted above, I just carry the water bottle in the main side compartment.  Just an odd design. Even the cheapest mass market bag has a simple/sturdy useable water botter holder pocket.

 

While we're nitpicking, two more issues with Vessel bags to flag (and others have flagged these before as well):

1. Cart strap will definitely chafe the finish of the bag.  In fact, Vessel sells a Vessel branded sleeve that you put over the cart strap before strapping your bag into the cart (to prevent abrasion and damage to your bag).  I don't recall having to do so with any other bag.  I primarily walk so I don't care, but I do get invited occasionally to play with partners who cart. Then I do use very cheap car seatbelt covers (cheap on Amazon) on the cart strap. 

2.  The legs on the bag do not close completely or stay closed when you lift it up.  Vessel provides this strap/cord thingy that you can attach to bag and then the other end to one of the legs, to assist in closing the legs more tightly to the bag when you pick it up.   Again, I don't recall this being an issue with other bags.

 

Again, Vessel bags are outstanding - I own two and they are my primary bags. But as noted above, they are not perfect, and I'm just sharing my experience.

 

 

 

[JP1000]

On 1/15/2023 at 3:06 PM, JP1000 said:

Thanks for this tip, I've just ordered one now to try.

 

Don't get me wrong, Vessel bags are outstanding, and I currently own two (PIII and LiteLux).  It baffles, me though, how they designed the water bottle holder.  Not only is it slim, but if you have stuff in the center main storage compartment (adjacent to the botter holder), like extra golf balls, this stuff will lodge in the crevices near/under the botter holder, making it impossible to push a bottle back into the holder.   I'm sorry, if my description is not clear, but I think those who own Vessel bags will know what I'm talking about.  It's not once in awhile but invariably every round.  Like someone else posted above, I just carry the water bottle in the main side compartment.  Just an odd design. Even the cheapest mass market bag has a simple/sturdy useable water botter holder pocket.

 

While we're nitpicking, two more issues with Vessel bags to flag (and others have flagged these before as well):

1. Cart strap will definitely chafe the finish of the bag.  In fact, Vessel sells a Vessel branded sleeve that you put over the cart strap before strapping your bag into the cart (to prevent abrasion and damage to your bag).  I don't recall having to do so with any other bag.  I primarily walk so I don't care, but I do get invited occasionally to play with partners who cart. Then I do use very cheap car seatbelt covers (cheap on Amazon) on the cart strap. 

2.  The legs on the bag do not close completely or stay closed when you lift it up.  Vessel provides this strap/cord thingy that you can attach to bag and then the other end to one of the legs, to assist in closing the legs more tightly to the bag when you pick it up.   Again, I don't recall this being an issue with other bags.

 

Again, Vessel bags are outstanding - I own two and they are my primary bags. But as noted above, they are not perfect, and I'm just sharing my experience.

 

 

 

Some further comments on the last point about Vessel carry stand bags legs not closing/snapping back properly.    I walk and carry for 95%+ of my golf rounds, so I'm quite sensitive to the overall experience of carrying for 18 rounds.   I have noted elsewhere in this thread that I was disappointed with Vessel legs being very loose and not closing/snapping back when you pick up the bag. (despite their kludge strap provided to tie the leg to bag...uh this manual strap doesn't really work).  Upon close inspection today, the item that maintains tension with the legs, this square-ish plastic thing seems to be cracked.  I take very good care of my equipment so I'm not sure how this cracked but whatever.  So the drooping legs (easily open 15 to 30 degrees when you pick up the bag, and those loose legs will interfere with your pants or legs when you walk).  I will see if Vessel will replace this plastic leg tension device.  If not, I've found an independent supplier (on ebay) of a CNC milled piece that replaces the broken tensioning thing.   The fact that this independent piece/solution exists suggests the problem is not one-off?   Having to pay an additional $50 to resolve this, on top of the hefty premium price of the bag, is very annoying, but again, whatever.

 

1.  Again, Vessel is high quality, I own 2 bags.

2.  Some of the flaws though are head scratching, should be very easy for them to fix?   (the water bottle pocket is just a sad design...)

 

Anyway just sharing my experience with any prospective buyers.  Great product, but it has peculiar specific weaknesses/failures.

 

 

[noahshreve]

On 3/25/2023 at 10:18 PM, JP1000 said:

Some further comments on the last point about Vessel carry stand bags legs not closing/snapping back properly.    I walk and carry for 95%+ of my golf rounds, so I'm quite sensitive to the overall experience of carrying for 18 rounds.   I have noted elsewhere in this thread that I was disappointed with Vessel legs being very loose and not closing/snapping back when you pick up the bag. (despite their kludge strap provided to tie the leg to bag...uh this manual strap doesn't really work).  Upon close inspection today, the item that maintains tension with the legs, this square-ish plastic thing seems to be cracked.  I take very good care of my equipment so I'm not sure how this cracked but whatever.  So the drooping legs (easily open 15 to 30 degrees when you pick up the bag, and those loose legs will interfere with your pants or legs when you walk).  I will see if Vessel will replace this plastic leg tension device.  If not, I've found an independent supplier (on ebay) of a CNC milled piece that replaces the broken tensioning thing.   The fact that this independent piece/solution exists suggests the problem is not one-off?   Having to pay an additional $50 to resolve this, on top of the hefty premium price of the bag, is very annoying, but again, whatever.

 

1.  Again, Vessel is high quality, I own 2 bags.

2.  Some of the flaws though are head scratching, should be very easy for them to fix?   (the water bottle pocket is just a sad design...)

 

Anyway just sharing my experience with any prospective buyers.  Great product, but it has peculiar specific weaknesses/failures.

 

 

Do you happen to have the link to this EBay supplier?

[TM135]

Does anyone know if the VLS and VLS Lux lite are exact same size? Currently have the VLS. Perfect world large compartment would be slightly bigger 

[SFloridaGolf954]

12 hours ago, TM135 said:

Does anyone know if the VLS and VLS Lux lite are exact same size? Currently have the VLS. Perfect world large compartment would be slightly bigger 

Yeah I hear ya. If the VLS large compartment was larger, it would literally be the perfect stand bag