Would you buy a Linkslegend bag again?

[KMeloney]

It's time for a new bag. I have used a Titleist StaDry for the past 4 or so years, but it has developed a tear in the material, and generally has gotten pretty ratty-looking. Previously, I've required my bag be light-weight and waterproof -- and I'd normally just be looking at another StaDry, but the rip in the material has me a little weary about getting another...

 

A few buddies say they love their Linkslegend bags, but I'm aware of the following knocks against them:

 

-Club tangle

-Heavy for carrying

-Definitely not waterproof

 

I use slightly over-standard grips on my clubs, but my putter has a 3.0 SS on it -- so club tangle is definitely a concern. I also carry my own bag 95% of the time at my home club, so the idea of adding almost 3 lbs to the raw weight of the bag [over the bag I have now] doesn't sound awesome to me. As for the "waterproof-ness" of the bag, I try to avoid playing in the rain, so it's always been more of an added protection for the times I get caught-out. But I've been told that the Linkslegend will definitely get heavier if it gets rained on.

 

The Linkslegend bags DO look beautiful to me, and I have enough pro shop credit to not be dissuaded by the cost of the them. But, I tend to get a lot of miles out of my bags (I don't buy a new one every couple of years), and so I'm concerned about how these hold up (and look) over time, and whether I'd quickly get frustrated by club tangle and the weight of the bag.

 

I'm interested in hearing about your experiences with a Linkslegend, how it's held up for you, whether you've experienced shortcomings with it, and whether you'd buy another. Thanks in advance.

[XHoop24]

So I've owned many bags over the years and currently have a LL that I use alongside a SM2.5. The issues you identified are definitely there. Club tangle is noticeably worse that my Sun Mountain and the opening just feels small.  I think the SS3.0 could be an issue based on the sizing of the top opening.  The other issue I have is using it with my Bag Boy Nitron. It doesn't sit flush on the push cart. I've been able to work around that issue for the most part. 

 

In summary, I love the look of the LL, but not sure I'd buy one again. 

[frontallobe]

Its light for carrying to me. I agree it does tangle though. I wouldn't pay 400 for it 

[zlawson36]

5 hours ago, KMeloney said:

It's time for a new bag. I have used a Titleist StaDry for the past 4 or so years, but it has developed a tear in the material, and generally has gotten pretty ratty-looking. Previously, I've required my bag be light-weight and waterproof -- and I'd normally just be looking at another StaDry, but the rip in the material has me a little weary about getting another...

 

A few buddies say they love their Linkslegend bags, but I'm aware of the following knocks against them:

 

-Club tangle

-Heavy for carrying

-Definitely not waterproof

 

I use slightly over-standard grips on my clubs, but my putter has a 3.0 SS on it -- so club tangle is definitely a concern. I also carry my own bag 95% of the time at my home club, so the idea of adding almost 3 lbs to the raw weight of the bag [over the bag I have now] doesn't sound awesome to me. As for the "waterproof-ness" of the bag, I try to avoid playing in the rain, so it's always been more of an added protection for the times I get caught-out. But I've been told that the Linkslegend will definitely get heavier if it gets rained on.

 

The Linkslegend bags DO look beautiful to me, and I have enough pro shop credit to not be dissuaded by the cost of the them. But, I tend to get a lot of miles out of my bags (I don't buy a new one every couple of years), and so I'm concerned about how these hold up (and look) over time, and whether I'd quickly get frustrated by club tangle and the weight of the bag.

 

I'm interested in hearing about your experiences with a Linkslegend, how it's held up for you, whether you've experienced shortcomings with it, and whether you'd buy another. Thanks in advance.

I had the Linkslegend and it was awful with the club tangle. Also, the straps aren't my favorite. If you want the same aesthetic but no club tangle and amazing straps, get a Vessel VLX 2.0. I had one for two years and it was fantastic. I carry my Mackenzie exclusively now, but I have the VLX as my backup bag. It is the only Vessel bag I recommend buying.

[KMeloney]

50 minutes ago, XHoop24 said:

So I've owned many bags over the years and currently have a LL that I use alongside a SM2.5. The issues you identified are definitely there. Club tangle is noticeably worse that my Sun Mountain and the opening just feels small.  I think the SS3.0 could be an issue based on the sizing of the top opening.  The other issue I have is using it with my Bag Boy Nitron. It doesn't sit flush on the push cart. I've been able to work around that issue for the most part. 

 

In summary, I love the look of the LL, but not sure I'd buy one again. 

I never use a pull-cart, so I can't imagine ever running into an issue there. But you've addressed the rest of my concerns. Thanks!

[KMeloney]

10 minutes ago, zlawson36 said:

I had the Linkslegend and it was awful with the club tangle. Also, the straps aren't my favorite. If you want the same aesthetic but no club tangle and amazing straps, get a Vessel VLX 2.0. I had one for two years and it was fantastic. I carry my Mackenzie exclusively now, but I have the VLX as my backup bag. It is the only Vessel bag I recommend buying.

I don't think I'm interested in something LIKE the LL bag. I think that if I'm talked out of the LL, I'll go with another StaDry. I think. lol

 

Thanks for the feedback (and the recommendation).

[Aces-6]

I have a LL that I use for the rounds in which I ride. Would I buy this bag again? It's a hard NO. The club tangle is terrible, it's not just every now and then it's every time you try to pull a club out. The top opening is small and the pocket storage is limited. Many better options are available for similar money.

[bmbsawy]

Agreed with everyone above… I have a SICK green and white Linksmaster but club tangle is awful so it just sits looks pretty holding my extra clubs. 100% recommend the Vessel VLX 

[kamizzou91]

Agree with everyone else here.  Really like the bag (and I found that it wasn’t too heavy to carry) but the club tangle was a deal breaker for me so I moved on.  

[iceman1118]

I’m a slight bag ho. Belong to a walking club so it’s great to talk to experienced caddies about bags. I also enjoy carrying my own bag so I have some input there too. Short rant coming, apologize in advance. 
 

I bought a Titleist Stadry last season. I had an Ireland trip coming up and wanted to be prepared. The bag exceeded expectations. But the quality was awful. About three months into ownership the ball pocket ripped in half out of nowhere. So that was that. It’s a shame because the quality of the carry (I did get a single strap just fyi) was phenomenal. Bag was super light. My only gripe is the top is sorta small. I don’t understand why the top is not a circle, more square, or however else it can be described. The top gets smaller from bottom to top, so the top divider where woods and putter goes gets super tight. Storage is excellent on this bag. 

I have a Links Legend. The newest model with the grab handle. It’s sitting in my office holding clubs as well. Also use the single strap on it, but it can’t be adjusted tight enough to carry properly. The strap needs the ability to be pulled tighter. The bag sits too horizontal to the ground, doesn’t get vertical enough to make it comfortable. The top is definitely bigger than the Stadry, but it’s tight as well. I’m a midsize grip and LAB user, so my grips are a mess in that bag. If I belonged to a club that was 100% carts all the time, I would consider this as my bag. A lot of guys at my club use this bag, but when it starts to wear down you can see it quickly. Not sure of the obsession with this faux leather look, but hey here we are. 
 

Went to a Ping Hoofer Lite this season. Couldn’t be happier. Top size is excellent, storage is top notch, it’s not 100% waterproof like the Stadry but I have been caught in the rain a few times and it honestly gets the job done. It’s not keeping everything bone dry, but it’s functional. The club tangle is there, not going to lie. But if you stand the bag upright while removing and putting clubs in, then it’s really not that bad. Kind of a pain sometimes, but it’s fine. The straps are excellent and the bag never carries too heavy in my opinion. Can do 18 no problem with this bag on my back. Plus this bag just feels bulletproof. I bought the red, white and blue color way. Kinda regretting it because the white is a mess from carrying, but I digress. 
 

Another option is the SM 2.5. Never owned one but it was on my radar. Didn’t love the strap situation. I think a 2.5 with Hoofer straps or just a single strap could enter near unicorn territory for caddies and/or walkers. I personally like single straps better. 
 

Which leads me to my MacKenzie bags. I have two. Both 8 inch tops with 2 pockets. One is a waxed canvas, one is a ballistic nylon. I use these from time to time when it’s just me and my thoughts on the course. They really are a superior product. But if you care about storage and a stand, then it’s 100% a no go. But caddies generally despise them because there is no stand. I don’t carry much in my bag. 14 clubs, 6 or so balls, tees, laser, 2 gloves, scorecard holder, and maybe 1-2 cigars. So all of this fits perfectly. And somehow there is zero tangle in these. 
 

I have been to golf destinations where caddies and walking are the norm. Pinehurst, Streamsong, Ireland, and many others (No Bandon yet). When you talk to the caddies at those places they love to see 3, maybe 4 bag models from the guys they are looping for that day. It’s a SM 2.5, Ping Hoofer Lite, and the Titleist Carbon (I say 3 or 4 because some throw the Stadry in there too). 90% of them hate the Macs because of the no stand situation like I said earlier. 

 

Sorry for the rant. But figured some experience would help here.  

[ND2005]

1 hour ago, iceman1118 said:

I have a Links Legend. The newest model with the grab handle. It’s sitting in my office holding clubs as well. Also use the single strap on it, but it can’t be adjusted tight enough to carry properly. The strap needs the ability to be pulled tighter. The bag sits too horizontal to the ground, doesn’t get vertical enough to make it comfortable. The top is definitely bigger than the Stadry, but it’s tight as well. I’m a midsize grip and LAB user, so my grips are a mess in that bag. If I belonged to a club that was 100% carts all the time, I would consider this as my bag. A lot of guys at my club use this bag, but when it starts to wear down you can see it quickly. Not sure of the obsession with this faux leather look, but hey here we are. 

 

Strap tip - tie the top of the straps in a knot to shorten them even more than the adjustments allow. It isn't perfect but gets the back a bit more vertical/less horizontal. 

 

I visually love this bag, but it has been edged out over time by my Ping Hoofer Lite (for walking) and my Vessel Players IV (for riding)

[iceman1118]

51 minutes ago, ND2005 said:

 

Strap tip - tie the top of the straps in a knot to shorten them even more than the adjustments allow. It isn't perfect but gets the back a bit more vertical/less horizontal. 

I’ve done this before. Hate it to be honest. Shouldn’t have this issue on a bag that costs this much. 

[KMeloney]

This is some awesome feedback, people. Thank you!

[bcc69]

I have the original Linksmaster, and the current Linkslegend.  The 3 way divider on the Linksmaster has far less club tangle.  The Linkslegend has a 2 way problem.  Both putting clubs in and taking them out.  Love the look of the bag, but hate the club tangle.

[KMeloney]

16 minutes ago, bcc69 said:

I have the original Linksmaster, and the current Linkslegend.  The 3 way divider on the Linksmaster has far less club tangle.  The Linkslegend has a 2 way problem.  Both putting clubs in and taking them out.  Love the look of the bag, but hate the club tangle.

 

I wondered if the 3-way-divider bag would be less cramped than the 4-way... But the lack of grab-handle on the 3-way is an absolute dealbreaker for me. It's a shame.

[bcc69]

3 hours ago, KMeloney said:

 

I wondered if the 3-way-divider bag would be less cramped than the 4-way... But the lack of grab-handle on the 3-way is an absolute dealbreaker for me. It's a shame.

I agree.  I hope Titleist can get some feedback and improve the next model.  

[ND2005]

6 hours ago, bcc69 said:

I have the original Linksmaster, and the current Linkslegend.  The 3 way divider on the Linksmaster has far less club tangle.  The Linkslegend has a 2 way problem.  Both putting clubs in and taking them out.  Love the look of the bag, but hate the club tangle.

 

That's a good point. I have the Linksmaster with a 3 way divider. While I wish I had more dividers from an organizational standpoint, it does a better job when it comes to tangle given the small overall size of the bag. 

[sloansav62]

On 10/22/2024 at 4:49 PM, zlawson36 said:

I had the Linkslegend and it was awful with the club tangle. Also, the straps aren't my favorite. If you want the same aesthetic but no club tangle and amazing straps, get a Vessel VLX 2.0. I had one for two years and it was fantastic. I carry my Mackenzie exclusively now, but I have the VLX as my backup bag. It is the only Vessel bag I recommend buying.

Thank you I own several LL bags and a Vessel, and while my gamer looks great, club tangle is a PITA. Gonna give my Vessel a go this weekend.

[StudentGolfer4]

16 hours ago, iceman1118 said:

 

I have been to golf destinations where caddies and walking are the norm. Pinehurst, Streamsong, Ireland, and many others (No Bandon yet). When you talk to the caddies at those places they love to see 3, maybe 4 bag models from the guys they are looping for that day. It’s a SM 2.5, Ping Hoofer Lite, and the Titleist Carbon (I say 3 or 4 because some throw the Stadry in there too). 90% of them hate the Macs because of the no stand situation like I said earlier. 

Part time caddy here and just wanting to say this is 100% true. Carbon, hoofer lite (craze e lite is even better) or small sun mountain are the best.
 

I’m happy to carry your Mackenzie as long as you let me set it down like a normal person and don’t have trestle sticks or whatever you want to call them. They’re actually a great bag to carry if you’re doubling and just lean it against the stand bag when you set them down. 
 

We (caddies) dislike Vessel, G-Fore, Ghost, and whatever else is the trendy new bag that’s way too heavy and doesn’t carry well. 

[iceman1118]

6 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

I’m happy to carry your Mackenzie as long as you let me set it down like a normal person and don’t have trestle sticks or whatever you want to call them. They’re actually a great bag to carry if you’re doubling and just lean it against the stand bag when you set them down. 

100% no trestle sticks for me.. just pop it on the grass and go

 

I wish more caddies had this mentality. Had a few at my club tell our caddie master they don’t want to carry the Macs because they don’t want to bend down to pick them up, so he suggested the lean against the other stand bag like you said. Didn’t fly either. Such a shame. 

[mshills]

35 minutes ago, iceman1118 said:

100% no trestle sticks for me.. just pop it on the grass and go

 

I wish more caddies had this mentality. Had a few at my club tell our caddie master they don’t want to carry the Macs because they don’t want to bend down to pick them up, so he suggested the lean against the other stand bag like you said. Didn’t fly either. Such a shame. 

LOL ex caddie here and ZERO chance I’d ever reject a Mac. That is totally ridiculous and I loved carrying those bags. Soft!

 

I can’t ho clubs. So I am into bags, and shoes. Love the look of the Titleist LM and LL bags and have waffled about buying one over and over. Ultimately it’s not going to happen, the bag is just too dang heavy to carry, so it would wind up on my push cart where it would not work anywhere near as well as my Sync. 
 

I am also skeptical about the quality.  Been discussed here many times, but Titleist bags are not what they used to be. My Players 4 is less than a year in and it’s not wearing well at all.

[ND2005]

53 minutes ago, mshills said:

 

I am also skeptical about the quality.  Been discussed here many times, but Titleist bags are not what they used to be. My Players 4 is less than a year in and it’s not wearing well at all.

 

For what its worth, my Linksmaster was purchased in summer of 2021 and has been to Sand Valley, Streamsong, Pinehurst, Bandon x 2, Scotland, Nova Scotia, and has easily 200+ rounds on it. It has traveled well and held up well. 

[mshills]

8 minutes ago, ND2005 said:

 

For what its worth, my Linksmaster was purchased in summer of 2021 and has been to Sand Valley, Streamsong, Pinehurst, Bandon x 2, Scotland, Nova Scotia, and has easily 200+ rounds on it. It has traveled well and held up well. 

That is good to hear. Dang it. Gonna get me waffling again. 😂

 

My Players 4 looks like crap after this single season. I didn’t carry it non stop and I treated it with scotch guard. The bag is twisted a bit and there is a ton of wear above the hip pad from carrying and from cart straps. Of course this is a totally different bag from the premium Titleist models. 

[KMeloney]

42 minutes ago, mshills said:

The bag is twisted a bit and there is a ton of wear above the hip pad from carrying and from cart straps. 

 

The tear in my StaDry 4 is just above the hip pad and just under the bead that runs the length of the bag. Sounds like the same spot as yours. And it's the same spot as my buddy's tear in his same-but-newer bag. At this point, it appears to be a real design flaw in this bag.

 

...And my bag is also "twisted" from carrying water bottles in the bottle pouch. The weight of the bottle racks the bag over to that side over time. It's not a good look.

[KMeloney]

1 hour ago, ND2005 said:

 

For what its worth, my Linksmaster was purchased in summer of 2021 and has been to Sand Valley, Streamsong, Pinehurst, Bandon x 2, Scotland, Nova Scotia, and has easily 200+ rounds on it. It has traveled well and held up well. 

How's the club tangle been for you? 

[Glock917]

You should just drop the LL out of the running. If you play any rounds carrying it is not the bag for you. Too heavy and tangling are like two red flags that should get it out of the running.

 

I personally use the SM2.5+ and it is always one of tops in terms of a carry bag.

 

However it does not look as nice next to a LL and no one would argue against that.

 

If you'd like a nicer looking yet functional bag I'd go with the vessel sunday iii bag. I believe it is their lightest stand carry bag depending if you get the lighter DXR material. But I checked one out at a store and it suffices as a carry bag that can carry a full set easily looks nice and is on the lighter 4lb side. 

[AllDunn]

10 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

Part time caddy here and just wanting to say this is 100% true. Carbon, hoofer lite (craze e lite is even better) or small sun mountain are the best.
 

I’m happy to carry your Mackenzie as long as you let me set it down like a normal person and don’t have trestle sticks or whatever you want to call them. They’re actually a great bag to carry if you’re doubling and just lean it against the stand bag when you set them down. 
 

We (caddies) dislike Vessel, G-Fore, Ghost, and whatever else is the trendy new bag that’s way too heavy and doesn’t carry well. 

How about the Jones bags? I had a caddy tell me they liked my Rover Stand Bag, but of course he could have been doing it for the tip haha.

[AllDunn]

I am glad this thread exists. Was looking at a LL to kick off my next golf season with, but I can't stand club tangle. 

[KMeloney]

32 minutes ago, Glock917 said:

You should just drop the LL out of the running. If you play any rounds carrying it is not the bag for you. Too heavy and tangling are like two red flags that should get it out of the running.

I know you're right. I know everyone saying these things is right. Dangit. lol

[mshills]

I haven’t done it for a living for a long time, but when I was a club caddie, the following bags were tremendous:

 

Any Ping carry bag. The OG L8 with no stand was very common. 
Any Jones carry bag. I don’t remember ever seeing these w/o a stand.

 

Rarely you’d see a Mac, but this was a long time back, only leather, and Peter Jacobsen was involved. I can only recall 2 members who had one, and a guest with one was exceedingly rare. 
 

More frequent was a guest with a Burton staff bag from 1962 that smelled like an old basement. Bonus if the shoulder strap was missing and replaced with a length of the roughest jute rope you’ve ever seen. Yes, I was confronted with a bag like that once and nope, not carrying that one! Went in the bag room and borrowed a carry bag. 😁