Truelinkswear Tour Stand Bag REVIEW

[SOONERMAGIC]

Alright,

 

Finally had the time to walk a round with the new bag and thought I would l would post some pics and thoughts about the bag. Got out for 18 on Sunday AM (43* and windy) and this bag was heaven...

 

 

Appearance:

 

The bag appears significantly smaller than my Titleist lightweight stand bag, but not as small looking as a sunday carry bag. The charcoal color is fantastic, and the white contrasts nicely against the charcoal primary color. The red top/club area really creates a nice contrast of colors while following the signature True Linkswear color scheme. The logos/print are not stitched and that will be my only negative with regards to the appearance if the print wears off quickly, if it lasts longer than a year, then we are all good. All of the stitching/zippers/zipper pulls, and pockets are very well made. These bags are very high quality with regards to construction it would appear. (only time will tell)

 

If first impressions are everything then this review should be over now... Bag looks great, and looks very well made.

 

 

 

 

Performance and Comfort:

 

The bag is significantly lighter than my Titleist lightweight stand bag even with all of the same materials/equipment. There is supposedly only a 1.4lb difference between the two, but the Titleist felt considerably heavier. Im not sure if thats because of the strap system on this bag or what, but its much easier to walk with and I did not have anything in the way, or uncomfortable on my cold walk. As I mentioned the straps are very comfortable and almost seem to assist in creating a weightless effect for the bag if you adjust it to set properly. The stand system opens up quickly and is very sturdy. One issue I have with carry bags is sometimes the stand system is a little funky and either the legs dont close all the way or quick enough. This causes you to get towels, a leg, etc stuck or caught. Not a big deal, but still just an inconvenience. This bag has none of that nonsense, I found this to be the most "user friendly" and "ergonomic" bag I have ever used. The handle on the top for trunk removal/picking up the bag is the first handle of its kind that I have grabbed and it seemed to be made for a human hand, not just any hand, but my hand. The rest of the bag follows this easy use, comfortable in your hands, on your back, and in your car theme, while carrying sharp looks for the True brand.

 

Last but not least the pockets are sufficient, well made, and plentiful. I have plenty of room for a laser, doz balls, wallet, keys, yardage book, tees, bag with ball marks, divot tools, and rain gloves.

 

 

Pros: Light, sharp looking, appears to be well made, and very comfortable

 

Cons: Not stitched logos/lettering, if you are used to cart bags the top opening will feel really small to you, but thats what a carry bag is.

 

In closing, if you are looking for a sharp bag, thats light, very comfortable (as with all True products) and not the same Titleist bag you will see on half the carts at your local club, then this is a good buy for you. If you never walk, and never carry a bag this bag might not be for you as the top opening is a little small for cart use.

 

 

I have attached some pics of the bag loaded/unloaded so you can see how much room there is, as well as the white T created in the club slots, etc.

 

[Colby327]

Nice review and great pictures. I like the colors and orientation, but IMO, they could have removed "True Linkswear" from a few places. Just seems like too much writing to me. They have their logo (red stripe with the "T") which I like, and I think that would have been enough, but writing out the words seems like too much lettering. I know Ping and Titleist probably have their brand written in just as many locations, but at least there are less letters/writing. Again, that's just my opinion.

Is True actually making this bag, or is Sun Mountain making it for them, like they do with Titleist?

Love the headcovers and total setup you've got going on there. Looks sharp!

[sharkiesj]

Nice bag sooner, do you know if it will fit square in a cart? And not twisted to the side when strapped in?

[SOONERMAGIC]

[quote name='Colby327' timestamp='1358269063' post='6232707']
Nice review and great pictures. I like the colors and orientation, but IMO, they could have removed "True Linkswear" from a few places. Just seems like too much writing to me. They have their logo (red stripe with the "T") which I like, and I think that would have been enough, but writing out the words seems like too much lettering. I know Ping and Titleist probably have their brand written in just as many locations, but at least there are less letters/writing. Again, that's just my opinion.

Is True actually making this bag, or is Sun Mountain making it for them, like they do with Titleist?

Love the headcovers and total setup you've got going on there. Looks sharp!
[/quote]

Per my discussions with True this is a bag they make/designed themselves (which is a big reason I purchased it). Rob, please feel free to chime in if this is inaccurate.

As far as the brand/logo complaints, I will ask you to think of it this way. They are not as established as Titleist/Ping, and I think their logo would be lost on most initially. I think this is a good way to help people associate their logo with their brand name and build recognition to the point that they can drop to a less busy/logo only sack in the future, but right now I think this is the right move for branding/growth/recognition.


With regards to cart position, I rode 9 the first day I got the bag and it sat just fine in the cart straps, no issues at all.

[SOONERMAGIC]

As far as the headcovers go, they as follows.

Driver - OU Sooners knit pom
3w-hybs - Back9USA - These look great, but my only and huge complaint I and all the guys at my club that use them is that they are made with cheap material. The white part (looks like leather) actually is some fake stuff that cuts/tears/looks awful after a month of regular play. To me thats great if they are $5 each, but for $20+ a cover it should hold up better.

[jerryo]

That is a great looking bag. I am surprised Rob would make a bag like that as he does not speak too highly of back pack style bags with stands on his Walking Golfer site.

[pingman1]

Very nice bag, really like the color scheme.

[SOONERMAGIC]

[quote name='pingman1' timestamp='1358340298' post='6238405']
Very nice bag, really like the color scheme.
[/quote]

Ill have to check that blog out.



Thanks, I dig the colors as well...

[3foot1]

Thanks for the write-up, Sooner. How many clubs were you carrying?

I agree with Colby about there being too many word-logos. In some ways, I think they might have gotten more marketing mileage if they'd only used the distinctive T's and perhaps one small company name logo, like the one on the ball pocket. It might force people to ask, which would start up a conversation, which is good. If Nike were starting out, just the cool swoosh would create an image and a buzz... I won't buy a SunMountain bag because of the massive logos and name.

If the bag is as comfortable as the shoes (at least by reputation) they may be onto something.

[SOONERMAGIC]

14 clubs, never any more.

[scratchswinger]

I love their products and this bag looks really good. Have you compared it to the Titleist Ultra lightweight? Interested to hear your thoughts.

[SOONERMAGIC]

Im sorry, I was comparing it to the "ultra" I just misspoke in my above posts.

[fore_life]

Looks awesome! Full length dividers? I've got a swift x that I love for walking, only complaint is that I have the model with only two club sections so it gets a little tight in there. This true bag is really the only other one that has peaked my attention.

[SOONERMAGIC]

[quote name='fore_life' timestamp='1358873796' post='6276727']
Looks awesome! Full length dividers? I've got a swift x that I love for walking, only complaint is that I have the model with only two club sections so it gets a little tight in there. This true bag is really the only other one that has peaked my attention.
[/quote]

Yes, the dividers are 100% full length as far as I can see/feel. (short of taking the bag outside and emptying it to get a great look)

[oregongolf]

If this was a waterproof bag (h2no/stadry), this would probably be on my list. How much does it weigh?

[SOONERMAGIC]

I think the website says 4lbs but to be honest the titleist says 4.4lbs and feels quite a bit more heavy.

You guys wanting waterproofing, etc need to understand this is a first run so these things will get worked out over time if the interest is there.

[JGalls]

[quote name='SOONERMAGIC' timestamp='1358887884' post='6278177']
I think the website says 4lbs but to be honest the titleist says 4.4lbs and feels quite a bit more heavy.

You guys wanting waterproofing, etc need to understand this is a first run so these things will get worked out over time if the interest is there.
[/quote]

Most likely it's how the bag is measured.

Ping weighs their bags with the straps.

I would imagine Titleist does not as their bags are made by Sun Mountain who weighs their bags without the straps.

At 4 lbs with the straps (if that's the case), then yes... a very lightweight bag.

I really like the design and was considering one before I picked up a logoless Ping 4 Under. Still might pick one up eventually as it looks like a very quality bag.

[SOONERMAGIC]

Only bag I have used that was lighter than this is a Sunday Carry, and thats hardly a golf bag. lol... like a shaft sleeve.