Stand Bag vs. Cart Bag: Which One Should I Buy?
Every experienced golfer will tell you how important it is to have the right type of golf bag. Modern golf bags do a lot more than carry your clubs. You can use it to store various items and accessories that will enhance your performance on the course.
Below, we'll cover everything you need to know about cart and stand bags. By the end, you'll be able to make a well-informed decision on which one is right for you.
What Is The Difference Between a Cart Bag and a Stand Bag?
In short, both are designed to carry your clubs and accessories. However, there are a few key differences between the two you should know about.
Cart Bags
As the name suggests, cart bags require you to place them on a cart to carry them around the golf course. Although they do come with a shoulder strap, they don't stand upright on the fairway. If you're using a cart bag, you'll need to rent a push cart or attach it to the back of your power cart.
Many golfers opt for a cart bag because it typically comes with more compartments to store items. As a result, you can stay more organized and focus your attention on your game.
Stand Bags
Stand bags look similar to cart bags, but they come with built-in legs that allow them to stand upright on the green. They also come with shoulder straps, so you can carry it around the course as you play. If you're using power or push carts, they can typically fit comfortably on the back.
The only caveat is that stand bags tend to be smaller and more compact. While this can be seen as an advantage, you'll have limited space to store your belongings.
Can You Turn a Cart Bag Into a Standing One?
The short answer is that there isn't an easy way to convert your cart bag into a standing one. They don't come with any built-in legs, so you would have to add your own components. That said, there are a few places you can buy standing legs. However, it's not guaranteed that it will work as well as a stand bag.
What's more, not many golfers would want to carry around a full cart bag. Since they offer more storage space, the weight can be quite heavy. As a result, you're probably better off getting a standing one if you want something you can carry around the course.
Should I Get a Cart or Stand Bag?
There's often a great debate among golfers about which type of golf club carrier is the best. At the end of the day, it all boils down to your personal preference. However, here are a few highlights of both choices so you can have a better idea of which one may be right for you.
Stand Bag Advantages
Above, we mention how they come with two built-in retractable legs. This is an amazing feature because you can practically set it up anywhere on the golf course. Here are a few of the advantages of using a golf stand bag:
- Simple Design. One reason many golfers prefer a stand bag is that it's super simple. Stand bags tend to come with fewer pockets and fewer distractions. However, don't let the compact design fool you. They also come with plenty of dividers so that you can fit all your clubs easily.
- Extreme Comfort. Since stand bags are made to be carried, manufacturers put extremely comfortable padding on the straps for your shoulder.
- Lightweight. In general, they weigh far less than cart bags. Cart bags can have an average weight of about 25 to 30 pounds when full.
If you're the kind of golfer that likes to walk the course, then no doubt a stand bag is the way to go. You can find several high-quality lightweight options on the market that will last as long as you need them.
Cart Bag Advantages
When people think about a golf club carrier, they typically picture a cart bag. The original design for this type of carrier was to be attachable to the back of a push cart or power cart. Here are a few benefits of using a cart bag the next time you play golf:
- More Pockets. Perhaps the most common reason golfers prefer a cart bag is that they offer far more storage space. You can fit your golf clubs, accessories, apparel, and consumables all in one place.
- Various Options. One of the key advantages is that there are several options you can choose from. What's more, you can add on various attachments like cooler pockets, rangefinder clips, and umbrella straps.
- Easy To Access. Most manufacturers design their products to be extremely user-friendly. You'll find that it's easy to reach your compartments without having to get around your straps constantly.
For golfers that prefer to move around the fairway in a trolley, a cart club carrier is likely the best option.
FAQs
Can You Use a Stand Bag in a Golf Cart?
In short, you can use a stand carrier on a golf cart. However, you'll need to ensure the straps are tied on nice and tight. Otherwise, your golf club carrier could fall off and that wouldn't be a fun time. If you use a golf trolley or push cart regularly, you may be better off getting a carrier designed for a cart.
Why Do Caddies Carry Cart Bags?
If you watch the PGA tour, you'll notice caddies are carrying cart bags. Naturally, you're probably wondering why they don't opt for a standing carrier since they're easier to lug around. There are a few reasons why pro caddies do this, such as:
- Sponsorships. Since they are large, it's far easier to place a brand's logo on them.
- Access To Clubs. The golf club dividers tend to be well-made. So pros can access their golf clubs without them getting stuck or the grips rubbing against the bottom.
- More Storage. As you can probably guess, the pros tend to bring many items onto the course with them. Whether it's a towel, water bottle, golf balls, or snacks, they offer plenty of storage space.
Is a Cart or Stand Bag Better?
At the end of the day, the better choice depends on your preferences and how you like to play the golf course. If you don't need to bring many items with you, then a compact stand bag is suitable. For those who want to organize various accessories, a larger cart bag will do the trick.
What Are the Different Types of Golf Bags?
While cart and stand bags tend to be the most common, there are a few other options you can consider next time you go shopping for golf gear.
- Pencil Bags. These carriers are an up-and-coming choice and for good reasons. They are extremely lightweight and compact (even more than conventional stand bags). That said, you can still easily fit up to 14 golf clubs and a few small items. Pencil bags are an excellent choice if you're looking for something you can fit into a locker or in your car without any hassle. You need to be careful as they don't do well against heavy rainfall.
- Water-resistant Bags. While most of us hit the fairway to enjoy the sunshine, golfers are no strangers to rain. As a result, golf equipment manufacturers are constantly finding ways to create durable water-resistant options for their customers. If you live in a place where it often rains, getting your hands on a water-resistant golf carrier may not be a bad idea.
- Tour Bags. These are what you see the pros using, as they are typically the most high-end option available. At a distance, they slightly resemble cart bags. However, they often have various compartments and are quite heavy. If you want to take your golf game more seriously, then perhaps they are worth considering. That said, they aren't necessary for beginners.
Final Thoughts
When you consider the factors above, it's easy to see that both options could be useful for most golfers. Putting in the time to think about your playing style and needs will help you tremendously when it's time to make a decision. Try to think about what equipment you have, how you like to move around the golf course, and the amount of space you have in your car/locker.
If you're looking for top-quality golf bags, be sure to check out our collection here at Stitch Golf. We've been proudly providing premium golf gear to our customers since we opened our doors in 2012.