New Bag Choices - Now with BR-D4 Review

[chrism_s]

So, we've been over this territory on a few threads recently but I'm so stuck I thought I would right down where I am at. I play in the UK, have a Clicgear push cart and walk fairly regularly, lots in the winter when carts aren't allowed on the course.

I've currently got a 2 main bags, a Mizuno cart bag and an old (2018) Mizuno BR-D4 bag for carrying. The carry bag is starting to get very scruffy, legs a bit loose, so I want a new bag for this season (whenever COVID-19 lets it start). I think I can reasonably get 1 bag that can cover both walking and push cart, but given I walk a reasonable amount I don't want a massive bag.

It should also be noted I am a Mizuno junkie, so would like to go Mizzie if possible but I am very picky on design / functionality so things that don't work right are really annoying to me.

Current Options:

• Mizuno Pro Stand Bag (6 way)
• Mizuno BR-D4 Stand Bag (6 way)
• Ping Hoofer (6 or 14 way)
• Jones Utility trouper
• What am I missing?

Where do people think I should go, is the pro stand bag light enough to walk 18? Is the Hoofer a sensible cart bag as well as walking (I like the concept of the 14 way but only available in black in the UK). Does the Jones have enough pockets? No supplier near me is a) open and b) has these in stock physically si will need to order them in, so realisitcally can get 2 max before i annoy suppliers wiht return fees!

 

 

Edited May 1, 2020 by chrism_s

[GolfSpy BOS]

sounds like the BRD4 is your ticket.  Unless you really think you'll use the extra features of the Pro model.  They both looks sweet.  No need to go to the Ping if you like the Mizuno stuff.  From what I've read and seen they're quality bags.

[chrism_s]

Have gone with the BRD4, found a good deal on Amazon, fingers crossed it lives up to expectations!

[GolfSpy BOS]

Have gone with the BRD4, found a good deal on Amazon, fingers crossed it lives up to expectations!

Sweet! Post some pics when it comes in!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[chrism_s]

So, here is the review of the bag, at least up until I can get it on the course!

First Impressions:

Very smart, side by side with the previous version the stand sits a bit taller and the legs don't spread out as far.  On its base its a bit taller as well.The top at 6 way instead of 5 is well padded around the top, and the pockets are plentiful. It feels like it might be a bit lighter, but to be honest once full of clubs not enough you can actually tell. 

Key Changes:

• The leg mechanism is very different. It has moved to be aligned with the top of the bag, when extended the legs sit taller and more vertical, and generally it looks like a more robust system. The legs always annoyed me a bit on the old version, so fingers crossed this new version works.

• The straps are significantly changed. The way they mount has been changed from the old D ring style into a plastic clip which rotates as well. I've never met a D ring which didn't flip round the wrong way and put stress on the strap. They are also massively thicker, which again hopefully solves for my biggest bug bare on the old bag which was the flimsiness of the strap.

• 6 way. The new 6 way cuff works really nicely for me, I know it's a contentious topic but the 5 way annoyed me as I had to have the putter in with the woods, and then had one other section with 4 clubs, where as the 6 way its nicely laid out.
• Pockets, lots of pockets.
  • Positive is a new pocket between the ball pocket and the magnetic lid pocket. This means I can chuck tees and pencils in this new pocket and that means the magnetic pocket can have my rangefinder without risk to the lens from tees etc, big improvement! 
  • The ball pocket feels deeper, not significant but useful for us high handicappers!
  • The scorecard pocket is perfectly sized and in a great location, I like they've put the glove grabber there as well, makes sense for when you're walking
  • Bottle pocket. Insulated and in a good position, however now everyone has an insulated bottle on the course I reckon the need for it being "insulated" especially as its only half of the pocket is a bit irrelevant.
  • Mystery pocket! To the right hand side of the ball pocket is a zippered pocket that I'm not sure what you would use for. I might put sharpies there, possibly it can fit a bottle as well?
  • The apparel pocket is curved, this makes life much easier. The straight line of the old bag made it quite hard to get in and out. Inside it is a nice mesh sleeve for the rainhood, finally someone other than Ping thinking about where to put the hood.
  • Generally all pockets look great and seem to make sense.

More photos in the next post.

I think the bag is definitely an upgrade on the 2018 version. I've not put it on the Clicgear yet, want to get one of the bag kozies for it to make it sit well, but I'm really pleased.

Need to get it out and about soon, fingers crossed the social distancing eases. 

Keep Safe, Stay Home!

 

Edited April 26, 2020 by chrism_s

[chrism_s]

More photos:

[PMookie]

I’m loving the putter well!


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[Bmy]

Thanks so much for the detail on this bag. Does your putter happen to have an oversized grip? I use a jumbo Scotty Cameron grip which is quite thick - and just wondering if it will fit OK in the putter well. Thanks!

[MizunoBuff]

Great review!! Is the valuables pocket waterproof?