The Last Bag by Club Glove - Review

[Matt Saternus 34]

“The Last Bag” by Club Glove

Golf Travel Bag Review

 

 

Introduction

 

When you fly in for the PGA Merchandise, you get a chance to see a whole lot of travel bags. What stood out to me, as I waited for my luggage, was the overwhelming amount of PGA Pros and golf industry people who were carrying Club Glove bags. These are guys who A) put a lot of mileage on their travel bags and could probably have whatever travel bag they wanted. So, I wondered, why the preponderance of one single brand? I tested The Last Bag by Club Glove to find out.

 

 

Features and Quality

 

When you examine The Last Bag, there is no question that a great deal of time and effort went into designing and making it. The material the bag is made out of is a burst-proof nylon that feels like it will never wear out. I saw a lot of duct tape on travel bags this past weekend, but none of it was on a Club Glove bag. Additionally, the stitching and welts are all very heavy duty. I examined the bag from top to bottom and did not find a single loose thread, bad welt, or any other defect.

 

The Last Bag offers a number of features that I liked. First, the top is extremely well-padded (roughly 1.5” thick). This is one of the most important features since the whole point of the bag is to protect your clubs.

 

Next, the bag is large. It can easily accommodate a large cart bag, and probably could hold a staff bag. For me, it held a stand bag, a week's worth of clothes, and 2 pairs of shoes. Where Club Glove went the extra mile is in putting in a strap that secures the golf bag inside of The Last Bag so that it won't be jostled around during transit. And if the main compartment isn't large enough for you, the bag also has two large exterior pockets.

 

Also, the base of the bag and the wheels are seated in a hard plastic base. This offers stability, reduces the wear on the nylon, and gives the wheels a solid support structure.

 

Finally, I like that the bag features both a heavy duty YKK zipper AND large plastic buckles. Between these two, there is zero chance that this bag will be opened accidentally.

 

 

The Last Bag vs. Hard Case

 

Prior to testing The Last Bag, I had always transported my clubs in a hard plastic case. It's not something I will ever do again. Here's why:

 

· The hard case is heavy as sin. Between my clubs, 1 pair of shoes, and the case, I was right at the 50 pound limit. The Last Bag allowed me to pack my clubs, a week of clothes, 2 pairs of shoes, and I still had weight to spare.

 

· The hard case is hard to transport. If you're renting anything smaller than a truck or large SUV, getting the hard case into a car is a major undertaking. The Last Bag takes up only slightly more room than a standard golf bag.

 

· The hard case is hard to pack. My case closed with 3 clasps and it was often hard to tell if they were completely secured, whereas I've never struggled to know if a zipper was closed or not. It's also much easier to pack your clubs snugly inside The Last Bag.

 

The argument in favor of a hard case is superior protection, but having traveled with The Last Bag, I'm hard pressed to see where that improvement lies.

 

 

Value

 

The Last Bag by Club Glove retails for $299 and the Stiff Arm costs $27. This is the top tier for travel bags when it comes to price, but it is also the very top when it comes to quality.

 

When I think about the value of this, I ask myself two very simple questions, “How much is it worth to have my clubs arrive safely?” and “How much is invested in my bag?” For me, investing a little over $300 to protect my trip and my clubs is a no-brainer.

 

Obviously The Last Bag is not for everyone. For the guy who is going to travel with his clubs once in his life, it probably doesn't make sense. Then again, if you were that guy you probably wouldn't be reading this. When you take into account what the bag protects and the quality of its construction, The Last Bag offers a great value.

 

 

Conclusion

 

It should be obvious by this point that I was very impressed with The Last Bag, and that I would recommend it to anyone who travels with their clubs. While there is no question that it is expensive, it's a top quality, American made product that will truly be the last bag that you need to buy.

 

Grade: A+

 

 

** MYGOLFSPY.COM SPECIAL OFFER **

 

Enter the promo code MG011312 at www.clubglove.com and receive 30% OFF for the next 30 days. Offer is good on any item and there are no restrictions on the amount of items purchased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VISIT WEBSITE: http://www.clubglove.com/

 

FOLLOW ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/#!/clubgloveusa

 

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ClubGloveUSA

[GolfSpy_X 907]

ClubGlove is about as good as it gets for quality...the stuff literally lasts forever.

[GolfSpy WD 14]

That's a great deal, 30% off = $210. I may have to pick one up so I can bring my clubs on business travel.

 

Just curious, do you think the stiff arm is required?

[Matt Saternus 34]

That's a great deal, 30% off = $210. I may have to pick one up so I can bring my clubs on business travel.

 

Just curious, do you think the stiff arm is required?

 

YES!! A thousand times: YES!!! Again, the math for me is: $27 (less 30% makes it $19) versus replacing a driver that probably cost $200 or more.

 

To me it's a must have. It adds rigidity to the bag which is the only thing it lacks.

 

And 30% off is a SMOKING deal. You will NOT find better. I'm really pleased that Club Glove stepped up like this for the MGS readers.

[GolfSpy WD 14]

Yeah, even with the stiff arm it's a fantastic deal. I like the 30 day thing too, gives me time to do my taxes first

[GolfSpy WD 14]

Oh, and great review Matt...I got so caught up with that 30% deal that I forgot to say that

[GolfSpy Tim 55]

quick and to the point, but detailed enough for a decision, I like it, and I like stiff ones, so I'm on board! ;-)

[MarcKilgore 18]

Wish I would have seen this back in 2012 - especially with the 30% discount.  I just got back from a trip and for the FOURTH time I have a broken wheel on my SKB hard case - I bought it 11 months ago. I switched to a hard case after getting tired of replacing my soft cases after every 10-15 trips, and the SKB has been no better. The case is itself is fine and has protected my clubs well, but I seem to get a broken wheel every 5 trips or so... it's an obvious design flaw. My other gripe about the SKB hard case is that it never can fit in the trunk of a car. I always have to lay it across the back seat of a rental - even when getting full size sedans.

 

I'm wondering if any of you that have bought the Club Glove THE LAST BAG or the XL version... have you had any issues with the plastic area breaking or the wheels breaking?  I've already got a couple of the Club Glove stiff arms to use in a soft case for protection, so I'm set there.  The previous soft cases that I've had have all worn out on the bottoms rubbing on the ground after less than a dozen uses. However, I see the Club Glove Last Bag has a plastic shell on the bottom.

 

Would really like to hear any feedback from anyone, as I've got another trip in 3 weeks and need to get something ordered in the next week.

[GolfSpy Barbajo 9,582]

Wish I would have seen this back in 2012 - especially with the 30% discount.  I just got back from a trip and for the FOURTH time I have a broken wheel on my SKB hard case - I bought it 11 months ago. I switched to a hard case after getting tired of replacing my soft cases after every 10-15 trips, and the SKB has been no better. The case is itself is fine and has protected my clubs well, but I seem to get a broken wheel every 5 trips or so... it's an obvious design flaw. My other gripe about the SKB hard case is that it never can fit in the trunk of a car. I always have to lay it across the back seat of a rental - even when getting full size sedans.

 

I'm wondering if any of you that have bought the Club Glove THE LAST BAG or the XL version... have you had any issues with the plastic area breaking or the wheels breaking?  I've already got a couple of the Club Glove stiff arms to use in a soft case for protection, so I'm set there.  The previous soft cases that I've had have all worn out on the bottoms rubbing on the ground after less than a dozen uses. However, I see the Club Glove Last Bag has a plastic shell on the bottom.

 

Would really like to hear any feedback from anyone, as I've got another trip in 3 weeks and need to get something ordered in the next week.

 

Bought a Cadie on eBay about 3 years ago - and it's held up great!  No rips or tears to speak of, and it's been from Northern California to Central Florida to Boston to Arizona with no concerns.  Really sturdy and secure - no issues with the wheels.  Best news - only about $30 - I was a lucky bidder 

[Maverickping 187]

I have the last bag and it will indeed be the only travel bag I will ever need, it does what it was designed for. Don't hesitate to get one.

[PlaidJacket 7,737]

If I'm making a short in-state flight I use my Bag Boy Hybrid TC.

http://www.amazon.com/Bag-Boy-Hybrid-Travel-Cover/dp/B004NZNCE4

 

It's pretty decent and light weight. If i'm traveling further or for a major golf outing I ship my clubs. There's nothing worse than lugging a freaking golf bag around. It's a hassle. Ship and be happy my friends.

[MarcKilgore 18]

I've looked into shipping clubs, but I travel a dozen times a year. I'd be paying $3,000 a year to ship my clubs via UPS, FedEx, or shipsticks - at least. 

[PlaidJacket 7,737]

I assume you don't have to pay extra to check you're clubs on the airlines you use. I'm not fortunate enough to be able to take as many golf trips as you. Wish I could. The last two times I've shipped my clubs (From Texas) both American and Southwest wanted an extra $50 to check them. I shipped with FedEx both times for $40 each way. Once to Portland, OR and once to Montgomery, AL. I never liked to cram my clothes and accessories in with my clubs. I've gotten to where I now days I travel with a larger bag/suitcase and check my luggage. But I'm big on shipping my clubs now that I've tried it a couple of times. I'll be going to Florida in a month or two and FedEx will take care of things for me.

[GolfSpy Barbajo 9,582]

No charge bag checking may be the most valuable perk of Delta airlines "status."  Well, that plus the occasional upgrade.  

 

I'm fairly comfortable checking my clubs - no horror stories.  The Cadie bag I have has extra padding around the head, plus I bought a Samsonite padded cover to put over the club heads for extra protection.  20-30 trips over the past 3-4 years and the only problem I've had was TSA losing my padlock.  Solved $4 later...

[L.I. Rich 223]

Did anyone have any luck with the promo code?  I actually just purchased a travel bag in January, but I went to the Club Golf site to check it out, and decided to buy some head covers, but the code didn't work.

 

BTW, the bag I bought looks nearly identical to the CG bag, and although it's only been on one trip, it was great.  I used it for five days worth of clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.  I just carried a backpack with my laptop onto the flight.  The best part was that I only paid $79!

http://www.ebags.com/product/golf-travel-bags/chauffeur-3/40745,

[Kenny B 33,333]

I used to travel A LOT.  I started playing golf about 20 years ago on one trip; decided to bring clubs with me after that and and went through two travel bags rather quickly.  About 12 years ago I bought the Last Bag hoping it would be my last bag.  Although I don't travel now as much as I used to, I still have that bag (used it for a 2 week trip to Albuquerque last month).  It is worn with a couple of really small holes starting to show near the hard plastic (airlines are not nice to any bag), but it has done a great job protecting my clubs.  I might get another one just because they look so nice when new!  Thanks Club Glove for the great product.