Bad Birdie x Vessel - Player IV Stand Bag - Unofficial Review

huyhuyhuy · June 24

Introduction:
This past Spring Bad Birdie and Vessel teamed up again to release two golf bags. I'm a sucker for flowers and needed a stand bag, so I decided to pull the trigger on a premium golf bag.
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The Good:

The design/prints are clear and well done. There was a bit of concern that the print could turn out pixelated, but the bag generally receives a compliment every other time I'm on the range/course. The bag's been a real statement piece and definitely does the job grabbing attention.
The leather holds up well in wet weather. I've played one round while it hailed/rained and while some pockets got a bit damp (the magnetic pockets in particular), the bag itself held up incredibly well. I was really impressed that the leather didn't soak up the water at all and it certainly felt like a premium item in that moment.
Snappy magnets & velvet lines. The bag features magnets for the rangefinder pocket and 2 cupholders around the ball pocket. It actually took me a couple weeks to realize the cupholders were even there because the bag also has an insulated pocket for cold drinks. Since learning about the magnetic cupholders though, I haven't gone back. The velvet pocketing provides a nice sense of security that my rangefinder and phone are less likely to be scratched in the bag.
Ball pocket holds more than 48 golf balls. I didn't test how many it can hold exactly, but I did empty 16 sleeves in and there's still a bit of room for a few more!

The Bad:

Ball pocket is zipper lined rather than magnetic. This may be picky, but I thought it was strange that Vessel opted to use two zippers for the ball pocket since magnets appear elsewhere on the bag. This is both less convenient and less attractive than a magnetic option would've been. It may be worth noting that Vessel's latest stand bag, the Carbon Lux, does offer a magnetic ball pocket.
Plastic parts for the straps make it feel less premium. Throughout the bag, Vessel used metal where possible to establish the Player IV as a top shelf bag. So it was really strange that the shoulder straps used plastic parts over and over.
$600 price tag. The good news here is that I was able to apply a 15% discount code at checkout, but after taxes this bag still ran $550.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, I wanted a loud bag with all the bells and whistles, and, for the most part, Bad Birdie and Vessel delivered. I'm happy with the bag and if I could go back, I'd make the purchase again. I think it'd feel fair to rate this bag an 8/10 for me, but Bad Birdie and Vessel were incredibly close to putting out a 10 here.

Edited June 24 by huydao
Resizing Pictures

GolfSpy_APH · June 24

Thanks for posting!

Rob Person · June 24

Thanks for the review! The bag does look really nice!

I guess I really prefer a zipper ball pocket in case of hitting over some bumps with a cart and the balls flying out would be disastrous. Of course, I've never used a magnetic pocket, so can't speak how Well they stay in place in rough conditions

JAYER38 · June 24

Thank for the review! Seems like a solid bag and love the look of it!

On a side note: I want that driver!! haha

Rob Person · June 24

Oh, and welcome to MGS @huydao !!!

KC Golf · June 24

11 hours ago, huydao said:

Introduction:
This past Spring Bad Birdie and Vessel teamed up again to release two golf bags. I'm a sucker for flowers and needed a stand bag, so I decided to pull the trigger on a premium golf bag.

The Good:

The design/prints are clear and well done. There was a bit of concern that the print could turn out pixelated, but the bag generally receives a compliment every other time I'm on the range/course. The bag's been a real statement piece and definitely does the job grabbing attention.

The leather holds up well in wet weather. I've played one round while it hailed/rained and while some pockets got a bit damp (the magnetic pockets in particular), the bag itself held up incredibly well. I was really impressed that the leather didn't soak up the water at all and it certainly felt like a premium item in that moment.

Snappy magnets & velvet lines. The bag features magnets for the rangefinder pocket and 2 cupholders around the ball pocket. It actually took me a couple weeks to realize the cupholders were even there because the bag also has an insulated pocket for cold drinks. Since learning about the magnetic cupholders though, I haven't gone back. The velvet pocketing provides a nice sense of security that my rangefinder and phone are less likely to be scratched in the bag.


Ball pocket holds more than 48 golf balls. I didn't test how many it can hold exactly, but I did empty 16 sleeves in and there's still a bit of room for a few more!

The Bad:

Ball pocket is zipper lined rather than magnetic. This may be picky, but I thought it was strange that Vessel opted to use two zippers for the ball pocket since magnets appear elsewhere on the bag. This is both less convenient and less attractive than a magnetic option would've been. It may be worth noting that Vessel's latest stand bag, the Carbon Lux, does offer a magnetic ball pocket.

Plastic parts for the straps make it feel less premium. Throughout the bag, Vessel used metal where possible to establish the Player IV as a top shelf bag. So it was really strange that the shoulder straps used plastic parts over and over.


$600 price tag. The good news here is that I was able to apply a 15% discount code at checkout, but after taxes this bag still ran $550.

Conclusion:
Ultimately, I wanted a loud bag with all the bells and whistles, and, for the most part, Bad Birdie and Vessel delivered. I'm happy with the bag and if I could go back, I'd make the purchase again. I think it'd feel fair to rate this bag an 8/10 for me, but Bad Birdie and Vessel were incredibly close to putting out a 10 here.