Golf bags come in various styles and serve different purposes. The three main types of golf bags are cart bags, stand bags and carry bags. But which golf bag is right for you?
This article compares cart bags, stand bags and carry bags – examining the key differences, pros and cons of each type of golf bag. Read on to find out which is the best golf bag for your needs.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Read on!
Overview – Cart Bag vs Stand Bag vs Carry Bag
When it comes to golf bags, there are three main options – cart bags, stand bags and carry bags. The type of golf bag you choose depends on several factors – whether you use a golf cart, carry your bag or use a push cart.
Your personal preference and golfing habits will determine which style works best. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between cart, stand and carry golf bags.Â
What is a Cart Bag?
A cart bag is a golf bag designed specifically to attach to a motorized golf cart or push cart. Cart bags are the largest type of golf bag and can hold the full 14-club allowance. Cart bags are ideal for golfers who ride in a cart rather than carrying their bag.
Cart bags have a sturdy construction and base to securely fasten onto a cart. The hard bottom prevents the bag from slouching when used on a cart. Many cart bags utilize a cart strap that wraps around the housing of a riding cart to keep the bag fixed in place.
Since you don’t physically carry a cart bag, they can be quite heavy and oversized. Cart bags feature plenty of storage and pockets for all your gear. The extra storage allows you to take everything you might need for a round of golf.
When to Use a Cart Bag
Cart bags are designed for use on a power golf cart or push cart and are not meant for carrying. The primary purpose of a cart bag is transporting your clubs from the car, onto the golf cart, and around the course.Â
If you regularly ride in a golf cart, a cart bag is the best choice. Using a cart enables you to have a larger, heavier bag since you don’t have to manually carry it. Cart bags are ideal for courses that require you to use a golf cart.
Many cart bags utilize a strap or clip system to securely attach the bag to the cart. This prevents the bag from twisting or falling off on bumpy terrain. Cart bags are also wider at the top to keep clubs organized when used on a cart.
Features of Cart Bags
- Specifically designed to attach to a golf push cart or motorized cart
- Cart strap secures the bag in place while on a cart
- Hard plastic bottom keeps the bag upright and prevents sagging
- Oversized and extra storage for all your gear
- 14 full-length dividers to keep clubs organized
- Multiple pockets for essential golf accessoriesÂ
- Large ball pocket and tee holders
- Heavier construction since they aren’t carried
- Padded or insulated cooler pocket for drinks
The Downsides of Cart Bags
Cart bags offer lots of benefits for riding golfers, but they aren’t without flaws. Here are a few potential downsides of using a cart bag:
- The oversized, heavy design makes them impractical to carry
- Getting it in and out of a car trunk can be difficult
- Securing it properly to a push cart takes practice Â
- Heavier than other golf bags, especially when loaded up
- Can feel bulky if you have a smaller build
So in summary, a cart golf bag works well for golfers playing on a course with carts or using a push cart. But the oversized, awkward design makes them difficult to carry or transport.
What is a Stand Bag?Â
A stand bag is a lightweight golf bag that comes equipped with retractable legs that allow it to stand upright on the ground. Stand bags are ideal for golfers who walk the course and want the versatility of being able to set the bag down on the course.
The fold-out legs on a stand bag provide a wide, stable base whenever you need to rest the bag on the turf. Stand bags have angled, faceted bottoms designed to work with the stand mechanism. This allows the bag to securely stand upright rather than falling over.
Stand bags are smaller than cart bags and more manageable for carrying. They typically feature dual shoulder straps, providing comfort and support while walking the golf course.
The main downside is that stand bags have less storage than cart bags. But they make up for it with plenty of convenient pockets and features for the walking golfer.
When to Use a Stand BagÂ
Stand bags are ideal for golfers who walk and carry their own bags, but sometimes use a cart. Since stand bags are smaller than cart bags, they distribute weight better and make for an easier carry.Â
The fold-out stand legs allow you to safely and quickly set down your bag on the course rather than tossing it on the ground. This comes in handy when stopping to take a shot or break.
Even if you sometimes ride in a cart, a stand bag can be strapped to the cart. The portable design with built-in stand also makes a stand bag convenient for travel when you might not have access to a cart.
So a stand bag is great for walking golfers. They can still be used on a cart, but the smaller design doesn’t attach quite as securely.
Features of Stand Bags
- Built-in retractable stand legsÂ
- Angled base works with the stand mechanism
- Dual padded shoulder straps for carrying comfort
- Lighter weight than a cart bagÂ
- Multiple storage pockets and full-length dividers
- Strap channel pass-through can secure bag to a cart
- Handles integrated into bag for easy lifting
- Towel rings, glove holders and other accessories
Potential Downsides of Stand Bags
While very functional for walking golfers, stand bags also come with a few disadvantages:
- Don’t attach as securely to golf carts as cart bags
- Smaller storage capacity than cart bags
- Stand legs can get damaged if you are rough with the bag
- Minimal external storage since it’s designed for carrying
Overall, a stand bag is the best golf bag for golfers who like to walk the course. The portable design and integrated stand provide convenience and comfort when carrying your clubs.
What is a Carry Bag?
Carry bags, as the name implies, are lightweight golf bags designed specifically for carrying throughout your round. They are compact and weigh the least of any golf bag.
Carry bags have a minimalist design to pare down weight. They feature single shoulder straps and have little to no pockets. Advanced carry bags may have space for a water bottle or tee holder.
The ultra-lightweight construction distributes weight for easy carrying comfort. Carry bags allow unrestricted movement and freedom of motion during your golf swing.
These bags come with full-length dividers to organize clubs. But other standout features are sacrificed to pare down weight.
When to Use a Carry Bag
Carry bags are best suited for walking golfers seeking the lightest possible bag. Their sleek design is optimized for carrying in order to minimize fatigue over 18 holes.
Many golfers who walk the course prefer the simplicity and weight-savings of a carry bag. Push carts are also commonly used with carry bags to transport them across the course.
Carry bags work well for high school or college golfers since they’ll be walking and carrying their own bag most of the time. The easy-to-carry design helps avoid getting fatigued during long practice sessions and tournaments.
So carry bags are ideal for walking golfers who value light weight and mobility over storage and features.
Features of Carry Bags
- Ultra lightweight design weighing 3-4 lbs.Â
- Single padded shoulder strap distributes weight
- Minimalist design with limited storage
- Full-length dividers to organize clubs
- Durable, water-resistant materials
- Tee holders conveniently built into bag
- Lightweight but sturdy stand may be included Â
- Designed for easy carrying comfort
Potential Drawbacks of Carry Bags
Carry bags strip away features to minimize weight, but this leads to some disadvantages:
- Very limited storage and accessory pockets
- May not work well with some push cart designs
- Less padding on single strap can dig into shoulder
- Not enough room for oversized putter grips
- Don’t attach well to a golf cart if needed
So carry bags prioritize lightweight and mobility over storage and versatility. Just keep in mind the reduced storage and pockets.
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of cart, stand and carry golf bags, how do you decide which is right for you? Here are some factors to consider when choosing a golf bag.
Cart Bag vs Stand Bag vs Carry Bag: Key Differences
This comparison table summarizes the main differences between the three types of golf bags. Keep these differences in mind when choosing the best bag for how you like to play golf.
| FEATURE | CART BAG | STAND BAG | CARRY BAG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Use Case | Golf cart or push cart | Walking or cart | Carrying & push cart |
| Construction | Heavy & rugged | Lightweight | Ultralight  |
| Storage | Full storage | Moderate storage | Minimal storage |
| Weight | Heaviest | Medium weight | Lightest  |
| Straps | Cart strap | Dual shoulder straps | Single strap |
| Stand | Usually none | Retractable legs | May have basic stand |
| Base | Hard rigid | Faceted for stand | Rounded |
Choosing Between Cart, Stand and Carry Golf Bags
Choosing the right golf bag comes down to answering a few key questions:
Do you use a golf cart or prefer to walk?Â
If you always ride in a cart, a cart bag is the obvious choice. If you like walking, go with a stand or carry bag.
How much storage do you need?
For lots of pockets and full club storage, a cart bag is best. If you only carry essentials, a carry bag will suffice.
Is weight a primary concern?
If you don’t want to feel burdened down by your bag, go with the lightest carry bag.
Do you value using a stand and setting your bag down?Â
Stand bags with retractable legs make setting your bag down easy.
Does your course require using a golf cart?
Some courses mandate golf cart use, meaning a cart bag is required.
Do you switch between walking and riding often?
In this case, go with a stand bag that can work for both.
Answering these questions will guide you to picking the best golf bag for your needs.
Here is a quick summary:
Golf cart user: Cart bag
Walking golfer: Stand or carry bag
Lightweight priority: Carry bag
Max storage needed: Cart bag
Switch between cart/carry: Stand bag
Cart Bag RecommendationsÂ
If you’ve decided a cart bag is the best fit for how you golf, here are some top-rated cart bags to consider:
Carried by Pros on Tour. The SL Cart is a bag strictly focused on cart golf with room for everything in this bag. It even includes a zip-down front pocket for access to a massive storage pocket.
The Limited Edition Transporter Tour Carry Bag has plenty of pockets and storage space, as well as a padded shoulder strap for easy transport. With its stylish design and high-quality materials, you can't go wrong with this luxurious bag!
Stand Bag Recommendations
These stand bags provide a great blend of lightweight carrying comfort, storage, and retractable leg stability:
The Ghost Golf ANYDAY OREO is a premium hybrid golf bag. It offers luxurious features such as waterproof velvet-lined personals pockets, a magnetic velvet-lined rangefinder pocket, and a rotator stand system. Featuring a nylon webbed backrest pad.
Carry Bag RecommendationsÂ
Here are some top-rated golf carry bags that make walking easy and stress-free:
The STITCH MIY SL1 golf bag is built to last, with a tough shell that can stand up to the elements & only weighs 57 oz. It is customizable so you can pick the saddle pockets and strap colors to make it unique.
This super light bag weighs just over 4 lbs. and combines styles and functionality. The SL2 takes the best features from the SL1 and builds upon it. There is a slight increase in weight, but you gain a hip pad, insulated water bottle pocket, pencil pocket, and wider stand feet.
So those are my top picks for golf bags in the cart, stand and carry categories. Choose the style that best matches your personal golfing needs and preferences.
Key Takeaways – Choosing the Best Golf Bag for You
Cart bags, stand bags and carry bags serve different purposesÂ
- Cart bags work well for golfers who ride in a cart or push cart
- Stand bags are ideal if you like to walk and carry your clubs
- Carry bags are the lightest and made for walking the course
Consider whether you walk, ride or use both cart and carry
- Cart bags offer the most storage while carry bags offer the least
- A stand bag is a good middle-ground bag with modest storage
- Pick between lots of pockets or lightweight carrying comfort
Choosing the right golf bag comes down to a few personal factors. Consider how much storage you need, if you’ll use a cart or carry it, and any weight preferences.
This guide breaks down the key differences between cart bags, stand bags and carry bags. Just match the type of golf bag to your needs and you’ll have a bag that suits your golf game.
More Info on Golf Bags
Find out what features to look for, benefits, & get help choosing the best bag. Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about golf bags.
