Travel bag

[trumb1mj]

Hey guys, I was thinking of getting a new travel bag. I currently own a hard shell that fits over my bag. I like the fact that it completely protects my clubs but it is really heavy and clunky..

I was thinking I would get one of these or something similar: CaddyDaddy Hybrid All-in-one Golf Travel Bag | Overstock.com

anyone ever try the hybrid style? does anyone have any strong feelings on travel bags or other options that you like?

Also, I'm sorry I am posting new threads about topics that I know have come through this forum before but I just cannot get search feature to work...it gives me an error about secret key answer being incorrect... anyone have any tips?

[TheTrueReview]

I haven't tried the hybrid style but it looks okay. I have both a soft & a hard travel cover. If you use a soft travel cover, I recommend it's used in conjunction with a "Stiff Arm" device.

My only strong feeling is against the lunatics who try to persuade others not to use a travel cover. I've seen too many trashed golf bags on baggage carousels to give any credence to the "trust me, just wrap a towel around the heads" nonsense.

[rant over, back to normal programming]

[Augster]

I have a version of the hybrid bag sitting out in my garage. Not the one you pictured.

My experience with it is horrible. I only used it for two trips and I was done with it.

Here are a few problems that you may or may not encounter with a hybrid bag....

First, the top on mine barely goes over the clubs. So the headcovers don't fit all that easily. This can be remedied by taking all the covers off, keeping them in your luggage or in one of the pockets on the bag, then putting bubble-wrap or something over each clubhead you don't want dinged up.

If you do manage to get it closed with the headcovers on, will the TSA also be able to?

Some of these hybrid bags have LARGER covers than the actual club holders to address this problem. Mine didn't and was a total pain in the ass.

Secondly, the side pockets of the hybrid were not deep enough to carry my golf shoes. This seems unbelievable to me, but true. So I had to pack my golf shoes in my carry on, or my checked luggage. With the fees for luggage so high on many airlines now, I usually travel with a golf bag, and carryons only having to check one bag. Fitting size 13 golf shoes into a carry-on that is supposed to house all my clothes for the trip just does not work.

Make sure any hybrid bag you buy can house your golf shoes. The sides on the hybrid bag just don't give at all.

Third, the sides on the hybrid bag don't give at all. 99% of my vacation golf is in a cart. The hybrid bag works just fine for that. But if you ever want to walk, or get stuck walking a round or 9 holes, the hybrid bag is a total pain in the back. I decided to play once on a semi-rainy day that they didn't open the clubhouse when I was on vacation. It's March, so I'm still going to play. No push/pull carts, no motorized carts, no green fees. The hybrid bag in this situation was a TOTAL failure. THE most uncomfortable bag I've ever had to lug around.

Lastly, with the hybrid bag doubling as your protection and playing bag, where are you going to keep your balls etc? If you keep them in the bag, I have heard at least 4 first-hand stories of golfers with hybrid bags showing up at their destination with ZERO golf balls. The golf balls are stored on the outside of the bag. The baggage handlers don't have much trouble with access to them unlike when a golfbag is INSIDE a protected cover. It'll look quite fishy if a handler is digging around inside a golf bag that is inside a golf bag travel cover.

Not so for a hybrid bag. Undo one zipper and that box of ProV's you were planning on playing at your destination just "accidentally" falls out.

The way to combat this is to put the balls in your carry-on or luggage. Now I have 24 balls and 2 size 13 golf shoes in my carry-on. Where exactly are my clothes supposed to go???

I would highly discourage anyone from getting a hybrid travel bag unless all my listed shortcomings are addressed in advance. Get a hybrid bag with plenty of room for headcovers in the top, big enough pockets for your shoes, a good back pad in case you get stuck hoofing it, and keep your balls in your luggage or carry-on and a hybrid bag saves a TON of room in your rental vehicle over any other travel case.

[trumb1mj]

Thanks for the heads up on this. I think I will just stick with my hard, over the bag shell...