Every golfer, whether amateur or professional, knows the importance of having a golf bag. Even more important is having the right type of golf bag. There are two main types of golf bags: the stand bag and the cart bag.
The primary purpose of a golf bag is to hold your golf clubs. However, modern types of golf bags have several other features that make them useful for carrying more than just your clubs. They can be used to carry several other accessories or items that can enhance your overall performance on the turf.
When shopping for a new golf bag, there are several things to consider. It’s important to always choose a bag that suits your personal preference and needs. In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about the differences between a cart bag vs stand bag. By the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to which one suits your needs best!
What Is a Cart Bag?
A cart bag is a golf bag that was designed to be used while on a power cart or pushcart. They aren’t easy to move around while walking even though they commonly come with a single strap. They can be placed on smooth or flat surfaces.
Cart bags also commonly have an extra space for separate compartments and better organization. Cart bags are usually designed with a sturdy bottom, single shoulder strap, pockets, and club dividers.
However, when it comes to extra features, it packs a lot to make the cart golf bag an easy pick. When you purchase a cart bag, you should consider the hand or power cart it will be attached to.
Pros of a Cart Bag
The original design for this type of golf bag was for it to be attachable to a pushcart or power cart. When laymen think of a golf bag, a cart bag is what they picture. Here are a few benefits of using a cart golf bag.
Variety of Options
One of the major advantages of a cart bag is the variety of options available to you. There is also room for external attachments such as an umbrella holder, water bottle, and cooler pocket.
Lots of Pockets
A cart bag has at least one external pocket which offers plenty of storage options. They can easily accommodate your accessories, apparel, golf clubs, and even consumables in one place. Some designs even have a specific pocket for balls and an umbrella sleeve for when you’re playing in wet conditions.
Easy to Access
Cart bags have been designed to be user-friendly. You don’t have to stress to access the compartments or with hooking the bag up to a cart!
Cons of a Cart Bag
Transportation
You cannot carry a cart bag around on your shoulders because, as the name suggests, you need a cart to move it. You can either use an electric golf cart or hand cart.
Weight
A cart bag is bulky and also tends to get heavy because it has plenty of pockets and contains more accessories.
Terrain
A cart bag has a flat bottom and can only rest on smooth or flat surfaces. You cannot place a cart bag on rocky or inclined terrain.
What Is a Stand Bag?
Although a stand bag looks similar to a cart bag by design, the major difference is that it comes with built-in legs that allow them to stand upright on the turf. They also come with a shoulder strap or backpack harness to make carrying them around easy and comfortable.
The stand bag typically doesn’t have enough space for extra golf gear. This means that they are smaller and more compact than cart bags.
Pros of a Stand Bag
Aside from the built-in legs that allow you to set up a stand bag anywhere on the turf, here are a few other advantages of using a golf stand bag.
Simple Design
One reason many golfers prefer a stand bag is because of its simplicity. While they come in a compact design with less room, they typically have a lot of dividers to ensure your golf clubs can fit easily.
Extreme Comfort
Stand bags are designed to be carried and, for this reason, have comfortable paddings in the double shoulder straps.
Lightweight
A stand bag weighs several pounds lighter than a similarly-sized cart bag, filled or not. For golfers who prefer to walk, a stand bag is a perfect option since they don’t make for extra weight.
Cons of a Stand Bag
Limited Space
The compact design of a stand bag means it doesn’t have as many compartments or as much space for extra stuff as a cart bag.
Cart Bag vs Stand Bag: Which Should You Get?
Each of these bags have their strengths and weaknesses. Your decision all boils down to your needs and preference.
Get a cart bag if you:
- Ride in a golf cart or use a pushcart to transport your belongings
- Have a lot of golf accessories and equipment to carry around
- Don’t mind the additional expense
- Like keeping your clubs organized and separated by dividers
Get a stand bag if you:
- Don’t have an excessive amount of golf equipment and accessories to carry around
- Prefer to have the flexibility of choosing between carrying your own bag, using a golf cart, or pushcart on the golf course
- Don’t mind the additional exercise of carrying your bag around the golf course
- Have a budget
How Do You Clean and Maintain Your Golf Bag?
To clean your golf bag you need a few materials, such as:
- Dish soap and/or heavy-duty stain remover
- Clean cloth for washing
- Clean cloth for drying
Step 1: Empty Out Your Golf Bag
Always empty out the pockets of your golf bag before dousing it with water. Examine all your golf bag pockets thoroughly and take out all contents before you start cleaning.
Step 2: Clean the Insides and Pockets
If you have a portable hand vacuum, you can use this to thoroughly clean out the cramped or deep pocket areas. If you don’t, you can use your dry cloth to get rid of any crumbs, particles, and grass cuttings from the inside of the bag.
Step 3: Lightly Wash the Golf Bag with Water
Once you’re sure your golf bag is empty then you can proceed with a light water wash. The amount of water you should use depends on whatever material your bag is made out of.
Step 4: Use the Clean Cloth Scrub with Soap
Grab the clean cloth and add a dime-sized amount of dish soap to it. Avoid adding the soap to the bag as some materials might reach harshly to it. Also, avoid using a colored cloth to avoid color stains. Make sure to lightly scrub the stained areas with a clean cloth.
Step 5: Rinse the Golf Bag with Water
For this step, you can spray down your golf bag with a hose or place it under a tap until it gets thoroughly rinsed.
Step 6: Check for Extra Stains
Inspect the bag for any extra stains that weren’t wiped off with the clean cloth. If you find any, spray some stain removal directly on the bag and wipe the area with a clean cloth or a bristle brush, depending on the bag material.
Step 7: Dry Out the Bag
Make sure to repeat the rinsing procedure if you used a stain remover. Once you’re sure the bag is clean and free of SOA, then it’s time to dry it!
Open all the extra storage pockets and position the bag well so that it can air dry properly. Keep your bag out of direct sunlight to avoid the color fading.
FAQs
Can You Use a Stand Bag in a Golf Cart?
Yes, a stand bag can be used in a golf cart. However, you should make sure that the double straps are securely tightened to avoid your golf bag falling off.
Can You Walk with a Cart Bag?
While you certainly can, it’s not recommended to walk with a cart bag. This is because they tend to be heavier and can put a lot of strain on the body.
How Do You Get the Smell Out of a Golf Bag?
Without regular and proper cleaning, a golf bag can start to stink and nobody wants that. To get the smell out of a stinky bag, you can place air fresheners inside or spray it after each wash.
You can also add some essential oils to a clean cloth and rub it directly onto the surface of the bag to get the stink out even more!
Final Thoughts
After considering the pros and cons between a cart bag vs stand bag, you can see that both options are great picks for golfers. However, your personal preferences will play a huge role in deciding which bag to go for.
You should think about the types and size of equipment you have. Also, make sure to think about how you prefer to move the bag around. Feel free to read our collection of golfing articles to help you choose the best golfing gear!