There's a bootload of varied offerings in TaylorMade's 2023 golf bag line up, but the Flextech carry bag was the model that caught our eye the most.
A sturdy construction yet ultra-lightweight design and contemporary looks make this a very appealing bag to the avid golfer, not wanting to feel like they're lugging around ton of bricks on the course.
This is the third Flextech bag I have reviewed from TaylorMade on top of the TaylorMade FlexTech Waterproof Stand Bag and the standard TaylorMade FlexTech Stand Bag let's find out if it lives up to the high standards the other two set.
The Tech
As ever with this section in our Golfalot golf bag reviews, it's more about listing the features of a bag as opposed to any real 'technology', however TaylorMade have managed to squeeze plenty handy ideas into the Flextech along with the usual features you'd expect:
- 3 way top divider
- 7 storage pockets
- Ultra-light construction
- Removable double strap
- Quick access bottle pocket
- Internal organisation
- Flextech easy club in/out base
- 360° zip off ball pocket
- Magnetised leg lock technology
TaylorMade Flextech Carry Bag Review
Looks
The first reason this bag caught our eye was of course the looks. I'm not quite sure whether it's the bold yet tasteful colourways that it comes available in, or the retro TaylorMade logo coupled with the contemporary design that sold it for me but I just think it looks great.
It strikes a great balance between standing a little out from the crowd whilst not offering too much in the way of features that take away from it's overall clean and sleek aesthetic.
In terms of overall size and footprint, the bag is a little smaller than your average carry bag, but I don't see this as a bad thing because some modern carry bags have become way too big in my opinion, due to feature-packed designs and over ambitious space offerings.
I reviewed the Flextech in a the gold colourway (which may be a little loud for some) however it also comes available in Black, Dark Green, Navy, Red and White so there's plenty to go at in terms of getting your favourite look.
Functionality
As I've already mentioned, this bag is all about being ultra-lightweight meaning the design is small and sleek; the main body of the bag is therefore thin, with little excess material or padding that would add weight. Because of this the Flextech weighs just 3.08lbs, which really is super light!
With being this light you'd think that the bag may struggle for storage space, however I found this not to be the case. I tested the bag in changeable conditions in which I needed a pair of waterproof trousers and jacket in the bag. Thankfully they fit in easily alongside the waterproof cover in the main side pocket which stretches from top to bottom of the body.
On top of this there is a small pocket on the opposing side, a lined valuables pocket which is a nice size to fit plenty in and 360° ball pocket again, offering easy access. However, I found that once a drinks bottle is added to the drinks holder, space in the ball pocket subsequently disappears - the drinks holder being placed on the left of the ball pocket would have avoided this inconvenience.
Sometimes I find with lightweight carry bags, they aren't actually as comfy to wear on the course, because in order to save weight the straps and back cushioning are thin on padding. Again, the Flextech doesn't fall into this trap and still manages to offer two comfy shoulder straps and the back cushion looks pretty cool whilst supporting your lowering back too.
Another drawback of lightweight bags can be that their stands aren't too wide and don't stand a chance in windy conditions - although the bag was very easy to transport, it was also pretty sturdy with a wide stand width. The legs themselves didn't seem the strongest but due to the width I reckon they would have decent staying power on even the windiest of days.
Every so often we review a product at Golfalot with a feature that we can't believe we haven't came across before, yet the the magnetic lock technology on the Flextech is just that. It means that when carrying the bag, the legs are not sticking out at any point and catching the backs of your legs whilst walking. However I did find one problem when carrying an umbrella on the bag also, unfortunately the right leg regularly caught and therefore didn't stick to the magnets when walking. Great idea but I think the magnets could have been a little larger and stronger...
On test, I had 14 clubs in the bag (with thick grips) and in fairness found the clubs to still fit in to the thin chassis pretty well, there were only a couple of occasions on course where I pulled one club and was then presented with three (we've all been there...)
Where I think the bag struggled however was supporting the weight of the 14 clubs, when picking up and walking with a full bag I felt there was a quite a lot of pressure on the plastic strap joins, causing them to even squeak as I walked - this became quite annoying, especially by the back nine...
TaylorMade Flextech Carry Bag Verdict
As I've come to find in the last few years, TaylorMade make some awesome golf bags in all categories. If you're looking for a bog-standard one size fits all carry bag, with all the bells and whistles, then the Flextech may not be for you as it's a little on the small side.
However, I've been extremely surprised with how many bells and whistles TaylorMade have been able to squeeze into such a lightweight design here. I found a couple of drawbacks in testing but the positives far outweigh the negatives with the Flextech, making this a great looking, very functional piece of kit.
Would I Use It?
Yes, due to the great looks and overall design, this bag won me over. However I do think I will need to consider taking a couple of clubs out of my bag the next time I use it to really get the most out of it.
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