The TaylorMade Storm Dry cart bag is said to be aimed specifically at European golfers, which in other words means the golfer that is happy to play in all conditions. The golfer who plays in literally anything: wind, rain, hail, sideways wind and rain, snow, you name it - this golfer is going to be there, pork pies and a flask of Bovril to keep them company - let's go.
Earlier in the year I reviewed the TaylorMade FlexTech Waterproof stand bag and was mightily impressed by its functionality, I was intrigued to see whether TaylorMade's form had carried on throughout its 2021 bag line-up to the cart bags.
What's It All About?
This bag is all about 100% waterproof protection of its contents. It's the bag that TaylorMade want you to pull out of the locker when the forecast is at its most brutal with the confidence that you'll return it to the locker 4 hours later with its contents completely 'Storm Dry'.
To achieve this, TaylorMade have fitted it with a tonne of features including:
- 14-way top with 3 full-length dividers
- Integrated extra-large putter well
- Key lock trolley base
- Lightweight waterproof fabric with PSI level of 2500mm
- 7 total pockets: velour lined valuables pocket, 2 garment pockets, rangefinder pocket, accessory pocket, ball pocket, tee pocket
- Umbrella cord
- Integrated top opening grab handles
- Webbing trunk handle
- Synthetic leather cuff
- Towel carabiner
- Heat welded seams
- Thermo-sealed zippers
- Single shoulder strap
- Waterproof rain hood
The Test
To test this bag I took it for a 12 hole spin at Denton Golf Club. The trolley I used to cart it on was the PowaKaddy DLX FF Lite and though far-fetched it may seem, I was caught in a 30 min rain storm from the 9th hole.
Rarely would I refer to this weather as perfect, but in this instance, it was just that.
TaylorMade Storm Dry Cart Bag Review
Looks
I think as far as cart bags go, the Storm Dry is right up there. The design is simple but still manages to remain contemporary.
It comes available in five different colourways that each strike a nice balance between eye-catching but not too loud. I tested it in the Blue, Navy and White colourway. You can also see a similar designed bag in the full video review of the TaylorMade Kalea Women's set here:
I'd say that at first I thought the bag looked a little bulky. I prefer a bag to look more streamlined without pockets sticking out here there and everywhere. Throughout my testing this gradually changed however, once I got it on the trolley and headed down the first fairway, the bag didn't look too big or bulky at all.
The only other thing that may put some golfers off is the waterproof fabric, to me this looks a little shiny or glossy which could come across as slightly tacky-looking. However I think once golfers realise the functional benefits of having the finish designed in such a way this will quickly be forgotten.
Overall I can't see many golfers not liking the looks of this golf bag.
Functionality
This is where the Storm Dry cart bag really excels. It's one of the most functional golf bags I have ever tested. You only have to take one look at the features list to see that TaylorMade have pretty much covered everything you could ever wish for in a cart bag here.
Storm Dry uses a lightweight waterproof fabric with PSI level of 2500mm which means that your belonging and clubs will be protected for the rain in all elements. This I can vouch for - testing it in some pretty heavy rain, there really was nothing I could criticise - it was completely waterproof.
The thermo-sealed zippers helped in this area too. They are rigid and sturdy, not allowing any moisture through into any of the pockets at any point.
One other area that I was impressed by was the weight of the Storm Dry. Weighing just 2.5kg when empty, it felt very lightweight to carry from car to trolley. This is a big plus for me because cart bags can sometimes be very much on the heavy side making it hard steer a trolley with them on.
The 14-way top with 3 full-length dividers is also a great feature helping this bag's functionality. I tested the bag with 14 clubs (including a thick putter grip) to find that there was plenty of space when pulling out clubs. I think that 14-way full-length dividers can be too much as they add weight and only offer more material for your grips to get caught on. TaylorMade's solution of a 14-way top and 3 full-length dividers solves this problem with ease.
If it's space that you're after, then this is the bag for you. The 7 pockets offer plenty of space for everything you could ever need on a golf course and more. What I liked about the pockets though was that each one seemed to have a different purpose, designed for the golfer.
Finally when it comes the the 'little things' the Storm Dry has nailed this area too. A trolley key lock system on its base ensures that this bag will fit securely on to any electric or push trolley. Other necessary attachments are present and designed to a high quality too: bag towel carabiner, golf umbrella cord, webbing trunk handle and an easy carry single shoulder strap mean this bag is win-win.
TaylorMade Storm Dry Cart Bag Verdict
This is a superb golf cart bag, there's no getting away from it. However at an RRP of £269, it's on the expensive side too. This number may put some golfers off but you get what you pay for here and I don't think it will put off the serious golfer that is looking to buy this type of bag.
For a bag of its size offering the amount of helpful features that it does, it's quite astonishing how lightweight TaylorMade have managed to keep it.
Add to that the fact that it's fully waterproof, looks great (whilst coming in five different colour options) as well as being built to a high quality, I would recommend this bag as great all-weather option to any serious golfers.
Would I Use It?
I'm usually a carry bag guy all day long, but if there was ever the occasion where I would be using a trolley the TaylorMade Storm Dry cart bag is exactly the sort of thing I would go for.
Pros
- Modern looks
- Fully waterproof
- Waterproof (w/ seam-sealed zips)
- Huge amount of space
- Wide array of features
Cons
- Glossy finish may not be for everyone
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