The recipe to create one of the best golf bags is a fairly simple one. It should provide safe storage for your golf clubs, provide enough space to carry your apparel and accessories, have a comfortable strap for when you carry and have a reliable kick stand that goes into action the moment you set it down.
Plenty of golf bags include all of these features, but they won’t tick arguably the most important box of all - value for money.
A lot of the best golf stand bags are priced well north of $200, with premium options often priced between $300-400. Yeah, they might last you for the next three, flour, maybe even five years, but you’re forking out a lot up front for a bag that may need replaced in a couple of years' time.
What if I told you that you can get a bag that keeps your clubs VERY safe, with ample storage room, a comfy strap and a serviceable kick stand, all for less than $200?
Many see the brand RAM, a label known for value for money rather than premium products, and turn their nose up. Yes, it isn’t the sexiest brand in the world, but golf isn’t the sexiest sport in the world either, is it? Get over it.
I’ll admit, sometimes I turn my nose up at brands like this too, but the more I used their FX-LOCK Stand Bag, the more impressed I was.
The unique selling point of this bag, much like the FX-LOCK Cart Bag I reviewed, is for it to act like prime Agent 007 and move in silence - no clubs clicking or slapping against each other. Instead, they’re all housed in their own unique spot courtesy of the 13+1 molded top that cradles each shaft into its own dedicated cell.
I have two main takeaways with the 13+1 way top. Firstly, it works. Your clubs barely make a noise as you walk, so RAM have achieved what they wanted to here and credit is due where it is due. The second takeaway is that it isn’t the prettiest feature I’ve ever seen on a golf bag. For as good as it is functionally, it will divide opinion in terms of looks.
It does take a bit more brain power to slide your 7 iron back into the dedicated slot post-shot, but you get used to it quickly. The putter lives in its own unique slot at the top of the bag, which allows plenty of room for those who use fatter grips on their flatstick.
The biggest compliment I can give this bag is that it has clearly been designed by golfers. There are a number of well executed features golfers will appreciate, like the ample storage of 8 pockets including a pleasingly large cooler pocket, a slick and easily accessible water bottle pocket and a valuables pocket for your phone, wallet and keys.
Weighing 7.4lbs/3.3kg, it weighs more than most of the best lightweight golf bags, but this isn’t exactly heavy. The walking experience was a pleasant one courtesy of the aforementioned 13+1 top meaning I didn’t have to listen to clubs clicking and a dual 4-point strap that provided comfort as I carried. The kickstand was also very responsive, even on uneven terrain.
I tested this bag at Ormeau Golf Club in Belfast, a nifty nine-hole course near the city centre, where the members complimented the looks of the bag on the first tee. They were fond of the red/white/blue colorway, one of four available to choose from.
If I was to be overly critical, I thought the material was a bit shiny which cheapened the look, but I’m also aware this is one of the cheapest new golf bag options on the market so it is unlikely to have the premium materials used on bags double the price.
At £119.99/$179.99, there is a lot to like here. If you don’t mind opting for a more budget friendly golf bag, the FX-LOCK is a great choice. As mentioned, the plastic top will divide opinion, but you can’t argue it doesn’t work. You could make far worse decisions than saving the guts of $100-150 and reinvesting that in other parts of your game.
