TaylorMade needs no introduction in the golf world, with the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda using their clubs, golf balls and, in some cases, golf bags. Put simply, TaylorMade have an extensive product range and, in this guide, we are focusing on their bag models, with some ranking amongst the best golf bags in the business.
For many golfers, bags are often just an afterthought but, personally, we think golf bags deserve more attention! Not only do they hold and protect your golf clubs, waterproofs, gloves and multiple other items that you use throughout your game, but they can also make you stand-out on the golf course, with multiple eye-catching styles available.
So, what are the best TaylorMade golf bags? Well, the Golf Monthly team has reviewed and tested them, with the team selecting their favorites below to help you make the right choice. However, if TaylorMade is not for you, make sure you check out some of our other bag guides from other brands – such as the best Titleist golf bags, best Sun Mountain golf bags and best Callaway golf bags.
The Quick List
Not only is the FlexTech Crossover comfortable to carry, but it can be used on a cart as well. Providing plenty of storage space, thanks to multiple thought-out pockets, the FlexTech Crossover is a very well-designed, versatile bag.
There's a lot to like about the FlexTech Lite, with its excellent storage space and sturdy construction providing a very comfortable carrying experience.
The standard FlexTech is a really well designed golf bag that provides no club crowding and plenty of well-proportioned, varied pockets. Another versatile option from TaylorMade, it is an excellent performer on the course.
A very lightweight offering, the FlexTech SuperLite has a sturdy construction that is comfortable to carry and easy to use. Although it's not waterproof, it's a great summer bag for the hot weather.
A stylish offering, the Kalea Premier sits nicely on a golf cart, with the stability one of the stand-outs of what is a unique, premium and classy cart bag.
This is ideal for those who like to travel light. It’s a pencil-style bag that’s supremely lightweight and takes up very little room in the trunk of a car or in a locker.
Best TaylorMade Golf Bags
Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Stand Bags
Within the FlexTech range there are four different models and, to begin with, we start with the Crossover, which has a 14-way divider and plenty of storage space. Arguably, this is one of the stand-outs of this bag as, not only does it mean you can locate the clubs quickly, but the divider stops the shafts banging and rubbing together when walking along.
Admittedly, this isn't the most lightweight golf bag but, when full of waterproofs, golf balls and necessities etc, it still remained comfortable to carry on the course, with the self-adjusting strap doing a good job of distributing the weight evenly across the back.
Importantly, the FlexTech Crossover has been cleverly designed for both carrying and cart, with the versatility making it a great value option. In testing, we found that it sat very nicely on a trolley, with the legs staying tucked in whilst tackling the terrain.
- Read our full TaylorMade FlexTech Crossover Stand Bag Review
TaylorMade FlexTech Lite Stand Bag
Coming in at 4.1lbs, the FlexTech Lite is, as the name suggests, one of the lightest bags in the range, with the carrying experience excellent. In testing, we felt the highlight was the self-adjusting strap system and four full length dividers, with the system allowing the bag to stay stable whilst moving. What's more, because of the well-padded straps that are nice and thick, it's a very comfortable experience to carry.
In terms of storage, we find eight pockets of various sizes. There is a really big golf ball pocket, one for tees, markers and pencils, a side pocket that can be used for gloves, a water bottle holder, a full length pocket for apparel and two smaller lined valuables pockets. Personally, we feel there are maybe two more pockets than needed but, if you like to pack your bag out, then there is plenty there to use.
Available in multiple colorways, the last point to mention is that the stand system is really easy to use, but the bag isn't fully waterproof so, if you’re a golfer who plays all-year round in every type of weather, you might be better off opting for one of the best waterproof golf bags instead.
- Read our full TaylorMade FlexTech Lite Stand Bag Review
TaylorMade FlexTech 2023 Stand Bag
Think this is just another stand bag...think again. If you like to carry, use a push cart or an electric trolley from time to time, the FlexTech might be for you. To begin with, it features a cart strap passthrough area as well as removable straps, allowing it to effectively turn into a cart bag with relative ease. In testing, we found that the straps were brilliant, as they were well-padded on the shoulders.
Providing a slightly smaller overall footprint than the FlexTech Crossover, the FlexTech stand bag offers much of the same great storage, with the only difference being that it has a more common 5-way top, rather than the 14-way top of the Crossover model.
In total, there are nine pockets, which includes a full-length apparel pocket, magnetic cooler pocket, water bottle pocket and fleece-lined, fully waterproof valuables pocket. It's the most varied and well-proportioned amount of pockets we've ever tested on a stand bag but, the main downside to this, like other models in this list, is that it is not fully waterproof and, as such, you will want to bare this in mind if you play frequently in changeable conditions.
- Read our full TaylorMade FlexTech 2023 Stand Bag Review
TaylorMade FlexTech SuperLite Golf Stand Bag
TaylorMade FlexTech SuperLite Golf Stand Bag on the green
Straight off the bat, this is the lightest golf bag in the TaylorMade stand bag range, weighing in at just 3lbs/1.4kg! That puts it amongst the best lightweight golf bags money can buy, with the FlexTech SuperLite a convenient offering for tackling the golf course.
Providing users with six spacious pockets that can house various necessities, we see the same system used in the other FlexTech's, as the straps are quick and easy to loop over the shoulder. Once again, they are well padded and there is even padding on the section of the bag where it rests and bumps against the body.
Again, it's not waterproof but, with the lightweight carrying experience, it will make a perfect companion on the hot, summer days. What's more, the top of the bag has a four-way divider, which may split opinion.
Cart Bags
If you are the type of person who cares as much about the look of their golf bag as the performance, then you'll love this stylish Kalea Premier Cart Bag, which made its way straight into the best women's golf bags category.
Not only does it look great but, thanks to its construction, it is incredibly lightweight. This means that, even with a full set of clubs and necessities, it is easy to load in and out of the car which, for a cart bag, is very important. Also, speaking of necessities, they will be housed perfectly in the Kalea, as there are plenty pockets and ample space.
Arguably, this could make its way into the best golf cart bags section as, once on a trolley, it stays in place throughout no matter the terrain. It's fair to say that TaylorMade's top team of designers have pretty much thought of everything as, in testing, it provided a near faultless performance.
- Read our full TaylorMade Kalea Premier Women's Cart Bag Review
Pencil Bags
If you're tired of lugging around heavy golf bags, then the TaylorMade Quiver Stand Bag might be just what you need. Weighing in at just 1kg, the Quiver is a slim, pencil-style bag that’s supremely lightweight and takes up very little room in the trunk of a car or in a locker.
It's the perfect companion for a quick nine holes but, that being said, it can just as easily fit a full set of clubs and there’s even enough storage for a waterproof jacket plus a decent amount of accessories. What's more, the self-adjusting strap makes it comfy to carry, while the extended grab handle and short, retractable legs make it easy to quickly lift and move around.
There are six pockets providing good storage for a pencil bag, and the 5-way top keeps clubs separated nicely. Overall, it’s a nifty little bag that’s perfect for someone looking for a lightweight, minimal carrying option.
How we test golf bags
When it comes to the best golf bags, let alone ones from specific brands like TaylorMade, we take the testing process very seriously. We look to put every product through its paces and then this can inform our reviews and buying advice, which therefore best informs you. Every member of the Golf Monthly team is an avid golfer and as such, knows what does and doesn't make for good golf bag.
As far as our methodology goes, we review all products properly, which means we have used each and every feature. We do this by using bags over a number of rounds and in different conditions because this helps us gauge performance on things like - ease of use, comfort, waterproofing, stability and so on. We should also mention that even in brand specific guides, no manufacturer can buy a good review because we tell it how it is.
How to choose a new golf bag
There are several key factors to consider when thinking about buying a golf bag and we have gone into those below...
Bag Type - Put simply what kind of bag do you want? Do you want a stand bag? Or a cart model? Or perhaps a pencil model? All of these types of bag have their positives and negatives and you should think about what you think is important to your golf.
Stand bags tend to be lightweight and comfortable because they are designed to be carried. As a result they do require more effort to use and the storage tends to be a little less when compared with cart models.
However, that being said there are several stand bags above that can also be used on golf carts as well so maybe that is a way of killing two birds with one stone.
Cart bags tend to be larger and therefore offer more storage, whilst they are usually designed specifically for carts as well. The main negative is they are just bulkier and have to be taken off the cart before and after the round, whereas stand bags offer a bit more freedom. Pencil bags are the lightest and most convenient for quick rounds but don't provide all that much storage so weigh up the pros and cons of each and then pick accordingly.
Storage - Storage is important in golf these days because a good golf bag has to offer pockets for lots of different things as we mentioned above. Cart bags tend to have larger pockets because they are just that, larger. They also require less effort to use too which means players are able to carry more stuff with them if needed. Stand bags on the other hand usually have enough to house the essentials.
As such have a think about how much gear you want to take onto the golf course, and pick a bag accordingly.
Waterproofing - If you live or golf somewhere that gets a lot of rain then this is a no-brainer really, get a bag that offers protection from the rain. Whereas if you don't, then this factor won't be as important. We should acknowledge that some models above are better than others in this regard because they have been designed as such.
Weight - Across all types of bag, weight is important. Stand bags obviously have to be lightweight because players will be carrying them on their backs and shoulders all day, whilst cart bags should also have a degree of lightness too so they are easy to maneuver on the golf course, and from the car to the cart itself. Thankfully brands like TaylorMade make lightweight models across its range of bags.
Looks - How do you want your golf bag to look? Whether it be a stand or cart model, brands try their best to create design aesthetics that stand out, or blend in on the golf course. Therefore have a think about which models you like the look of, or if some bags have different color schemes. We think TaylorMade make some of the best looking bags in the game and in lots of colors as well so just pick a model that you like the look of.
Budget - Our final factor to consider is of course price. There are golf bags at every single price point so if you want to go for a premium cart model you can, or if you want a cheap stand bag you can also do that too.
-
There's A Growing Divide Between Club Members And Nomadic Golfers When It Comes To Handicapping... And I'm Concerned About ItSome golfers believe competition play should be a pre-requisite to achieving a ‘valid’ handicap, while others feel you should be able to submit a card whenever you want
-
I'm A Golf Tech Nerd, And These 9 Garmin Deals Are Too Good To Ignore Before Black FridayIf you're looking to add some useful golf gadgets to your setup, a good place to start your search is at Garmin. Here are a few gadgets I'd recommend from the brand.
