Motocaddy EliteFlex Hybrid Golf Bag Review

What is a hybrid golf bag? Simply put, it's a golf bag that can be used both as a stand bag and as a cart bag equally effectively. I've tested a handful of these types of bags now and think I've cracked the exact type of golfer these bags are for. They're a niche category, but Motocaddy's new offering in this space is one of the best examples I've tested to date.

To me, a hybrid golf bag is for the golfer who uses a trolley or ride-on cart 80% of the time, but does have the want or need to carry their bag the other 20% of the time. The hybrid bag allows this type of golfer to buy one type of golf bag, instead of having to buy one of the best stand bags and one of the best cart bags at the same time.

These styles of bags are characterised by a few key features, all of which the new Motocaddy EliteFlex has. The first is a 14-way divider and, being a premium-built bag, the EliteFlex boasts velour lining in this section. I broadly like the velour lining on this part of the bag. It adds a real premium feel to the build, which also does a great job at protecting clubs and stopping any shaft rub. However, if this part of the bag gets wet, the velour loses some of its soft feel and will make the bag that little heavier. Luckily, there's a handy rain cover included with the EliteFlex to protect this area of the bag in poor weather.

The next two key features are the quick-release straps and the leg lock. These two features allow the bag to be quickly and seamlessly turned from a stand bag to a cart bag, and vice versa. I was really impressed with how quickly the straps can be taken off and reapplied, and there is no fuss in turning the EliteFlex between its various guises as two different bags. When you are carrying the bag, the straps are comfortable, well-padded and feature plenty of adjustability to get it sitting just right.

That being said, this is a very heavy stand bag versus the competition. If you're primarily a walking golfer, this is not the bag for you. If you walk more than 80% of the time, one of the best lightweight stand bags is the route to go down. The EliteFlex weighs 3.4kg with the straps on, which is 2kg heavier than the likes of the Titleist Players 4 Carbon or TaylorMade FlexTech Superlite, so bear this in mind when you do use it as a stand bag.

The storage is superb, as one might hope for in a bag of this size. In total there are five pockets, with my favourite being the magnetic ball pocket. Magnetic ball pockets add a touch of class to any bag, so I'm glad Motocaddy added one here alongside the magnetic closing water bottle pocket on the side of the bag too. Elsewhere, a full-length pocket down the side can store apparel while the valuables pocket is fully waterproof, unlike the rest of the pockets on the bag. Such is the amount of storage, some might even see this as an out-and-out cart bag, one that is far more compact than some of the much larger cart bags you see nowadays.

What makes the EliteFlex really stand out is the EasiLok base. Using the two pins on the bottom of the base, this bag can lock into the base of any Motocaddy trolley and sit securely without the need for a bottom bungee strap. If you don't have a Motocaddy trolley, the base is still shaped to fit on pretty much any brand of trolley, it's just that the pins are ideal for using with a Motocaddy trolley.

This EasiLok base makes this bag a homerun for golfers who already have (or who are thinking of investing in) one of many trolleys in Motocaddy's push, electric and remote range. While I can see some who might be persuaded into the EliteFlex who don't have a Motocaddy trolley, this bag will certainly appeal to those who already are in the Motocaddy ecosystem.

Ultimately, this is a very niche golf bag. Made for the golfers who need a carry bag every now and again and who already own or will own one of the best Motocaddy trolleys, this bag isn't for everyone. However, if you do fall into this category or are just charmed by the quality and practicality of this bag, it is one of the best examples of its type. Plenty of pocket space, easy to adjust and remove straps, premium details all over and a subtle look, the EliteFlex is another feather in Motocaddy's ever-expanding cap.