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We’re all familiar with the phrase, “Don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” Don’t laugh, but that’s how I felt about my Sun Mountain Speed Cart Bag (SCB) that I came into possession of some seven years ago! It’s been a champ; standing up to countless rounds and still going strong until one of the zippers finally gave out this fall.
I looked around the local shops, and despite the prevalence of speed carts in use out on courses everywhere, found there still is a bit of a lack of choices for bags that want to fit securely onto them. The SCB’s are designed for this function, and considering my many rounds with my original SCB, finally came to the realization it would be silly not to go with another.
What I really love about the SCB’s is how the clubs are organized with the top design. For 2011, there is a 14-way top divider, and a new, separate putter well specifically to keep the flatstick at the ready. The top design is reversed compared to that of a riding cart bag to minimize club contact. The woods go in the top and the irons and wedges are below (as viewing the top from behind the speed cart,) with all pockets accessible while on the speed cart (and riding carts as well.) The 14-way top is well organized, and club removal and replacement are very easy and no tangling of grips and shafts is experienced. There is a grab handle integrated into the top cuff for easier lifting which is handy. The putter well is now incorporated more into the bag design and is no longer a “tube” attached to the exterior of the bag. It’s much more streamlined in its looks.
Ample storage is at the ready with the 2011 SCB DLX. Two full-size apparel pockets are located on each side of the bag and expand outward nicely as gear is stuffed inside. Seven pockets in total, plus an insulated “cooler pocket” give you plenty of space for your gear. All of the pockets are generous in size, and their locations are logical and easily accessible. The ball pocket will easily accommodate a dozen or more balls.
A removable carry strap is located on the front of the bag. When this strap is used, the bag is well-balanced and easy to carry. At 6.9 pounds, it is just a tad heavier than most carry bags, but it is sturdy feeling overall and stands nicely on its end on flat surfaces. It feels light riding on the speed cart. Retracting legs would be nice for trips to the range, but not necessary. I usually take my speed cart along or just rest the bag against a bag stand. If there is not much of a breeze, it seems this bag will stand on end at the range if you can find a flat spot. There is a mesh storage pouch on the back of the bag for the carry strap to be stored should you want a more streamlined look.
The bag’s bottom is shaped to perfectly accommodate Sun Mountain’s Speed Cart V1 bag brackets. Although I did not have that particular cart to test with, it fits perfectly on my ClicGear 3.0 cart as well, just as my original SCB did. There is no shifting once on the cart. Quite simply, if you want a bag for speed cart-specific use, this is it. This is what it’s made for. During rounds where I am forced to ride, the SCB’s work pretty well. The 2011 version looks better suited to that task, as a new carry handle is locate on the front of the bag and will allow the riding cart’s strap to go right through. The reversed orientation of the bag top is not ideal for riding, but it’s never been an issue for me.
All of the details of the 2011 Sun Mountain SCB DLX make it familiar, and there are some nice updates as well. The fit and finish appears to be good, with quality nylon material, well-finished zippers, and no strings or unfinished details apparent. In this day and age of companies “skimping” and maximizing profits, I was happy to see that this bag continues to feel much like the SCB bag I have used and loved all these years. It’s devoid of “gimmicks” and everything has its place and is at the ready when you need it.
Michael White
Independent Equipment Reviews
GolfDiscussions.com
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