50 Words or Less
The Vessel Player V Pro stand bag introduces useful updates to an already stellar model. Excellent quality, premium look, feature rich. Tremendous pocket variety and versatility.
Introduction
Vessel’s growth in the consumer golf market the past several years has been amazing to witness. The seemingly unknown company that made bags for tour players now offers bags that are sought after by discriminating golfers who appreciate quality and aesthetics. High-end golf brands like G/FORE and SWAG even turn to Vessel for their own branded offerings. How has Vessel evolved during this time? As it’s been a couple years since I reviewed a Vessel golf bag, I got my hands on one of their latest offerings – the Vessel Player V Pro – to answer that question.
Looks
As with Vessel bags I’ve tested in the past, the rich solid color and limited branding gave the Player V Pro a clean, upscale look. This Pro version features a pebbled finish that adds to the visual appeal and gives a luxurious tactile feel. That’s not to say that the smooth matte finish of the non-Pro (you can see HERE in Dylan’s review of the Player IV) isn’t wonderful as well.
The gray color also provided the perfect backdrop to draw my attention to the new magnetic pocket black pull loops as well as the long black pull tab on the side valuables pocket. The Vessel Player V Pro also has one of my favorite design elements – the insulated magnetic water bottle sleeves that hug the ball pocket when not in use.
Vessel added two new colors – iridium and iron brew – to the Player V Pro lineup, which still includes black, white, navy, and DXR black as well as the grey seen here.
Features
Pockets may seem like a given in a golf bag, but Vessel raised the bar with the Player V Pro’s number, variety, and versatility. I was thrilled to find that the magnetic pocket above the ball pocket is now split and velour lined – great for my rangefinder. And that ball pocket now has an internal elasticized pocket that’s turned into a blessing for keeping my ball markers segregated. I could go on and on about every well thought out pocket, but suffice it to say, the Vessel Player V Pro makes organization and protection of valuables a snap.
Another feature worthy of a shout-out is the cart strap pass-through. Not only does it keep the upper velour lined magnetic pocket unobstructed, it also helps keep the bag securely positioned to the cart frame – whether it’s a driven cart or a push cart. The Vessel Player V Pro also comes with a matching cart strap sleeve to limit wear.
There’s also an optional add-on for the Vessel Player V Pro – the Golf Club Organizer. The Organizer was easy to assemble and slide into the grooves under the side lift handles. The Organizer provides individual, rubberized slots with magnets to keep each club head safe and secure. If you despise the noise of rattling clubs, or seek to protect finishes, the Golf Club Organizer provides a well-designed option.
Performance
Continuing with Golf Club Organizer – it definitely fulfills its purpose, but I found it to be a little weird. That’s not a word I can recall using in a review, but hang with me. For starters, having your irons raised from the top of the bag is odd looking – and my photos don’t include the 1.5” extenders that Vessel recommends if you plan to walk. Those extenders raise the grip ends so the clubs remain unencumbered by the stand mechanism when the legs are fully engaged. But for me, that made the balance point a bit top heavy when carrying.
Back in a standard set-up, I found the 14-way full length, truly divided slots easy to navigate with my standard plus-4 grips. Although I don’t have a fat putter grip, I recognize that the dedicated putter well is a feature in demand these days. The Vessel Player V Pro is also available in a 7-way top configuration.
Vessel’s patented Rotator Stand System once again performed flawlessly. A simple push while tilting the bag activated the carbon composite legs. With the legs fully extended and the base flush with the ground, the Vessel Player V Pro assumed a sturdy stance.
I was happy to see another patented feature – the Equilibrium 2.0 Double Strap. With the straps free to pivot around the central hub, the process of putting the bag on or taking it off seemed effortless. With the bag on my shoulders, balance was well maintained and the padding nicely comfortable.
That said, the Player V Pro is a hefty stand bag weighing in at 7.75 lbs. And all those wonderful pockets may encourage adding weight with extra balls, beverages, and gear. To me, the Player V Pro is perfectly suited for golfers who ride or walk with a push cart, and enjoy having their bag with them for practice sessions. Dedicated walkers who carry their own bag should check out the Vessel Sunday III [full review HERE].
Conclusion
To answer my intro question – yes, Vessel has continued to evolve, offering improvements in both function and aesthetics. The Vessel Player V Pro is a beautiful example of the pursuit of excellence. The Golf Club Organizer wasn’t my cup of tea, but the design was well executed. At $469 retail, the Vessel Player V Pro is a sizable investment, but based on the craftmanship and quality materials, it’s a golf bag that should last you for many years.
Visit Vessel Golf HERE
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One Comment
Bought mine during the Black Friday sale. Got the Iron Brew colorway and it looks even better in person! This is my first Vessel bag and I can definitely see what all the fuss is about. Really an excellent and premium bag. Can’t wait for next season