New golf clubs are far from the only things being unveiled at this year's PGA Show. One product that's destined to be a winner is TaylorMade's new R11 Pure-Lite stand bag. Comparing this bag to carry bags from even just a few years ago is like comparing an F-22 to a paper airplane. The species has evolved a lot. The R11 is the ultimate stand bag – with several meaningful improvements over last year’s model. The design of this bag is just plain smart. It houses the things it needs to house well and flat-out works the way it should. TaylorMade does the little things right here, and the big things even better.
The R11 Pure-Lite is light: just 5.0 pounds. But it’s anything but light on features. This year’s model is made with a new lightweight rip-stop Gortech material. Its six nylon dividers and three full-length shaft dividers keep clubs organized, while the integrated handles at the top, bottom and side make it one of the world’s easiest bags to move around. It’s also easy – and comfortable – to carry. The ergonomic “air-mesh comfort straps” utilize an EVA foam and a continuous webbing system that distributes weight evenly, giving it an even lighter “effective weight.” This year’s straps were designed to breathe, too – so your shoulders stay cool and relaxed. And the strap system is 8-point, 4-way adjustable, so the bag can be fitted to ride at the optimal 10-degree hanging angle. And it’s got a generously padded hip pad for comfort when walking and carrying.
The R11 Pure-Lite has compartments for just about everything. There are a total of eight pockets -- a valuables pocket, a large apparel pocket for sweaters and rain gear, a glove pocket big enough for six gloves, a pocket for tees and balls, an accessories pocket, a valuables pocket, a water bottle sleeve – even a place to keep your Sharpie.
The R11 is rugged, too. The legs are 6020 aluminum with stainless steel rod actuators. The stand system is tested to hold up to all but the toughest abuse – an automated test replicates cycling the stand open and closed 60,000 times. The legs are designed for optimum spread to help with stability on uneven lies, too, and new for 2011 is a stand housing with an anti-split mechanism – so the legs won’t open up too wide. Finally, the tough-as-nails base has a new actuator for 2011 that allows its hinge to work smoothly even on slippery surfaces. It’s as close to a “can’t-fail” design as anyone has ever come or may ever need to come.
Throw in a rain hood that’s big enough to actually fit golf clubs under it and a towel ring that doesn’t make you jump through hoops to use it and you’ve got what just may be the most intelligently designed golf bag ever created.
Strap one on and you’ll see what I mean.
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