Titleist has long been synonymous with producing some of the best golf bags money can buy, and its latest iteration of the iconic Players line is no exception.
Sitting at the top end of the newly introduced 'S' range, the Players S5 StaDry promises to combine a lightweight carry with ultimate waterproof protection and maximum storage for complete versatility. I recently took it out on the course to see if it lives up to its premium billing.
Straight out of the box, the Players S5 StaDry boasts the classic, timeless silhouette I have come to expect from Titleist and, in particular, the Players range. It is available in four sleek colourways, but the traditional black with red and grey trimming was my favourite. The premium polyester material feels incredibly robust, and that is something Titleist has made a conscious effort to improve within this new lineup.
The upgraded materials are now highly resistant to abrasion, tears, and UV exposure, and I can certainly believe it just from touching the fabric. It will be interesting to see if the black colour fades over the warm summer we hopefully have in store, but only time will tell on that front.
It’s the sheer functionality of the S5 StaDry that truly stood out to me and is what had me thinking this has to be one of the best stand bags on the market. Titleist has managed to integrate 10 pockets into a stand bag without making it look overly bulky, which is really impressive.
As someone who likes being prepared for the course, carrying extra layers, drinks, and food, this amount of pockets is a dream. The storage options include a lined, waterproof valuables pocket, an insulated external water bottle pocket, and a Velcro glove landing patch if you don’t want to stuff it in your back pocket on a warm day.
The integrated cart strap tunnel is a massive bonus if, like me, you occasionally prefer to use a trolley or buggy when the weather warms up, or you’re on vacation.
The brand-new 5-way top cuff with a full-length divider really helped reduce club entanglement and made retrieving and replacing clubs feel effortless. In my testing, this slightly wider, refined configuration virtually eliminated the annoying grip-tangle that often bugs me when using smaller stand bags, even more so after hitting a poor shot!
When it came to braving the elements, the StaDry technology was faultless. The seam-sealed construction and high-quality YKK zippers ensured that, even when I was caught in a heavy downpour, my spare layers, grips, and valuables remained completely bone dry.
While a base weight of 2.5kg means the S5 StaDry sits slightly on the heavier side for a pure carry bag compared to ultra-lightweight bags such as the Titleist Players 4 carbon stand bag.
Despite this, I found that the updated premium double strap system balanced the weight perfectly across my shoulders, and combined with a larger, integrated hip pad, there was an abundance of comfort on offer the whole time I was on the course.
As if this bag wasn’t already impressive enough, the redesigned stand system for the new line offered a reliable leg deployment and wide stance when sat down, providing rock-solid stability that held up well even when the wind picked up or on uneven ground.
If you are a dedicated everyday golfer who refuses to compromise on storage or weather protection, I can confidently say the Titleist Players S5 StaDry is quite simply one of the best waterproof bags money can buy.
