Vessel Player III Golf Stand Bag Review - PGAPappas Giveaway Winner Guest Review

You know I love testing new gear and writing reviews for all of you, really sharing as much of everything golf I do with you as often as I can.  And this year we're going to get everyone even more involved with guest product reviews!  And the first guest review of 2022 comes from our 12 Days of Christmas Vessel Player III golf stand bag winner Jeff.

Jeff has taken his new Player III out a few times already, and I think he's found himself "the perfect hybrid bag."

In his own words, here's what Jeff (huntingbirdies on twitter) thought about his new Vessel Player III bag after taking it to the course a few times.

When I saw I won The Vessel Player III #jingleBAM was the first thing I thought!  Looking at bags over the last year, this is the one that seemed to offer what I was looking for!  What was I looking for? What I want to call a hybrid golf bag.  I typically ride as the heat and humidity of Houston will drain you quick, but there are times when I go walk the course and don't want my pushcart, and when I head to the range I like to walk.  So is this the bag?  Bottom line up front, YES.

Looks: Vessel offers 7 color options, White, Citrine(black/yellow), Black, White/Navy, Grey, Iridium (White/Orange/Black) and White/Rose Gold.  I went with Grey and must say I am glad I did.  As Pete said, " it looks mean".  It has that WOW factor that will make your buddies drool.

Made from "Tour- grade" Synthetic leather, you get the feel that this is a bad that is going to last a long time.  This bag checks all the boxes, high quality trim, leather wrapped handles, premium zippers, awesome branding with that I will call high end badging.  This bag scores high marks in the looks department.

Functionality: I went with the 14-way top.  It also comes in a 6-way top.  Personably I have played with a 14-way top for a long time now.  Each slot is divided all the way from top to bottom, no more getting the handles bunched!  We have all had the problem of trying to "shove in " a club that is being stubborn.  The towel ring also doubles as a bottle opener, a small detail, but an important one.  I am also a big fan of the velour lined magnetic pocket for the range finder.  The magnetic is super strong, so no worries about it popping open by accident.  As much as I go to my range finder, the easy of the magnetic pull makes life easier than pulling a zipper every time, again the little things were not overlooked by Vessel.

Getting more into how the bag functions, the Player III offers a "Patented Rotator Stand System", fancy words that mean setting your bag down on to the carbon fiber legs is super easy and keeps the bag very stable.  We have all had carry bags where the base is a pain to set and falls very easily.  This base is the base in the business and should be the standard for any stand bag.

The last thing I want to touch on functionality is the "Self-Adjusting Equilibrium Strap".  For me, I was able to throw the bag on and go, no need to worry about adjusting the straps, it seemed as though the strap did it for me.  The strap is also very comfortable, doesn't cut into you and very padded.  The best part of the strap is another what should be simple feature but shows the detail Vessel out into the bag.  A quick release system. Simply push four buttons and the strap releases.  It may sound small, but I hate the pinching systems when releasing a strap.  The push system is much easier and more modern.

Overall Impressions: I could do on and on about the features, but Vessel does a great job describing the bag on their site.  What we really want to know is does it perform on the course and will it make your foursome jealous?  Having been out for a few rounds both walking and riding, the bag performs.  Easy to walk with, the bag only weighs about 6 lbs., so not too heavy, even with clubs, accessories and balls.  I never once felt as though carrying the bag was wearing me out.  Transitions from back to ground was very easy.

As I said earlier the bag is stable on the ground, never once did it even think of falling over.  One less thing to worry about while playing.  Throwing it on the cart, while may seem simple and a no brainer, I have had issues in the past with a carry bag slipping around and the straps getting in the way.  This bag is a good size and the base fits nicely on a cart, no slippage while riding.  And the straps pop off quickly, so they don't get in the way.  I am trying to come up with something I would do different with this bag, and I can't say I can think of one thing.  Having read some of the reviews from others, there have been issues with the 14-way top being a bit to snug and people struggle getting clubs in and out.  I have not had that issue, but if you play oversized grips, the 6-way top maybe the way to go.

This is bag that hit every mark for me. To me it is the perfect "hybrid bag".  I have received many compliments, and yes, my foursome is jealous, even if they won’t admit it.  Some maybe scared of the price, but this is a bag that I believe is going to late me a long time.  The quality and detail Vessel put into this bag is second to none.  This bag is going to last.

Lastly, a BIG THANK YOU to Pete.  Not only does he have the best giveaways, the ultra-cool Play with Pete but he also works tirelessly for us with it comes for his reviews.  I know many have reached out to him for club advise and have benefitted.  I hope you all like my review, in case you can’t tell, this is a first time for me.

And there you have it.  Sounds like Jeff has found his go-to hybrid bag in the new Vessel Player III Golf Stand Bag.  Enjoy that baby Jeff!

Look for more guest giveaway winner reviews throughout the year.  It's a fun way to keep getting you more involved, and think we're all going to thoroughly enjoy different takes from different personalities on some of the new gear I review.  Cheers to a great 2022 for us all!