Hello everyone,

I mostly walk when I golf during summer. Its more fun, more of an exercise, and that is how it supposed to be. (official rules)

In a search for ultra light-weight bag last year, I used Callaway's XTT Xtra-Lite stand bag.
Obviously I got sick of it(im a bag hoe) so I bought myself a brand new 2009 Nike Element Stand Bag.
I was lucky enough to win a brand new one from ebay for $90 shipped.

Here is a little comparison.


2009 Nike Element Stand Bag vs Callaway XTT Xtra-Lite Stand Bag
(blue means Nike has advantage, red means Callaway has advantage, no color means personal preference)

MSRP: $160 vs $170
Average online prices: $130 vs $99
Weight: Under 4LBS vs 4LBS (Measurement by digital scale shows 5.0lbs vs 5.2lbs)
Top size: 9" vs 8"
Dividers: [5 way - 3 full length] vs [6 way - 3 full length]
Straps: Dual Strap Carry System w/NIKE Air Technology vs 1 Or 2 Strap.ology Technology
Zipper Pockets: 6 vs 6
Stand: Lightweight fiberglass stand vs Xtra Traction Technology
Additional features: none vs callaway mulligan sleeve (its actually quite useful)
Carry handle: Firm front carry handle vs Soft front carry handle + trunk lifting handle
Stand bag size/setup: Nike bag is slightly longer in length, Callaway bag sits higher(angle of stand).


These two bags are quite similar in terms of what they are intended for. Small and ultra-lightweight, yet very functional. They both do exactly what they are made for. Both bags provide effortless carrying ability due to lightweight, great functionality, and decent durability. Few things I want to add.


Callaway Story: Zipper pockets wise, callaway pockets are definitely more useful and easier to use. You can tell that Callaway spent extra time on those pockets. Stand wise, Callaway's XTT stand comes out on top mainly because of its AWESOME looks. Somehow, I got more compliment about the stand than the bag. In a way, quite sad, but good stuff nonetheless. One bad thing about Callaway's stand is that it seems like the integrated-stand decreases the size(radius) of the bag bottom a bit. I like the firm front carry handle of the Nike's, but since the Callaway comes with trunk lifiting handle at the bottom of the bag, I gave them the advantage. Its all personal preference though, because I never really use the trunk lifting handle. The bag is already so damn light, if you need additional help handling the bag out of the trunk, you need to WORK OUT.

Nike Story: Nike's straps are by far, better than the Callaway's. I believe nike's straps are one of the best in the market. They are VERY comfortable, and easy to adjust. Not to mention they actually look pretty cool too. Having a bigger top size of 9" is a big plus. I don't know exactly what it is(possibly related to top size), but Nike's bag doesn't have the "club-got-stuck" problem. This is a very common problem on small, lightweight sized stand bags. Just by this reason alone, I'll pick the Nike bag over Callaway XTT. The stand on nike's bag looks wimpy, mainly because of how thin and small they are. They do the job, but we'll find out how long they will last before they start causing problems(since nike has a history with stands on some models). I like the Nike's carry handle, exactly like the Sasquatch ones, but with additional grip support.


Personal conclusion: I love both bags, but I'll go with the Nike bag mainly because of the straps and its new design. I just LOVE nike straps. Both bags have classic, lightweight look to it, but I just like how nike's bag was designed. Honestly though, Callaway bag's functionality and little extra touches here and there are great. It all comes down to what really matters to you. Im sure story will change once Callaway comes out with 2009 line-ups. Who knows, I might be writing another review soon when I buy a new upcoming Callaway bag.

*sorry for the bad pictures and dirty background. I was too lazy to clean up my dog's mess.