Ghost Golf

[Lefty87]

The gripe with Ghost Golf bags has always been the excessive branding, but the quality and functionality looks awesome.  I just saw they are releasing new cart bags and the branding is definitely dialed back. Shots anyone know, are Ghost Golf bags made by Vessel? They have so many similarities and the quality is excellent on both. 

[mantan]

I didn't need to see this thread.  I have been on an epic search for a new bag/cart bag and this may be yet another chapters.

 

I'd gotten tired of my black Sun Mountain C-130.  I've used some version of a C-130 for the last 15 years. I wanted to go to something different, a little lighter in color and better materials. The C-130 was functionally great - but still are cheap nylon. (and fall apart more quickly each version I had.)

 

My first purchase was a Ghost Golf Oreo bag. it was flat out gorgeous. Yeah, the branding was a bit over the top - but it was a good looking bag.  But I have gotten used to a cart bag and the layout of the Ghost bag is for carrying - not really for sitting on a cart. I sold it on the BST forum 

 

Next was a white PING DLX.  I loved the look of the bag.  The layout was generally pretty good. But the magnetic ball pouch was an issue. Three separate times I had balls spill out of it taking out off the trunk or off a bag drop. (The worst being the bag drop as the parking lot is on a steep hill and all my balls went rolling down and guys were trying to help me chase them down.

 

PING was nice enough to send me a replacement bag.  But I just don't trust the design.

 

A couple of weeks ago I bought a Sunday 'Big Rig' cart bag.  I love my Sunday 'Loma' which is a true Sunday bag.  I use it for the range and it's absolutely perfect design. The cart bag design is OK...but little things bother me. (I'm admittedly VERY picky about bags'. There is only a valuables pouch on one side where most bags have two. There is only one metal ring instead of two.  The cloth material is beter than a Sun Mountain...but not as nice as PING or Ghost Golf.

 

Now the Ghost Bag is out.....sigh

 

If an Oreo Cart bag had been out when I started this, I'd be set.

[KGrinols]

I'd love a Vessel bag, but they're soooooo boring.  The only one that's even slightly interesting was either a limited edition that was gone instantly, or the Iridium, and a few Japan releases, that I hope are real?

 

I might look into ghost.

 

Edit: That was quick, nothing caught my eye.  More single color monotony.

Edited June 14, 2024 by KGrinols

[KevCannon]

They are not made by Vessel. Different company started sometime during Pandemic (i think). Vessel does make a lot of Tour bags that have other logos on them. Ghost bags seem to be very well made, but totally agree about the branding overkill. If i was spending that $ on a bag, I would buy a Vessel. Mainly due to the classier look.

[Phabs]

If they’re not made by vessel the same sweat shop that makes vessel makes the ghosts.   I’ve had a ghost for a year roughly now and when it’s side my side with my common playing partners vessel you can’t tell them apart.  Same stand base, same leg attachment, same velour material on the top opening, same pleather outer. 

[WristySwing]

Grandpa rocking on his porch muttering about the old days rant coming in...where in the heck do companies get the gall to charge nearly $600 for a stand bag and over $100 for a corded belt!!??!! I have a Vessel, admittedly, it was a parting gift from a job, but it is nothing to write home about. I much prefer the Ping and SunMountain carry bags I had before. That Ronin bag looks almost identical to my Vessel.

[mantan]

39 minutes ago, WristySwing said:

Grandpa rocking on his porch muttering about the old days rant coming in...where in the heck do companies get the gall to charge nearly $600 for a stand bag and over $100 for a corded belt!!??!! I have a Vessel, admittedly, it was a parting gift from a job, but it is nothing to write home about. I much prefer the Ping and SunMountain carry bags I had before. That Ronin bag looks almost identical to my Vessel.

 

haha! Very true. It's like they realized the golf market isn't elastic anymore. You can raise the cost of green fees, bags, balls, clubs, etc - and golfers in the current boom are going to pay for it. For years it felt like $300 was the ceiling most golfers would spend for a bag.  Now that's the price of a mid-range bag.

 

 

[TM golf guy]

https://www.tt-golf.com/golf-bag/golf-stand-bag/hot-sale-golf-stand-bag-pu-leather-carry-bag.html

 

This was posted elsewhere, but these seem to be the Ghost stand bags. Unsure if the cart bags come from here.

[WristySwing]

2 hours ago, mantan said:

 

haha! Very true. It's like they realized the golf market isn't elastic anymore. You can raise the cost of green fees, bags, balls, clubs, etc - and golfers in the current boom are going to pay for it. For years it felt like $300 was the ceiling most golfers would spend for a bag.  Now that's the price of a mid-range bag.

 

 

 

It's completely crazy to me. God speed if you want to spend the money on that, and are willing, but it doesn't appeal to me in the least.

[Righty to Lefty]

Had never seen one until a few days go at the driving range...good looking bag.

[klbcec]

Have a ghost. Great bag.

[Amarsuperstar]

My Ghost bag is garbage quality and the customer service has not been great. 

[MattM97]

On 6/14/2024 at 8:49 AM, TM golf guy said:

https://www.tt-golf.com/golf-bag/golf-stand-bag/hot-sale-golf-stand-bag-pu-leather-carry-bag.html

 

This was posted elsewhere, but these seem to be the Ghost stand bags. Unsure if the cart bags come from here.

 

Oh yeah those are 100% the guys who make the Ghost bag that thing is identical. 

[Pexeter]

Had a Ghost and it was a great bag, no issues with it.  I swapped it for Vessel Player IV just because I was tired of the Grey/Yellow but Im ready to go back to Ghost, just need some new colors.

[OldSoul91]

On 6/17/2024 at 11:26 AM, Pexeter said:

Had a Ghost and it was a great bag, no issues with it.  I swapped it for Vessel Player IV just because I was tired of the Grey/Yellow but Im ready to go back to Ghost, just need some new colors.

I’ve been on the fence between Ghost and Vessel. Any issues with either bag or major cons? I’ve been eyeing up a Cart bag and will end up getting a stand bag second. 
 

Seems like both brands have hits and misses but Vessel seems like it’s the hottest thing out there right now. 

[Pexeter]

1 hour ago, OldSoul91 said:

I’ve been on the fence between Ghost and Vessel. Any issues with either bag or major cons? I’ve been eyeing up a Cart bag and will end up getting a stand bag second. 
 

Seems like both brands have hits and misses but Vessel seems like it’s the hottest thing out there right now. 

 

I recently made the jump from stand to cart bag and I jumped on the Ghost as soon as it was released and I was hugely disappointed.  I made a post about it with pics not too long ago but short story It had some off-kilter pockets/stitching, weak magnets, and the material felt like it would get worn from wrinkling/normal use quickly.  I don't know if the reviewers on the website got different bags or what but I didn't care for it like I did their stand bag.  I ate the $50 and sent it back and got a Vessel Pro Cart and it seems leagues more premium and durable over the Ghost cart bag, everything is premium like you would expect at this price point..strong magnets, asymmetry, durable, and not as wide/girthy as the ghost.  My favorite part about the vessel, the club organizer, I have +1/2 clubs and they work great on it.

Edited August 9, 2024 by Pexeter

[OldSoul91]

2 hours ago, Pexeter said:

 

I recently made the jump from stand to cart bag and I jumped on the Ghost as soon as it was released and I was hugely disappointed.  I made a post about it with pics not too long ago but short story It had some off-kilter pockets/stitching, weak magnets, and the material felt like it would get worn from wrinkling/normal use quickly.  I don't know if the reviewers on the website got different bags or what but I didn't care for it like I did their stand bag.  I ate the $50 and sent it back and got a Vessel Pro Cart and it seems leagues more premium and durable over the Ghost cart bag, everything is premium like you would expect at this price point..strong magnets, asymmetry, durable, and not as wide/girthy as the ghost.  My favorite part about the vessel, the club organizer, I have +1/2 clubs and they work great on it.

Wow holy cow! Super helpful! Thank you! This is the type of insight I’ve been trying to snag. Noted and in a way it secured my gut with going the Vessel route then. It’s just hard since they’re always out of stuff etc. 

 

I wanted to go stand but since I only walk 20% of the time I’ll end up going Cart. Did you opt for the Pro or Lux Pro and did you snag the 7 or 15 way? Assuming the 15 way given your comment on the organized. 

[Pexeter]

27 minutes ago, OldSoul91 said:

Wow holy cow! Super helpful! Thank you! This is the type of insight I’ve been trying to snag. Noted and in a way it secured my gut with going the Vessel route then. It’s just hard since they’re always out of stuff etc. 

 

I wanted to go stand but since I only walk 20% of the time I’ll end up going Cart. Did you opt for the Pro or Lux Pro and did you snag the 7 or 15 way? Assuming the 15 way given your comment on the organized. 

 

It was called the Lux XV 2.0 when I got it a few weeks ago but right after they started calling it the Lux Pro, yeah 15 way top.  I also like the dual front magnetic pockets, you won't regret it.

[OldSoul91]

16 hours ago, Pexeter said:

 

It was called the Lux XV 2.0 when I got it a few weeks ago but right after they started calling it the Lux Pro, yeah 15 way top.  I also like the dual front magnetic pockets, you won't regret it.

Sweet! What color way did you grab?
 

Sorry last question any issues with the cart strap pass through? Does it sit flush and straight on a cart?

Edited August 10, 2024 by OldSoul91

[Pexeter]

Went with the grey on this one.  I came across two issues with the pass through, one that affects both brand of bags.  First on an actual riding cart the width of the strap section is way too wide to enter and exit both pass throughs so I have it pass through the first side (depending on riding or driving) and just go over the opposite side passthrough.  Another issue is that it is a PITA to get a cart strap through a sleeve and through the pass throughs, but without a strap this is no issue.  I've worked around this by using the two velcro straps on the rear of the Vessel made for push carts, they hold the bag pretty secure on their own.

[OldSoul91]

16 hours ago, Pexeter said:

Went with the grey on this one.  I came across two issues with the pass through, one that affects both brand of bags.  First on an actual riding cart the width of the strap section is way too wide to enter and exit both pass throughs so I have it pass through the first side (depending on riding or driving) and just go over the opposite side passthrough.  Another issue is that it is a PITA to get a cart strap through a sleeve and through the pass throughs, but without a strap this is no issue.  I've worked around this by using the two velcro straps on the rear of the Vessel made for push carts, they hold the bag pretty secure on their own.

Appreciate you sharing! So essentially you just use the “push cart straps” to attach to the golf cart? Is it a huge PITA where you’d not get it again? 
 

Thinking I’ll snag the black when it’s in stock later this month. I just haven’t seen anything else I like outside of Ghost. I saw your post and that bag looked terrible for what they cost. Idk if you got a lemon but Lordie…

[Pexeter]

6 hours ago, OldSoul91 said:

Appreciate you sharing! So essentially you just use the “push cart straps” to attach to the golf cart? Is it a huge PITA where you’d not get it again? 
 

Thinking I’ll snag the black when it’s in stock later this month. I just haven’t seen anything else I like outside of Ghost. I saw your post and that bag looked terrible for what they cost. Idk if you got a lemon but Lordie…

 

Definitely would buy again, its just hard to use the cart strap sleeve IMO and yes I have used only the push cart back straps with no issue, just hook around the basket behind the seat.  Feeding the strap through the sleeve and the pass through is a very tight squeeze, so I first feed the sleeve through the pass through, then try to feed the strap straight through the sleeve with the sleeve sticking as straight out as you can get it, then go under the magnetic pocket with it.  And like I said before the riding cart straps are too wide for the bag so you only have to do this on the initial side. I still have a neoprene Ghost sleeve from my older Ghost stand bag that works better since it has a bit more structure than the one that comes with the bag and is about 8" shorter, the vessel strap is too long to fit without unzipping the end to open it up.  The vessel strap does unzip the entire length though I haven't tried making this process easier by unzipping it and honestly there is probably a better way to do it then what i've tried... Hope this helps you.  

Edited August 12, 2024 by Pexeter

[OldSoul91]

14 hours ago, Pexeter said:

 

Definitely would buy again, its just hard to use the cart strap sleeve IMO and yes I have used only the push cart back straps with no issue, just hook around the basket behind the seat.  Feeding the strap through the sleeve and the pass through is a very tight squeeze, so I first feed the sleeve through the pass through, then try to feed the strap straight through the sleeve with the sleeve sticking as straight out as you can get it, then go under the magnetic pocket with it.  And like I said before the riding cart straps are too wide for the bag so you only have to do this on the initial side. I still have a neoprene Ghost sleeve from my older Ghost stand bag that works better since it has a bit more structure than the one that comes with the bag and is about 8" shorter, the vessel strap is too long to fit without unzipping the end to open it up.  The vessel strap does unzip the entire length though I haven't tried making this process easier by unzipping it and honestly there is probably a better way to do it then what i've tried... Hope this helps you.  

Yes this is super helpful! Actually you pretty much helped me shore up that I’ll be snagging this bag. I’ve spent months going back and forth, thanks for the honest feedback and experience with it. 
 

Lastly, any signs of wear or fading on the bag? I’m pretty much someone who babies everything, wipes clubs after each swing lol so I don’t see it being an issue but figured I’d ask. 
 

PS. Club organizer worth it?

Edited August 12, 2024 by OldSoul91

[Phabs]

Since I push most my rounds the ghost is perfect for me.  I bought the bag because of the top layout being exactly what I wanted with a 7 way with a putter well.   Zero issues with the ghost.  No wear, zippers are fine magnets are still strong and no tangle.  My only gripe of it even if it is one is that the back straps aren’t made for someone with wide shoulders.  Getting the second shoulder strap up and over can be a pain sometimes until you figure out the slide it up the forearm move.  

 

I swear to god if someone at ping would pull their head out and make the hoofer top layout the same as the ghost they’d dominate the market more than they do now.  I’d buy two of em tomorrow. 

[mantan]

On 6/13/2024 at 9:33 PM, mantan said:

I didn't need to see this thread.  I have been on an epic search for a new bag/cart bag and this may be yet another chapters.

 

I'd gotten tired of my black Sun Mountain C-130.  I've used some version of a C-130 for the last 15 years. I wanted to go to something different, a little lighter in color and better materials. The C-130 was functionally great - but still are cheap nylon. (and fall apart more quickly each version I had.)

 

My first purchase was a Ghost Golf Oreo bag. it was flat out gorgeous. Yeah, the branding was a bit over the top - but it was a good looking bag.  But I have gotten used to a cart bag and the layout of the Ghost bag is for carrying - not really for sitting on a cart. I sold it on the BST forum 

 

Next was a white PING DLX.  I loved the look of the bag.  The layout was generally pretty good. But the magnetic ball pouch was an issue. Three separate times I had balls spill out of it taking out off the trunk or off a bag drop. (The worst being the bag drop as the parking lot is on a steep hill and all my balls went rolling down and guys were trying to help me chase them down.

 

PING was nice enough to send me a replacement bag.  But I just don't trust the design.

 

A couple of weeks ago I bought a Sunday 'Big Rig' cart bag.  I love my Sunday 'Loma' which is a true Sunday bag.  I use it for the range and it's absolutely perfect design. The cart bag design is OK...but little things bother me. (I'm admittedly VERY picky about bags'. There is only a valuables pouch on one side where most bags have two. There is only one metal ring instead of two.  The cloth material is better than a Sun Mountain...but not as nice as PING or Ghost Golf.

 

Now the Ghost Bag is out.....sigh

 

If an Oreo Cart bag had been out when I started this, I'd be set.

 

The ubiquitous holiday ads got me and I bought a Ghost Maverick cart bag.  (also laughed at how Instagram fed me the Ghost Golf influencer that fit a, um, type that I like compared the ads my friends get, lol)

 

I'd seen some mixed feedback on WRX about the quality. And I'm admittedly VERY picky about golf bags.

 

But I'm very impressed with the initial quality of the bag. Everything about it feels premium compared the Sunday Loma and Sun Mountain C-130.  Granted the Ghost bag even discounted $100 was $75-$100 more than both. The details and quality made it worth the extra money. From the external materials to the quality to the little touches in the design (key ring in valuables pocket), I'm impressed.

 

I always am picky about bags.  The Pacman Ghost logo is a bit overdone, IMO. But when it's sitting on a cart, you can't even see it.  

 

Hopefully it's durable as well. Everything looks great out of the box, but the true test is how it holds up round after round.

 

 

 

 

[madputter]

I bought a GT-14 Katana on black friday.  It has the most understated logos of the other Ghost cart bag options, but it's still quite much.  Some people will like this, some will not to include a few of my buddies who think it's showy and obnoxious.  The bag quality seems good, albeit quite heavy compared to other options.

 

A note about their reviews.  It appears they only post positive reviews on their bags, which is obvious when everything is 5 stars.  I was unhappy with their customer service as they refused provide a price adjustment for the sale price available a few days after I purchased my bag (they did offer a $10 credit - oboy).  There is a large restocking fee for returning a bag, so I was quite disappointed with the outcome.  I noted this and a few other minor annoyances with the bag in my review (which they solicited), but somehow it never appeared on the website.

Edited December 29, 2024 by madputter
typo

[cfmgolf]

On 12/23/2024 at 8:43 PM, mantan said:

 

The ubiquitous holiday ads got me and I bought a Ghost Maverick cart bag.  (also laughed at how Instagram fed me the Ghost Golf influencer that fit a, um, type that I like compared the ads my friends get, lol)

 

I'd seen some mixed feedback on WRX about the quality. And I'm admittedly VERY picky about golf bags.

 

But I'm very impressed with the initial quality of the bag. Everything about it feels premium compared the Sunday Loma and Sun Mountain C-130.  Granted the Ghost bag even discounted $100 was $75-$100 more than both. The details and quality made it worth the extra money. From the external materials to the quality to the little touches in the design (key ring in valuables pocket), I'm impressed.

 

I always am picky about bags.  The Pacman Ghost logo is a bit overdone, IMO. But when it's sitting on a cart, you can't even see it.  

 

Hopefully it's durable as well. Everything looks great out of the box, but the true test is how it holds up round after round.

 

 

 

 

I have had my Ghost Maverick for a few months now and have been very happy with it.  I did get the cart strap for when I ride though.  Would recommend it to keep the bag is pristine condition with the cart straps rubbing on the gray material.

[Archimedes65]

I saw a Ghost bag about a month ago for the first time and I agree with an earlier poster, these are either made by Vessel or by the same contract manufacturer using mostly identical components.  It looked exactly like my Vessel down to the clips and plastic bits.  Which one I’d buy would simply depend on which logo I liked better.  Funny that their standard pricing is nearly identical.

[Guest]

I got myself a Ghost carry bag for Christmas.  I like it better than my Stitch SL2, which had horrible zippers and too small of pockets.  It went to the trash as soon as the Ghost arrived.   The Ghost does have too much branding.  I counted 14 Ghost images/names.   i will switch out the zipper pulls, which will get rid of half of those.

[mantan]

On 12/29/2024 at 10:08 AM, madputter said:

I bought a GT-14 Katana on black friday.  It has the most understated logos of the other Ghost cart bag options, but it's still quite much.  Some people will like this, some will not to include a few of my buddies who think it's showy and obnoxious.  The bag quality seems good, albeit quite heavy compared to other options.

 

A note about their reviews.  It appears they only post positive reviews on their bags, which is obvious when everything is 5 stars.  I was unhappy with their customer service as they refused provide a price adjustment for the sale price available a few days after I purchased my bag (they did offer a $10 credit - oboy).  There is a large restocking fee for returning a bag, so I was quite disappointed with the outcome.  I noted this and a few other minor annoyances with the bag in my review (which they solicited), but somehow it never appeared on the website.

 

Yeah, there are those little details that don't scream 'premium' purchase. If your charging this much for a bag, your customer service needs to be top notch.

 

I've bought Sunday and Revcore golf bags the last two years and their customer service is outstanding. I had some issues with the straps on my Sunday bag and they couldn't have been more responsive/helpful in trying to solve the problem. And that was for a cart bag that cost 2/3 of what Ghost is charging.