Flying with your clubs

[deadsolid...shank]

how best to protect

For you guys who travel and take the sticks along I have a couple of questions.

If you have an adjustable driver, do you take the head off and package it seperately, and if so, do you put anything over the tip to add extra protection for it. Also , what do the package the head in?


I don't want to layout $30 to Dicks for the protector (sorry I can't recall the name, the long rod with the saucer type end that goes just over your longest club to prevent damage if they throw the bag down on it's top), I've seen a hockey stick mentioned, but those are not real easy to come by in this part of the country. Would a broomstick or something similar work as well.

Any extra precautions or ideas are appreciated.

[devinsolar]

If you travel a lot, definitely get a hard shell case. They're like a hundred bucks but so worth it.

[pd1775]

Anything longer than the driver works. I also turn my irons upside down, so the heads are inside the bag itself and I put the putter somewhere in the middle of the bag.

[Fourmyle of Ceres]

Second the hard shell case. PITA to carry around in a rental car but worth it for the protection in my opinion. Plus a good excuse not to get a teensy rental that you don't want anyway!

The best, cheap substitute for a "Stiff Arm" gadget is a hunk of large diameter wooden dowel from Lowe's. Three or four bucks should get you one sturdy and long enough to do the trick, just cut it off to appropriate length. Broomsticks and such tend not to be long enough so you'd probably need a relatively expensive rake or shovel handle.

[putterzz]

I fly quite frequently with clubs and use a soft case. Get a shower curtain rod, they are easily adjustable with a turn so you can place in bag and screw to take pressure off clubs...works great.

[deadsolid...shank]

Thanks for the answers everyone.

[jdubbs]

I have one of the Stiff Arm protectors and in my opinion works really good.

I have a Club Glove bag, and use the Stiff arm. I also wraps the tops of the shafts with a towel just for some extra protection.

Ive never had any issues.

[deadsolid...shank]

[quote name='jdubbs' timestamp='1329519866' post='4311431']
I have one of the Stiff Arm protectors and in my opinion works really good.

I have a Club Glove bag, and use the Stiff arm. I also wraps the tops of the shafts with a towel just for some extra protection.

Ive never had any issues.
[/quote]

Yeah, I've used a towel also to minimize the banging around. I really didn't want to shell out the $30 for the stiff arm because I just don't travel all that often, so looking for the best alternative. Also no one mentioned if they take the head off the driver shaft and pack it seperately.

[kekoa]

Not sure what kind of clubs you play, but just invest in the stiff arm thingy.

I also put as many irons as i can upside down with iron covers on the head. Then I snake one towel through all the clubs and then onother on top of that. I then tape it with duct tape.

One thing to note is that 9/10 times tsa will go into your bag regardless of what you do and may or may not take the same precautions that you did. Likely, they wont. That's where a hard case would come in very handy.

I've always used a soft case w/ stiff arm and haven't had any issues yet.

[poppyhillsguy]

Has anybody used Fed Ex? What is your experience?

[deadsolid...shank]

[quote name='poppyhillsguy' timestamp='1329524945' post='4312079']
Has anybody used Fed Ex? What is your experience?
[/quote]


We debated doing that but the problem was sending them that much earlier to make sure they're at the hotel when we arrive. I asked our FedEx guy and he said the few that he's seen have used a hard case to ship with. I haven't even seen a hard case for quite a while, does anyone still sell them.

And you're right Kekoa, it's silly to have seven or eight hundred dollars worth of clubs and then go cheap on a way to protect them. But, what can I say, I'm a cheap a** by nature!

[dpb5031]

I use my speed stick as a travel protector. It is slightly longer than most drivers, and very strong.

[4puttz]

Buy a SKB hard case, one time investment!!!

[MisterT]

[quote name='4puttz' timestamp='1329593534' post='4317633']
Buy a SKB hard case, one time investment!!!
[/quote]

SKB hardshell is what I use and I include a piece of PVC pipe down the middle instead of a Stiff Arm... only because I had the piece lying around. I just had to cut it to length. It's light and it flexes a little which is nice.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

I remove the driver head, put it in its headcover and in a side pocket of the bag. Shaft goes in the bag, tip first. I put all irons in upside down, keeps the heads from damaging the remaining woods and puts weight over the carrier's wheels. We have a club glove burst proof and SKB hard case. Wife gets to pull the Club Glove, I'm tempted to get another soft case since they are so much lighter and the 50# limit is a concern with the SKB if you take lots of balls, shoes, snorkel fins, etc. in the carrier. If you go soft side, buy a stiff arm!

Last time, I taped my 910 adapter so it remained in the right position for re installing, just had to align the grip. When I had an L5V, I put tape over the sole to keep the screw from falling out.

[T Shaf]

[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1329520190' post='4311489']
[quote name='jdubbs' timestamp='1329519866' post='4311431']
I have one of the Stiff Arm protectors and in my opinion works really good.

I have a Club Glove bag, and use the Stiff arm. I also wraps the tops of the shafts with a towel just for some extra protection.

Ive never had any issues.
[/quote]

Yeah, I've used a towel also to minimize the banging around. I really didn't want to shell out the $30 for the stiff arm because I just don't travel all that often, so looking for the best alternative. Also no one mentioned if they take the head off the driver shaft and pack it seperately.
[/quote]

I use club glove bag and stiff arm...I have both separated the heads and kept the club intact...had no problems either way.

[Scratch2Plus]

Check with the airline you intend to use because different airlines have different policy regarding golf club damage and reimbursement. American Airlines will NOT cover damage to your golf clubs if they are not in a hard shell case. Also, never leave your range finder/gps units in the golf bag, take them with you on your carry on bag.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

[quote name='3GWrX09' timestamp='1329609599' post='4319217']
Check with the airline you intend to use because different airlines have different policy regarding golf club damage and reimbursement. American Airlines will NOT cover damage to your golf clubs if they are not in a hard shell case. Also, never leave your range finder/gps units in the golf bag, take them with you on your carry on bag.
[/quote]

Good points, I've signed a waiver on the soft side bag when flying Frontier. Your bag will be searched by the TSA so don't try to lock it.

[Scratch2Plus]

You can buy TSA approved locks and lock your case if you so desire. Its basically a universal lock with a TSA logo that TSA has keys for.

[Steve Y]

This topic was really helpful as I am about to travel in a few weeks for the first time with my clubs. The wife bought me a soft travel bag and was thinking of buying the stiff arm. Also, was thinking of just putting in some extra cushion like towels. Another good thing about adjustable drivers, you can take the head off and just take it with you if you are worried about the baggage handlers just throwing your bag around. Anyone ever have problems with shoes being lost when placed in the travel bag pockets?

[CPSOX]

Have flown many dozens of times with a Last Bag, Stiff Arm and TSA locks.....it's perfect. Hard case is just dandy until you show up at the car rental dek and they tell you all they have left are compacts.....it happens. Furthermore, they take up far too much room when traveling with others.

[CPSOX]

Oh yeah, buy the loudest color bag you can find and get your name embroidered. Baggage claims are filled with plain black club bags.

Also, for about $100 a year, I have a rider in my homeowners policy that covers about $12k worth of clubs. Airlines NEVER come through on loss or damage.

[coreyj79]

SKB's are the best and when you buy one they insure your clubs up to $1000. (might be more I don't remember). You'll have to get at least a mid-size car because the skb's are too big for smaller cars.

[quote name='Mr. T' timestamp='1329593798' post='4317661']
[quote name='4puttz' timestamp='1329593534' post='4317633']
Buy a SKB hard case, one time investment!!!
[/quote]

SKB hardshell is what I use and I include a piece of PVC pipe down the middle instead of a Stiff Arm... only because I had the piece lying around. I just had to cut it to length. It's light and it flexes a little which is nice.
[/quote]

[asong77]

Two words: Club Glove.

There's a reason why virtually all pros and collegiate players use them...both the Last Bag and Burstproof II. Not that they worry about dollar replacement cost of their clubs, but I'm sure they will NOT be happy if any of their clubs sustains any kind of damage while flying commercial. And I'm pretty sure they're free to choose whichever travel cover they wish...and Club Glove just seems to dominate, even over hard shell cases.

Another thing to consider is the size of your rental car at your destination. If you're renting a compact, intermediate or even a standard size rental car, and if you have more than one set of clubs, the Last Bag and Last Bag XL will not fit in the trunk. With the Burstproof II, you can fit two comfortably. Also, with the larger bags, it's very easy to go over the 50lb weight limit for airlines, so if you have a big bag, make sure you check the weight (or use curbside check-in and tip the skycaps very generously...and you won't ever get charged for being over the limit).

And I would spend the extra $20 or so for the Stiff Arm.

Use coupon code "MG011312" for 30% off all Club Glove products on their website, bringing the Stiff Arm to $18.87, the Burstproof II to $153.30, the Last Bag to $209.30 and the Last Bag XL to $230.30. Still a little pricey but definitely worth it, in my opinion, especially given you're protecting over $2000 worth of equipment...

[dcmidnight]

Several years ago I bought a couple of Plano/Golf Guard hard sided cases for @ $50 each and I would never buy anything else. It is an absoultely perfect case and I have taken dozens of trips with it without any club damage whatsoever. On one case I had a buckle fail two trips ago but the other two still work. I have a baggage strap I use as well as some mini TSA locks. This thing is an absolute tank and it cost $50!

As someone who flies quite frequently I have the opportunity to spend *alot* of time on the tarmack watching the guys work the baggage trucks and literally flinging golf clubs around. Off the truck onto another truck, off the truck onto the conveyer belt and then the guy in the cargo hold that throws it onto the stack of other stuff. Sorry, not enough padding in the world for my taste. I didnt want to spend $300 on a bag, then need a separate attachment, then have to use extra towels and padding - and on top of that then pray nothing breaks. I've looked at the Last Bag up close and fooled around with it a lot - just for me, its not enough.

I'll stick with this case and frankly if it ever fails I'll buy the exact same one again.

[deadsolid...shank]

An awful lot of good information here. I'll have to look and see what brand my travel bag is, it was a pro-am gift so I really don't know. I do think that I will however pick up a stiff-arm. My father in law used to have a hard case and I remember it was a real chore to handle in the airport. That was probably at least ten years ago, so quite possibly they've improved on them to make them a little easier to handle? We are rented a small car however, so the size is a factor also.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

[quote name='asong77' timestamp='1329725259' post='4330043']
Two words: Club Glove.

There's a reason why virtually all pros and collegiate players use them...both the Last Bag and Burstproof II. Not that they worry about dollar replacement cost of their clubs, but I'm sure they will NOT be happy if any of their clubs sustains any kind of damage while flying commercial. And I'm pretty sure they're free to choose whichever travel cover they wish...and Club Glove just seems to dominate, even over hard shell cases.

Another thing to consider is the size of your rental car at your destination. If you're renting a compact, intermediate or even a standard size rental car, and if you have more than one set of clubs, the Last Bag and Last Bag XL will not fit in the trunk. With the Burstproof II, you can fit two comfortably. Also, with the larger bags, it's very easy to go over the 50lb weight limit for airlines, so if you have a big bag, make sure you check the weight (or use curbside check-in and tip the skycaps very generously...and you won't ever get charged for being over the limit).

And I would spend the extra $20 or so for the Stiff Arm.

Use coupon code "MG011312" for 30% off all Club Glove products on their website, bringing the Stiff Arm to $18.87, the Burstproof II to $153.30, the Last Bag to $209.30 and the Last Bag XL to $230.30. Still a little pricey but definitely worth it, in my opinion, especially given you're protecting over $2000 worth of equipment...
[/quote]

Thanks for the code, just ordered a rolling duffel, last bag and stiff arm.

[toddnt]

Club Glove, stiff arm and towel to wrap he clubs up! If you get a CG just make sure to get a color other than black, plus yours will stand out when youre at the baggage claim!

[asong77]

Two words: Club Glove.

 

There's a reason why virtually all pros and collegiate players use them...both the Last Bag and Burstproof II. Not that they worry about dollar replacement cost of their clubs, but I'm sure they will NOT be happy if any of their clubs sustains any kind of damage while flying commercial. And I'm pretty sure they're free to choose whichever travel cover they wish...and Club Glove just seems to dominate, even over hard shell cases.

 

Another thing to consider is the size of your rental car at your destination. If you're renting a compact, intermediate or even a standard size rental car, and if you have more than one set of clubs, the Last Bag and Last Bag XL will not fit in the trunk. With the Burstproof II, you can fit two comfortably. Also, with the larger bags, it's very easy to go over the 50lb weight limit for airlines, so if you have a big bag, make sure you check the weight (or use curbside check-in and tip the skycaps very generously...and you won't ever get charged for being over the limit).

 

And I would spend the extra $20 or so for the Stiff Arm.

 

Use coupon code "MG011312" for 30% off all Club Glove products on their website, bringing the Stiff Arm to $18.87, the Burstproof II to $153.30, the Last Bag to $209.30 and the Last Bag XL to $230.30. Still a little pricey but definitely worth it, in my opinion, especially given you're protecting over $2000 worth of equipment...

 

Thanks for the code, just ordered a rolling duffel, last bag and stiff arm.

 

Cool, which color did you end up getting? I have the fire engine red...

 

Oh man, forgot to mention one thing...I would also highly recommend the J-Hook (not sure if the rolling duffle comes with one?). I wrote about it in another thread but it basically allows you to attach your golf bag to another piece of rolling luggage to make it much easier to carry around in the airport:

 

http://www.clubglove...p?ProductID=610

 

 

 

 

 

Also, I've never tried it but the Train Reaction device looks pretty interesting too:

 

http://www.clubglove...p?ProductID=600

 

https://www.trainreaction.com/

[myspinonit]

A stiff arm for sure, and a good well-padded bag.

Edit July 27_12: I was using bubble wrap around my longer clubs as extra protection besides a good travel bag and the Golf Glove stiffarm. But of course the TSA guys may take that wrap off if inspecting, and it never gets wrapped the same.

I just realized (being in Canada, eh?) that I have a couple of things I can put on top of my woods to extra-protect them: the Clickgear hand-warmer will fit nicely over my fairway woods as will a toque over my driver. I'll probably put a sock in them also.

If you are taking a stand bag, (not usually great for riding golf though), you might want to also put a towel, sweatshirt, lightweight backpack or such under the mechanism before securing the straps.... to protect the plastic bit that sticks out from the stand closing mechanism.

I did that-with the light backpack- to protect my wife's stand mechanism on a recent trip as the travel bag cushioning where the mechanism faced out wasn't very good. A bonus was that we had a backpack for our day trips other than golf.