Vessel Player V Stand Bag Review

I got my new Vessel Player V stand bag a couple of months ago, but it sat untouched for the first few weeks while WiscoGolfAddict.com Contributing Writer and professional product photographer Rich Bauer gave it the full treatment behind the lens. That decision was well worth the wait – the photos turned out spectacular and captured every detail of its timeless beauty.

First Impressions of the New Player V Stand Bag

The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the Player V was its new pocket design.

I’ve been a fan of Vessel’s magnetic pockets since their magnetic rangefinder compartment debuted years ago. There’s something so satisfying about that “thwap” when it closes – secure, precise and reassuring. It’s perfect for valuables like my rangefinder (and, when I’m walking the course, my iPhone), offering quick access without the fuss of unzipping.

If you’ve ever tried to work a zipper mid-round with a golf glove on, you’ll know why this is such a game-changer. Even better, Vessel’s premium zippers and leather pulls have never snagged, rusted or failed me in any way – something I’ve touched on in past Vessel bag reviews and still can’t say for other bags I’ve owned.

No brand in golf is more stylish than Vessel. Their bags turn heads – for their beauty and brand recognition, and I think the navy blue colorway on my Player V is stunning.

The velour-lined dividers are sleek, protect my clubs from clanging together and look every bit as high-end as they feel. The updated black leather ribbon-style zipper pulls are another small but welcomed upgrade, making pockets effortless to open and close. I also love that the rangefinder pocket now has a second velour-lined compartment, letting me keep my phone separate from my rangefinder.

The new Player V also has a nice cooler-lined water bottle sleeve and cooler pocket. I thought both of these were great advancements since my last Player series bag (the Player 2.0 from 2019).

My son Charlie, who carries a Vessel Junior stand bag, likes to show off the velour lining to anyone who asks – he always says he wants to sleep in it. A little odd, sure, but I totally get it.

The hardware has been upgraded, too. The silver metal link for attaching bag tags, rangefinder pouches or other accessories is larger and more durable than on my previous Vessel bags.

While caddies might not thank you for loading up that area, they will appreciate the improved Equilibrium 2.0 double strap system. Vessel took what was already the most comfortable, well-balanced carry strap in the industry and made it even better. I’ve had caddies at courses like Erin Hills, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island and Whistling Straits point out that the original Equilibrium strap was the best they’d ever carried – and this one (with more points of contact/centering) manages to raise the bar.

This system, along with the Rotator stand base, helps Vessel stand out as a great carrying bag.

The Rotator stand base ensures the carbon fiber legs deploy smoothly and that the bag remains stable on any terrain. The Equilibrium 2.0 strap system keeps the bag perfectly centered on the shoulders of players and caddies alike. The strap system is also dual-purpose, which means it can be converted quickly between being a standard double-strap bag and a single-strap one (perfect for caddies who are double-bagging, although if a Player series bag is heavily loaded, it will likely be switched out before the round).

If you’re looking for a Vessel bag that caddies will be unlikely to switch out, the VLS series might be more your speed (link to my 2021 review).

Also, if you’re interested in more of what caddies are thinking and how to work with them, be sure to check out Kiawah Island caddie Henry McGannon’s article on the caddie experience, linked below:

Features & Upgrades for the Player V

The fifth generation of Player stand bags, the V is a significant upgrade over the previous generation IV.

Adding about half a pound to the bag versus the Player IV, I think the advancements made to the Player V are well worth the extra weight. For example, its dividers are now full-length and lined with velour for ultimate club protection. There are also more pockets in the newest version, including those lovable magnetic ones I fell in love with on the Player 2.0. The cart protection strap is also now standard, rather than an optional upgrade as it was on previous versions.

The leather on the V is slightly upgraded, as well, but I’ve honestly never had an issue with any of Vessel’s leather materials. Even the white and blue on my six-year-old Player 2.0 are still in mint condition.

For a side-by-side comparison of the Vessel Player IV and V’s key features and functionality, please see the table below:

Vessel Golf Catching On In the Real World

It’s no surprise that hundreds of professional golfers trust Vessel. They’ve built a reputation for making the most luxurious, sleek and functional golf bags in the game. For years, I was the only one I’d see with a Vessel bag at resorts like Sand Valley, drawing curious looks and admiration from caddies, especially.

In the last year or two, though, I’ve started noticing them everywhere – especially at North Hills Country Club (I’ve been talking them up to friends for years!) and other private courses that I’ve visited. What was once a Tour-only luxury is starting to become a premium choice for everyday golf enthusiasts, and it always makes a statement.

Oh, and a fun tidbit – I’m sure you’ve seen Happy Gilmore 2 by now, and if you look at Happy’s Sunway-sponsored bag who makes it? Vessel, of course. Even for players sponsored by PING, Cobra and other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), the bags are crafted by Vessel – because nobody else can make a bag this good. Even Hollywood is in on the secret.

Make it Your Own

Like every bag in the Vessel lineup, the Player V is packed with thoughtful touches that separate it from the competition.

Its Rotator Stand Base and carbon fiber legs keep the bag stable and balanced on any surface, while the upgraded Equilibrium 2.0 strap system makes carrying effortless. The cooler-lined water bottle sleeve is perfect for long, hot rounds and the velour-lined valuables compartments – my favorite signature feature – add a touch of luxury that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Vessel’s premium tour-grade synthetic leather not only looks incredible, but it’s also remarkably durable and easy to clean, ensuring the bag stays looking new for years. And, for those who like to make their gear their own, Vessel’s customization options allow for logos or embroidery that turn a great golf bag into something uniquely theirs.

The Player V is my first golf bag with the WiscoGolfAddict logo on it, and let me tell you I love it. Adding a logo will make the bag $85 more ($120 if also adding name, or a $35 upcharge for name alone), but if you’re already looking to spend $400-plus on a golf bag then you might as well go all-in, right?

A Standout Stand Bag

The Vessel Player V stand bag is everything I love about Vessel – stunning looks, premium craftsmanship and thoughtful functionality – taken to the next level.

It delivers all the aesthetic beauty I’ve come to expect from the brand, paired with the kind of smart, purposeful design that makes every round with it more enjoyable. This is a world-class bag trusted by world-class golfers, yet it’s equally perfect for those of us who simply appreciate having the absolute finest at our fingertips.

If you’ve never owned a Vessel bag, the Player V is a phenomenal place to start.

And if it’s been a generation or two since your last upgrade, this model’s refined storage layout, upgraded Equilibrium 2.0 strap system and luxurious finishing touches make it well worth the jump. It’s the same timeless style Vessel is known for – now with even more features that prove why Vessel continues to set the gold standard for premium golf bag design.

Get your own Vessel Bag on their website

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