Product Review: TaylorMade Monza Featherweight Stand Bag

Contributed by Robert Ball
May 2009

Follow Up Review: TaylorMade Monza Stand Bag (May, 2009)
Review by Robert Ball

After one month and eight rounds the Monza Stand Bag is holding up well. I can be tough on my bag but durability has not been an issue. The straps have not slipped out of position and balance is still perfect.

My initial issue with the legs extending easily when the bag is set down has improved with wear.

I commend TaylorMade for the quality of workmanship that has been put into the pockets and zippers. In the past, I have had some issues with zippers getting caught on gloves, towels, etc. but I do not think this will ever be an issue with the Monza. The zippers are strong and well placed, which makes them easy to grasp and open or close

I can confidently echo my initial sentiments that the TaylorMade Monza Featherweight is a well made bag that walking golfers will enjoy using.

First Impressions: TaylorMade Monza Stand Bag (April 2009)
Review by Robert Ball

Within a few minutes of seeing the Taylor Made Monza Featherweight stand bag I could tell this was a well designed bag.  All the standard pockets are there, configured in a layered, curved pattern that optimizes space without creating an awkward appearance or access problems.  The insulated water bottle sleeve is a nice addition for those mid-summer rounds and the little pocket for my Sharpie is pretty cool (it always seemed so out of place sharing a pocket with all my tees!).  A modern design that retains a classic look, the Monza Featherweight comes in basic colors- Navy w/white, Black w/white, Red w/white and White with yellow & red.

The bag has six full-length shaft dividers with nylon tops.  While club protection is sufficient, I felt that a bag at this price point should have seven or eight dividers.  My ideal bag has two narrow dividers at the top for my most frequently used clubs- putter and driver.  Also, I noticed my clubs move around and make more noise while walking compared to my previous stand bag which was smaller but had eight pockets.

The double straps are anatomically correct and seem to be the perfect thickness and width.  The thing I really liked was how easy it was to grab a strap, pull up the bag and throw it over my shoulder.  I didn’t have to bend or strain like I do with other bags.  The bag weighs less than 5 lbs and sometimes I could barely tell I was carrying it.  It was very well balanced throughout the round.

The major drawback for me was the need to completely stop in order to extend the legs.  Often the legs would not spring open unless I firmly placed both hands on the top and pushed the edge of the base down.  Sometimes I had to rock it a little to engage the legs.  My last bag’s legs could be easily engaged using one hand while in full stride.  For example, after a 20 yard chip I could start walking, grab my bag, put away my wedge, pull out my putter, drop my bag off on the fringe and go mark my ball, without stopping.  The Monza Featherweight requires you to stop for a couple seconds.  Otherwise, you might get lucky and the legs will open or you might let go and your clubs will crash to the ground.

Overall, it’s a solid bag that I would recommend to any walkers, especially those with bad backs like me.

I will post more info in about a month, when the bag has a few more rounds under its belt.

MSRP: $149.99
Review by Robert Ball