Conference 7.286::golf

    Don't own one but two guys in my Saturday morning foursomes have them
    and swear by them.  If I have enough clubhouse credits at the close of
    this season and there still remains one to be had then I'll get it.  Be
    careful to select the ones with the pop out legs that function as a
    stand.  I'm told that they make/made one of that type as well or it was
    perhaps a clone.  I can see where they could be considered waterproof
    as there is thin plastic sheet that wraps the inside of the bag to help
    keep the shape.  The bag is very lite.  This year they made several
    improvements to the strap and added fur for those that want to protect
    their graphite shafts.  The inflated prices in our clubhouse are $110
    though I'm told they have been seen selling for $89.

    Regards Kevin,

    
    Hi,
    
    	I've used the Sun Mountain golf bag the last few years...
    
    	I used to own the Ping carry bag and kept haveing problems trying
    	to pull the clubs out... the sides would tend to collapse in
    	and limit the room.
    
    	The Sun bag has a plastic shell the remains in an inflated
    	position and makes things go very smoothly. It is also
    	very light, and the pop up/retractable legs have yet to falter.
    
    	I highly recommend the Sun Mountain carry bag.
    
    
    	good luck,
    
    	Walta

    As far as I'm concerned, Sun Mountain is absolutely the
    "Cadillac/Lexus/Rolls-Royce" of Carry bags. It'll last much longer than
    a Ping, is designed better, and the legs work better. Plus, it's easier
    to get the clubs out. A downside is that it doesn't come with a rain
    hood, but you can "jury rig" one.
    
     I don't think being waterproof matters - you can always spray any bag
    you get with "Scotchgard" to make it pretty water resistant. The Sun
    Mountain with legs IS waterproof, due to the plastic internal shell.
    The nylon Ping bags are AWFUL in the rain.
    
     Several years ago I wrote PING with some suggestions on how to improve
    their "Sunday bags." I got a nice letter back, agreeing with me, and
    stating that these changes would take place soon. Hasn't happened yet.
    I think if you asked 10 guys to design the perfect sunday bag, they'd
    all come up with basically the same ideas, so I'm sure PING and others
    could do the same. Instead, they add 1 or 2 changes a year, thinking
    people will buy a new bag each time the product changes. I say, build
    it right the first time and sell the hell out of it for years. Change
    colors, or materials, but leave the basic bag alone. Guess that's why
    I'm not in golf marketing...
    
    --Jack

    Thanks for the prompt and encouraging replies, guys.
    
    Looks like you've helped me choose her next birthday present !!
    
    Michael.
    

    Mike, I'm not certain just how this works, but ?90 Sterling is a LOT of
    cash for the Sun Mountain bag. I don't know what our dollar is worth,
    however. It might be cheaper to order it from a U.S. discount house and
    pay the Duty, etc. Just a thought...
    
    --Jack

    
    Let me tell you about my Sun Mountain Bag experience.....
    
    I bought a bag from them 4 years ago. The Eclipse (the one with the built in
    stand). Shortly after I bought it, I broke one of the arms (it was my
    fault, I wasn't being carefull). Took it back to Navada Bobs, and
    explained to them, and that I'd like to buy a arm. They didn't have any
    in stock, and didn't know how to get them (this was the second year the
    bag came out). So they called Sun Mountain, and Sun Mountain told them
    to GIVE me a new bag, and they'll credit Navada Bob's.
    
    Then 1 year later, while playing golf, I got pissed (I'm sure some of
    you have done that), and I hit my bag with my club. I broke the little
    bracket in the bag where the arms fit into. I called Sun Mountain, and
    they told me to send the bag back to them, and they'll fix it (for
    Free). Well they couldn't fix it, so they sent me a new bag. I even
    tole them that I hit the bag with my club. I was more then willing to
    pay to get it fixed.
    
    Then last year, the zipper broke for the main pocket (I over stuffed it).
    I called Sun Mountain again, and they said to send it back, and they'll
    fix it (again for FREE). I sent it back, and they sent me a brand new
    one (AGAIN). However this new bag was RED. The one I had was Green. So
    I took this new bag and went to Navada Bob's and did a swap with them
    for the color bag I had.
    
    Needless to say, I'm EXTREMELY happy with this bag, and with the way
    the company stands behind their product. 
    
    Mike

    
    hi Mike,
    
    	I think your story should be an advertisement for TV... :)
    
    
    	Hell  I already own one... and after reading your story, I
    	feel like buying another one !!!! :)
    
    	Walta

>>                             A downside is that it doesn't come with a rain
>>    hood, but you can "jury rig" one.
    
    They make one now. Check out Navada Bob's or give them a call at
    1-800-227-9656
    
    It only comes in 1 color (black). Attaches to the ALL of their golf
    bags. Has a zipper opening. It cost me $5 at Navada Bob's.
    
    They also have a graphite kit for the Eclipse bag. That hard shell
    tends to scratch graphite clubs. The kit is a felt lining that goes
    ovver the top of each  of the sections.
    
    Mike
    

re .6

My Sun Mountain is few years old but has had the shell collapsed on one side
for a year or two (from someone sitting on it or something heavy on top of it). 
Sounds like I could get Sun M. to fix or replace it?

Its a great bag and wouldn't part with it.  But a word of caution: don't let
anyone sit on it or put it on the bottom of the heap in the trunk.

bob

Hell, I didn't know that I bought a new one when after two years the zipper
broke!

						Regards phil

    Mike can you please tell me where these Sun Mountain bags are available
    they sound the business as they say, i have got a Maxfli carry bag
    when it rains its a joke , i use it as its light but this Sun Mountain
    sounds the real deal!!!!
    
    Please advise 
    
    regards 
    
    Joe

    
    A lot of places carry them.
    Navada Bob's discount golf
    Golf USA
    A lot of pro shops carry them
    
    Where are you located????
    
    Mike

    I'd also try Edwin Watts, and Las Vegas Golf and Tennis. Austad's may
    even carry 'em...
    
    --Jack

    Thanks for the places to pick up a bag,
    
    one small problem i live in England i know the directions to Vegas
    turn left at Liverpool and keep going, seriously any where in England
    or a mail order address in the States would be fine, but i would like
    to see the bag first.
    
    
    Cheers
    
    Joe

    
    re .13
    
    Austad's dosn't carry them.
    
    re .14
    
    I called their 800 #, and I got the following information.
    A guy (or store) called Peter Thompson-Smith is the distributor
    Phone # is 622 820 610 (is this a correct phone # for England)
    Linton Kent England
    
    Hope that helps.
    
    Mike

    Joe, Golfsmith carries the Sun Mountain Eclipse in their catalog, it
    sells for $94.50 and is available in four colors(Charcoal,Tan,Navy and
    black) and is Item # 367 Eclipse.  The only thing it shows Golfsmith's
    name written on the side.  Golfsmiths address is 10206 north IH-35,
    Austin TX. 78753-3794 Phone 800-456-3344 or FAX 512-837-1245.

    Joe,
    	Navada Bob's have outlets in the UK, so you could give them a ring.
    I have the numbers at home if interested.
    
    It seems that the after sales service is second to none, but with all
    the things that have gone wrong with the bags, are they really that
    good ? Just curious ...

    Thank you one and all for the details i am sure i will get my hands
    on one now, 
    
    thanks again
    
    Joe

    re: 17
    
       The problems with the bag detailed in this topic were not
    manufacturer defects but rough handling (sorry Mike and Bob) by
    the golfers.  I've had mine for two years and it has held up extremely
    well.  Buy one and you can't go wrong.
    
    -rick

    For those in the UK.... There is a Nevada Bob's store at Staples
    Corner, open sundays. (Staples Corner is where the M1 starts!) Can't
    remember the exact address. When I went there I just drove around
    looking for it for a few minutes. It's large enough to spot!
    
    Cheers,
    Graham

>>       The problems with the bag detailed in this topic were not
>>    manufacturer defects but rough handling (sorry Mike and Bob) by
>>    the golfers.  
    
    No apoligies needed. I agree. When I broke the arm of the bag I was
    pulling it out of my wifes trunk, and the arm got caught. I thought it
    was just stuck, and gave it a quick pull....snap. When I broke the
    bracket it was because the head of a 8-iron hit directly on the
    bracket. Anyother place, and there wouldn't have been a problem. I
    broke the zipper, when I over stuffed the bag. I really stuffed it.
    I don't think any other bag would have held up to the abuse I gave it.
    
    Mike
    

    I have carried the Sun MOuntain Eclipse for a couple of years now
    with no problem. Also, about 50% of the golfers I play with or even
    see at the course all carry this bag or a clone and I have never heard
    any complaints, only rave reviews.
    
    Mad Hacker

    Unless I missed it, could someone list the Sun Mountain number.  The
    opening to my bag with the club dividers cracked.  I thought I was just
    out of luck.  But with the responses in this note I may as well give
    them a call.
    
    Thanks,
    

    Unless I missed it, could someone list the Sun Mountain number.  The
    opening to my bag with the club dividers cracked.  I thought I was just
    out of luck.  But with the responses in this note I may as well give
    them a call.

>>>1-800-CARYBAG    

    It seems amusing that I should have these phone numbers, half way
    across the world but I hope these help :-
    
    	1-800 CARRYBAG	(already advised in .25)
    
    	1-800-227-9224	(from the brochure)
    
    	406-728-9224	(ditto)
    
    Michael(who-is-getting-a-bag-hand-carried-from-Boston-today-!!)
    

    Sorry. Two mistakes ....
    
    original phone number was given in .24 and was correct as :-
    
    			1-800-CARYBAG
    
    Michael.
    

I've read this note with interest, knowing that my MAXFLI carry 
bag is very light, but is no use in the wet.  The Sun Mountain 
sports bag sounded absolutely ideal.

Well, on Saturday I went to my pro for my usual lesson, and to 
pick up my new set of PING ZINGs.  And guess what happened ?  Not 
only did I get the clubs, my PRO gave me a brand new Sun Mountain 
Sports bag for FREE.  Its bright read, very light and absolutely 
wonderful.  It has removable pockets and absolutely tons of 
storage room.

Maybe we should start a Sun Mountain Sports Bag SIG ?

Randall  (can't stop grining from ear-to-ear) 8^)

    Well I've accumulated enough club house credits to order one from the
    pro shop at my home course and was wondering, since the pro doesn't
    have a brochure and it sounds like one of you noters has a catalog... Can
    you tell me what color combinations might have teal and or purple in them?
    
    Regards Kevin,

    I've only seen the following colors
    Red, Black, Brown, Teal, Navy, Tan, Red-Silver-Black, Red-White-Blue.
    
    Maybe some of the owners can add more colors, but I've actually have
    seen the above colors either on the course or at a shop.
    
    Mike

>>re .9

My Sun Mountain is few years old but has had the shell collapsed on one side
for a year or two (from someone sitting on it or something heavy on top of it). 
Sounds like I could get Sun M. to fix or replace it?

>>Just got my bag back from being fixed from Sun Mountain.  They put in a new
>>shell and two new bungee cords (I broke one of the hooks).  They only 
>>charged me $7.  Terrific, except it cost me $7+ to send it and $7+ to have
>>it sent back!  Both UPS and I are now happy.
 
Its a great bag ant wouldn't part with it.  But a word of caution: don't let
anyone sit on it or put it on the bottom of the heap in the trunk.

bob