50 Words or Less
The Linkslite Explorer golf bag is lightweight, waterproof, and well made. Choice of 14-way or 5-way tops. One of the best, most affordable golf bags at $199.
Introduction
Golf bags, like everything else in the game, have exploded in price. $200 used to be a premium price point; now it’s difficult to find a quality bag in that range.
That’s where the Linkslite Explorer golf bag comes in. Priced at $199, this bag claims to be lightweight and fully waterproof. I put both versions of the Explorer to the test to find out if one of them should be your next golf bag.
Looks
The Linkslite Explorer golf bag is an interesting mix of old and new. Its material – “300D Ripstop Diamond Weave Waterproof Polyester” – looks more like the golf bags of the 90s and 2000s. The minimal branding, however, is on trend with current styles. There’s a moderately sized “Linkslite” on either side of the bag, but it’s done in low-contrast so that you need to take a careful look to see it.
The Linkslite Explorer golf bag does have one aesthetic feature that sets it apart, the aptly named “Signature stripe.” This high contrast triple stripe is a sharp feature that makes the Explorer stand out without going overboard.
The Linkslite Explorer golf bag is available in seven total colorways. With a 14-way top, you can get Minted Marine (shown here, navy with green stripe) and Frosted Ash (grey with light blue stripe). The 5-way top comes in Scarlet Umbra (black with red stripe), Hazy Sunset (grey with orange stripe), Verdant Mist (grey with green stripe), Atlantic Dawn (shown here, navy with orange stripe), and Smokey Onyx (black with grey stripe) [See Price / Buy]
Features
The suite of pockets on the Linkslite Explorer golf bag is fairly standard for a carry bag, which isn’t a bad thing. On the back of the bag, you’ll find a ball pocket and a magnetic pocket above that. The magnetic closure is quite strong, but this pocket isn’t velour-lined like some others. I’m fine with that – I don’t think modern rangefinders are dainty flowers that need to be coddled – but your mileage may vary. You can fit over three dozen balls into the ball pocket, though that’s obviously not the best idea if you’re going to walk.
On the left side, there’s a single, medium-sized zippered pocket. There’s also an insulated drink sleeve alongside the ball pocket. I find the insulation a bit silly on a sleeve, but if you like to keep your drinks really cold, maybe that matters to you.
The right side of the bag features your standard full-length apparel pocket. This is appropriately sized for stashing a complete rain suit, if that’s your thing. There’s also a velour-lined valuables pocket, and it’s my one notable gripe with the Linkslite Explorer golf bag. This pocket isn’t particularly big, and the opening is vertical (if the bag is standing upright). For me, this combination limits how much I can put into this pocket and makes me a bit nervous every time I open it. Tilting this opening 15-20 degrees would be a big upgrade.
Rounding out the features of the Linkslite Explorer golf bag is your normal list: a pen holder, umbrella holder, metal towel loop, Velcro glove holder, and a small plastic rectangle for clipping other accessories. Overall, for a bag that’s meant to be carried, the Explorer offers a sensible amount of storage and features.
Performance
As we’re seeing from more manufacturers, the Linkslite Explorer golf bag offers players the choice of two different tops. Above, you’ll see the 14-way top. Below is the more traditional 5-way top.
With a full set of 14 clubs, both tops did a nice job keeping the clubs organized and minimizing grip tangle. It’s worth noting that the 14-way top does not have individual full-length dividers, but I didn’t find that to be a negative. This bag is aiming for light weight, and more dividers means more weight.
On that topic, the Linkslite Explorer golf bag weighs 4.5 pounds with the 5-way top, 5.4 pounds with the 14-way top. While there are lighter bags out there, this is a very carry-able weight, especially the 5-way top. If you do want to strap this onto a cart, there’s a strap passthrough that leaves your pockets accessible while pushing or riding.
Check out one of the lightest golf bag, the Sun Mountain Eclipse E-2.5, HERE
Beyond the light weight, the excellent backpack straps make the Explorer a pleasant walking partner. Each of the four straps can be individually adjusted, and they come together in a plastic junction that allows for free motion. The backpack straps, back pad, and spine handle are comfortable but not overly thick – another concession to saving weight.
Turning to the legs and base, the Linkslite Explorer golf bag has an unusual bottom. The base doesn’t fold; the whole thing pivots to activate the legs. I found this to be a high quality mechanism – the legs pop out with an intentional push and snap back with force.
Finally, there’s the waterproofing, one of the Explorer’s signature features. This is achieved with a combination of 300D Ripstop Diamond Weave Waterproof Polyester, Aquaguard waterproof zippers, and fully sealed seams. I stuffed paper towels into the pockets of the Explorer, blasted it with a garden hose, and, true to their claims, everything stayed dry. While I have no intention of putting this feature to the test in the real world – I’m a fair weather golfer at this point in my life – it’s nice to know you have this card up your sleeve if you get caught by unexpected rain. [See Price / Buy]
Conclusion
Despite being one of the most affordable golf bags we’ve tested in a while, the Explorer is very impressive. It’s well made and durable, it’s light with a good stand, and it’s waterproof. If you’re looking for a new carry bag and are sick of the high prices, check out the Linkslite Explorer golf bag. [See Price / Buy]
Welcome to your favorite golf bag. The Explorer is everything you need in a lightweight, waterproof design.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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