I’ve used this bag for over 100 rounds and here’s my verdict: Wilson Exo Lite Golf Stand Bag Review

The Wilson Exo Lite is one of the lightest golf bags available – but how does it perform in a long-term test?

I think the recipe for making one of the best golf stand bags is pretty simple. As far as I’m concerned, weight (or lack thereof) counts above all else. Because no matter how great a carry bag is, it’s pointless if it’s too heavy for you to want to carry it around. Next comes comfort, for similar reasons. A half-decent amount of storage is nice. Durability counts. And, ideally, you want it all in a package that looks good.

With those factors in mind, I think the Wilson Exo Lite is one of the best lightweight stand bags available, which is why I’ve been using it for well over a year and clocked up more than 100 rounds with it.

Let’s look at why it’s so good… and the few issues I’ve had that stop it being perfect.

Weight & carrying comfort  

At 1.8kg (4lbs), the Wilson Exo Lite is one of the lightest golf bags available.

Even with 14 clubs, half-a-dozen balls, a drink, and some snacks, it’s a breeze to carry.

The dual strap is very comfortable, and the bag is so lightweight I’ll often carry it on one shoulder for a bit, such as when it’s a short walk from the green to the next tee.

Storage

As you’d expect, the storage with a super lightweight carry bag isn’t going to compete with what you’d get from a much bigger bag, but I find there’s enough to get by.

There are six pockets in total, including a full-length side pocket for any spare clothing etc, a large base pocket (which is where I keep my golf balls), a waterproof valuables pocket (the rest of the bag is only showerproof), an open-topped cooler sleeve for a drink, and a magnetic closure side pocket which is designed to hold your laser rangefinder (if you don’t like putting it in a clip-on carry case).

I actually use the pockets slightly differently to how they’re intended, keeping my laser rangefinder in the drinks pouch as I find it quicker and easier to access, while keeping a spare glove in the magnetic side pouch. There’s no dedicated tee pocket, which I had in my previous bag – a Ping Hoofer – so I keep tees in the other bottom pocket. There’s also no hidden pouch to store the rain hood – again, something that featured in the Ping Hoofer – but the hood is so thin and light it can easily tuck into any of the pockets without taking up much space. I tend to just leave it in the car and only attach it on days when rain looks likely.

There’s a nice little pen holder slot, too.

The top of the bag features a four-way divider, and I’ve never experienced any crowding or clubs getting stuck, which is sometimes an issue in compact, lightweight bags.

Design & durability

I think the Wilson Exo Lite looks great and have had a few compliments on it during the time I’ve been using it. The white bits on the red & white version I’ve got are obviously a bit prone to marking, but it cleans pretty easily and still looks in great condition given how much use it’s had. There are no signs of scuffing on the top or dividers, which I’ve experienced with other, more expensive bags.

There are six colors to choose from:

• Dynapower
• Staff Red
• Orange
• Dark Blue/Light Blue
• Classic Blue/White
• Classic Black/Charcoal

Downsides

This isn’t a bag designed to carry three outfit choices and the kitchen sink. I’ve found the main pocket struggles to hold more than one item of clothing without feeling like it’s overloaded, and the zip actually came apart on a day when I had too much in there. I’ve been able to get it back together and working again, but it’s pretty delicate now and will come apart if there’s much in that pocket.

The other niggle I’ve had is that the legs won’t always kick out automatically when I put the bag down if there’s an umbrella in the slot.

Verdict

If you want one bag that does it all, the Wilson Exo Lite might not be it. It’s not waterproof, it won’t sit great on a trolley, and the storage is only adequate. But if you want a lightweight bag that’s great for carrying and delivers quality above its price point, you’ll struggle to beat the Wilson Exo Lite.

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About the author

Rob McGarr – Contributing Editor

Rob has been a writer and editor for over 15 years, covering all manner of subjects for leading magazines and websites.

He has previously been Features Editor of Today’s Golfer magazine and Digital Editor of todays-golfer.com, and held roles at FHM, Men’s Running, Golf World, and MAN Magazine.

You can follow him on YouTube where – depending on what day of the week it is – he’ll either be trying his best to get his handicap down to scratch or shoving his clubs in a cupboard, never to be seen again.

Rob is a member at Royal North Devon, England’s oldest golf course, where he plays off a two-handicap.

Wilson Exo Lite Golf Stand Bag

RRP: £175 / $199 RRP

Weight: 4lbs/1.8kg

Waterproof: No

Colors: Dynapower; Staff Red; Orange; Dark Blue/Light Blue; Classic Blue/White; Classic Black/Charcoal

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