Jones Trouper R Golf Bag Review: A Classic Bag for Discerning Players
Welcome back to The Great Golf Blog! Today, we're taking a close look at the Jones Sports Company Trouper-R Stand Bag as part of our ongoing golf bag review series. At our YouTube channel (Great Golf Reviews), we're dedicated to bringing you honest and knowledgeable field test reviews of golf bags, especially those from eCommerce brands that might not be readily available in your local sporting goods stores. Because it’s important to find the right golf bag to fit your game, we field test the products we review so you know what to expect.
In this review, we'll dive deep into one of our favorite Jones golf bags, the Trouper R, a classic stand bag from one of the OG golf bag makers. We will look at technical specifications, features, and review how it carries to help you make an informed decision about your next golf bag purchase. Ready to go? Let’s do it!
Jones Trouper R Technical Specifications
The Jones Sports Company Trouper 3.0 Stand Bag boasts an array of impressive technical specifications designed to enhance your golfing experience. Available in 13 different colorways, this bag is a visual treat. I reviewed the Clay Green colorway in the “R” series, which means it is made from recycled materials, and I love how striking it is, despite its muted tones. From a style perspective, I give it an A+ but I trend towards retro and vintage tastes. If you’re looking for something flashy to go with those John Daly pants, this might not pack the visual punch you desire.
As a stand bag, you expect the lightweight construction, and the 5 pound weight is on the upper half of the weight range for stand bags. However, I found it light enough to not cause any issue on our hilly course, even with my filming equipment in tow. The double strap system takes some configuring, which we’ll get to later, but overall the Trouper features easy portability around the course and solid durability. With 7 storage pockets including a large cooler-lined pocket that can hold four cold ones, I had ample room for my standard gear. The two felt-lined valuables pockets are conveniently located, and there’s a side zipper pocket with netting at the bottom for balls and tees. Unlike the Ghost Anyday 5.0 we reviewed in an earlier video, the Jones bag has a full length pocket on the right side for apparel and a half-length pocket for additional gear like rangefinders and divot tools on the left side. These pockets are plenty spacious and unless you need to spend the night out there, I can’t think of anything you wouldn’t be able to fit for a typical round.
The top club divider features five compartments and four full-length dividers (the putter well and woods compartment are combined), providing ample space to keep your clubs organized and protect your shafts and grip. For added comfort and convenience, the Trouper-R offers multiple strap settings, allowing you to find the right fit for your carry style, and a padded strip to protect your back.
Field Testing the Jones Golf Bag
Golf is a game best enjoyed while walking. Your clubs and bag shouldn’t get in the way of your round, because it’s a hard enough game as it is! I’ve walked three separate times with the Trouper and each time got better, as I learned to manipulate the straps just to my liking. So do plan on a short adjustment period, but be patient as I believe you’ll eventually find it to carry quite well.
The bag feels light but it’s not the lightest stand bag on the market by a good pound and a half, although the weight didn’t bother me. The legs provide a sturdy base on the steep slopes of my course and I didn’t notice any club issues with club pull, although some redditors have noted it was an issue with the 2.0. Perhaps the three full-length, fully-enclosed dividers have rectified this issue but again, I didn’t notice any stickiness or grab.
As a walker, I always like to have certain gear accessible to me while wearing the bag as I find it speeds pace-of-play and allows me to focus on my pre-shot routine when I get to the ball. The beverage pocket on the front is accessible while walking, which I appreciate as it allows you to hydrate without taking the bag off your shoulders. You can also get to the side ball and tee sleeve while you carry.
During my field test, I found the cooler pocket does interfere with that front pocket; if you have it loaded up you can’t count on much room for items in that one. Maybe that’s just a good reminder to drink ‘em if you got ‘em! But also worth noting that golfers who play serious rounds will appreciate being able to keep waters and food at a cold temperature thanks to this beverage sleeve, or skinny down on the sustenance and use the extra space for additional gear like a rangefinder.
I did miss the velcro golf glove strap that I enjoyed on the Ghost Anyday 5.0 and which you’ll see on some of the newer bags on the market. I didn’t have this on my original Ping Hoofer either and had always put my glove in my back pocket, but it only took a few rounds with the Ghost bag to get spoiled by the velcro feature. There is one clip on the bag for a golf towel or other gear like a bluetooth speaker, if you’re into music on the course.
Ultimately, the bag was a great companion for my rounds and didn’t distract me from any part of my game. I could carry everything I need, the clubs go in and out easily, and I appreciated the convenience of the pocket system. Check out my YouTube review of the Jones Trouper-R for the full notes and to see the bag in action!
Brief History of Jones Sports Company Golf Bags
Imagine this: It’s 1971 and you’re in a cab in Portland, Oregon. You and the driver start up a conversation that leads into the topic of golf. Next thing you know, your ride is over and he’s pulling a handmade golf bag out of the trunk that is so impressive you buy it on the spot. That’s the story of George Jones, the founder of Jones Sports Company. The company has sold over a million bags and you’ll find old vintage models for sale on eBay, a testament to their quality and durability. I have a real soft spot for heritage brands, and Jones Sports Co. definitely qualifies as a great American golf bag maker.
Score Card: The Jones Trouper R Stand Bag
So how did this Jones stand bag do in my field test and review? Let’s check the score card.
Design and Aesthetics (Eagle)
The Trouper-R immediately catches the eye with its clean and classic design. You’re not going to be a walking advertisement in this bag, which exudes a simple elegance that fits for a heritage brand. I love the stylish appearance that is sure to appeal to golfers who appreciate understated sophistication. In my opinion, Jones Sports Company has struck a perfect balance between modern functionality and a classic look.
Build Quality and Durability (Par)
When it comes to build quality and durability, the Trouper-R doesn't disappoint. I appreciate the commitment to sustainability, as the bag is constructed from recycled PET single-use plastic bottles. The fabric is durable, lightweight, and water-resistant, giving golfers the confidence that this bag can handle the rigors of the golf course. And based on the number of old school Jones bags still on the course today, you can bet this bag will be with you for many rounds to come.
Functionality and Storage (Birdie)
This Jones stand bag offers a thoughtful selection of pockets and compartments, providing ample space for your golf essentials. It features multiple large apparel pockets, ball and accessory pockets, and even an insulated beverage pocket, which is a nice touch for those hot summer rounds. The fact that it can hold four 16 oz cans is a plus for me, as I like the ability to carry multiple cervezas during casual rounds. The 5-way club divider with three full-length sleeves work well to keep your clubs organized, and I didn’t experience any issue with club pull or shaft sticking. The stand system held up perfectly well on the steep slopes of my Pittsburgh course, but the design of the front pocket which can get crowded by the cooler pocket does limit its utility.
Comfort and Carry (Par)
Carrying the Trouper-R takes some getting used to, but the double straps are fully adjustable and well-padded for your comfort. The ergonomic design distributes the weight effectively, but you will find the bag carries lower to the ground due to the double strap system. Most stand bags I see feature a more horizontal carry of the bag; the Jones Trouper bag hangs at more of an angle when using the backpack straps. The bag's lightweight nature enhances its portability, ensuring it won't slow you down, but it’s not the lightest stand bag on the market by a good pound or two. It’s also well-suited for the golf cart or pull cart, for golfers who want that option.
Performance on the Course (Par)
Our field tests confirmed that the Trouper-R performs admirably on the golf course. It maintains a low profile and stability while standing, even on hilly lies. The strategically placed pockets make accessing your gear hassle-free during your round, particularly the cooler pocket which I was able to access while walking. It took me a few rounds to get the straps just to my liking, but once we were in synch it was a joy to carry and I got compliments from my playing partners to prove it. However, if you're someone who prefers a lot of club separation, you might find the five-way dividers with only three fully enclosed sleeves a bit limited.
Conclusion (Under Par)
In conclusion, the Jones Sports Company Trouper-R Stand Bag is a stylish and well-constructed golf bag that balances aesthetics with functionality. It boasts solid durability, ample storage, and a comfortable carry system. While it may not be perfect for golfers who require extensive club separation, or who value the lightest possible weight, it shines in most other aspects, and I have no hesitation in recommending this bag to golfers who want the right combination of performance, style, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Jones Trouper R Stand Bag
How heavy is a Jones golf bag?
The Trouper-R weighs 5 pounds with no additional gear, which is about average for stand bags. For reference, the Titleist Players 4 StaDry weighs around 3.7 pounds, the Ping Hoofer weighs 5.5 pounds, and the Sun Mountain 2.5 Ultra-Lightweight stand bag weighs 4 pounds. If you want to get much lighter than that, you’ll want to check out “Sunday” style carry bags, but note they don’t fit the full set of 14 clubs.
Do Jones bags have full length dividers?
Yes and no. The Trouper R has three full length dividers in it’s 5-way setup (the only option in the 3.0 series). The putter well and woods compartment are not divided by a full length enclosure, but the remaining three compartments are fully divided.
How to fit the Jones Trouper double strap system
The best way to achieve a comfortable fit with the Jones golf bag double strap is on the course while it’s loaded down with your gear. Double strap systems take a little while to get comfortable, but the straps on the Trouper are easily adjustable and I was able to make changes while walking the course to ultimately achieve a perfect balance for the double-shoulder carry.
Can you put a Jones carry bag on a cart?
Yep! You can definitely fit the Trouper on a cart; the legs can be secured by two bungees on the bottom of the bag, and it includes a sturdy central loop where the cart strap can pass through. The second strap also comes off if you prefer to ride or primarily use a push cart, so it won’t interfere with your ride. See the clip at the 5:00 minute mark for a demonstration.
How many colorways are available in the Trouper?
The standard Jones Trouper bag (not the R series, made with recyclable materials) comes in four colorways: Clay Green/Black, Moon Gray/Fern, Charcoal/Sienna, and a limited edition Cordura Camo. The Trouper-R series offers 13 total colorways: Le Creme, Navy/Light Pink, Moon Gray, Sienna, Charcoal, Greyson, Clay Green (which I reviewed), Black, White, Olive, Fern, Navy, and Sonoma.
For those who value understated design, reliability, and an OG brand with a rich golfing heritage, the Trouper-R is definitely worth considering for your next golf bag purchase. Check out our YouTube channel for a detailed field test review, where we put this bag through its paces on the course!
Remember, golfers, choose your golf bag wisely, as it's an essential piece of equipment that can greatly affect your game. Make sure you do your research and find the right bag to fit your game, and we hope these reviews will make that process easier for you. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, keep swinging!
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