The Edge Golf Bag by OGIO

- In designing the Edge, OGIO thought of everything; from a zipperless golf ball pocket, to an internal cell phone pocket, to discrete labeling of where everything else should go.

Occasionally, a company comes along that is a true innovator; Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Google. In the golf and gear bag industry, the name is OGIO. Their recent addition of the 2008 Edge golf bag is proof positive of their creativity and design mastery. They’ve shown that a golf bag can do more than hold your golf clubs, it can improve your game.

A golfer will need only to take a quick look at the bag to see it’s many advantages. One of the first things a golfer will, or should, notice in any golf stand-bag, is the stand system. Many golf bag stand systems simply look cheap and flimsy. Although walking during a round of golf is increasingly rare, a stand system that doesn’t work properly means a new golf bag will soon follow. The Edge has the standard two-prong system, but a quick test of how it operates reveals a quick and easy snap of the prongs and the feel of something well-made. Combine the sturdy stand system with the 10mm external steel frame and this bag will be around a lot longer than the set of clubs they hold. For golfers that actually walk, the 6.8 pound weight of the bag and the padded Crossbow shoulder-strap system are more than adequate. Put those things together with all the other features and this bag is “the bag.”

Protecting the golf clubs is the next feature that has to be considered. Today’s clubs are made of increasingly advanced materials and construction, not only the shafts, but also the clubheads. In short, they are an investment that needs to be protected. The Edge’s 9" Woode™ soft grip top, EVA molded shaft dividers, and the positioning of the clubhead within the bag, all maximize protection of the entire club. The dividers, which extend top to bottom, make it easy to retrieve from and place clubs into the bag.

It has solid construction and durability, but what gives the Edge “the edge” is the attention to detail. It’s true, on the course golfers have a lot of stuff; clubs, golf glove, tees, shoes, rain gear, score card, golf balls, umbrella, snacks, drinks, golf towel, extra towels, wallet, keys, cell phone, watch, PDA, and the list goes on. How to arrange them all to allow for easy access, “frustration reduction,” and loss prevention has been a mystery for the ages. OGIO may have solved the mystery with the Edge and these features:

• Nine Pockets - Sounds like a lot to keep up with, but most are labeled. This feature will surely prevent a lot of on- and off-course frustration in finding tees, ball markers, towels, cell phone, balls, etc. Less frustration equals better score. Knowing where to reach to find stuff makes a huge difference. Kudos to OGIO.

• Zipperless Ball Pocket (ZBT™) - This discovery shall rank ahead of the Theory of Relativity and the wheel. The ball pocket is the most used, bar none. After only minimal use, some zippers simply wear out or break. Fight with the zippered ball pocket no more. The ZBT™ is almost magical. With only one hand, simply move it toward the golf ball pocket and you’re in. Nothing more needs to be said. This feature alone should sell a lot of Edge’s for OGIO.

• Ergonomic Three-Point Handle and Lift Grip™ - At the risk of being repetitive, a “sturdy” grip handle near the top and the Lift Grip™ near the bottom of the bag make it easy to place into the trunk.

• Molded Ball Silo™ - The three-ball Silo is on the outside of the bag, making it even easier to find a new ball.

• Fleece-lined Valuables Pockets - Yes, plural. Keep your wallet and keys away from your watch and PDA, and know where to find them.

• Internal Cell Phone Pocket - Keep them all away from your cell phone, and again, know where to find it.

• Hoode™ All-Weather Club Protection - Keep the clubs dry during rain showers and still be able to get to them.

These are just a few of the features that set the Edge apart from the rest. Although it isn’t an ultra-lightweight bag, the limitless amenities and durability more than make up for the extra couple of pounds in weight.

As fully-functional as it is, the Edge is equally aesthetically appealing. It looks more like a cart bag in its durable, sturdy, protective appearance. It’s not simply that same-old-golf bag. Much like the newest redesign of a luxury vehicle, the Edge makes old cart bags look obsolete.

A golf bag can do so much more than hold your clubs. If you want a bag that protects your clubs from top to bottom, provides organization for even the most unorganized person, and has thought of everything a golfer needs, the Edge is worth a look. The Edge can be found for a retail price of around $180 at many golf shops and retailers, online and otherwise.