MNML MR1 Golf Bag Life Tested Review
The MNML MR1 golf bag blends minimal design and luxury features
Take one look at the new MR1 golf bag and you can easily see why it’s from a brand called MNML. The bag, indeed, nails the minimal look exquisitely.
Once you start investigating the bag, however, you’ll see that it’s anything but minimal.
From the solar power bank to the Bluetooth speaker and the magnetic pockets, I put every feature of the MNML MR1 golf bag to the test on the golf course to let you know if this is just another golf bag, or much more than that. Let’s jump into this life-tested review.
A Quick Look at the MNML MR1 Golf Bag
SHOP MNML
Price: Starting at $299
MNML in name, minimal in aesthetics (in a very good way), but not minimal in features. That’s about the best way to sum up the MR1 golf bag in under 20 words, but that doesn’t even come close to doing this golf bag justice.
Equipped with more tech and eco-friendly features than any golf bag I’ve ever seen, the MR1 is a great bag for players who like to stay connected on the course. Whether you use your phone to play music through the Bluetooth speaker, rely on a GPS app to navigate the course, or (and I hope this isn’t the case) need to keep connected with the real world while you play, there’s no stressing over dead batteries with the MR1. You can also use that power bank to charge any rangefinder with a rechargeable battery, which is a nice bonus.
Instead of zippers, the MR1 is equipped with magnetic-closure pockets, which adds to the sleek look and performance of the bag. I have to say, it’s really satisfying pulling open the pockets and letting the magnets seal them shut effortlessly.
The MR1 also has a built-in filming pocket that holds your phone at the perfect height and angle for filming your golf swing when the bag is on its stand.
All of these features are wrapped up in a Recycled Ripstop fabric that meets the Global Recycled Standard, a texture that's easy to see when you’re up close to the bag.
The MR1 is available in black or white versions and checks in at $299. The optional Bluetooth speaker is an extra $39 (highly recommend) and you can personalize the bag with initials for $50 or custom artwork starting at $100.
Reviewing the MNML MR1 Features
Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That’s a lot of features for a minimal, er MNML, golf bag. They’re all part of the complete package that make this bag unique, and considering it’s at the top end of the spectrum of what most people would expect to spend on a stand bag, it’s important to know whether they’re just frills or the real deal.
Here’s my first-hand take on each of these features.
Solar Charger & Power Bank
I’m not personally much of a phone-on-the-golf-course guy. I like to put my phone away on the first tee, maybe check it at the turn, but otherwise disconnect until after the round. However, I must admit I have more fun playing golf when there’s music playing, and pairing the built-in charger with the speaker is brilliant.
Since the charger has two out ports, my phone and the speaker both stayed charged despite running both non-stop four three-plus hours. The power supply comes with USB-C and Lightning cables.
Yes, the charger is solar-powered, but I won’t rely solely on the sun to keep it charged. You can (and should) charge it up by plugging it into the wall via the micro-USB input every so often.
My last point on this feature is one I think will appeal to many players. I use a rangefinder with a USB-C charge port. That makes the charger even more valuable because I never have to worry about it dying on the course.
Bluetooth Speaker
It’s been more than a year since I left my old little magnetic golf Bluetooth speaker on a golf cart somewhere, never to be seen again. And, it’s been more than a year since I’ve enjoyed listening to music on the course. That was, until I started using the MR1.
I don’t blast music for the whole golf course to hear, but I do enjoy some personal tunes on the course, and I really liked keeping background music playing on the MR1 golf bag.
The speaker itself is solid. It’s capable of cranking out more volume than I’ll ever use. You won’t mistake it for a Bose, but it’s more than serviceable and for an extra $39 I’d say it’s a must-have option.
I must add, I enjoyed that the speaker popped up on my list of Bluetooth devices as simply “M” an appropriately MNML moniker.
Magnetic Pockets
MNML opts for magnetic pockets in the MR1 rather than zippers. The reasoning is simple: zippers are prone to break, rendering your golf bag useless. Magnets are more reliable and provide a better waterproof seal.
Magnetic pockets are also cooler than zippers.
Overall the pockets on the MR1 are quite good. There are two large side pockets and a ball pocket that make up the main trio of pockets. One of those side pockets is lined as a thermal pocket to hold beverages.
There are additional pockets sprinkled in for smaller accessories like a phone, rangefinder, and rain cover as well. Overall there’s enough space for the essentials and a few choice accessories, but you’ll notice the MR1 does not have a large side pocket that runs the entire length of the bag, like most bags have. This aligns with the necessities-only theme of the bag. Since this bag is intended to assist the walking golfer, there’s no need for large pockets that you can stuff to the gills and weigh you down as you trek the course.
Speaking of stuffing pockets to the gills, the only time I had an issue with the magnetic pockets was when I stuffed one too full, which got in the way of the magnet.
Materials
You don’t have to be an expert in recycled materials to realize right away that the MR1 is built differently than other golf bags. The 100% GRS Recycled Ripstop Material has a distinct texture to it and is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean.
The Lightest Golf Bags of 2024: 7 Picks Under 4 Pounds!
Performance on the Course
As I mentioned, part of my testing of the MNML MR1 golf bag included hoofing 18 holes with it on my back, which means it’s finally time to touch on the straps on the MR1. In my opinion, the straps can make or break a golf bag if you ever plan on carrying it, and the MR1 straps are excellent. They’re comfortable, intuitive, and very sturdy. One cool feature is you can easily convert the strap system from a two-strap system to a one-strap over-the-shoulder system in a few seconds.
The bag itself checks in at 5.5 pounds. To put that into context, our list of the best lightweight golf bags features seven bags that range from 2.9 to 5.0 pounds. So it’s not the lightest golf bag out there, but it’s the same weight as the PING Hoofer bag, an iconic and time-tested golf bag for the walking golfer. So yes, it’s squarely in the lightweight category, just not at the top of the class in terms of lightest overall weight.
On the course, those magnetic pockets are quite convenient. It’s super easy to pull them open, grab what you need, and slap them closed, much easier than zipping and unzipping.
The bag itself has a 5-way divider with padded tops. It does hold 14 clubs without issues, but I can see how it would get tight if you try to fit more into it.
I also have to mention that the MR1 is easy to load and unload from a trunk. The top has a sturdy handle which comes in handy often, and there’s a somewhat hidden handle at the bottom of the bag, underneath the middle pocket, which makes it easy to lift the bag in and out of a trunk.
Price & Value
The MNML MR1 checks in at $299, and if you want the attached Bluetooth speaker (again, I highly recommend this add-on), that’s an extra $39. While this isn’t the bag you pick if budget is your only priority, it's actually less expensive than some competitor stand bags.
Stand bags like the Titleist LINKSLEGEND and Vessel Player are significantly more expensive. Even Maxfli makes a $300 stand bag. The aforementioned PING Hoofer bag, a time-tested favorite among walking golfers, is only a few dollars less than this MR1 bag.
Factor in what you get with the MNML bag, between the charger, magnetic pockets, speaker, signature minimalistic aesthetic, and durable recycled material, and it’s easy to make the case that if the MR1 is in your budget, it’s an excellent value for your money.
MNML MR1 Pros & Cons
When it’s all said and done, here are the top pros and cons of the MNML MR1 golf bag.
Pros:
- Excellent design and style
- Magnetic pockets are cool, convenient, and durable
- Built-in charger keeps phone, speaker, and rangefinders charged at all times
- Made from 100% GRS Recycled Ripstop Material
- Straps are comfortable and durable and can be adjusted to a one-strap or two-strap system easily
- Cooler pocket holds up to six 12oz cans and ice
Cons:
- No full-length pocket
- Solar charger should realistically be charged via an outlet to maintain a charge
- At 5.5 lbs, it’s not the lightest golf bag you can find
- Not the best budget pick if low price is your priority
Enjoy the Bag, Enjoy the Round
I had a couple of takeaways from testing the MNML MR1 golf bag. First, it’s just a great-looking golf bag. I love the all-black design and the texture of the Recycled Ripstop material.
Second, its features are excellent. It’s great to finally leave the golf course with a fully charged phone, and those magnetic pockets are extremely satisfying.
MNML says this bag isn’t for every golfer, but it’s for golfers who are serious about their game and want a bag that can help them perform their best. I’m not sold on this bag as an avenue to shooting lower socres, but I am sold on it as an avenue to enjoying your time on the course more.