Tension rods, retractable incline levers, integrated transportation portals ... they're not things you'll find on NASA's Mars Rover, but on the new Ogio Stinger cart bag.
The Stinger now features four new innovations - the RAIL, Hoode, ZBP and Woode II.
RAIL stands for Rapid Access Incline Lock. It allows the bag to be fastened securely to a cart, while inclining away from the cart at a 45-degree angle for easier access.
The Hoode is a zipperless rain hood that is easily opened and snaps back shut once a club has been removed.
ZPB is for Zipperless Ball Pocket is similar to the Hoode in that is uses hinge-less tension rods to snap the pocket shut once a ball has been removed.
And the Woode II updates Ogio's original Woode, a bag top that Ogio says combines " 'stadium-style' seating for irons, separate lined 'private boxes' for woods along the bag’s side, and a separate, elevated putter port."
It's the RAIL that is likely to garner the most attention, particularly from golfers who see it for the first time in use on a golf cart. The RAIL gives the cart bag the same angle and ease-of-access that is found on stand bags.
"The RAIL overshadowed everything we’ve been looking at," said Kevin Kayhill, golf pro at New York Central Golf, who recently ordered several RAIL-outfitted Stingers for his shop. "It is so innovative and so different. We’re excited about OGIO’s line because it is so unique; the RAIL will be its key sales feature."
Other Ogio cart bags - including the Boss Hogg, the Ego, and the Ice (women-specific bag) - feature at least one of the company's new features.
The company has also cut prices for 2004, with MSRPs ranging from $249 for the Stinger to $139 for the streamlined Amp.
