Mizuno BR-D2 Carry Bag

If there’s one “niche” golf item I’ve wanted forever, it’s a super lightweight “Sunday” bag, so I had to get my hands on a Mizuno BR-D2 Carry Bag.   Mizuno combines classy looks with well-designed functional features that allow the golfer to lighten their load on tough walks.

The Looks

Mizuno Golf might have the classiest and most stylish image of all the major golf brands.  They offer bold, yet classic looks from bags to apparel, to drop dead gorgeous clubs (I’m looking at you MP-32 irons).  I’ve always been a huge fan of the staff colors – royal blue/sky blue/white, with black accents, however, I went with black/silver/white in the BR-D2.  This is probably my fourth Mizuno bag.  With this being one that might be sitting on the turf often, I went with the less flashy color this time around.

Design Quality

Mizuno is a name synonymous with quality.  They’ve been around forever, so you get used to expecting the best.  No surprises here.  The BR-D2 feels sturdy and strong for a small piece of equipment – especially the flip out legs.  You flip out the BR-D2’s legs by hand, unlike the typical lever system in other stand bags.  You can lay the BR-D2 flat, or you can prop it up a bit if you don’t like having to bend all the way to the ground.  The bag features heavy duty handles and straps.  The fabric is extra durable where you’ll be shuffling the bag on and off your shoulder.

The Mizuno BR-D2 Carry Bag has everything the walker needs – and nothing more.  There’s plenty of room for balls, gloves and a few accessories.  You will want to leave the extras at home.  The bag weighs about 3.3lbs, has the necessary lined valuables pocket, and a really great design choice with its waterproof belly.  The dual shoulder straps are comfortable and adjustable, and balances nicely when you’re walking.  I could see people switching out to a single shoulder strap, but I certainly prefer doubling up.  It’s just roomy enough to hold all 14 clubs, however if you’re one who brings out a reduced set, this bag really shines.

The full-length divider does a good job of keeping your grips from sticking, which can make a convenience item like this less convenient than you’d want.  The BR-D2 should hold up well whether you’re jamming too many clubs in, dropping it on the fringe, or taking it on other adventures.

On-Course Performance

I’m a pretty dedicated walker.  Snobby sometimes, if you ask my regular playing partners.  Here’s a couple thoughts after a few rounds:  It is of course, insanely light.  Shockingly, noticeably so.  Late in rounds, my regular walking bag can feel like a sack of rocks.  Not so with the Mizuno BR-D2.  That makes you play (and feel!) better right there.  I can fit everything I need in it.  As long as you’re not a spray & pray golfer that needs a ton of balls, you’ll have plenty of room for your gear.  You may want to weave your towel in between a few clubs or it’ll be rubbing mud all over your khakis, and you might want to get a little accessories pouch to keep tees, marker, and pens organized.  That should fit easily in the side pockets, or clip it onto the towel ring.

While I think the BR-D2 does a lot of things, there are a few things that may not be entirely comfortable for those used to regular stand bags.  I find it’s a bit tougher getting your clubs in and out with a full 14 set.  (No problems if you’re going with a reduced set – which is kind of the point anyway!) There’s also the extra movement of having to pick it up off the ground and prop it up before you can get your sticks in and out.  The short legs can at times poke you in the rear end if you don’t manually close them.  I’ve actually perfected a little move where you give it a little bump with your hip when you pick it up.  In the end – these are not negatives at all, just different from what many of us are used to.

Final Thoughts

The Mizuno BR-D2 absolutely fits a niche in the walking golf bag world.  It may NOT be your “every situation” golf bag.  This bag is a dream for those that want an ultralight bag, don’t carry a full set, or maybe have a back they need to take some stress off of (ahem, me).  You will have to be more thoughtful of what you take with you, and you may have a little hassle getting clubs in an out.  Pros and Cons basically.  Should you need to carry more stuff – check out the bigger BR-D3!

I love this thing.  The ease of carrying a lighter bag saves a ton of wear and tear on your body and will help you save some energy to play that extra 18.  It looks cool and is a steal at $100 in most stores.