Today I’m going to show you everything I found after testing the new Star Frame Bandido disc golf bag. This bag is a unique bag + cooler combo that seemingly does it all. Or does it?
In this article I’ll break down the pros and cons I found while testing along with everything you could possibly need to know if you’re thinking about buying this bag.
Also, huge thanks to Star Frame for sending us this bag to review!
First impressions
My first impression of the Bandido is that it’s super well thought out. I can tell these guys play disc golf. There are a ton of great features and it shows that they’ve thrown a few rounds and got feedback from actual discs golfers.
The second big thing I noticed is that the bag is rather large and chunky. Chunky in a sturdy way though, like a tank or a bulldozer.
It almost feels industrial like a tools bag or a hiking backpack. And I guess in a way it’s a bit of both.
I also noticed that the bag felt pretty heavy...which I confirmed with my “super-accurate” bathroom scale. It came in at 5.2 lbs without any discs in it.
In spite of its big bones, it really is a good-looking bag and I’ve gotten some compliments from fellow disc golfers.
Design Details
Alright, let’s dig into the nitty gritty on the Bandido disc golf bag.
First off, it has a couple of cool, quirky features. There’s a velcro patch on the front of the bag for patches so you can customize the bag which is a great addition seen commonly in other premium disc golf bags.
They even include a couple of patches to get you started.
There’s also a really nifty phone pocket. It’s designed to hold your phone without blocking the camera so you can record your shots.
I don’t film myself much with a phone, but I could see that being a nice plus if you do.
Disc and Storage Capacity
The Bandido can hold a LOT of discs – 39 discs according to my testing. And that capacity is spread out across a LOT of versatile pockets. I won’t touch on them all here, but you can watch my video review for more details.
The main pocket is massive and can hold 20 discs. It’s easy to access and the zipper works well.
However, my favorite pocket is the side pocket that fits 6 discs. This thing is huge! I ended up using it a lot for storing my most commonly used discs.
The last pocket I’ll mention is the front pouch toward the top of the bag that fits 2 discs. I used it for a putter pouch because it’s super convenient and easy to grab out discs without bending over.
Also, it has a water bottle pocket on the side big enough to fit my massive 40 oz water bottle. That’s a huge bonus.
Build Quality
Part of the reason the Bandido is so chunky and heavy is because of the durable materials they used to make it. The external material is made from 900D polyester, which is a long lasting and water-resistant material.
The zippers are smooth and made by SBS, a quality zipper manufacturer.
It’s also super rigid and holds its shape well even when it’s empty. Definitely not like some of the floppy sad-looking bags you’ll find out there (looking at you Dynamic Disc Cadet).
Let’s Talk About the Cooler
Let’s dig into what really sets this bag apart – the cooler.
I found that it easily fits four cans – or three cans and an ice pack. It’s not super insulated, but it’s enough to keep drinks or snacks cold for the duration of a round.
One thing I really like about this cooler is that it’s removable. So, if you’re not using it you can just take it out and use that pocket to hold another 8 discs. Super convenient and versatile.
It also makes it easy to clean if you have a spill or something leaks out in the cooler pouch.
That’s a big change from most competing disc golf bags with coolers out there like the Rogue Iron disc golf bag where the cooler is permanently built into the bag.
What I Didn’t Like…
The main thing I don’t like about this bag is that it’s big and bulky. I found it cumbersome to carry it around the course for 18+ holes.
Keep in mind, however, I’m pretty minimalistic in my game and I’m used to simple sling-type bags or smaller disc golf backpacks. Generally, I prefer simple and lightweight over feature-heavy and.. well… weight heavy.
The other thing I’m not stocked about is the price. The Star Frame Bandido has a MSRP of $210 which seems steep. If you’re looking for a high-capacity disc golf bag with a removable cooler, there’s nothing else like the Bandido on the market so the price might be more justified in your eyes.
Currently, Star Frame is running a sale on the Bandido for $169.95, so if you’re interested I would pull the trigger!
My Honest Opinion
If you want a TON of disc storage, don’t mind a heavier/larger bag, and want the option for a cooler – this bag is for you. The Bandido is a well-designed, stylish addition to Star Frame’s already impressive line of disc golf bags with coolers.
If you need even more cooler capacity, check out the Start Frame Brick 2.0. It holds up to 24 cans and is an absolute beast!
Personally, I don’t like to carry a lot of discs or drinks so I probably wouldn’t buy this bag, but I’m not the target demographic.
What are your thoughts about the Star Frame Bandido? Leave them in the comments below; thanks for reading!
