A head-to-head look at two of the top bags in the Every18 index — scores, fit, estimated used price, and which one to buy.
2022 Bags
The PING Pioneer edges the Vessel Player IV / Player IV Pro on overall Every18 score (97 vs 96), but that headline number only tells part of the story. The PING Pioneer is both the cheaper buy (about $125 used vs $145) and the stronger value pick, which makes it the safer choice if budget matters. They split the two traits most golfers care about: the Vessel Player IV / Player IV Pro is the more forgiving bags, while the PING Pioneer is the faster one — so pick the trait your game needs most. Bottom line: choose the PING Pioneer if you fit its profile (cart bag); choose the Vessel Player IV / Player IV Pro if you lean toward premium stand bag.
| Metric | PING Pioneer | Vessel Player IV / Player IV Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Every18 score | 97 ✓ | 96 |
| Forgiveness | 82 | 87 ✓ |
| Speed | 78 ✓ | 71 |
| Feel | 72 ✓ | 68 |
| Value rating | 84 | 87 ✓ |
| Est. used price | $125 ✓ | $145 |
| Value index | 326 ✓ | 278 |
| Launch | Storage | Storage |
| Spin | Cart bag | Premium stand bag |
| Fit profile | Cart bag | Premium stand bag |
Scores, value indexes, and prices are Every18 editorial estimates for comparison. Verify exact specifications, configuration, condition, and market price before purchasing.
On the Every18 editorial score the PING Pioneer rates higher (97 vs 96 out of 100). "Better" still depends on fit — the PING Pioneer suits cart bag, while the Vessel Player IV / Player IV Pro suits premium stand bag.
The PING Pioneer scores higher on the Every18 value index. Estimated used prices are about $125 for the PING Pioneer and $145 for the Vessel Player IV / Player IV Pro, so the PING Pioneer is also the cheaper buy.
The Vessel Player IV / Player IV Pro rates higher for forgiveness (87 vs 82), which usually helps mid- and higher-handicap players hold more fairways and greens.
See how these stack up against the rest of the field.
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