If you are on any of the various social media apps and outlets which seemingly rule our downtime as consumers, then you have undoubtedly been seeing the name Ask Echo. In fact, within the golf media space, they seem to be everywhere right now with products seemingly seeded all over the place. Being who we are, we too got curious, so when the opportunity arose to get one of their bags in hand, and on course to provide our readership here at THP with concrete details and feedback, we were all in.
Although Ask Echo offers several different options, it was the ST-14 stand bag which merited a closer look. Their “core” stand bag offering, this 14-Way design looks to offer all the things, while also maintaining its potential for cart or carry versatility. Does it deliver? We put it to the test.
Quick Take
Ask Echo tried to think of anything and everything to implement into their ST-14 stand bag, and the results are impressive. Not only are there copious amounts of storage with a variety of pockets and enclosure types, but even a cooler which can easily hold a sixer, and then some. Aesthetically, they may be a bit limited in terms of colors and patterns, but the overall construction more than makes up for it with a standout leg mechanism and ergonomically intelligent strap designs.
Ask Echo ST-14 Stand Bag Features
The recurring theme from Ask Echo as it pertains to all of their golf bag offerings is their emphasis on craftsmanship above all else. With that in mind, the ST-14 was a perfect jumping off point for review and getting to know just what the brand is bringing to the table. After all, to be a stand-out golf bag brand, you had better be able to produce a solid all around stand option.
Aesthetics
The bag is currently offered in only three color options (Black, Navy/Grey, Toasted Almond) which leans into their talking points about avoiding “screaming colors” or “loud logos”. For all intents and purposes, the ST-14 delivers there as what you see is what you get with minimally invasive branding and an attempt to keep the color schemes neutral yet versatile. Personally, I prefer a bit more flash and flow, but the looks of the ST-14 do put the attention where Ask Echo wants it to be, and that is in the design itself.
Storage
Within that design there is an absolutely incredible amount of storage. In fact, upon unboxing the ST-14, it got to a point where it was almost funny as I continued to find more pockets and enclosures than I thought possible on a stand bag. All told, there are eight different pockets across the bag, and within some of those there are even more enclosures.
The stand out aspects however, were the cooler pocket which can hold up to eight cans according to Ask Echo (I went for 4 and ice during my testing) as well as the application of magnetic closure on the main tee/ball/accessory pocket on the front and side accessory pocket. Honestly, after acclimating to having so much storage, the attention to details with the location and shape of each pocket stands tall.
Standing base
Of course, if you are making a stand bag, its ultimate judgment will come back to the legs and mechanism. While you might expect this to be a shortcoming, it was anything but during testing. Ask Echo intelligently went the route of a full base leg mechanism over the clumsy (and terrible) kick stand that some brands are still hindering their bags with.
Not only does the base ride well in a cart, but it deploys the legs seamlessly regardless of the surface you are on. Also, tip of the cap to the company for also including grips/cleats on the feet of the legs to step the stability up even more, it’s a little thing that is clutch for long term use.
Ask Echo ST-14 Way Top
Actually 15 in the case of the ST-14. There is also an external “putter clip” at the top as well as a “pocket” below for those who would rather keep their putter away from their other clubs. All that in mind, it is a full length (soft) divider design, and if you like 14-Way, you will enjoy the layout of this top. With that said, it does add to the size/dimensions of the bag, and it would be nice to see a 5 or even 6-Way option from Ask Echo which maintains all the storage potential.
There were no issues with tangling during testing, thanks in large part to the fact that Ask Echo designed it to work with oversized grips, something other bag companies seem to overlook at times. With all of this, there is also added weight, and the ST-14 comes in at 7.61 pounds (7.94 including the straps). It is a stand bag by name, but when it was tested in a pure carry situation, you definitely notice the weight. All that in mind, it was excellent both on the cart as well as a pushcart.
Durability
Given the timeframe for review, it is difficult to dive deep into the long term durability under a short window. However, considering how impressive the zippers, magnets, and overall stitching are certainly gives a lot of promise for longevity. Not to mention, the decision to go with the “fine-grain nylon” material makes it usable in all weather conditions while also being easily wipeable.
Final Thoughts – Ask Echo ST-14
There is a lot to be impressed with as far as the ST-14 stand bag goes, and at $279.99 before any sales (which they seem to run often) the price point shouldn’t be a deterrent for most. That said, the color choices are limited and may not appeal to everyone, even then, the attention to detail gives significant hope and curiosity to the rest of the Ask Echo offerings as well as what the future might hold.
For more information you can visit their website at askechogolf.com.
