Quads- are they worth it?

[kerplunk]

When I upgraded from my Gorilla Boy Spidermonkey to my Innova Competition bag, I also went ahead and got quad straps, which seems to be the thing to do with bigger bags. However, I am now starting to question whether I needed them- it is more of a hassle to get my bag on and off, I am more likely to spill my beverage or shake up a beverage that has a lid, and my left hand sometimes gets rubbed dry and almost raw from the bag brushing it when I take it on and off. Also, I have been noticing a decent amount of people just carry the bigger bag with a shoulder strap. So what do you folks think- are quads worth it?

PS I am going to play a few round with just the shoulder strap so I can judge how much difference it makes before I vote.

 

[zenbot]

My course has a lot of unsteady ground, elevation changes and slippery slopes during and after the rain. The quads keep my bag balanced evenly as opposed to having the weight on one side.

 

[ERicJ]

Are they honestly worth the ~$40 over a decent padded single shoulder strap. Probably not. They are more of a hassle to get on and off. Typically (90% of the time) I'll just end up slinging one shoulder worth of my quads anyway and in that case they're no more of a hassle than the stock shoulder strap. But they are nice to have for those times you want better balance, like walking across rocks to cross a stream or climbing up a steep hill, etc.. Also, the Quads make it more difficult to retrieve items from your bag while it's on your back. I keep my scorecard in the mini pocket on my Discarrier bag and it's awkward to reach all the way behind me to get it out when the bag is on my back.

In summary I'm happy I have 'em for the occasional times I use them as intended but I can't say they're a necessity.

 

[ShortBusDiscGolf]

absolute must if you enjoy having a back that does NOT hurt. 4 thumbs up to quads!!!!!!

 

[Ryan P.]

i need quad straps/a backpack because i have slight back problems. The straps are more annoying to get on and off a lot, but if i have a short distance to the next hole, i'll just grab the top of the bag with one hand and walk there just holding it that way.

 

[McMarkD]

I have quads and i love them. One piece of advice... buy them from Phenix and get the Sternum strap! The sternum strap makes it EASY to take them on and off, especially if you are a large person, or are wearing a coat or fleece. I have only fastened the sternum strap once, but for taking off my bag it is indespensable! Also, for short trips, you can use the quads like a shoulder strap.

 

[McMarkD]

I forgot... sometimes they are called lockdown. And here is the web page.
http://www.phenixdiscsports.com/

 

[Dillon_Gourley]

If you're using an Innova or Discrap starter bag then no, the shoulder strap should work, but if you are carrying anything bigger, with more than just 4-5 disc, yes deffinately worth it unless you want your shoulder and back to kill you before the round is over.

 

[cc0049]

I got some Phenix Quad Shock straps and they didn't make it a full month before they started to tear. I have the cheaper Innova Backsaver straps now that have the clip in the front and they have held up much better.
I really like having the straps...they are much easier on your back, than the over the shoulder strap.

 

[warren1086]

Much rather have the Innova Strap for $24 and spend the extra $20 on discs! I have the Innova Straps and they work GREAT!

 

[huskie2husker]

If you're using an Innova or Discrap starter bag then no, the shoulder strap should work, but if you are carrying anything bigger, with more than just 4-5 disc, yes deffinately worth it unless you want your shoulder and back to kill you before the round is over.

Even for the Innova Standard and Deluxe bags? I totally get it for the Competition and DISCarriers, but I've seen a lot of people with the standard bags with the backpack straps lately and it always makes me laugh. It looks like they are wearing one of those tiny Hello Kitty backpacks.

 

[ERicJ]

The sternum strap makes it EASY to take them on and off, especially if you are a large person, or are wearing a coat or fleece. I have only fastened the sternum strap once, but for taking off my bag it is indespensable!

Can you elaborate? I'm confused at how an additional confining strap can make them easier to take on and off. And I do know what the strap is, I got the 0.8 Lockdowns for my girlfriend.

 

[Dillon_Gourley]

Even for the Innova Standard and Deluxe bags? I totally get it for the Competition and DISCarriers, but I've seen a lot of people with the standard bags with the backpack straps lately and it always makes me laugh. It looks like they are wearing one of those tiny Hello Kitty backpacks.

There's a few around here who have straps for their starter bags...It just looks odd

 

[mashnut]

There's a few around here who have straps for their starter bags...It just looks odd

Be a little careful who you make fun of for things like this, my gf has backpack straps on her smaller bag because carrying her bag on one shoulder aggravates an old back injury. Now that she got the straps she went from only wanting to play 9-18 holes in a single day to taking road trips with me and playing 72-90 holes in a day.

 

[kerplunk]

Be a little careful who you make fun of for things like this, my gf has backpack straps on her smaller bag because carrying her bag on one shoulder aggravates an old back injury. Now that she got the straps she went from only wanting to play 9-18 holes in a single day to taking road trips with me and playing 72-90 holes in a day.

yeah, but it's cool for your gf to be wearing a hello kitty bag. i'm thinking about some 6'3 300lb bearded redneck carrying a starter bag with quads...hehe

 

[Geoffro]

I don't throw enough discs to qualify for quad straps. I carry my bag with the shoulder strap, or just in my hand if its a short walk (most are ). It's not because I'm some kind of purist, I'm just not good enough to gain anything from carrying that many discs.

With regard to the guy wearing quads with a starter bag: yeah pretty funny (excepting cases like mashnut's gf). Funnier IMO: the guy that really can't throw walking around the course with 50+ discs. Poser.

 

[innova]

I won a pair a long time ago & gave them away. Couldn't stand the extra hassle.

I rarely lose my balance regardless of what I am carrying. Blessed with surefootedness, I guess.
My bag has never really been an issue to me. I kinda dig being able to switch which shoulder predominantly carries the weight.

 

[Midnightbiker]

I am saving up for some right now. I have noticed that after two rounds with my Competition bag and the 17 discs I carry, plus three drinks, my shoulder starts to hurt.

 

[mashnut]

yeah, but it's cool for your gf to be wearing a hello kitty bag. i'm thinking about some 6'3 300lb bearded redneck carrying a starter bag with quads...hehe

Ha, that's an excellent mental picture!

 

[tamahawk]

If you're using an Innova or Discrap starter bag then no, the shoulder strap should work, but if you are carrying anything bigger, with more than just 4-5 disc, yes deffinately worth it unless you want your shoulder and back to kill you before the round is over.

Yep, if you are carrying 15+ discs in an Innova Competition Bag or equivalent, then backpack straps (backsavers/quads) are worth it IMO. My shoulder was giving me fits after playing, especially if playing 36holes or more. As soon as I got the backpack straps, no more shoulder pain. I recommend them.

I use the Innova BackSavers, and have been very pleased with the feel and durability, and they are about $15 less, so if you want this style of strap, and don't want to spend $40, the backsavers are a good alternative.