Occasionally, I throw a bag that is hard to explain, and the Ultra Vapor R is one of those. I know I like this bag, but I can’t quite decide how much. Part of me wants to bring these to competitions, while another part of me is unsure about how to use them effectively, so it wouldn’t make sense to have them take up space in my bag. Sometimes, I like these better than the Viper R, but other times I’m not so sure. Below I’ve tried to write down my review to find out why it’s still puzzling.
Ultra Vapor R Cornhole Bags Review
Speeds and Performance
- Listed Speed: 5/9
- Actual Speed: 6/8.5
- Bag Template Size: Medium (L: 5.75″ x W: 5.75″)
- Fullness: Full
- Weight: 451g
- Bead Fill Type: Mix
- Carpet Bag: No
Build Quality and Materials
The quality of Ultra bags is undeniably impressive. Despite the recent price increase, their standards remain exceptionally high. But let’s dive into what makes the Vapor R so unique. First of all, is this a carpet bag? I’d say no. It’s easy to associate the “R” with carpet bags like the Viper or Widow R, but this material is different. It’s a thin, woven material, one of the most temperamental I’ve ever encountered.
Speed Characteristics
I’ve never seen the slow side play at a listed speed of 5, whether in dry or humid conditions. It has played anywhere from a 6 to an 8, and possibly faster. The bag moves on both sides, and sometimes the slow side can be quicker than the fast side, which is reminiscent of a carpet bag. However, this material is not carpet, even if it behaves similarly at times.
The fast side, on the other hand, plays true to its 8 to 9 rating. While I’ve been working on improving my blocking game, I find this bag challenging for that purpose. I often can’t get it to stick, as both sides seem to run toward the hole, making the bag extremely hole-friendly.
Fullness and Weight
The Ultra Vapor R is a fuller bag, and while some people claim it’s thinner and has a larger template than the Viper R, that wasn’t my experience. In fact, I found it to feel about the same, if not a touch fuller. Both the Viper R and Vapor R are lighter bags, weighing in at 450g and 451g, respectively. The fuller body paired with the lighter weight can take some getting used to.
On the Boards: Playability and Preference
At the end of the day, these bags find their way into the hole, but I can’t say it’s my go-to bag for blocking, flopping, rolling, or cutting. Sure, you can do all of that with these bags, but I have others that perform those moves better. This leaves me with a bag that excels at running the hole on both sides, but I already have bags for that.
Even as I type this, I’m confusing myself. Here’s a bag that can roll, flop, and cut, but also run the hole easily. So why don’t I love it? I don’t know. It’s just so different from anything else I’ve thrown. While I genuinely like this bag a lot, I can’t commit to loving it yet.
Final Thoughts
Everything this bag brings to the table is great, but I do have a couple of small complaints. The fullness sometimes feels like too much in my grip, and the fill makes a “crunchy” sound when you flip or grip it. Also, the particular set I have is entirely white on the slow side, which I dislike because it’s impossible to keep clean.
That being said, this bag is unique and incredible in its own way. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should. It’s unlike anything else I’ve thrown. While I’m still unsure what to do with it, I like it a lot—just not enough to say I love it yet.
