2019 PUSH CART BUYERS GUIDE
Why does America lag behind Europe when it comes to widespread adoption of the push cart? Whatever the reason, the fact of the matter is that golfers would benefit from their use. Push carts give you the exercise benefits of walking, without the wear and tear of carrying. According to Dr. Neil Wolkodoff, Medical Director of the Colorado Center for Health and Sports Science, “People who push a cart have a lot fewer [health] issues and a lot less potential for issues. The golf swing is tough on the back no matter how you look at it. If you can use a push cart and keep one more stress away from the back that’s a great thing.”
Convinced? Probably not, but here is some more evidence to change your mind. More and more young golfers are using push carts. Hell, despite the near-incessant criticism from the back in my day crowd telling us how real men used to do it, the best college golfers are using push carts…and winning. Sure, there are people out there that don’t like seeing push carts in competition, but the stigma is waning, and that’s a good thing.
With all those options, finding the right push cart to fit your needs can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We put the top push carts on the market to the test to ensure you have the best information available when it comes time to buy.
Whether you’re looking to buy a new push cart today, looking for some buying advice, or just want a closer look at what’s on the market right now, this guide will help you find the right cart to fit your needs.
How We Test
We're here to help you find the perfect push cart to fit your needs.
To do that, we employ a thorough and fully independent testing process that leaves no feature unexplored, no detail unchecked, and no stone unturned.
Our Metrics
Push Carts are tested head to head using rigorous protocols.
The metrics we consider when rating travel bags include Durability, Folded Size, Maneuverability, Features, and Stability.
FEATURES THAT MATTER TO YOU
Maneuverability
Ultimately, you don’t want a push cart to slow you down, that’s not the point. Carts that offer 360-degree front-wheel rotation provide the best maneuverability. Carts that have fixed wheels can be harder to maneuver when zigzagging across the fairway or in some cases through the rough. Four-wheel carts are less maneuverable still, and often require the golfer to lift the front wheels off the ground to complete turns.
Stability
How does the push cart handle uneven and challenging terrain? Some carts tip over easily when on a side hill, while those with wider bases and good weight distribution are far less likely to tip over. Regardless of whether you use a stand or cart bag, you want it to remain upright in a fixed position. Some brands like Bag Boy have a clip-in system for stand bags that, along with velcro straps, help lock the back in place for added stability.
Folded Size
Some carts can be folded down to smaller sizes than others. A push cart needs to fit into your car and ideally not take up too much space in your garage or wherever else it’s stored. For those looking for maximum space savings, a folded Big Max is compact enough to fit in the footwell behind the driver’s seat. Others are bulkier and require more trunk and storage space.
EXPERT TIP - Stand Bags on Push Carts
Many believe that stand bags don't work well on push carts. They twist, they slide, and their compact size makes them unwieldy on most cart designs. While that is the case with some carts, brands like BagBoy and Big Max employ a clip system that locks your stand bag securely to the cart with minimal effort.
2019 Push Cart Features Chart
| Name | Wheels | Weight | Colors | Swivel Wheels | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bag Boy Tri Swivel II Check Price | 3 | 17lbs | 2 | Y |
 | Bag Boy Quad XL Check Price | 4 | 14.2lbs | 10 | N |
 | Bag Boy Compact 3 Check Price | 3 | 13.7lbs | 6 | N |
 | Bag Boy Nitron Check Price | 3 | 16.75lbs | 8 | N |
 | Big MAX Z360 Check Price | 3 | 14.10lbs | 4 | Y |
 | Big MAX Blade Quattro Check Price | 4 | 16lbs | 4 | N |
 | Big MAX Blade IP Check Price | 3 | 15.6lbs | 5 | N |
 | Big MAX AutoFold FF Check Price | 3 | 18.4lbs | 4 | N |
 | Clicgear 3.5+ Check Price | 3 | 19.3lbs | 6 | N |
 | IZZO Trek Check Price | 4 | 15.4lbs | 1 | N |
 | Stewart R1-S Push Check Price | 3 | 18lbs | 10 | N |
 | Sun Mountain Path Finder 3 Check Price | 3 | 16lbs | 8 | N |
 | TourTrek One Click Check Price | 4 | 15.6lbs | 4 | N |
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - The Space Saver
Are you looking for a pushcart that can be stowed almost anywhere? The Big Max Blade IP is a pushcart contortionist.
The biggest selling point of the ironically named Big Max is its ability to collapse to the size of a backpack. With its 3-wheel design and multi-point attachment system, the Big Max Blade IP also ensures your bag will remain upright without twisting when trekking up the side hills. Every aspect of the design exceeds the expectations for its compact size.
More Tips
- Using a push cart can help you shoot lower scores. That same article by Dr. Wolkodoff suggests you can save an average of 2.5 shots over 9 holes when you push instead of carrying. Take his word for it and join the movement.
- Push carts with a 360-degree rotation wheel make turning on a dime easy and effortless.
- If you are a golfer who likes to accessorize your push cart (pimp your ride, so to speak), consider a brand like Clicgear which has nearly every type of push cart accessory imaginable.
- All golfers are different, so look for a push carts with adjustable handles to help ensure you can maneuver it comfortably.
- Push cart durability varies. It’s important to consider the impact course conditions have on the cart. Flat and lush courses won’t inflict nearly the same punishment as hilly courses with sandy soil. If durability is your primary concern, none is built better than Clicgear.
2019 Push Cart Results
| Name | Stability | Durability | Features | Maneuverability | Folded Size | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clicgear 3.5 Check Price | 4th | 1st | 1st | 3rd | 3rd | 93.5 |
| Bag Boy Tri Swivel II Check Price | 1st | 4th | 2nd | 1st | 5th | 91.5 |
| Big MAX Blade Quattro Check Price | 1st | 2nd | 10th | 3rd | 2nd | 90 |
| Sun Mountain Path Finder 3 Check Price | 4th | 3rd | 4th | 3rd | 5th | 89.5 |
| Big MAX Blade IP Check Price | 8th | 4th | 7th | 3rd | 1st | 88.5 |
| Bag Boy Quad XL Check Price | 4th | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 5th | 88 |
| Bag Boy Nitron Check Price | 1st | 4th | 5th | 3rd | 5th | 87.5 |
| Big MAX Z360 Check Price | 11th | 4th | 10th | 2nd | 5th | 86.5 |
| Tour Trek One Click Check Price | 4th | 4th | 6th | 11th | 5th | 86 |
| Big Max AutoFold FF Check Price | 10th | 4th | 10th | 3rd | 3rd | 85 |
| Bag Boy Compact 3 Check Price | 8th | 4th | 7th | 11th | 5th | 85 |
| Stewart Golf R1-S Push Check Price | 12th | 12th | 10th | 3rd | 5th | 81.5 |
| Izzo Trek Check Price | 13th | 13th | 7th | 11th | 13th | 72 |
EXPERT TIP - SAVE YOUR BRAKES
Eventually, the brake system on nearly every push cart is going to fail. While in most cases, new cables are inexpensive and easy to replace, the best way to increase the lifespan of your cart's brakes is to use them only when absolutely necessary. If you're on relatively flat terrain, don't bother with the brakes. When you find yourself on a hillside, more often than not, aligning your cart perpendicular with the slope can safely eliminate the need to engage the brakes.
Why should I use a push cart instead of carrying?
Q: Should I purchase a push cart with 3 wheels or 4 wheels?
A: Models with 3 wheels tend to be easier to maneuver. Golfers who play on a hilly course might want to look at the 4 wheel carts as they have a wider base which can increase stability.
Q: Why should I use a push cart instead of carrying?
A: Dr. Wolkodoff’s study found that you save energy during the round when using a push cart (as opposed to carrying) even though you burn the same amount of calories. That same study suggests that using a push cart can save you up to 2.5 strokes per 9 holes.
Q: Are push carts allowed on every golf course?
A: Not all push carts are allowed on every golf course. Unfortunately, some courses have rules prohibiting push carts. Before playing at a new course, it’s advisable to check with the pro shop to confirm that push cart use is allowed.
Ry
2 years agoI originally purchased the Big Max Blade IP for it’s light weight and compact folding; but, the ease of use and quality build have made this an A+ purchase. I bought some helpful accessories to hold my GPS etc and Big Max Customer Service has been awesome. Recommended.
Bond
3 years agoI decided on the Bagboy Nitron. Ease of use, built in drink holder, great storage,
The Clicgear storage net is not in an ideal place. And the attached drinkholder results in spillage.
Batman
3 years agoI agree completely. I went for the nitro for the same reasons. How do you like yours so far?
Bond
3 years agoI’ve been comparison shopping, and I don’t get the Clicgear obsession. I don’t like the placement of the mesh storage bag. I don’t like the fact the cargo cover won’t stay open. I hear that the drinkholder is not stable and results in spillage. And it’s perhaps the most difficult cart to fold and unfold. To me, the Bagboy cargo, storage and drinkholder design is superior. The TriSwivel crushes the Clicgear on maneuverability, and the Nitron crushes it on ease of opening and folding. What am I missing?
Will
3 years agoI don’t think the weights that are over 13lbs light. Getting to 17 through 19lbs, then including bag/clubs, imo, makes it to be too much weight to push around.
Brad Sweatt
3 years agoDoes anyone prefer a pull cart to a push cart? I flip my clubs clicgear around and pull it on 2 wheels.
Tom D.
3 years agoHave a Bag Boy swivel, and the Top-Lok attachment system on both Datrek and Bag Boy bags is THE BEST. No twisting or turning of the bag, just drop it in and go. Also, CANNOT beat the beverage holder on the Bag Boy carts!
Rob McGregor
3 years agoGood read. I prefer the push cart when ever possible, the trouble is they are designing courses where a push cart is not feasible due to the long distances between holes and having groups in carts constantly pushing you along. I certainly enjoy riding a cart on very hilly courses. Its good to see push cart design developing
Cheers
SV677
3 years ago“Why does America lag behind Europe when it comes to widespread adoption of the push cart? ” Two reasons: 1.) Many courses require a riding cart. They will say it’s faster, but really its the additional revenue. 2.) Weather. Cooler weather in general in the UK and the rest of Europe make it much easier to walk. 90*+ temperatures with 70%+ humidity in many parts of the eastern US in the summer make walking unbearable and potentially harmful.
Emery
3 years agoMy home course is very hilly and it is easier on your lower back to carry verses pushing a cart up a steep hill. When we play in Florida @resorts, many tees are not very close to the last hole and may require a jaunt of a 100yrds or so to get to the next! Not to mention the humidity/ summer heat and sometimes lack of refreshment carts to keep you supplied with fluids. I do prefer to walk now. If it is rain or drizzle, I like a cart to mount the umbrella.
Mark in LOL
3 years agoI absolutely agree with your comments about the weather. Here in Florida, it can be brutal at times. There is the heat of course, but also the humidity and the intensity of the sun.
The problem is, many people don’t respect the heat, and that can be fatal (and that is no exaggeration).
Anthony L
3 years agoIn Australia virtually all golfers use a push cart for every round.I have had the Bag Boy tri swivel for 4 years and have had no problems at all with it.Would make the same choice again.The manoeuvrability is definitely a plus.Many friends have the Clicgear 3.5 and haven’t heard any complaints.
Patrick Dennis
3 years agoHave had the Bag Boy Tri-Swivel for years and love it. Great maneuverability. Easy to open and fold up. No durability problem. Would highly recommend.
Sam
3 years agoI’ve been walking with the CaddyTek EZ lite version 2 for a few years now and it still opens and closes nicely. It rolls very well too. lots of stock extras like the cooler. i think i only paid 129.99 for it way back when. I sell these other carts clic gear, sun mountain and bag boy. And i don’t see any discernible or notable differences that would make them $100 more. Save your self some money and get a CaddyTek.
Chris
3 years agoI’ve had a CaddyTek EzyFold v2.0 for about 3 years and found it feature for feature compatible to the ClicGear at a much cheaper price. It still rolls well, and folds as expected…I would purchase another one of these over the over priced Clickgear model
Ruben Acosta
3 years agoI’ve had a Caddytek Lite for 3 years and yeah its just equipped as any of these others but I only paid $139 aet Costco for it. I am really surprised I didn’t see any of their models in this guide.
Tyler
3 years agoI see it was not included in testing, but do you have any thoughts or comments on any of Clicgear’s Rovic models?
Harry Nodwell
3 years agoCheck last years buyers guide. It was included in 2018
Aesop
3 years agoWhat are the major differences between the Clicgear 3.0 and 3.5? I have an opportunity to get a good condition used 3.0 and wanted to know if there is anything I’m missing out on with the 3.5.
Emery
3 years agoI have both the Sun Mountain Speed Cart and the Click Gear 3.5. The Sun Mountain is easier to assemble, more sturdy and parts are more durable and EASY TO FIND AND REPLACE via their website…have never had a problem yet. The Click Gear compacts smaller and has more accessories like a cooler bag etc. BUT, it is difficult to assemble for some and MOST IMPORTANTLY, poor to non existent consumer support…the brake mechanism is very weak and broke off within a couple of months and have emailed but NO reply and nowhere to order replacement parts if repairable. SUN MOUNTAIN IS DURABLE AND WILL LAST, Click Gear is flimsy and will break.
scott
3 years agoEmery, That is very odd, as mygolfspy voted it #1 in durability. Why don’t you take it back where you bought it? They have lots of replacement parts and a great customer service.
Emery
3 years agoPGA Superstore said they couldn’t take it back and I had to deal with ClickGear direstly…which has had ZERO results. The brake is weakly attached to the frame and will snap off and the inside of the wheel will fall apart. You can swap out wheels but the design is poor. Where are you finding warranty replacement parts? I like the compact design and “features” but not durable. Carrying now is better on my lower back!
Walter
3 years agoGood to know, thanks
Tom Conroy
3 years agoIt sucks that the brake snapped, but it happens. Over the years I’ve owned carts from Sun Mountain, Clickgear, and Bag Boy and the one problem they all have in common is that the brakes either wear out or the cables snap.
That said, your gripe about replacement parts is ridiculous. It takes 8-seconds to run a search for Clicgear replacement parts. Literally the first result is what you need.
https://www.clicgearusa.com/collections/clicgear-parts
Emery
3 years agoIt doesn’t take 8 seconds to get a WARRANTY REPLACEMENT, my friend. If I want to pay out of pocket for something less than a year old, I would. Since I have a better Sun Mountain and now just CARRY my bag(easer on back on hilly course) guess it is not much an issue.
TR1PTIK
3 years agoI’ve had the Clicgear 3.5+ for a couple years now and love it. I wish it were a little easier to open and close, but that is my only complaint. This test reminded me to buy some more accessories for it though!
Dave Vardon
3 years agoStarted with a 2.0, now have the 3.5. Just love it and all the accessory options !
Over a dozen of my playing partners have gone to Clicgear push carts. Carrying my bag was never a consideration – my wife (a physiotherapist) explained how hard that was on one’s back.Just boggles my mind though when I see people (especially over 40) still carrying. I’m 70 and will use my Clicgear as long as possible. Love the color options too.
Walter
3 years agoDamn I’m over 60 and still carry a full bag, maybe I should thinking otherwise.
10shot
3 years agoCool that you carry at 60 Walter. Keep on truck’n?
OwenO
3 years agoWhat ever happened to inflatable tires? I had always found them to roll better.
How about a review of electric trolleys
Eric
3 years agoAny chance you can post the folded dimensions for each cart? Would be nice to know how much difference there is between sizes when folded.
Jim418
3 years agoAny plans to review powered “push” carts?
Harry Nodwell
3 years agoWe are testing electric carts next
Ash
3 years agoHarry will you include things like the ewheels in the electric test?
Mark in LOL
3 years agoI bought my ClicGear last year, but it has 4 wheels. Very easy to fold-up (just press a button and collapse it) to a relatively compact size. Tracks straight, very easy to push. I wish the brake was on the handle-bar rather than being a foot pedal, but not a big issue since I live in FL and hardly ever have to put it on anyway!
Mark M
3 years agoWhile I disagree with the whole assessment that pushing your bag instead of carrying will save you strokes, just like everything else in golf it all depends on the individual, I appreciate the testing you’ve done and all the info your results show to the golfing public!
Emery
3 years agoI have stopped using a cart for carry now. I had to give a broken ankle a couple years to heal and can now say carrying is so much easier on the lower back! My club is very hilly so that is some of it. Ping Hoofer 14 is great to carry.
Walter
3 years agoHow do you get to the “How We Test” pages as there are no links, or none that I can find.
Very interesting that the Doc says a player can save up to 2.5 strokes per “9” holes. Damn his test subjects must have been out of shape or just never carried a bag for 18 holes on a regular basis to save that many strokes. I’d like to read his study papers, are they available?
Harry Nodwell
3 years agoHere is the link to the article and his findings
“Dhttps://onpar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/a-little-scientific-research-for-all-those-19th-hole-debates/
Walter
3 years agoGreat, thanks for the link. Very good read. I guess I had better get a push cart then I’ll drop below par, yea-ha.
Now there will be a run on push carts and the prices will either go up or down(hopefully down). Of course the article was written in 2010 so it may not have any effect unless people revisit it.
hnorwoodjr
3 years agoMight be out of your purview, but what is the trend amongst course superintendents to allow push carts with wider wheels to be push across greens? I noticed this happening during the most recent NCAA tournament…
TR1PTIK
3 years agoIMO, they shouldn’t view it any different than walking across the green with a carry bag (or a severely overweight person walking across the green). If anything, carts are better because they spread the load.
All that said, I try to avoid going across the green unless I have a putter in my hand as a general rule.
Andrew
3 years agoWhen you think about it, it makes sense. A push cart with a bag weighs far less than almost all golfers and is going to hurt the green far less than a golfer wearing soft spike. It weighs less than even a push mower. A golfer that can push his cart on and off the green is going to evenly distribute where he enters and exits the green, distributing wear much more evenly. When you park your cart on the side of the green nearly everyone is going to enter and exit in the same place, causing wear to be more localized.
JonD
3 years agoI still use a 1st gen circa 2002 Sun Mountain. Works great, except for a few quirks I live with
Jon Silverberg
3 years agoI’d be interested in a review of powered pushcarts (and the powered axle that retrofits to unpowered carts).
Harry Nodwell
3 years agoElectric carts will be tested next in the Buyers Guide section
Don
3 years agoMy wife and tried the Alphard e-wheels last year and they work great. Seldom let the cart wander by itself as it requires constant corrections on our hilly course, so we keep them at walking pace and guide them. Had to make modifications to the magnet attachment by substituting a super magnet. A charge will last over the 3-4 hours that we play for. They work great, but don’t know how long the batteries will last.
Jim
3 years agoGreat article .. wish they had this years ago — if buying a push cart a must read first .. Why can’t they make a push cart design with electric motors like electric Golf carts now??
I would love to just stand and go , instead of sitting to next hole.. You would concentrate a lot better in the game you are playing — GOLF !
GREAT ARTICLE
Andrew
3 years agoElectric push carts do exist. You follow behind them and they drive themselves. There also exist segway and surfboard like carts that you load your bag up onto and ride like a solo cart, though they are probably aren’t realistic for a golfer to actually buy.
shortside
3 years agoImpossible not to like the Clicgear stuff. That said I ride more often than not at this point in my life. Decided to go with the Bag Boy Quad XL and their Defender bag a couple years ago. No straps to fuss with. Drop it in and go. My 2 cents to those in the market is put a hand brake at the top of your list. Why anyone would want a foot brake after comparing the two eludes me.
Jim
3 years agoGreat article .. wish they had this years ago — if buying a push cart a must read first .. Why can’t they make a push cart design with electric motors like electric Golf carts now??
I would love to just stand and go , instead of sitting to next hole.. You would concentrate a lot better in the game you are playing — GOLF !
GREAT ARTICLE
Lou
3 years agoFyi, electric motors are available for push carts. I priced one last fall at my local course. It was a generic, fits Clicgear and some others. $600 for it. I’ll hoof it before dropping $600.
MC
3 years agoGreat article….you did overlook the best of the bunch – the Sun Mountain Combo. It’s a purpose built cart that features an integrated (yet removable) bag that never budges, has 14 indiv club slots, massive storage, and a nifty built in seat. I’ve owned multiple push and power-type caddys and this is hands down the keeper!
[email protected]
3 years agoI’m surprised you didn’t have Caddytek in the mix. Great product especially for the value shopper.
WLBR
3 years agoAgree with the quality and ease of use of CaddieTek. My 4 wheel model collapses in 2 seconds with the touch of one button while all the Clicgear users are collapsing/folding/twisting their three wheelers, some, especially older folks, with difficulty. As easy to maneuver a 4-wheeler as a 3-wheeler. Tilt the front wheels up a bit and you can spin it 180 degrees as easy as a lawnmower. Great product.
Walter
3 years agoWhich Caddie tek models do you guys have
Romeo Zulu
3 years agoHa! My wife laughs at me fumbling around with mine as she has all her gear loaded back up in the car. She has the CaddyLite One Swivel V8. I just priced out a similarly equipped clicgear 3.5 at golf galaxy and it comes to $317. The CaddyTek is $149 at Costco.
I like my clicgear, but I could get another three rounds of golf or better yet a putter that is capable of sinking something longer than 18″ with that extra $170.
Romeo Zulu
3 years agoI will second this. I got a ClicGear 3.5 because I didn’t really like the swivel front of the caddytek at Costco right now. I regretted not getting the 3.5 “knockoff” for $99 while it was there.
Ended up getting the caddytek for my wife for 129. It folds easier, comes standard with accessories that would cost at least 100 more for the clicgear, the swivel front is kind of nice, and the cockpit is more useful than the clicgear.
So while I am happy with mine, I wish I would have gone with the caddytek and saved $100. I don’t put in 50 rounds a year, so I doubt I would cause so much wear that the clicgear would pay off.
Frozen Spy
3 years agoJust a quick note about the Caddytek carts. I have had one for about 7 years and it still works and rolls great. The only thing I have had to replace on it was a cable on the rear legs, I contacted the company and they sent me a new one free of charge. Great product, great customer service. If you don’t have a lot of money to invest, or just plain don’t want to, this is an excellent product and if it can get more people walking than riding, worth it… Great article guys.
Lou
3 years agoLast summer I bought the Clicgear 8.0 (4 wheels). Added extras like retractable seat, shoe brush, ergonomic steering knob, cooler tube, pack bag, umbrella and umbrella angle adjuster. Talk about superior quality push carts, Clicgear makes it. Really happy with mine.
Mark
3 years agoI wish there was an ease of folding category, kills me watching people trying to open and close the clic gear at the golf courses. The new nitron is the easiest I have ever seen and folks with not a lot of strength should take a serious look at that one. Missing some features though that is for sure.
Tsheaffer23
3 years agoHave been using the Clicgear 3.0 for 6 years and it’s been one of the best decisions, golf wise, that I’ve ever made. Using a good push cart in no way ensures you will play well on any given day, but it will not hurt your game either. I see so many older and out of shape golfers who carry and have always thought that carrying was a less effective method for most.
Andy Carroll
3 years agoHave you done a study to figure out what is the best golf bag for a clicgear 3.5 push cart? My bag is terrible with it.
Mike Eovino
3 years agoI have a Cobra Ultralite, and it does just fine in my ClicGear 3.5.
TR1PTIK
3 years agoIf you’re using a stand bag, I highly recommend the Clicgear accessories developed to accommodate them. I’ve been using stand bags ever since I got my 3.5+ and have had practically zero issues.
zoned_post_meridiem
3 years agoClicgear actually makes a bag in-house, that fits the 3.5+ perfectly. I have no complaints about it.