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
3 years ago
I 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.