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2018 PUSH CART BUYER’S GUIDE
In America, there’s still a stigma attached to the push cart that stands in direct contrast to perceptions in Europe where, not only is the push cart a must for the everyday golfer, electric alternatives are beginning to make their way to golf courses in increasing numbers. Despite reservations on this side of the pond, push carts use is on the rise. Scientists and nutritionists alike extoll the benefits of using a push cart over carrying or riding. Perhaps that’s why, despite shaken-fist grumblings from the back in my day champions of nonsense, push cart use is on the rise at the college level as well. Push carts live on the Golf Channel? Oh, the self-righteous, indignant horror.
While the simple retort is “get used to it old-timer, push carts are here to stay,” the reality is that like much of what we find in golf; the technology is evolving. These aren’t the same push carts your grandpappy loved to hate. So, whether you’re a longstanding member of the Push Cart Mafia, or just now getting wise to the reality that it’s in your best interest to get the bag off your back, this year’s buyers guide will help you identify the push cart that best fits your needs.
We’re Here to Help
The process of buying anything in today’s time has become stressful and time-consuming. We feel the best reviews are those that help you make the right choices and help you get the most out of your time and money. This way you can buy with confidence and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. We are here to help show you how a product will perform before you buy.
One key to our testing protocols is that we test products head-to-head. We select the top products from each category and put them through extensive and detailed head-to-head testing. We test both in the lab and in the field. We score each product across a range of weighted categories. We then rank the products, explain why products finished where they did, and give awards to the best-performing products in the category.
THE METRICS
The modern push cart is miles above those rickety ones from twenty years ago. Our testing focused on the maneuverability of the cart, but we also considered its durability, stability, and the folded footprint.
We’re always fine-tuning the process to make sure we’re collecting the best data possible. Continuing that trend we’ve updated and refined this year’s analysis to bring you the best buying advice possible.
2018 Push Cart Features Chart
Name | Cost | Wheels | Weight | Colors | Cup Holder |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bag Boy Compact 3 | $179.95 | 3 | 13.7 lbs | 4 | Y |
Bag Boy Express Dulex Pro | $159.95 | 3 | 12.7 lbs | 2 | Y |
Bag Boy Quad XL | $199.95 | 4 | 14.2 lbs | 6 | Y |
Bag Boy TriSwivel II | $249.95 | 3 | 16 lbs | 2 | Y |
Big MAX Blade IP | $329.99 | 3 | 14 lbs | 4 | Y |
Big MAX Blade Quattro | $299.99 | 4 | 14.3 lbs | 4 | Y |
Clicgear 3.5+ | $219.99 | 3 | 22 lbs | 6 | Y |
Clicgear 8.0 | $269.99 | 4 | 26 lbs | 6 | Y |
Rovic Swivel RV1s | $190.00 | 3 | 20.2 lbs | 5 | Y |
Stewart R1-S | $229.00 | 3 | 18 lbs | 10 | Y |
Sun Mountain Speed Cart GT | $209.99 | 3 | 17.25 lbs | 9 | Y |
We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols and new metrics. The methodology and attention to detail are better than ever.
For push cart testing, we set out to best replicate the stresses put on a cart during a round. Carts were loaded with a variety of bags each containing the same equipment. Inside the bags were 14 clubs, 4 gloves, 1 rangefinder, 1 set of rain gear, tees, and 1 box of golf balls. Testing included, but wasn’t limited to, evaluating the brakes, stability, handling, and maneuverability of the carts on the course.
Notes were taken on the durability of the carts as well as their available features and folded size.
Maneuverability (15 points) – Does the cart move effortlessly or does it take some effort to be push? Does it turn easily without lifting the front wheel(s) off the ground? We found that three-wheel carts are generally more maneuverable than four-wheel models. Four-wheel carts often require testers to lift the front wheels off the ground to complete turns. The top-performing three-wheel carts handle exceptionally well. There were no issues with the wheels on grass or concrete, and their turning radii are exceptional
Features (15 points) – Does the cart include a water bottle holder? Ball marker? Extra storage? Umbrella holder? While most carts offer many of the features we just listed, some bring even more to the table. Carts for which the most basic features were omitted performed poorly in the features category.
Durability (20 points) – Will the cart last one season? Two seasons? Five seasons? A quality push cart should last several seasons or more. We examined the quality of the cart’s skeleton in addition to its straps.
Stability (35 points) – How stable is the cart on the golf course. Does it stay upright on uneven terrain? Do the straps hold the bag securely to the cart? The top performers can handle uneven lies like a tour pro while offering straps the fasten securely. Poor performers aren’t well-balanced, tip a bit more easily, and often have straps that are difficult to fasten and sometimes pinch fingers.
Folded Size (15 points) – Quite simply how small of a space does the collapsed cart occupy? How quickly does it fold and unfold? While the majority of carts fold either flat or into a cube shape, we found that the carts that folded flat were more easily stored. These carts are also folded more quickly. The poor performers take up significantly more space, aren’t able to be collapsed fully, and are more difficult to fold.
Final grades were awarded based on total scores. Best Overall is our highest overall scoring push cart, and awards are given to the top three submissions. Also, more specific Best in Class recognitions are awarded to push carts in certain categories (like maneuverability, durability, and stability) that push the industry’s design envelope.
We also give an “Editor’s Choice” and a “Best Buy” award to those products that provide value products that compete with the bigger names on performance.
THE BEST PUSH CARTS OF 2018
BagBoy TriSwivel II
"Best Push Cart 2018"
Stability
|
4th |
Durability
|
5th |
Features
|
1st |
Maneuverability
|
1st |
Folded Size
|
2nd |
Total
|
94 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
The BagBoy TriSwivel 360 is the “Best Push Cart of 2018” giving it 1st place finishes in consecutive years. The TriSwivel II boasts a swiveling front wheel which allows for enhanced maneuverability. The cart’s numerous standard features offer plenty of accessible onboard storage. The Velcro straps allow you to easily lock your bag into place with confidence.
Pros
- Light and easy to maneuver
- Outstanding brake system
- Easy-to-use Velcro straps for securing your bag to the cart
- Loads of storage
- Wide base for stability
Cons
- Durability – notably in the brakes and front wheel lock – could be improved
Clicgear 3.5+
"Most Durable Cart 2018"
Stability
|
2nd |
Durability
|
1st |
Features
|
3rd |
Maneuverability
|
8th |
Folded Size
|
2nd |
Total
|
91.5 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
The Clicgear 3.5+ is “The Most Durable Push Cart 2018”. It Comes standard with large console and storage net. A robust selection of accessories makes the Clicgear the mos expandable on the market today. Outstanding stability and rugged design complete the package.
Pros
- Built like a tank
- Incredibly stable
- Relatively compact when folded
- Easy to fold/un-fold and use
- Numerous color options
Cons
- Bag sometimes twists over the course of a round
- On the heavy side
- Users have reported issues with brake cables snapping
Big MAX Blade Quattro
"Most Compact Cart 2018"
Stability
|
1st |
Durability
|
3rd |
Features
|
10th |
Maneuverability
|
3rd |
Folded Size
|
1st |
Total
|
91 |
Shop & Support
When you shop online consider using our special link. It helps support this site and other golfers around the world. #ConsumerFirst
What We Liked
The Big MAX Blade Quattro is “The Most Compact Cart of 2018”. The strap system is strong and sturdy. It minimizes twisting and keeps your bag upright and stable throughout the round. The Quattro folds down to a width of your fist for easy storage.
Pros
- Compact folded size for easy storage
- Outstanding strap system to secure your bag
- Folds and unfolds easily
- Stylish design
Cons
- Brake system, while effective, is not as good as most others
2018 Push Cart Buyers Guide
Bruce
5 years agoYou guys are doing a good job of pushing the benefits. I’m hoping next year you will have a combo of bag and push cart. There are some key features that make some cart bags incompatible with push carts like the placement of the umbrella slot. Can it please be at least a sub category on bags?
bert pit (dutch)
5 years agoLast year I ordered a bagboy triswivel II. Unfortunately the “brake cable” and the “wheel knuckle” broke within a few month.
On top of that grey button ont the Front Swivel Mount is not functioning: it does not automatically pop back when it is pressed. Very frustrating: when you push the button by accident the when unloading the cart, the front wheel falls off and you can not put it together again. I drilled a little screw in the button to block it.
I must say the product guarantee is good, after a few mails they sent me the replacement parts.
Bro
5 years agoI can’t understand how Clicgear 8.0 could finish 11th in stability. I know, it is heavy and relatively big when folded and unusable for ladies, but STABILITY?? I have tried this during one round and no slope or crazy driving could make it flip. Really 11th? No mistake? The very worst in stability??
Dan
5 years agoI’ve had the CG 8.0 since it came out. My kid uses one for tournaments. When loaded up, (thermos in the net, umbrella on the back) it’s tipped backwards twice in the past half a year and snapped both umbrellas.
I’ve never had it tip, but that’s just me. Maybe I need to put a 10lb weight up front.
Berniez40
5 years agoNice job MGS. I still have an old 4 wheel version Sun Mountain I received for Christmas roughly 15 years ago. I’m sure a lot of these are easier to fold up etc, but my old dog still hunts. I’ve only had to replace a brake cable in all this time. Shades of my old ’63 Plymouth Valiant. Keep ’em coming. I’m sure I’ll need a new one someday. Again, nice job on this one.
mackdaddy
5 years agoLove my Clicgear.
P.J.
5 years agoI discovered a small cart company, years ago call “Upright Caddie”. The company was sold and rebrands as ‘Clever Caddie’ love this cart as the clubs and bag sit straight up and down like they would on a riding cart. Its surprisingly stable and very easy to push. I’m guessing they are too small a company to be on the MGS radar, but definitely worth a look. I love it and will never use anything else. You can find them rockbottomgolf.com or Google “Clever Caddie Upright”. http://www.clevercaddie.com
Btw; No affiliation to this company, just a fan of the product.
Emery
5 years agoThat’s a nice caddy & extremely versatile! Will look that way if my Sun Mnt ever needs replacement. Thanks
Dave S
5 years agoI purchased a 4-wheel push cart from Costco (Caddytek) on sale like 4 years ago and it’s worked out great. Think it was only $99. Does the trick fine. Folds up small, is stable, and has all the features you’d want (cup, umbrella, scorecard, tees, balls holders and a detachable mesh bag underneath. Only thing i wish it had was one front wheel that swivels. I imagine it’s much nicer being able to just steer the cart down the course instead of having to do a mini-wheelie every time you want to go a different direction. Not a big deal, but I can see why this is a great feature.
Here’s the link if interested: https://www.tgw.com/caddytek-one-v4-push-cart?SITE_ID=A2004&CID=PLA&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg-HOlceN3AIViSaGCh3yMQUYEAQYBSABEgLjTPD_BwE
Steven
5 years agoI play with 2 different groups where everyone rides. So when I go out on my own, I walk. I enjoyed carrying my bag, but being older and playing in the mid-Atlantic in the summer like the last couple of weeks I enjoyed my clicgear. It allows me to carry 2 bottles of water. A while back I read about someone developed a add on to convert a pushcart to electric. I prefer the compact fullness when storing.
mark davis
5 years agoClicGear 3.5 all the way. Kids bought me one after my shoulder surgery a few years ago as I couldn’t carry as usual (Ping Hoofer, 14 clubs + stuff, not the lightest) and never looked back. Bulletproof, stable, easy to push, lots of room in the net thing and console for all the stuff. Folds up small enough to fit in my compact car trunk. all good. Durability rules. (Just ask the 70-year-olds.) As for carry vs. push/pull cart, who the hell cares as long as you’re walking? Seriously.
Boyo
5 years agoI bought a Cliqgear 3.5P+ four years ago. The durability sucks. The bands used to secure the scorecard and secure the bag on the bottom of the cart broke within 2 years.
Charlie
5 years agoFor next year, at least show the top 3 – 5 carts, folded, that rate highest in that category….Thanks
And for stability test, put a sample bag with clubs on the cart, set the brakes, and on level ground pull on a stick of length 48″ using a force scale to measure the tip effort to each side, and to the rear.
Brad Chambers
5 years agoWhy would anyone be against a tool that encourages walking? Walking is walking. The pros have someone who carry their bags for them, so they aren’t even pushing a cart, and no one is complaining about that! I belong to a Club where fully half the male members walk and 90% of them use a push cart.
John
4 years agoYou’d be surprised. Ive played at a club where your masqulinity is measured by whether you walk and carry. LOL
They actually ride you pretty hard if you use a push cart.
Not being a memmber, I always tell them to “****off, the parking lot is right there if you wanna go? (crickets). LOL Bunch of Dbags. I love push carts. I’m 6’3 320 so walking is good for me!
Dave
5 years agoI’m really surprised to see the Big Max Quattro ranked #1 in stability. I bought one because of its compact size (the trunk of my car is really small and in order to fit clubs & cart in there I needed something as small as possible). I’ve been very disappointed with its stability – the cart will tilt over backwards with the slightest provocation. Unlike most carts where you can let it go down a small hill on its own and catch up to it at the bottom this cart will tilt backwards long before it reaches the bottom. Even with the cart sitting dead still if it is on even a very slight uprise it can be prone to flipping backwards. I quickly learned to be very careful about how I placed the cart, but it still flipped over so many times last year that it eventually stripped out the plastic gear where the handle folds for storage. Fortunately Big Max has a 5 year warranty (at least i think it is 5 years) and I contacted them and they replaced the cart with no questions asked.
I agree with the comment on the Quattro brake. Yes it is effective, but the foot brake is much more awkward to use that the hand brakes available on many other push carts.
Overall I’m happy with the compact size of the folded cart, but I’ve been disappointed in the functionality. I do not recommend it to my friends.
Peter
5 years agoI was not surprised to see the cart I use (Big Max Blade Quattro) leading in several sub categories, since it’s amazing how fast, easy and flat it’s folding, while offering great push comfort in the course. Coming from a Clickgear I just don’t understand the feature rating, since the cart offers plenty of storage and multiple Quick fix options, where you can just click in stuff like GPS, umbrella holder, water bottle, glove holder or towel. They have 5 of these, so that’s seriously a lot. Since they are small, maybe testers didn’t recognize these. Otherwise a true head scratcher… I have bought that cart after recognizing, Big Max won the last 3 Golf Digest awards and never looked back.
Harry Nodwell
5 years agoThe Clicgear models do have a lot of features. Unfortunately, they do not come standard and you have to purchase them. We test and research every unit to see what features come as standard and grade accordingly
Jeff
5 years agoI enjoy walking with a pushcart, and I play quick. I can finish 18 in 3 – 3 1/2 hours, which is faster than most riders. Like the exercise, plus walking gives me some time between shots to plan my next one, without feeling rushed.
Like the BagBoy TriSwivel II, but the front wheel is NOT durable. Already had one snap off when the wheel got caught in a depression. Fix that weakness, and it’s a GREAT cart.
David Bassett
5 years agoAs someone who has used a push cart for close to 20 years, durability is an essential attribute. When I’m out on the back nine, the last thing I want is to have the cart break. For that reason, I switched a number of years ago from Sun Mountain, which has pneumatic tires, to Clicgear, which has solid rubber. The Sun Mountain tires were always an issue, whether it was running low on air or being punctured by a thorn.
My Clicgear 2.0 is very sold and I’ve never had any trouble with it. However, I switched 3 years ago to a Revel, which is made by Clicgear but is lighter and folds up smaller. Only problem with the Revel is that the top cradle doesn’t fit my Ping 4 Series stand bag very well, causing it to shift and rub the paint off the bag’s legs; Clicgear/Revel has an aftermarket foam cradle pad that solves the problem for $20.
Our club is probably 25-30% walkers, and nobody over 25 carries
David Bassett
5 years agoOops: in the above, I meant Rovic, not Revel. Don’t ask
Mike
5 years agoI’ve had the Rovic for 3 years and I love it. I use it for 50+ rounds a year. Earlier this year I got to careless and smashed the front wheel on a concrete curb while going over it (not the first time either) but this time the wheel broke off. a quick call to Clicgear and a new one was at my house within a week for $10. I feel like my brother’s Clicgear 3.5+ rolls better with it’s larger front wheel, but it might have something to do with my 32 pounds of cart bag strapped on it.
Ken
5 years agoPlease review electric push carts. Both remote and non remote options. I find a regular push cart to hurt my back on hilly courses.
There are not a lot of reviews out there for electric push.
Thank you.
David Bassett
5 years agoTry adjusting the height of the handle. It’s most efficient to keep it at chest height or below. Going up a hill, tilt the car back a bit to keep the handle at chest/waist height.
Stephen Pearcy
5 years agoWhat could be so possibly wrong with a push cart that someone would hate them? I just can imagine the apoplectic fit they would have if they saw one of the powered bag carts.
ted
5 years agoI used to carry up until 10 years ago when my lower back started aching around the 16 th hole (compressed lower disks). Now with my 4 wheel Caddytek I can finish 18 and even play at times 36 walking!!! My cart folds into a compact (almost matches the Big Max) size and was 1/3 the price of any of those listed above. All the best to those that carry but there will come a time when you won’t be able to do 18 holes walking… just listen to your body or pay for it later…
Divot
5 years agoOne of the problems with the clickgear is that the bags without a flat bottom will rub against the front wheel. for some reason some bag manufacturers (ex. Sun Mountain, Callaway)have bottoms that have a recess in them in which the metal tubing of the clickgear fits into, as a result, the wheel sits very close to the bag bottom and will rub whenever you are pushing uphill.
That is a flaw with Clickgear, if they designed the bottom to be a flat holder, rubbing would not occur.
Tony
5 years agoClickgear makes an add on plastic base for under those bags thats solves this issue.
doug lewis
5 years agoThe link for the above mentioned item is shown. Caddy Tek or or other cart companies to not see such accessories. I have gone to sun mountain because I don’t have to replace the straps and the cart bottom stays away from the wheel
GolfCodeWeekly *WIN FREE GOLF
5 years agoI am a carrier (Disease free), i would be very interested to see where the information about Scientists agreeing that pushing is better than carrying.
Carried the clubs for 30 years and the consensus amongst my golfing partners is that
Pushcarts are for round bellies and ride on carts are for old codgers.
PLEASE do an article with the science showing to back this up as health is important and if there are compelling reasons to buy a cart I am in.
chrisk
5 years agoexcellent question. My email showed the same thing, but I don’t recall seeing anything in the article about scientific facts showing push carts are better for you than carrying. MGS, please expound on that
Mark in LOL
5 years agoMost such scientific studies will present the results with phrases like “for most players…”, “for the Average Player…”, or maybe even “for Gary Player…”. But how much applies to you?
If you already have (even minor) back, knee, ankle, or foot issues, is carrying a bag likely to aggravate them? If you play in the Florida heat, will the extra exertion from carrying be too much (you can’t be too careful)?
Just make sure you make the decision that’s right for you and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.
Jared
5 years agoThis is an article from an organization that focuses on golf fitness. It only references a single published article, but golf isn’t exactly a big topic in the medical world: http://www.mytpi.com/articles/health/should_golfers_push_pull_or_carry_their_clubs
flog1962
5 years agoI use a push cart. Better score. Here is the NY Times article:
https://onpar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/a-little-scientific-research-for-all-those-19th-hole-debates/
Stevegp
5 years agoInteresting, timely article. I’m in the market to buy one.
Randjf
5 years agoNot surprised, I guess, that bag boy owns the top three spots. Been using an old one since I started playing again 4 years ago. I use it on Executive courses, but I ride an electric cart on the long courses. I can walk or hike five six seven eight miles but to do that while trying to golf is a little hard in my early 60s. Cheers to all of you that choose to walk, carry, push or pull. It’s great exercise
Bob
5 years agoHave clicgear 3.0 , use it every week.
Cart path only takes a lot longer to play 18 holes.
jim
5 years agoAlso have the Clicgear 3.0, purchased in March 2013. Eventually you will shear off the gears on the front wheel when trying to push the cart with brake on. That took a few years and was an inexpensive part to replace.
Support from Clicgear is good. Folds up and expands in about 20 seconds. I’ve replaced the bungee cords too. Everything that can wear out seems user replaceable.
For 5 years of use it’s been a great push cart.
Tony
5 years agoAgree, Clicgear parts are very inexpensive and you can replace all wearable parts… I have had mine for 8 seasons and use it 3-4 days a week.. replaced the brake cable and brake gears for under $30. Still works like new..
ignorance123
5 years agoI’ve had both push carts and pull carts — found they tended to throw my shoulders out. I’ve stuck to carrying the clubs in a light bag.
Mark In LOL
5 years agoNot sure how you throw your shoulders out with a pushcart. The good ones require very little effort to push, and certainly don’t exert force on the shoulder.
Walter
5 years agoAnything you push will exert force on your shoulder(s), I guess you don’t understand the basics of kinesiology. Yes probably not much force but none the less still force.
Mark in LOL
5 years agoI guess I don’t understand. I’m still trying to figure out how “probably not much force” exerted to push a cart is worse than hoisting a bag up (how many times a round?) and carrying it.
Walter
5 years agoI didn’t say it was more or less than hoisting a carry bag, did I? I prefer to carry myself, just the fact that you have to lift your carry bag at least gives a person some weight bearing exercise for those who don’t work out with weights etc.
Robin
5 years agoExplain, im a good listener.
Busted old man
4 years agoExplanation to Me as well. Lol.
John Marsh
5 years agoSun Mountain Speed Cart is my poison – this cart will roll forever – so grab what club you need before letting it go.Play in two leagues & 20 to 25 % are now walking with push carts, before it was only the 2 of us. Find it easier to play ready golf as we can walk 18 holes in just over 3 hours. Only drawback is it folds up the equivalent of another golf bag.
Tom Duckworth
5 years agoLove my push cart it’s very American to think we have to drive all the time. I use my cart to play 9 a few days a week but I ride if I’m playing with friends and they want to ride. One thing I notice is I have no problem keeping up with pace of play with my cart I can take all kinds of short cuts from one hole to the next and find ways to walk in the shade too. I would like to get a powered one one day.
Walter
5 years agoI’d like to see these studies that come to the conclusion that carrying your bag is bad for you.
Pkc
5 years agoAs a neurologist(md), you might find studies from the 1990’s when one strap back packs and golf bags were common, it’s the uneven weight distribution that can cause misalignment of the spine. I personally have not seen any recent medical study or reason to not use a modern day golf bag with dual straps, picking up and carrying around a child would more easily cause harm to your spine.
Walter
5 years agoHi PKC, Yes that is exactly what I was thinking, the old one strap=bad, two straps = huge improvement(even weight distribution with club heads at one end and balls/tees/water bottle at the other). Actually probably keeps your back strong and healthy as most carry bags with the normal set of clubs and a few balls, water bottle etc only weighs about 20lbs.
GolfCodeWeekly *WIN FREE GOLF
5 years agoI was always of the belief and still am, that if you are carrying a reasonably light, well balanced bag with 2 straps, it is probably good for you rather than bad for you. I see it as exercise and would really love to see some science disproving it and not some flaky statement about experts considering that most golfers would do better to use a trolley (Experts from Trolley companies perhaps?)
Love to see a real study and one using scientific methods and modern equipment not a quotation from 20 or 30 years ago
Mark in LOL
5 years agoI’m certainly no expert, but I remember reading that the “experts” did not recommend adding weights when exercising by walking or jogging (nothing to do with golf). Basically, the added weight just increased the impact endured by the knees and ankles.
Walter
5 years agoMark, I agree with your point about the added weight when walking or jogging in as far as you see people with hand weights swinging them all over the place as they walk thinking it’s helping them. Regardless of who you are your joints only last so long. If you’re past your prime, whatever age that is, working out with free weights and fixed(pull downs etc) once a week to failure is all you need. 30 min max. Another great piece of gear for your back in an inversion table, I hang twice a day(180* inverted) for 5-6mins each time. Nothing beats it, just make sure you get a good one, Teeter L5 is the best I’ve had for the ankle pads and smoothness of operation.
Pkc
5 years agoI personally don’t like push carts, I understand them but even at 40 I prefer to carry my sun mountain 2.5 light weight bag with my full set. Push carts are still not welcome at my club, it’s a golf digest top 100 course. They feel golfers should take a caddy before pushing a cart. It seems a bunch of private courses in the Boston area are anti push carts and a few friends courses in westchester county ny are also anti push carts. As well as my club at our Vermont home doesn’t allow push carts. Never understood why until I played a public course and every group we got behind that had someone with a push cart, the push cart player was easily the slowest player. So I guess the push cart carries a bad generalization and people at the club feel if your too old to carry you belong on a cart or with a caddy keeping your pace.
Mark In LOL
5 years agoLet’s wait until you are 70, and get your opinion then! Part of the reason I play golf is for the exercise, and walking is great exercise. Although admittedly here in FL I ride from June-August to play it safe; you have to respect the heat. BTW, if I’m slow it is not because I’m walking, I’m just as bad (and therefore slow) walking as riding.
Walter
5 years agoI know lots of people in their 70’s that still carry, I’m in my early 60’s and still carry on a fairly hilly course. I guess you just need to be in shape to do it and yes unfortunately most people that age aren’t in good shape.
Mark in LOL
5 years agoI’m sorry, but I think you missed my point. It is not that a 70 year old can’t do it, it is about properly assessing the cost/benefits. So what is the added benefit of walking while carrying a weight vs walking while pushing a cart, and what is the cost? For me (and again, this is a personal evaluation), I’ve determined the little extra exercise I might get from carrying is more than offset by the potential cost of the extra strain on my back, knees, ankles, and feet. For this same reason, I no longer buy 40-lb bags of salt for my water softener. I can still lift them, but I play it safe and buy the 25-lb bags, even though it costs a few cents more. Just a matter of realizing I’m not a kid of 60 any more, and I need to be smart about it!
Walter
5 years agoMark, we could get into why working out with weights is still good for a person into their 70’s and beyond but that’s probably best left to another topic article. If you have muscles then you’d better use them and lifting heavy is not bad for you if done correctly and safely. A guy in Victoria BC who is 95 still benches 150lbs(Guinness Record) once a week. I’m in my 60’s and still bench over 300# and 600#+ leg presses( I weigh 180#, 6′ tall). If you don’t use it you’ll lose it.
Tony Lynam
4 years agoPebble Beach does not allow push carts, cart path only carts. Spyglass Hill allows you to bring your own push cart (no rentals) or cart path only cart. I walked Spyglass Hill and carried, walked PB the next day with a caddy.
Mark In LOL
5 years agoI’ve had Clicgear 3.5+ for about 6 months now. No complaints. Especially like how easy it is to fold/unfold. Wish my golf games was as good as the cart!
Dave Vardon
5 years agoHave had a Clic gear 2.0 forever and just love it ! Wore out the straps, but ordered new ones online. Holders for everything, even a seat if you want it, but have the gps and umbrella holders.
IF this ever wears out, I’ll definitely go with the 3.5+. Could NEVER go back to the 2 wheeler, which is hard on your back as well ! Its a push cart for me til physically too much – I’m 69 now and figure there’s many to go til I go electric, lol
rtar
5 years agoNone of these with seats?
Felix
5 years agoYou can get a seat for the Clicgear and they have this awesome attachment that goes on the top portion of the strap system which puts the bag more upright so you can access all your clubs easily. Definitely a great pickup and built like a tank!
Chisag
5 years agoI will never understand how anyone could hate a pushcart. My orthopedic surgeon said he LOVES double strap carry bags because they put all 3 of his kids thru college. He says it is impossible to keep your spine in a healthy position while carrying such a heavy and uneven load, not to mention bad for your swing. (he plays to a 7) So after 2 back surgeries I went to a remote controlled cart and it is almost like having a mute caddie. But the rest of my family uses push carts and absolutely loves them.
Pkc
5 years agoNot sure how a golf bag put an orthopedic surgeon’s kids through college, as a neurologist not sure how a golf bag causes back injuries. Back injuries requiring surgery are from trauma such as improper lifting from the ground or impact sports or falling traumas. Not from 20-25 pounds of weight on your shoulders. It would be more likely from improper swinging of the club over carrying the golf bag. Even carrying a child on the front side of your body over a piggy back ride is much more common for a back injury. Leaning forward and pulling up puts unwanted pressure on your back, standing straight upright while holding weight doesn’t usually cause any issues it’s the leaning or missaligning your body with weight that can cause issues.
albatrossx3
5 years agoI have a Hillbilly electronic trolley, far better than any of these push carts, I have had mine for 18 years, done all the maintenance myself, you can buy parts. Hillbilly USA has great support, and they run 6 or 700 now which compared to a Clicgear etc is a bargain.
Dapadre
5 years agoAgree with the testing totally. Bought a Stewart R1 Pushcart 2 years ago. The worst investment EVER. Within 6 months the handle went loose, needed to request a replacement, 6 months later the brakes broke, needed to replace that. All the while my 20 year old 2 wheeler was just fine. Stewart Golf NEVER AGAIN!
labillyboy
5 years agoI am looking at powered “follow me” carts now… my Sun Mountain 4 wheeler is ready for replacement. Hope you guys can do some research on those in the next 9 months or so. Getting to be a lot of options and competitors in the space along with numerous price points. My next cart will be powered.
shortside
5 years agoAt a certain point in life. Not too far behind you.
808nation
5 years agoGreat reviews, planning on purchasing a new cart soon. Thanks guys!!!
Pete S
5 years agoBought a Clicgear 3.5+ a few years ago. I tell everyone it’s the best non-club golf purchase I’ve ever made. I doubt I’ll ever carry my bag again.
Felipe
5 years agoI would like to know which one has the most storage. In the Arizona heat, I usually like to carry a gallon of water that doesn’t fit in the bag.
RPL
5 years agoStorage?! None of them have storage for A GALLON OF WATER.
Jeff
5 years agoI also live in Arizona. I purchased a Camelbak and just wrap it around mt bag.
Frank D.
5 years agoBrilliant Jeff! That’s the best DIY idea I’ve heard from a golfer regarding water issues! But a gallon of water?? Felipe needs to tee of earlier!
Felix
5 years agoThe ones from Big Max have a separate basket that attaches to the bottom rails. Great for when the weather is changing since you can throw your sweater or anything else there.
Jared
5 years agoI use a cooler from Bag Boy. The top handle is two pieces connected by velcro and there is a strap at the bottom. Fits very nicely above the wheels strapped to the middle support. I keep an insulated bottle in the water bottle holder for quick access and refill it from the cold water in the cooler when I need to.
shortside
5 years agoI ride most of the time. But when I don’t the Bag Boy Quad XL is a dream. Especially paired with a Bag Boy Defender. Plenty of pockets and no straps needed. Drop it in and go.