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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.
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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
2018 Push Cart Buyers Guide
Bruce
6 years ago
You 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?