2021 Push Cart Buyer’s Guide
In North America particularly, push carts (known as “trolleys” on the other side of the Atlantic) have never really been as popular as they have in the rest of the world. But when COVID-19 hit, walking the course became more popular and, along with that trend, came an increased interest in push carts over here.
In 2021, we tested as many push carts as we could get our hands on. They come in all shape and sizes. Features range from pivoting front wheels for easy maneuverability to a wide base that ensures your cart and bag are as stable as possible. Hell, throw in winter tires and an ability to pimp out your cart with accessories and you might get the anti-push cart mafia to turn to the light!
Whether you’re ready to buy a golf push cart today, want some buying advice to help you find the right cart or just want a closer look at what’s on the market, this guide will help you find what you’re looking for.
WINNER – Rovic RV1S
If you want a push cart that will get you from A to B with little to no effort, go for the Rovic RV1S. It comes with a 360-degree swiveling front wheel for a super-tight turning radius, a treasure trove of accessories, a wide wheelbase for every terrain and much more. The Clicgear Rovic RV1S is known for its durability. Throw in a three-year warranty and you have the winner of the 2021 Most Wanted Push Cart Test.
- 7th in stability
- 1st in durability
- 1st in features
- 1st in maneuverability
- 2nd in folded size
MOST COMPACT PUSH CART - Big Max Blade IP
Small car? Small garage? No problem for the Big Max Blade IP. Its primary feature is its ability to fold up not much thicker than the width of your hand. It's so compact it will easily fit behind your seat, with room to spare. The IP also secures your bag upright and prevents twisting.
Best Golf Push Cart 2021 – What to Look For
Maneuverability
Ultimately, you don’t want a push cart that’s cumbersome or gets in your way on the golf course. 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 crisscrossing fairway or, in some cases, pushing through the rough. For instance, four-wheel carts are often more stable but are also less maneuverable. Golfers may need to lift the front wheels off the ground to complete turns.
The Rovic RV1S and the Bag Boy TriSwivel II are the most maneuverable push carts we tested this year.
Features
As with most anything else, it’s important to find a push cart that offers the features you’re looking for. Some of the best golf push carts of 2021 are also the most feature-rich. A braking system is a must for hilly terrain. It’s worth repeating: front wheels that swivel are ideal for golfers looking for ultimate maneuverability. Some carts offer a tremendous amount of center-console storage while others offer a wealth of attachment points for nearly any imaginable accessory.
Those who want the best features should consider Clicgear Model 4 or the Bag Boy Tri Swivel II.
Folded Size
When folded down, some carts are significantly more compact than others. A push cart needs to fit into whatever space you have available. If you have limited space in the garage or wherever you plan to store your cart when not on the course, consider forgoing features for a smaller storage footprint.
For those looking to minimize space requirements, the Big Max Blade IP is the most compact push cart we tested.
Stability
How does the golf push cart handle uneven and challenging terrain? Some carts tip over easily when on a sidehill while some of the best golf push cart of 2021 are more stable because of a wider wheelbase and better weight distribution. Stability is also a measure of the cart’s ability to keep your bag in an upright and fixed position. You don’t want it twisting or falling off the base. Bag Boy’s combination of patented Top-Lok technology and Velcro straps help lock stand bags in place for added stability.
The most stable carts we tested this year are the Bag Boy Nitron and Bag Boy TriSwivel II.
BEST USER-FRIENDLY PUSH CART - Bag Boy Nitron
For some, opening and closing a push cart can be more trouble than it's worth. Bag Boy's Nitron leverages a piston filled with compressed nitrogen to eliminate the difficulty of opening and closing the cart. Simple and effective, the Nitron, quite literally, opens at soft pull.
BEST PUSH CART 2021 - FEATURES
| Product | Wheels | Weight (LBS) | Colors | Swivel Wheel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bag Boy Compact 3 Check Price | 3 | 13.7 | 6 | N |
 | Bag Boy Nitron Check Price | 3 | 16.75 | 8 | N |
 | Bag Boy Quad XL Check Price | 4 | 14.2 | 7 | N |
 | Bag Boy Tri Swivel II Check Price | 3 | 16 | 2 | Y |
 | Big MAX Blade IP Check Price | 3 | 15.6 | 5 | N |
 | ClicGear 8 Plus Check Price | 4 | 22 | 3 | N |
 | ClicGear Model 4 Check Price | 3 | 21 | 9 | N |
 | Inesis Compact 3 Wheel Check Price | 3 | 15.2 | 2 | N |
 | Motocaddy Cube Check Price | 3 | 14.9 | 1 | N |
 | Omada Golf Trilite Check Price | 3 | 14 | 3 | N |
 | Rovic RV1S Check Price | 3 | 17 | 5 | Y |
 | Stewart R1-S Push Check Price | 3 | 18 | 10 | N |
 | Sun Mountain PathFinder 4 Check Price | 4 | 17 | 8 | N |
 | TourTrek One Click Check Price | 4 | 15.6 | 4 | N |
EXPERT TIP - The Benefits of Big Wheels
While smaller wheels help make for a more compact cart, large, wide wheels not only provide better stability, but they make it easier to push the cart through deep rough, rocky cart paths, and whatever other trouble you might find yourself in on the course.
More Tips
- If maneuverability is at the top of your wish list, consider a cart with a 360-degree swiveling front wheel which allows for effortless turning on a dime.
- If you are a golfer who plans to accessorize your push cart (pimp your ride, so to speak), Clicgear offers every type of accessory imaginable.
- Golfers come in different sizes. The best golf push carts feature adjustable handles to help ensure you can maneuver it comfortably.
- Golf push cart durability varies tremendously. It’s important to consider the toll that course conditions take over the life of a 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 are built better than Clicgear.
MOST STABLE PUSH CART - Bag Boy Tri Swivel II
No matter if you have a stand or a cart bag the Bag Boy Tri Seviel II has you covered. It has a patented Top-Lok technology that ensures your bag remains upright throughout the round no matter if you have and stand or a cart bag. Throw in a 360 pivoting front wheel and you have the most stable push cart of 2021
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.
BEST PUSH CART 2021 - RESULTS
| Product | Stability | Durability | Features | Maneuverability | Folded Size | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rovic RV1S Check Price | 7th | 1st | 1st | 1st | 2nd | 94 |
| ClicGear Model 4 Check Price | 3rd | 1st | 1st | 3rd | 2nd | 93 |
 | Bag Boy Tri Swivel II Check Price | 1st | 7th | 4th | 1st | 2nd | 92 |
| Bag Boy Nitron Check Price | 1st | 7th | 6th | 3rd | 2nd | 90.5 |
| ClicGear 8 Plus Check Price | 11th | 1st | 1st | 12th | 13th | 89.5 |
| Sun Mountain PathFinder 4 Check Price | 4th | 4th | 6th | 8th | 2nd | 89.5 |
| Big MAX Blade IP Check Price | 7th | 6th | 9th | 8th | 1st | 88.5 |
| Bag Boy Quad XL Check Price | 4th | 7th | 5th | 8th | 2nd | 88 |
| Omada Golf Trilite Check Price | 7th | 7th | 9th | 3rd | 2nd | 86 |
| TourTrek One Click Check Price | 4th | 7th | 8th | 12th | 2nd | 86 |
| Bag Boy Compact 3 Check Price | 7th | 7th | 9th | 12th | 2nd | 85 |
| Motocaddy Cube Check Price | 12th | 7th | 9th | 3rd | 2nd | 84 |
| Stewart R1-S Push Check Price | 12th | 7th | 14th | 8th | 2nd | 83 |
| Inesis Compact 3 Wheel Check Price | 12th | 14th | 9th | 3rd | 13th | 82 |
Push Carts Contribute to Lower Scores
Using a push cart can help you shoot lower scores. A study by Neil Wolkodoff found that using a push cart can save an average of 2.5 shots over 9 holes compared to carrying your bag. Golfers using a push carts also better scores when pushing or walking with a caddie versus riding in a cart.
Best Push Carts for 2021 – FAQ
Q: Does it matter how many wheels a push cart has?
A: Most of the best golf push carts of 2021 are three-wheel models, which tend to be easier to maneuver. Golfers who play on uneven terrain may want to consider a four-wheel cart model as they tend to be more stable.
Q. What are some advantages of a push cart versus a riding golf cart?
A. With some courses limited to walking only, a push cart may be your best option for taking the weight off your back. Some enjoy walking the golf course and some would argue that walking gives you a bit more time to think. The typical riding cart fee is more than $15 so, over its lifespan, a push cart will save you money and be better for your health.
Q: Are push carts allowed on every golf course?
A: Golf push carts aren’t allowed on every golf course. Some courses prohibit them so it’s advisable to check with the pro shop to confirm push carts are allowed.
Q: Do push carts work with stand bags?
A: While just about any cart can handle a stand bag, the frequent twisting can be frustrating. Features like Bag Boy’s Top-Lok were designed to eliminate the frustration many stand bag owners experience when using a push cart.
Q. Do push carts need maintenance?
A. Eventually, your golf push cart will show some wear and tear and some parts will break. The more common parts that go bad over time are brake cables, cart straps and wheels. Most manufacturers offer replacement parts at reasonable prices. While brake cables can be difficult in some models, most repairs are simple.
Rohit Roy
3 years ago
There are many options when it comes to choosing a golf pushcart. If you’re in the market for a new one, it can be difficult to decide on which best suits your needs. There are budget-friendly options and high-quality models with lots of features. That said, not all pushcarts are created equal!
Here, we’ll take a look at what makes a good golf push cart and help you narrow down your search with some helpful questions to ask yourself before making a purchase. We’ll also suggest some of our favorite products so you can find the perfect one for you!