2017 PUSH CART BUYER'S GUIDE
While push carts have steadily grown in popularity, for some there's still a stigma attached to their use. Golfers may make snarky comments about them (see the responses to our June 15th tweet), but we're confident in saying that the purists with the clubs strapped to their backs have this one wrong. Scientists and nutritionists alike extoll the benefits of using a push cart over carrying or riding. Perhaps that's why, despite grumbling from the back in my day guys, push cart use is on the rise in college golf. Push carts on TV? Oh the self-righteous indignant horror
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.
2017 Pushcart Features
| Name | Cost | WHEELS | Colors | CUP HOLDER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAGBOY TRI-SWIVEL II | $219.41 | 3 | 2 | Y |
| CLICGEAR 3.5+ | $219.99 | 3 | 6 | Y |
| BIG MAX BLADE QUATTRO | $299.99 | 4 | 4 | Y* |
| CLICGEAR 8 | $249.99 | 4 | 6 | Y |
| BIG MAX AUTOFOLD FF | $299.99 | 3 | 4 | Y* |
| BIG MAX BLADE + | $299.99 | 3 | 3 | Y* |
| BAGBOY QUAD XL | $194.97 | 4 | 8 | Y |
| BAGBOY COMPACT 3 | $170.37 | 3 | 4 | Y |
| SUN MOUNTAIN SPEED CART | $209.99 | 3 | 9 | Y |
| STEWART FS1 | $299.00 | 3 | 2 | Y |
| PRECISE GOLF QWIK FOLD 3 WHEEL | $229.99 | 3 | 1 | Y |
| PRECISE GOLF QWIK FOLD 4 WHEEL | $249.99 | 4 | 2 | Y |
| SPIN IT GOLF EASY FOLD | $129.99 | 3 | 10 | Y |
| SPIN IT GOLF EASY DRIVE | $160.64 | 3 | 4 | Y |
| KADDY STROLLER | $49.97 | 3 | 0 | N |
We put in hours of testing utilizing data-driven protocols to test new metrics. The metrics 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 things. 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 (35 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 (25 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 (10 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 (10 points) - Quite simply how small of a space does the collapsed cart take up? How quickly does it fold and unfold? We found was that 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 fully collapsed, and are more difficult to collapse.
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 2017
BAGBOY TRI-SWIVEL II
"Best Buy"
|
Cost
|
$219.41 |
|
MANUVERABILITY
|
1st |
|
FEATURES
|
3rd |
|
STABILITY
|
4th |
|
FOLDED SIZE
|
6th |
|
DURABILITY
|
3rd |
|
SCORE
|
94.25 |
What We Liked
BagBoy’s swivel front wheel offers the most significant performance advantage we saw in the test. The added maneuverability will make you wonder why you’ve been carrying or pushing anything else. The three step collapsing design works flawlessly. Both cart and stand bag accessible. There is absolutely no effort needed with the BagBoy Tri-Swivel.
Pros
- “Best in Class” Maneuverability
- “The Most Functional Push Cart of 2017”
- Tri-Swivel
- Effective use and placement of accessories
Cons
- Comparatively large collapsed size
- Only two colors
CLICGEAR 3.5+
"Editors Choice"
|
Cost
|
$219.99 |
|
MANUVERABILITY
|
3rd |
|
FEATURES
|
1st |
|
STABILITY
|
2nd |
|
FOLDED SIZE
|
11th |
|
DURABILITY
|
1st |
|
SCORE
|
92.5 |
What We Liked
Did you know ClicGear debuted its original design in 2007? Over the last 10 years, the company has continued to improve its push charts. High-quality materials ensure lasting durability. With six different color options, you’re sure to find something you like. Includes the expected features while allowing you to purchase additional ones.
Pros
- “Best in Class” Durability
- “Best in Class” Features
- Highly durable materials
- Six different color options
- Large assortment of accessories available
Cons
- Comparatively bulky when collapsed
- Handle could be more ergonomic
BIG MAX BLADE QUATTRO
|
Cost
|
$299.99 |
|
MANUVERABILITY
|
4th |
|
FEATURES
|
5th |
|
STABILITY
|
1st |
|
FOLDED SIZE
|
2nd |
|
DURABILITY
|
8th |
|
SCORE
|
90.5 |
What We Liked
BigMax knows push carts (or trolleys as they’re called across the pond), and that’s apparent in its Blade Quattro. It offers what is, by far, the most effective four-wheel design in the test. Comfortable handle places hands in the optimal position. While other four-wheel designs struggle with maneuverability, the Quattro excels. The smallest collapsed cart in the 2017 test. Perfect for the golfer who wants the added stability that should be offered by a four-wheel cart.
Pros
- “The Smallest Collapsed Cart of 2017”
- “Best in Class” Stability
- Four color options
- Effective straps ensure stability
- Fantastic on hills
Cons
- Comparatively less durable materials
2017 PUSH CART BUYERS GUIDE
| Name | Cost | MANUVERABILITY | FEATURES | STABILITY | FOLDED SIZE | DURABILITY | SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAGBOY TRI-SWIVEL II | $219.41 | 1st | 3rd | 4th | 6th | 3rd | 94.25 |
| CLICGEAR 3.5+ | $219.99 | 3rd | 1st | 2nd | 11th | 1st | 92.5 |
| BIG MAX BLADE QUATTRO | $299.99 | 4th | 5th | 1st | 2nd | 8th | 90.5 |
| CLICGEAR 8 | $249.99 | 6th | 1st | 3rd | 12th | 1st | 89.5 |
| BIG MAX AUTOFOLD FF | $299.99 | 5th | 4th | 6th | 3rd | 8th | 88.25 |
| BIG MAX BLADE + | $299.99 | 7th | 6th | 8th | 1st | 7th | 87.5 |
| BAGBOY QUAD XL | $194.97 | 9th | 7th | 9th | 7th | 5th | 86.75 |
| BAGBOY COMPACT | $170.37 | 8th | 7th | 10th | 5th | 6th | 86 |
| SUN MOUNTAIN SPEED CART | $209.99 | 2nd | 9th | 7th | 4th | 4th | 85 |
| STEWART FS1 | $299.00 | 10th | 10th | 4th | 14th | 10th | 79.5 |
| PRECISE GOLF QWIK FOLD 3 WHEEL | $229.99 | 12th | 13th | 11th | 9th | 12th | 76.75 |
| PRECISE GOLF QWIK FOLD 4 WHEEL | $249.99 | 13th | 13th | 12th | 10th | 13th | 75.5 |
| SPIN IT GOLF EASY FOLD | $129.99 | 14th | 11th | 15th | 8th | 14th | 73.75 |
| SPIN IT GOLF EASY DRIVE | $160.64 | 11th | 11th | 13th | 13th | 15th | 73 |
| KADDY STROLLER | $49.97 | 15th | 15th | 14th | 15th | 11th | 71.25 |
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