Carry, push, or go electric?

[Howie]

Thinking of pulling the trigger on an electric push cart (trolley). I'd like to get input around the pros/cons of walking with: 1) light carry bag, 2) non-motorized push cart, 3) electric motorized cart

 

I'm currently inclined to keep carrying my clubs in a lightweight carry bag but am intrigued by the benefits of a push cart- especially one that is motorized and the "pushing" piece is limited. I don't think a remote version is necessarily required but would be interested in thoughts around that as well.

 

Thanks in advance for the thoughts...

[jordan2240]

You'll find some other threads in this forum regarding remote vs non-remote electrics, and some are extensive, so I won't repeat that discussion other than to say I'm a big proponent of not needing to spend the significant extra money on a remote.  Here are my thoughts on the topic otherwise as someone who walks pretty much exclusively:

 

Lightweight carry bag is the easiest and most convenient way to play, but at 62 with occasional back issues, I find it can put some strain on my back if I try to do it very often.  But it is nice to just toss the lightweight bag with a minimalist set of clubs in the car and have nothing else to worry about.

 

Manual pushcart helps save energy over carrying and allows you to carry a lot more stuff, including a big cup full of water, an umbrella for sun protection, whatever you'd throw in an accessories pouch (like a rangefinder), etc.  A pushcart is generally easier to use than a pull cart as far as strain on the body.  Pulling requires some twisting that pushing does not.   The main issue with a cart is that it can be tiring on a hilly course, even more so than carrying, but most of the time it definitely saves energy.  Disadvantage of course is having to tote it around.

 

Electric cart is the best purchase I've made, perhaps ever, with regard to golf equipment.  I got the MGI Zip X1 this past winter, which is the basic non-remote model.  It isn't a ton bigger than the push cart I was using, so I can still haul it in my car the same way, and it saves me the most energy of any other method of walking except having a caddy.  Many times it is like having a caddy as I can simply walk along beside it or behind it as it motors down the fairway.  Like the pushcart, it allows me to carry a full set of clubs and accessories, so less chance I'll leave something out that I could have used.  Sometimes if weather is iffy and I don't want to take the chance of getting caught in a storm with it, I'll still use the manual cart, but I can certainly feel the difference.  Just don't forget the battery when you take it, or you'll end up having to push it manually.  Fortunately the one time I did that, my buddy, who also has an MGI, had his battery with him and was riding, so I was able to use his.  I don't think you'd regret an electric cart purchase.

Edited July 30, 2022 by jordan2240

[JonasA]

Going in exactly the same thoughts. Gone pull the trigger on a Powakaddy CT6 tonight. I got a back problem and all the people I have talked to says the same as Jordan above. I like the walks and still like to save my back so this is hopefully great 🙂

[Phreddy]

We are all different particularly between the ears.  I'm 65 and walk with 14 clubs in a light bag when I play unless I'm in some event that provides (requires) carts.  I think I play my best golf when I carry.  After 3 days in a row my body requires that I use the MGI to play a fourth or fifth.  It is a very useful tool, but I also allow it to become a distraction.  I bring more things than I need, I become more focused on where the cart is and where it is going than I would normally focus on the up coming shot.  These are my weaknesses, not the trolley's weaknesses.  The other thing that may or may not apply to where you play, is that there are often paths much more suited to walking than navigating a trolley, hence you will walk much farther via the cart path to get the trolley to the same destination.  Where I sometimes play in Arizona the desert path from tee to fairway is rocky and rutted.  That will make a trolley go cattywupus and threaten to spill your clubs in the cactus.

[Howie]

10 minutes ago, Phreddy said:

We are all different particularly between the ears.  I'm 65 and walk with 14 clubs in a light bag when I play unless I'm in some event that provides (requires) carts.  I think I play my best golf when I carry.  After 3 days in a row my body requires that I use the MGI to play a fourth or fifth.  It is a very useful tool, but I also allow it to become a distraction.  I bring more things than I need, I become more focused on where the cart is and where it is going than I would normally focus on the up coming shot.  These are my weaknesses, not the trolley's weaknesses.  The other thing that may or may not apply to where you play, is that there are often paths much more suited to walking than navigating a trolley, hence you will walk much farther via the cart path to get the trolley to the same destination.  Where I sometimes play in Arizona the desert path from tee to fairway is rocky and rutted.  That will make a trolley go cattywupus and threaten to spill your clubs in the cactus.

 

Appreciate the various points of view thus far.

 

Concerning the distraction comment- and specifically where the cart is and where it is going- would that be remedied if it weren't the remote control version?

[Phreddy]

9 minutes ago, Howie said:

 

Appreciate the various points of view thus far.

 

Concerning the distraction comment- and specifically where the cart is and where it is going- would that be remedied if it weren't the remote control version?

Again, this is my weakness and not the unit.  I have friends who simply send it off in the general direction of the ball and don't think much about it.  I do find it a more common concern around greens, curbs and tee boxes.  The follow versions may be the answer.  I've only used one once.  It wasn't a retail version, it was a unit made by Club Car and leased to a golf shop.  It was nice.  I did find myself looking over my shoulder on the first couple holes to make sure it was still there and soon just accepted it would follow me anywhere.  You do need to be aware of the need to cancel the follow function before stepping into a bunker or on to the green.

Edited July 30, 2022 by Phreddy
spelling

[JAMH03]

Quote

I'm currently inclined to keep carrying my clubs in a lightweight carry bag but am intrigued by the benefits of a push cart- especially one that is motorized and the "pushing" piece is limited.

 

Unless you're traversing some serious elevation changes pushing is nearly immeasurably easier, more convenient and more comfortable than carrying. Especially when you're fit enough to still carry!

Mainly heard great things about the electric carts with the exceptions of price, and weight but no personal experience sorry. 

As for push carts vs carrying I've told this story many times but what convinced me to push vs carry was when I was volunteering as a starter at a golf course, 6 hour shift. 

Got folks going on the 1st tee and as my 1st 2 hours of them as they approached the green on 18 many of those carrying were leaning to the side and taciturn.

The majority of those  pushing were laughing, telling jokes and talking with their hands.

I saw it for myself made the jump and never looked back. My first few rounds with the push cart I was literally laughing and jogging it was a pleasure to be alive! Yes it was 25 years ago, yes I was fit then but ultimately I feel like it does us a disservice to move away from the help that wheels provide.

Since we know they work for the majority of avid golfers I'd recommend you do the same start with a quality push cart then see if you want to jump up to the next level of commitment with the electric cart. 

Let us know how it goes.

 

Edited July 30, 2022 by JAMH03
clarify

[jordan2240]

2 hours ago, Howie said:

 

Appreciate the various points of view thus far.

 

Concerning the distraction comment- and specifically where the cart is and where it is going- would that be remedied if it weren't the remote control version?

That is the major concern I had about getting a remote cart (in addition to the extra expense).  I figured it would give me something else to think about.  The non-remote version simply functions as a regular push cart that requires no pushing.  As for follow carts, you'll have to do your research on the pros and cons, but I wouldn't touch them.

[chisag]

4 hours ago, jordan2240 said:

That is the major concern I had about getting a remote cart (in addition to the extra expense).  I figured it would give me something else to think about.  The non-remote version simply functions as a regular push cart that requires no pushing.  

 

 

... After 2 back surgeries in the early 90's my Ortho said I had to use a caddy if I wanted to continue to play. I was researching on line and found "It's Like Having Your Own Caddy!" and I have been using electric carts ever since. I have owned 9 of them. Many just broke down and went out of business but in the past 10 years they have become very reliable. 

... Depending on your height and walking gait controlling a non remote electric cart can cause you to lose your posture and for me that is the best thing about a remote. I can keep an upright posture that is much better for my spine. If you are lucky enough to be the right height for any given cart and take short steps a non remote will let you keep your posture too. Non remote worked perfectly for my ex at 5'7" and a short gait. 

... There is definitely some truth to having to think about your remote cart as they tend to wander and need constannt corrections. The MGI remote carts were a real game changer with a gyroscope keeping the cart on a straight path and it becomes like walking, you just don't have to think about it anymore. It really is as close to having a caddy as you can get. When the path becomes tight between holes you can just touch the button on the handle and switch to manual mode guiding it by hand until you get back to open ground and witch back to remote mode. 

... Summer in Phoenix is too hot to walk but having my ZIP all falll/winter/spring, it is just a joy to walk and play golf. One of the added benefits is you can pack plenty of water, snacks and anything else you need and carry it all with ease. 

Edited July 31, 2022 by chisag

[quikblitz]

I typically walk with a push cart every round that is under 90 degrees.  I just got the Alphard E-Wheels and it was a great decision.  Makes walking so much easier especially in the summer.  I still get to use all the accessories from my push cart with the addition of the electric wheels.  It has a gyroscope and will soon have a wireless follow system.  I was going back and forth between a MGI Zip cart and the E-Wheels and I'm happy I went with the E-wheels.  Good luck!

[jordan2240]

34 minutes ago, chisag said:

.. Depending on your height and walking gate controlling a non remote electric cart can cause you to lose your posture and for me that is the best thing about a remote.

I could see where that might be the case, but for much of a round, I simply walk along beside or behind my cart either with arms swinging freely or with one hand lightly touching one side of the handle.  Unlike with my regular pushcart, there is no leaning into it to get it up a slope.  Even without a gyroscope, the MGI Zip X1 holds its line well.  One of my regular playing partners has a remote-controlled Zip Navigator, and he seems to vary about equally between keeping it nearby and sending it off on its own.  He dumped it a few times early on, so I think he's become more particular about when to use the remote.   Another guy I play with also has the X1, and he almost never walks freely beside it but instead keeps his hands on the handle as you would a normal pushcart.  So use certainly varies by person.  If you get the remote-controlled zip, you do have the option to use it without the remote, as you noted, but you might feel you wasted a good chunk of money if you find the remote isn't as useful as you had hoped.  Also, the remote version is a bit heavier than the non-remote X1 (can't speak to the other non-remote Zip models).  Just for the record, I'm 6' tall and generally use the cart on a speed of 4 or 5.  5 is a good match with my normal gate but 4 is nice when I'm trying to talk with buddies while walking down the fairway or am getting a little tired.  

[bcjim]

I'm not going to beat this dead horse for long here but carrying a golf bag is not a good idea.

 

Also, a "lightweight carry bag" is not a thing in a practical sense. The weight of any average stand bag is trivial compared to the total weight of the bag, clubs, balls, and other gear.

Sure a 3 pound bag is lighter than a 4 pound bag but 18 vs 17 pounds of total stuff is basically the same. I'd get the bag you like if you insist on carrying.

 

I just use a push cart but I imagine, if I had an electric, I would insist on a remote and pass on the follow me capability.

[sui generis]

10 minutes ago, jordan2240 said:

I simply walk along beside or behind my cart either with arms swinging freely or with one hand lightly touching one side of the handle.

 

I'm with you here. My non-remote Kangaroo does the trick. My wife has the remote version and I can say having used both versions, I prefer the non-remote. 🙂

[chisag]

25 minutes ago, jordan2240 said:

I could see where that might be the case, but for much of a round, I simply walk along beside or behind my cart either with arms swinging freely or with one hand lightly touching one side of the handle.  Unlike with my regular pushcart, there is no leaning into it to get it up a slope.  Even without a gyroscope, the MGI Zip X1 holds its line well.  One of my regular playing partners has a remote-controlled Zip Navigator, and he seems to vary about equally between keeping it nearby and sending it off on its own.  He dumped it a few times early on, so I think he's become more particular about when to use the remote.   Another guy I play with also has the X1, and he almost never walks freely beside it but instead keeps his hands on the handle as you would a normal pushcart.  So use certainly varies by person.  If you get the remote-controlled zip, you do have the option to use it without the remote, as you noted, but you might feel you wasted a good chunk of money if you find the remote isn't as useful as you had hoped.  Also, the remote version is a bit heavier than the non-remote X1 (can't speak to the other non-remote Zip models). 

 

 

... Yup, just like golf equipment, remote or non remote varies for each individual. I never had any electric cart that held it's line well, they all wanted to slowly turn one way or the other. If you can walk beside yours with arms swinging freely that's awesome! Going back to 1992 all my electric carts have been remote with the exception of a Mottocaddy S1 which was nice but I bought the Mottocaddy M7, sadly it always had a tracking problem. I saw the Bag Boy Quad with gyroscope demonstrated at the PGA Show and sold my M7 then after using the Quad for several years I bought a ZIP because it is smaller, lighter, the battery lasts longer and it is arrow straight. I keep mine about 10 feet in front of me and honestly I am so used to it I don't even notice it til I get near the green and send it to a good spot for the next hole. I am always very aware of other golfers and do not move my ZIP if they are getting ready to chip or putt because some find it distracting even on the other side of the green. The only time I use the non remote function is between holes with tricky passages. 

[chisag]

32 minutes ago, bcjim said:

I'm not going to beat this dead horse for long here but carrying a golf bag is not a good idea.

... After my 2nd back surgery I asked my Ortho (a pretty good player) what he thought of the new double strap that had just come out. He said he loved them because they were gonna put his 3 kids through college. 🤣  He said carrying is never a good idea because it is impossible to maintain your posture. He went on to say some will never have a problem other than normal ache's and pains, some will have spinal problems and some will eventually need surgery. I never carried again. 

[bluedot]

The answer to this depends on a bunch of things.  Do you play multiple days in a row?  Do you play a particularly hilly or flat course most of the time?  Do you play year round and have days when there are 30* temp swings during the round?  
 

I’m a walker; that’s almost as important to me as the golf itself.  I carried for decades, but went to a push cart full time when I was around 55 because I felt like carrying was hurting my performance late in rounds, and especially when I played back to back days.  Think of it this way; get a 30 lb kettlebell and pick it up and put it down 60 times while you carry it 7 miles, and be sure to do that on a 90* plus day.  You get the picture…

 

This year, at age 70, I went electric; same reasons.  I just felt like pushing my Clicgear, as great a piece of equipment as it is, was hurting me when I played multiple days, especially in the heat or when the course is wet.  And let me tell you, it DOES make a difference.  You don’t notice it while you’re playing, but you feel so much better later that day and the next day.

 

For me, aging in golf has been a series on concessions. Change equipment. Change tees. Swing change.  And change method of locomotion.  If you’re asking this question, you probably already know that carrying needs to be in the rear view mirror.

 

Disclaimer:  The Super at my club is VERY conservative during the mud season when the Bermuda is dormant, and several times a winter, he will restrict ALL carts to the path.  (We’re on a clay base, and I don’t object at all to this, fwiw). I have a Sun Mt 2.5 that I’ll use to carry on those days; 5 golf balls, 1 glove, a halftime dozen tees, no rangefinder, etc; just as light as I can make it.  The total weight probably isn’t more than about 15 lbs, and it’s easy.  BUT if I do it two days in a row, which I did once this past winter after a 4” rain, I can really feel it.

[596]

15 hours ago, Howie said:

 

Appreciate the various points of view thus far.

 

Concerning the distraction comment- and specifically where the cart is and where it is going- would that be remedied if it weren't the remote control version?

That's remedied with a follow cart.  You know it's 3 steps behind you all day long. Zero need to know where it is and where it's going. It's going to go where you go, period. You can push it, use it with a remote, or allow it to follow you.  I use mine 95% of the time in follow mode. Yes, they are expensive but, to me, it's worth every penny to get a remote follow cart.  I own the Stewart X9 and have had it for 3 years. 

 

Btw. To avoid tracking problems,  the Stewart has adjustable tracking.  Lots of tracking problems are uneven bag weight. Put the bag on the Stewart and adjust it to run straight, done. 

Edited July 31, 2022 by 596

[caniac6]

I have a remote Kangaroo. It is very heavy, and a bit of a pain to put together, and take apart . I solved that by storing it at my course. If not able to store, I would highly recommend looking at light weight electric carts. I did have a regular push cart, and I would get all bent over and stretched out pushing it up hills. I have to keep my hand on the Kangaroo to prevent tipping going up steep hills, but I maintain normal posture, and that is a lifesaver for my back. I’m not necessarily recommending a Kangaroo, but I highly recommend an electric trolley.

[sui generis]

8 minutes ago, caniac6 said:

I have a remote Kangaroo. It is very heavy, and a bit of a pain to put together, and take apart . I solved that by storing it at my course.

 

I have a non-remote Kangaroo and my wife has the remote version. Our club has at least 75 Kangaroos stored in our cart barn. From Asheville to the Kangaroo factory in Columbus NC is 55 minutes. So, it's easy to see why they're a popular choice around here. However, the factory repair shop is having a tough time repairing the remote components. I used to recommend Kangaroos to everyone . . . now, with their repair problems, I'm hesitant.

[bluedot]

1. I’m glad I got a cart with both a remote and controls on the handle.  Definitely worth the extra cost.

 

2. I’ve learned thru “experience” to use the remote somewhat carefully, and not to have the cart too far away from me.  Tree roots, drains, low areas where a tree use to be; these things aren’t visible from very much distance, and they WILL turn the cart over.  And I’ve got my hand on the handle on steep hills, or when I’m crossing a street or cart path, no matter how level those look.  

 

3. BUT walking down the fairway with just the remote in hand and the cart beside or just ahead of me is just a joy.  I’ve sort of “evolved” to using the handle controls a little bit more because I’ve become more careful and selective with the remote, but that remote is wonderful, and I wouldn’t want to be without it.
 

4. Yes, there was a distraction factor the first few rounds; I was thinking more about the cart than my next shot.  But that passes pretty quickly, and it just becomes part of the routine, and a VERY pleasant part.  
 

5. I haven’t used a follow feature, with or without a tether, so I’ll leave that to others.  But it didn’t interest me when I was researching and shopping; I just had this sense that not only did I want to see my stuff all the time, but that I did not want to clip and unclip a tether throughout the round.  
 

6. A buddy has a Bat Caddy model that has a handle control feature that lets him send the cart 30, 40, or 50 feet ahead.  He has a remote, but never uses it,but he uses that feature liberally around greens.  So lots of ways to skin the cat.

[NJBigFish22]

Good discussion, with my current back issues, I’m really thinking about an electric cart.  1 thing I didn’t see mentioned is, are the electric carts still able to work if it is raining or if the ground is soggy.  I’m thinking if I knew it was going to rain may not be the best option, but do you have any issues if while out on the course and it starts raining?

[caniac6]

1 hour ago, sui generis said:

 

I have a non-remote Kangaroo and my wife has the remote version. Our club has at least 75 Kangaroos stored in our cart barn. From Asheville to the Kangaroo factory in Columbus NC is 55 minutes. So, it's easy to see why they're a popular choice around here. However, the factory repair shop is having a tough time repairing the remote components. I used to recommend Kangaroos to everyone . . . now, with their repair problems, I'm hesitant.

I haven’t had any issues with the remote. I have had a couple minor things that needed fixing, and the mechanic at the course has been able to fix them. My biggest complaint is that they are noisy compared to other carts.

[caniac6]

26 minutes ago, NJBigFish22 said:

Good discussion, with my current back issues, I’m really thinking about an electric cart.  1 thing I didn’t see mentioned is, are the electric carts still able to work if it is raining or if the ground is soggy.  I’m thinking if I knew it was going to rain may not be the best option, but do you have any issues if while out on the course and it starts raining?

No problems with mine.

[sui generis]

41 minutes ago, caniac6 said:

I haven’t had any issues with the remote.

 

As of a couple of months ago, if the transmitter fails they cannot repair it and they have no spares to sell. Apparently the maker of the "X Series" remote is out of business. They're advertising a "Z Series" now.

[596]

1 hour ago, NJBigFish22 said:

Good discussion, with my current back issues, I’m really thinking about an electric cart.  1 thing I didn’t see mentioned is, are the electric carts still able to work if it is raining or if the ground is soggy.  I’m thinking if I knew it was going to rain may not be the best option, but do you have any issues if while out on the course and it starts raining?

No problems with my Stewart.  I've been caught a few times in the Florida afternoon rains and never had a problem.  I've run behind mine in a driving rain storm back to the proshop.  It's fast! 

[KARL M]

If carrying clubs isn't a physical challenge that would be my preferred method.

 

A pushcart is easier than carrying on a flat course, but not on a hilly course.

 

Electric is the least physically challenging but takes up more trunk space.

 

Playing in the rain is easier with an electric cart, because it can hold the umbrella, and you can more easily bring more rain gear.

 

The smooth tires on a kangaroo cart would spin going uphill on wet grass, the motocaddy tires not nearly as much. Neither would spin on a cart path. 

[sui generis]

9 minutes ago, KARL M said:

 

The smooth tires on a kangaroo cart would spin going uphill on wet grass

 

I've had a Kangaroo for fifteen years (the last ten years on a hilly course in Western North Carolina) and have not experienced that.

[jordan2240]

6 hours ago, KARL M said:

Playing in the rain is easier with an electric cart, because it can hold the umbrella, and you can more easily bring more rain gear.

As far as I can remember, MGI recommends you do not use the cart in the rain, though I don't know of anyone who's had issues with that.  Of course, you can also attach an umbrella to a manual pushcart.

[Henry C.]

I am in my fourth month of using a non-remote MGI cart - the X2 sold (until recently) by Costco. I got the non-remote version because I am very sun-conscious; I use a Sun Mountain umbrella mounted on the handle and try to remain in its shade between shots, which made remote control superfluous. But I have encountered a problem - it tips over backwards very readily. Even on flat ground, just starting it will cause it to tip backwards. The weight of the umbrella is no doubt part of the problem, but I think the 5th wheel is inadequate - it's a rather weak design. Since I walk along with it, I able to stop it from tipping backwards, but I have dumped it over several times by parking it in a slight upslope and a puff of wind was enough to dump it. I think if I was using a remote I would have had far more accidents.

[TM4me]

Just bought a Big Max TI Lite push cart - only used it once thus far but it appears to be very well made and sturdy. 

 

My Ping Hoofer Lite carry bag fits well on it.

 

I have the option to carry or push now - depending on the course and the temperature. 

 

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/big-max-ti-lite-push-cart-21bgxatltxxxxxxxxcrt/21bgxatltxxxxxxxxcrt

Edited August 5, 2022 by TM4me