Product Review: Clicgear 2.0 Push Cart

I had the good fortune to play thirty-six holes at Chambers Bay recently and it was an epic experience.

Without my Clicgear 2.0, I do not think my back would have lasted more than eighteen. Instead, after thirty-six I wanted to go back out for more.

Chambers Bay is a true links course with over 500 feet of elevation change and about 7.5 miles of walking per round. I would encourage any walking golfer to play the course and I would suggest that any walker with a bad back consider pushing a cart when they play, or take a caddie.

The Clicgear 2.0 rolled smoothly throughout the round and handled the dirt and sandy paths very well, without getting stuck or putting too much stress on my body to keep it moving forward.

The console provided a great place for me to keep my water bottle which was definitely needed on this 70 to 80 degree day, and the storage space on top held my camera so I could take pictures like the one below. I also used the velcro on the side of the console to hold my glove and air it out while walking between shots and putting.

The 18th and 1st at Chambers Bay. Photo by Rob Rigg

The elements of the Clicgear that make it succeed at a course like Chambers Bay are:

1) Wide wheelbase that provides excellent stability
2) Padded hand rest on console that is comfortable and remains dry even on hot days
3) Smooth bearings and airless wheels mean the golfer is not overwhelmed pushing the cart on sandy paths or through waste areas.
4) Tracked straight all day so no effort was wasted on keeping in online
5) Console is very handy for holding water bottle, gloves, towels, scorecard, camera, etc.

The one element of the push cart that could be designed better is the hand brake. Sometimes it is a little difficult to lock it in place, and from an ergonomic standpoint it would be optimal if it worked with the back wheels, not the front.

My ideal push cart handbrake would be easy to lock and unlock, while also providing a “pulsing” option on steep decents.

Overall, I am very pleased with the Clicgear 2.0 Golf Cart and would encourage walking golfers everywhere to give it a test drive, your legs and back will thank you after every round.

For more information on the Clicgear 2.0 Golf Cart please visit www.clicgearusa.com

First Round (March, 2009)

The Walking Golfer took the Clicgear 2.0 Golf Cart out for a round today and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I have always carried when I play, but recent back pain has encouraged me to try out a push cart for the first time. I had tried out pull carts before and never liked them because they are so awkward, especially on descents, and brutal to pull up a hill.

As mentioned below, the Clicgear 2.0 folds up neatly in your trunk and can be opened in seconds to accept your golf bag.

My MacKenzie Walker was built strictly for carrying, so I opted to use an older stand bag, with straps removed, as a cart bag. The Clicgear bungy straps held my bag firmly in place and it never rotated or slipped during the round no matter how hard the legs tried to pop open or how much the bottom tried to slide off. I was impressed.

During the round, the Clicgear tracked perfectly so I did not have to use the front wheel alignment feature. It was easy to push and the wide base provided excellent stability on uneven terrain and when I had to park it on side hill lies.

It was nice having my water bottle handy at all times, along with the scorecard, tees, and towel. It is very easy to get clubs in and out of the bag or access pockets. I used the umbrella holder to keep me dry on a couple of holes and it did the trick. The velcro pieces on each side of the console are great for holding onto, and airing out, your glove during the round. The front brake worked perfectly when I had to park on an uphill or downhill.

I have read that pushcarts can get bogged down in wet conditions but I did not have any issues. The cart definitely rolled more smoothly on paths or fairways, but it was still manageable in the thick wet rough.

The Clicgear 2.0 is very well designed with all of the features a golfer would expect from a top of the line cart. I am looking forward to using it again and very excited to share it with friends and family who enjoy walking but cannot carry a bag for eighteen holes.

One of my playing partners had a competitors cart which he really likes, but I prefer the Clicgear 2.0. There are no tires to inflate, the lines are sleek and clean, the wheelbase is wide and stable, and the console is very functional.

As mentioned above, I usually carry because I am in good physical condition, tend to play with only ten clubs and carry a very light bag. I rarely feel tired after a round, although I know that when my back is tight or acting up I would love to have another option.

The Clicgear fits that bill nicely since my back pain was non-existent after the round and my upper body was less fatigued versus carrying. In competitions, pushing a cart is a great idea that I will certainly take advantage of.

If you ever have the opportunity to play thirty-six in a day and a caddy is not an option, then I would highly recommend saving your back from the carry bag and using a push cart. Not only will you have more energy, while still getting a great workout, but your body will be able to perform more consistently throughout the round(s).

For more information on the Clicgear 2.0 Golf Cart please visit

www.clicgearusa.com

First Impressions

Our black Clicgear 2.0 Golf Cart arrived today and we are very excited!

We have not been able to take it out for a round, but wanted to share our first impressions and some basic info about the cart.

We also posted some pics, because the Oregon Spring beckons and it will never look this good again!

Weight and Measurements:

- Wheelbase (when open) – 31 inches across and 54 inches from the front wheel to the rear handle
- Size when Folded – 24 inches by 15 inches by 13 inches
- Size of Wheels – 12 inches in diameter
- Type of Wheels – Airless, never flat wheels with plastic with rubber treads
- Weight – 18.5 lbs

Time to fold and unfold: – 15 to 30 seconds each way

Warranty: – 3 years on the frame and 1 year for all parts

Construction: – Heavy duty aluminum tubing

Initial Comments:

When you pull the Clicgear 2.0 Golf Cart out of the box it looks like a very compact package that will not take up much space in the trunk.

Then you open it up and a few clicks later you have a sturdy, and formidable looking, machine.

It only took me a minute to figure out how to set it up the first time using the instructions in the box. Clicgear include a DVD with the cart that I probably will never look at, but the thought is certainly appreciated. Needless to say it is a simple and intuitive process to get the 2.0 ready for battle.

The cart arrives with the following features and benefits:

- A foam padded handle

- An umbrella holder which screws into the handle on rains days. The holder has a bungy cord loop to help you lock in the umbrella on a windy day. There is an “Umbrella Tube Storage Bracket” on the left side to accomodate the umbrella holder when not in use.

- The “console” contains:

- a water bottle (or beverage of your choice) holder
- the easy to use brake (just pull back and turn up to lock the front wheel)
- a covered area for score cards, pencils, tees, snacks, etc.
- holes for three tees
- a towel clip on either side
- the umbrella storage bracket
- pieces of velcro near the bottom by the handlebar where you can attach your glove

- There is velcro by the handle and a loop by the lower bag rest that will accomodate an umbrella – ie) a brolly sling

In terms of logistics, the golf bag rests on a foam covered metal base that also functions as an innovative carrying hook when the push cart is folded up (as seen below). Two easily adjustable wide rubber supports with bungy cords hook together to keep any sized golf bag tightly in place.

The Clicgear 2.0 tracks very well and if it gets out of line you can adjust the front wheel to get it dialed back in. On its own, the cart is very light and with a golf bag it is easy to push. The walking golfer can also adjust the handle by using a large side knob to ensure that the height of the grip and console are perfect.

After a couple of rounds we will update our Clicgear 2.0 Golf Cart review.

As a bag carrying walking golfer, who has only rarely used a pull cart, I am looking forward to taking out the Clicgear push cart to see if it makes a difference in muscle fatigue during the round.

One study suggests that a push cart will allow the golfer to burn as many calories as carrying while improving his or her score by up to eight strokes a round!

For more information on the Clicgear 2.0 please check out the Clicgear homepage.

MSRP: $199

Review by Rob Rigg, 2009