2020 Push Cart Buyer’s Guide
PLEASE NOTE: As was the case with our golf nets and putting mats Buyer’s Guides, because of increased demand stemming from COVID-19, we were not able to obtain some popular push carts. We will update our list of the best push carts for 2020 as more models become available.
With an ever-increasing number of options available, finding the right push cart to fit your needs can be a bit overwhelming. We’re here to help.
This year we tested ten carts. The list includes 3-wheel carts, 4-wheel carts, and cart with a unique one-click system that practically opens and closes itself. Features run the gamut, and the prices of the models tested range from $129.99 to $299.95. The best push carts for 2020 offer an ideal combination of features, maneuverability, and stability to allow you to focus on your game, not your cart.
Whether you’re ready to buy a push cart today, 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.
Big Max Blade Quattro - The Space Saver
Small car? Small garage? Small anywhere you need your push cart to go? If that's your situation, consider the Big Max Blade Quattro. 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 Quattro also secures your bag upright and prevents twisting.
Best Push Carts for 2020 – 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 push carts for 2020 are also the most feature-rich. A braking system is a must if you play on 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.
Push Carts for Juniors
One size can't be expected to fit all. That's especially true for junior golfers. There's no need for kids to push over-sized carts. The Bag Boy Quad Junior, Clicgear RV3J, and US Kids Golf Youth 3 Wheel Push Cart are designed with juniors in mind.
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 Quattro is the most compact push cart we tested.
Bag Boy Nitron - The One Click Wonder
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 the touch of a button.
Stability
How does the push cart handle uneven and challenging terrain? Some carts tip over easily when on a sidehill, while some of the best push carts for 2020 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 as your round progresses. BagBoy’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, Bag Boy TriSwivel II, and the Big Max Blade Quattro.
The Best Push Carts for 2020 - Features
| Product | Wheels | Weight(lbs) | Colors | Swivel Wheel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bag Boy TriSwivel II Check Price | 3 | 16 | 2 | Y |
 | Bag Boy Nitron Check Price | 3 | 16.75 | 8 | N |
 | Bag Boy Quad Xl Check Price | 4 | 14.2 | 7 | N |
 | Big Max Blade Quattro Check Price | 4 | 6.5 | 4 | N |
 | Rovic RV1S Check Price | 3 | 17 | 5 | Y |
 | Clicgear Model 4 Check Price | 3 | 21 | 9 | N |
 | Clicgear Model 8+ Check Price | 4 | 22 | 3 | N |
 | Inesis Compact 3 Wheel Check Price | 3 | 15.2 | 2 | N |
 | Izzo Rover II Check Price | 3 | 13 | 4 | N |
 | Sun Mountain Pathfinder 4 Check Price | 4 | 17 | 8 | 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 a 360-degree swiveling front wheel. They allow 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 push carts for 2020 feature adjustable handles to help ensure you can maneuver it comfortably.
- Push cart durability varies tremendously. It’s important to consider the toll 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.
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The Best Push Carts for 2020 - Rankings
| Product | Stability | Durability | Features | Maneuverability | Folded Size | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rovic RV1S Check Price | 3rd | 5th | 1st | 1st | 4th | 93.5 |
| Clicgear Model 4 Check Price | 8th | 1st | 1st | 3rd | 2nd | 93 |
| Bag Boy TriSwivel II Check Price | 1st | 6th | 4th | 1st | 4th | 92 |
| Bag Boy Nitron Check Price | 1st | 6th | 4th | 3rd | 2nd | 90.5 |
| Big Max Blade Quattro Check Price | 4th | 3rd | 9th | 3rd | 1st | 90 |
| Clicgear Model 8+ Check Price | 5th | 1st | 1st | 10th | 10th | 89.5 |
| Sun Mountain Pathfinder 4 Check Price | 5th | 3rd | 6th | 6th | 6th | 89.5 |
| Bag Boy Quad XL Check Price | 5th | 6th | 6th | 6th | 6th | 87 |
| Inesis Compact 3 Wheel Check Price | 9th | 9th | 8th | 6th | 6th | 82 |
| Izzo Rover II Check Price | 9th | 9th | 10th | 9th | 6th | 80 |
Best Push Carts for 2020 – FAQ
Q: Does it matter how many wheels a push cart has?
A: Most of the best push carts for 2020 are 3-wheel models, which tend to be easier to maneuver. Golfers who play on uneven terrain may want to consider a 4-wheel cart model as they tend to be a bit 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 over $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: Push carts aren’t allowed on every golf course. Some courses have explicit rules prohibiting them. While it’s not common, when playing a course for the first time, it’s advisable to check with the pro shop to confirm that push cart use is allowed.
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.
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 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 manufactures offer replacement parts at reasonable prices. While brake cables can be difficult in some models, most repairs are simple.
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.
Bert Pit
3 years ago
I bought the bagboy tri swivvel a few years ago and cannot recommend it. Twice the brake cable is broken and because it is Y shaped you have to buy the specific type. Assembly is not easy even for the handy do it yourselfer.
Definitely don’t buy these if you ever play golf in dusty environments. If dust gets between the front wheel release button, the button will remain pressed and the wheel will no longer click into place and simply fall out on the first movement. I can see from the photo at the top of this article that this has not yet been changed.