9998 Todaysgolfer.co.uk issue 327issue 327 Todaysgolfer.co.uk

The Test Trolleys

Tech: Big Max’s ‘one shake’ folding concept means it can be done with one hand in one swift motion. It folds down to the smallest size on the

market and features a spacious mesh pocket to store accessories and valuables.Verdict: The IQ+ folds up small and is light, making it easy to transport around. your bag fits very securely, it never dislodged during testing, though it sits quite high on the frame, which is unusual. overall, it produced a smooth ride and required minimal effort to move forwards. The assembly process does require one shake, but only after you’ve released the front wheel and unclipped the rest of the frame. It’s still a short process though. That said, the loose cables have snagged a few times when putting it up. I also like how spacious the storage compartment is. Pros: effortless to put together and push, loads of storage space in the mesh pocket. Cons: loose cables can snag during assembly.

THE numBERSStyling: 9 Ease of assembly: 8 Ease of use: 9

Functions: 8 Performance: 9 Value: 7TG Rating: 8.5

Big max iQ+ £199.99Tester: Mark Spalding Hcp: 23 web: www.bigmaxgolf.com

Tech: four years in the making, this four-wheel push trolley features a 4x fold technology that allows all wheels to fold for a compact storage size.

The front wheels open wider as a result for greater stability. available in six colours.Verdict: There’s no doubt the quirky four-wheel design offers great stability and helps the trolley track straight for a long period of time. The folding process is unique and once mastered takes well under 10 seconds. It’s sturdy, but still lightweight, making it easy to push up hills and the adjustable handle is a nice bonus. despite its practicality, the overall look of the trolley is a little imposing. I got a few pram jokes stemming from the thick frame and the four wheels, but once you get past those, there really is little to complain about.Pros: rapid set up and fold down process. great stability. stows flat or upon its end.Cons: Not the smallest folded down, unique look and a touch pricey.

THE numBERSStyling: 8 Ease of assembly: 8 Ease of use: 9

Functions: 9.5 Performance: 9 Value: 8TG Rating: 8.5

clicgear model 8 £249Tester: Paul Davis Hcp: 18 web: www.clicgear.com

Tech: Powakaddy’s most feature-packed push cart to date features a quickfold system, quick release sporty wheels, user-friendly foot

brake and front wheel adjustment. It’s got ample storage in the handle with a waterproof scorecard holder, ball marker and a tee, pencil and umbrella holder comes as standard.Verdict: for anyone with a big golf bag and no time to mess around with batteries, this is the trolley for them. I found it incredibly simple to assemble and fold away and it compacts into a small unit for easy storage in the boot of a small car. Plus you can remove the wheels, which makes the folded down size even smaller. I tested it in the summertime, on a hilly course and found it very easy to manoeuvre. The brake also is a godsend on sloping fairways. The handle provides more than adequate storage for balls, tees, drinks, etc and a useful dry space for your wallet and other valuables. It is a very well designed, modern-looking trolley that will appeal to younger golfers as well as us veterans, although having the front wheel asymmetrically to the side is strange to view at first. Having three wheels gives you the option to push as well as pull the trolley and makes it extra stable especially on uneven surfaces. all in all I found it the best non-motorised trolley I’ve ever used and you really do get a lot for your money.Pros: easy to assemble, collapse, store and very light in weight. also very stable and smooth to operate, pushing or pulling. great value, too. super overall package.Cons: could be more difficult to use for older, less fit users in winter conditions, but no more so than other non-battery driven trolleys.

THE numBERSStyling: 8.5 Ease of assembly: 9 Ease of use: 9

Functions: 9 Performance: 9 Value: 8.5TG Rating: 9

PowaKaddy Twinline 4.0 £139.99Tester: Tony Kelby Hcp: 15 web: www.powakaddy.com

push or electric? we analyse the pros and consCourse terrain If you tend to play on a hilly course, a push-pull trolley may become too tiresome walking up the hills. They are much better-suited to flatter courses. A trolley you push is better than one you pull because the pulling process puts extra stress on one side of your body, so choose to push if you have the option.

AssemblyMost push trolleys come with a simple, fast assembly process. Couple that with the lack of need to connect a battery and push trolleys suit those golfers who like to get going straight away when they arrive at the course. They also tend to be lighter, so many can be unfolded by lifting and shaking the wheels to extend the frame.

StorageWeight tends to be less of an issue with push trolleys, due to the lack of motors and battery, but size is just as big a factor as it is with electric models. Four wheel trolleys may be more stable, but add to the folded down size and they all fold down differently so make sure you see it folded down before making a purchase.

AccessoriesSaving money on a push trolley means you may have some extra cash available to spend on accessories. Some have integrated stations that things like umbrella and scorecard holders fix on to, while others clamp to the frame. There are loads to choose from, including GPS cradles, phone holders, drinks holders and rain covers.

Added bonuses We felt the lift and shake assembly process was a quick and easy way to get going. Having the umbrella holder included in the purchase was also a nice touch.

g o l d awa r d

in or out The scorecard can be stored inside or out of the panel.

Nice surprise even a drinks holder comes as standard with the Model 8.

small package The IQ+ folds down to one of the smallest on the market.

small storage even with four wheels, it folds down small enough.

B r o N Z E awa r d

S I lV E r awa r d

Quick switch The height of the feature-packed handle can be adjusted.

On track The front wheel tracking can be adjusted if required.

PowaKaddy says... “Carrying a heavy golf bag can place unnecessary stress on muscles that are needed for optimum performance, making electric golf trolleys and push trolleys valuable from a performance standpoint. A push trolley is a good piece of kit for those first starting off in golf and wish to spend less on equipment at this early stage.”

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