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Review: Big Max Blade+, Z360 and IQ+ push carts

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In April of 2015, a definitive guide to purchasing a Push Cart was published by GolfWRX. Soon after its release, readers began to wonder why we hadn’t included Big Max and its line of push carts. Wonder no longer, good readers! Big Max now has its day in the sun.

Big Max trolleys have a wide following in Europe, given the company’s base in Vienna, Austria. The majority of its models are three-wheeled, although the Wheeler model has an added fourth tire. Since I wrote the initial guide, I’ve convinced myself that four wheels are no better than three, unless it’s a question of aesthetics.

Big Max debuted three new models in 2015. The Blade+ stores flat and opens quickly for a prompt getaway to the first tee. The TI-1000 Autofold collapses and stores with a solitary hand motion. The Z360 offers a rotational front wheel that allows 360-degree turn capability in the tightest of quarters.

In addition to the three new lines, eight other full-size trolleys appear on the Big Max website, along with five pull trolleys and three junior models. The Austrian enterprise appears to have the field covered and is deserving of this extended coverage for our guide.

Wheels and Parking Brake

Big Max equips its push carts with wide, silent wheels and bearings. Whether you are a walker or a jogger, your wheels will serve you well. The on-handle, cabled parking break assembly that comes standard on Big Max carts is precise, secure and reliable. Try to push the cart ahead with the brake engaged, and you’ll get a stomach-full of handle: the cart won’t budge. The release action is simple and the departure, quite smooth. In order to keep the Blade + model trimmed down, the cable system was replaced by two foot breaks.

Pouch, Post and Pocket

There’s a bit of variety from Big Max in the storage-compartment offerings. The Blade+ has a narrow, plastic unit that will fit a phone, keys, scorecard and pencil. You bought the blade for its compact nature, so don’t expect double-wide. The Z360 has a similar compartment, with greater width. The IQ+ has even more room for gadgets, thanks to a mesh pouch that drops down from the handle. You’ll fit all of the above plus a water bottle and snacks in there. If your bag’s pockets don’t offer enough storage for your supplies and you need the cart compartment to break the deal, do your research. No one wants a yard sale of sundries trailing behind down the fairway.

Pack, Strap and Go

Z360_folded

One of the newer tendencies in push-cart technology is the use of bungee rope to hold golf bags in place. It’s too early to say that the traditional strap has been replaced across the industry by the flexible cord, but perhaps that day is not far off. Big Max has embraced the use of the bungee on its models and a little practice makes the thin yet powerful device a snap to secure.

Dual bungees at the top and the base of the bag ensure that there is no movement during transportation. The ropes are soft enough, and the connection, stable enough, that no wearing-down of the golf bag itself takes place, due to friction.

The simplest, in-and-out method is the one employed by Sun Mountain, the no-strap. Plastic retaining arms bend open to form a cradle for the golf bag. If the terrain inclines steeply, or the speed and bumps combine for a rough ride, there’s a chance that the bag might bounce around or even spill out. When the round is completed, the security of the strap (found on BagBoy carts) or the bungee (here and on ClicGear models) adds a handful of seconds to the start time, and peace of mind to the round.

Summary

Big Max should be considered when purchasing a cart. As a European company, its list of distributors in the U.S. is not long. When I searched near my home, in a large metropolitan area of the mid-northeast, the closest handlers were 67 and 188 miles away.

What makes Big Max a big plus is its list of accessories. The showcase add-on is the I-Dry Raincover, a full-body rain suit for your bag and clubs. The two-piece system employs velcro and zippers to shield your clubs from the elements. The frame anchors solidly in two holes on the retaining arm assembly and affords easy access to clubs.

Big Max should score above its competitors in the accessory area, for the fact that it had the forethought to add two Quick Lok post holes to the handle. A standard add-on is the umbrella holder, but there is only one other accessory (the flexible PDA holder) that would utilize the second post hole. A series of accessories that connect in other ways include hand warmers, range-finder case, and a cooler bag.

Big Max Models

Blade +

BIG MAX Blade+ BlackRed

 

Pros: Most lightweight cart tested. Easy storage in a wide, flat space. Smooth ride for an economy model.

Cons: Base where bag rests is less sturdy than other models. Foot brakes on each wheel might prove slightly cumbersome to some golfers.

Z360

BIG MAX Z360_black_yellow

Pros: 360-degree rotation of front wheel is found on very few models, eliminating awkward “stuck” moments.

Cons: Absence of a mesh under-pouch for storage limits storage to golf bag pockets and the medium-sized, plastic container on the handle.

IQ +

IQ_plus_black

Pros: We’re down to milimeters here, but something about this cart and the way it not only collapses, but carries in a collapsed state, stands out. Great ride around the course, with the awesome under-storage pouch.

Cons: Across the board, the absence of a beverage holder. Perhaps the next accessory, to occupy post hole two, might be a state-of-the-art receptacle for cans and bottles.

[wrx_retail_links productid=”34″]

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Ronald Montesano writes for GolfWRX.com from western New York. He dabbles in coaching golf and teaching Spanish, in addition to scribbling columns on all aspects of golf, from apparel to architecture, from equipment to travel. Follow Ronald on Twitter at @buffalogolfer.

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. Glenn

    Jan 26, 2018 at 3:56 pm

    Purchased big max 4 wheeler 2 months ago. Had to return it. It kept falling over backwards and the braking system kept slipping. Hopeless. I have only had one other golf trundler which was a 15 yr old sun mountain which never missed a beat. Moved onto Stewart trundler

  2. rock-n-fire

    Dec 3, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I purchased a Blade on sale a few months before the plus came out. It is the first cart I’ve every used and it is fantastic. Very easy to take care of, folds up into a tiny package in no time, flat, and very easy to maneuver.

    As opposed to the author, I believe there are fewer accessories for the Blade than most other pushcarts, but the ones they sell are excellent. But I am not really interested in all the extra stuff, this is a lightweight cart that carries clubs, with a small container for keys, tees, etc., just perfect for me. I recommend it heartily.

  3. golfraven

    Dec 2, 2015 at 4:19 pm

    Actually I was one of the readers mentioning Big Max. I have the SMART model, similar to the Z360, and love it. Had it for 4-5 seasons now and it work like a horse. Even had it falling to the side accidentally couple of times and nothing happened – frame and wheels are still perfect. Certainly a recommendation. Would suggest the Z360 for guys with larger Tour bags, the IQ for women as those come in different colours and the Blade if you have a Porsche 911 and room is critical and you want to fold it flat. Manufacture guaranty is 5 years which is gives you the sense of security – I even had it extended to 7 years with a registration I believe.

  4. TMTC

    Dec 2, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    Where or How do any of these carts rate, in comparison to the ‘April of 2015, a definitive guide to purchasing a Push Cart’? i.e., 1st, 2nd, Last?
    Regards,
    TMTC

    • Ronald Montesano

      Dec 2, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      Same writer, so here goes: there is no definitive “Best Cart” out there. There are a number that offer excellent options, so it comes down to what you like and what you need. If you have a friend whose cart is da’ bomb, ask her/him to let you use it for a few holes and see if you really love its features. If so, you might be ready to get off the flirt bus and go whole-hog on a long-term relationship.

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Accessory Reviews

Insider photos from Tiger Woods’ launch event for his new “Sun Day Red” apparel line

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On Monday evening, inside the swanky, second-story “Coach House” event center in the Palisades Village, just minutes down the road from the 2024 Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, Tiger Woods and TaylorMade officially announced their new apparel/footwear/accessory line, called “Sun Day Red.”

The Sun Day Red website officially launched on Monday night during the event, and the products are set to go on sale starting May 1.

The “Sun Day Red,” or “SDR” name will be self-explanatory for most golf fans, since he’s been wearing a victory-red shirt on Sunday’s for his entire professional career, but Woods explained the meaning of Sun Day Red at the launch event:

“It started with mom. Mom thought – being a Capricorn – that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments. Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red; Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

The Sunday Red outfit has worked to perfection for his 82 PGA Tour victories, including 15 majors, so why not make an entire apparel line based on the career-long superstition?

As I learned at Monday’s launch event, the new Sun Day Red line includes much more than just clothing. To go along with a slew of different golf shirt designs and colorways, there were also windbreakers, hoodies, shoes, hats, headcovers, ball markers and gloves on display.

The upscale event was hosted by sports media personality Erin Andrews, with special guests David Abeles (CEO of TaylorMade) and Tiger Woods himself.

As explained by Abeles, the Sun Day Red brand is an independently-run business under the TaylorMade umbrella, and is based in San Clemente, California (rather than Carlsbad, where TaylorMade headquarters is located), and it’s run by a newly-formed, independent group. Brad Blackinship, formerly of Quiksilver and RVCA, is the appointed president of the new brand.

As for the logo itself, obviously, it’s made to look like a Tiger (the animal), and is comprised of 15 tiger stripes, which correspond with Woods’ 15 major championships. While the logo may need a 16th stripe if Woods adds a major trophy to his collection, it makes perfect sense for the time being.

The golf/lifestyle line is meant to combine premium precision and athletic comfort, while still having plenty of wearability and style off the course. Like Woods said on stage at the event, he wants to be able to go right from the course to dinner wearing Sun Day Red, and that was exactly the aesthetic on display at the event on Monday.

Following the official announcement from Woods and Abeles, they revealed multiple pieces of clothing, accessories and footwear for the event-goers to ogle (and photograph). Check out a selection of product/event photos below, or head over to our @GolfWRX Instagram page for video coverage…OR, head into our GolfWRX Forums for even more photos and member discussion.

Enjoy this exclusive look at Tiger Woods’ new Sun Day Red apparel lineup below.

See more photos from the Sun Day Red launch event here

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Accessory Reviews

GolfWRX Spotlight: Motocaddy M7 Remote and M5 GPS DHC electric cart review

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I have been thinking about electric golf push carts, or trollies, ever since I started playing in my league seven years ago.

Motocaddy has been making high-quality electric, and non-electric, carts since 2004 and has a couple of great options for the golfer who loves to walk. Motocaddy was nice enough to get their M7 Remote and M5 GPS DHC in my hands to try out on the course for a few weeks.

I have had a lot of people stop me to ask about the carts, and the one thing I keep telling them is that these carts are just flat out fun to use on the course.

Motocaddy M7 Remote

The M7 Remote was very easy to get set up right out of the box. All you have to do is charge the battery, install the wheels, and you are pretty much ready to go. The M7 folds up pretty small, just a little larger than the 3-wheel pushcart that I had been using for years. Getting it to the course should be no problem with just about any trunk space. Now, the one downside to an electric cart is the weight when moving it around, and both carts come in at around 35 pounds each. Even with that extra weight, I didn’t have much trouble lifting them in and out of the back of a pickup.

The M7 unfolds quickly with the flick of two levers and extends the front wheels automatically. Once unfolded, you drop in the battery, plug it in, and secure your bag. If you own a Motocaddy bag, they have developed a really nice system called EasiLock that involves two metal studs that fit into the bottom of the cart. This system also includes a molded base that prevents the bag from rotating at all, even on the roughest terrain. You can still use the M7 with almost any other golf bag as it includes elastic straps that wrap around the top and bottom of the bag.

As soon as you plug in the battery the LCD screen comes to life and you are ready to go. You can use the M7 without the remote by using the dial on the handle to control the starting, stopping, and speed. But the M7 has a remote that is activated by a simple press of the power button to get going. The remote is very simple with just five buttons to control where the M7 goes.

Getting a feel for the M7 takes no time at all and by the time you drive it from your car to the 1st tee you will be in complete, and confident, control of the cart. You simply press the “+” button to start moving forward and the cart takes off gently without any rattling of your clubs, and you can press that same button again to increase the speed. The cart will go from a slow crawl, for bumpy or tight areas, too, as fast as I could run with just a few presses of the button. The big red “stop” button in the center stops the cart immediately, and when stopped it is locked in place, even on steep hills. You don’t have to worry about remembering to set the brakes or anything because it is done automatically.

Steering is just as easy: simply press the right or left button to turn the cart. Small, quick presses will just slightly adjust the cart as it moves down the fairway while a long hold of the button can make it turn on a dime to the right or left.

Almost everyone asked me how stable the cart was and if it would tip over. I can proudly say that it has stayed upright even on some unseen bumps at maximum speed. Side hills, ruts, and even curbs are handled with ease with the help of the small rear wheel.

I really enjoy strolling down the fairway with nothing but the M7’s remote in my hand — it just makes golfing more fun!

Motocaddy M5 GPS DHC

After using the M7 and its fancy remote, I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t like not having it. But to be honest the M5 was just as fun to use, but for a different reason.

As the name suggests, the M5 has a built-in GPS with 40,000 courses preloaded into it. The screen is a good size, pretty responsive to the touch, and easy to read in direct sunlight. Having the GPS directly on the cart is great, you drive up to your ball and immediately have yardage to the front, back, and center of the green as well as bunkers and hazards. You can easily toggle between screens on the GPS and it offers a couple of different views to help navigate the hole. The M5 can also keep score and let you know shot distances right on the screen. Motocaddy even includes nice little touches like a screen protecter kit to ensure durability.

Driving the M5 is just as easy as the M7 with using the dial on the handle. And speaking of the handle, the grips have a great tacky rubber that grips well even in hot and humid conditions. To start the M5 you just press the dial down and the cart will gently start down the fairway. You can turn the dial to increase or decrease the speed — I found between 5-6 to be the most comfortable for me. But the speed can go up to a very fast pace if you are looking to set a record for fastest round of the day.

As you walk down the fairway, or rough, stopping the cart is as simple as pressing he dial again. When stopped the M5 engages a parking brake automatically so you don’t have to worry about it running down a hill without your approval. The M5 has tons of power to go up just about any hill and the Down Hill Control (DHC) keeps the speed consistent even when going down a steep decent.

Since the M5 has so much power, and it is a little heavy, I thought steering would be a little bit of a challenge. It wasn’t, at all. Guiding the M5 took very little effort and slight adjustments going down the fairway were very easy. Really tight turns took a slight bit more effort as the torque can want to go forward a little more than turn. Again, once you get the M5 from the car to the first tee, you will be a master at driving it.

Overall, Motocaddy has created two great carts that provide additional enjoyment to walking your favorite 9 or 18. Having the ability to walk without carrying or pushing your bag, clubs, and whatever else goes with you. I like them so much that it is going to be hard to get the M7’s remote out of my hands when I go play!

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Accessory Reviews

GolfWRX Spotlight: Crossrope weighted jump rope & app

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An 18-hole round of golf averages out to just under five miles of walking, which on its own is a good workout. Once you throw in some potential uphill trekking you get some serious cardio too, but if you all looking for a quick workout between rounds of golf look no further than Crossrope.

Crossrope – The details

Crossrope is a system of the weighted jump rope that allows you to quickly switch the weight of the ropes you are using to boost your workout—they range from 1/4 lbs all the way up to 2 lbs depending on the kit you start out with. There is an accompanying app that helps you go through multiple workout routines and is available free, or you can upgrade to the entire library of workout routines along with more workout tracking options.

This is NOT your middle school jump rope

The handles are heavy duty and feature precision bearings to allow the rope to move smoothly around as you go through a routine. They are also ergonomic and fit into your hand naturally, which making gripping easy, something that is really nice when you’re swinging a 2 lbs coated steel cable around. The handles also come with a fast clip system to make changing cables depending on your selected workout easier too.

The ropes themselves are made from braided steel and are almost impossible to tangle, allowing them to be easily transported and stored when not in use. All in you are getting a premium piece of workout equipment that is effective and easy to store—hard to same the same thing about a treadmill.

When it comes to a workout, skipping rope is one of the most effective cardio workouts you can do, and with Crossrope, you can get both cardio and low impact weight training when using the heaviest ropes, and follow along with the guided workouts.

As someone that hadn’t used a jump rope in over a decade, starting out lighter was a nice way to ease in before moving up, and I was pleasantly surprised how easy and fun some of the workouts in the app were. If you are looking for a fun way to add something to your workouts, or you just want to try something new to get you into golf course walking shape, this could be right up your alley. To learn more check out crossrope.com

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