In 2015, I donated my original Big Max Blade+ to a new golfer in Bandon, Oregon. She had taken up the game upon accepting a position at the resort, and I suggested a push cart, to relieve stress on the shoulders and back. It was the simplest cart I’d encountered at the time, in terms of storage and formation (is there a better word for the unfolding of the cart upon extraction from the trunk?) In the midst of a cross-country trip, I played 8 rounds at Bandon Dunes, using the Blade+ on each one. In 2018, Big Max offers a new model, the Blade IP. Based on my experience with its predecessor, the IP is worth a look and a review. I hope to hold onto this one a bit longer, but if cause arises, it will find a new owner. Have a glance at 4 reasons why the big Max Blade IP should be the new push cart in your game.

Reason One: Storage

After a round of golf, we store our cart. First, in the car; next, in the garage or basement. Golfers have an inkling how easy this will be, when the box arrives at your door. The Blade IP rests within, already assembled. You’ll simply extract it from the cardboard storage material and unfold it. With the Blade series, no more searching for a cube of space in the trunk. The Blade IP lays flat and sits cheerfully atop the other bags and carts you’ve stored post-round. In retrospect, although the predecessor also lay flat, the unfolding and refolding did take a bit of work (and an advanced degree.) No such issue with this updated model. According to the home office of Big Max, the principal difference is in the folding mechanism. BIG MAX has completely simplified this into a three stage process. You simply fold the handle, push the two parts of the body together and then lift the cart to see the wheels flip automatically under the body.

I drive a smallish hatchback, and space is at a premium in my ride. With the Blade IP, I’m able to slide it in atop the golf back, with room to spare for extras. Quick run to the store on the way home? Room. Extra “gifts” from the in-laws? Room. Sleeping baby? Car seat.

Reason Two: The look & features

The IP model is sleeker. I have the color black, and confess that it has a bit of the Batmobile in it, at least in the hue.

There are no clips any more (other than on the handle) and the engineering is far superior to the BLADE+. Small details that have improved are the finish on the cart. It has a matte metallic look which is a nice improvement and it also has a bottle holder integral to the organizer panel.

When describing the look, you don’t pause for long. If it’s hot, it’s hot. And the Blade IP is fire.

Reason Three: The weight

It weighs very little, and is as easy to carry as a suitcase. Once the wheels and carriage lock into storage position, there is no threat of unfolding while in transit. As I carried my bag and my cart to the first tee, I was tempted to do curls with the bag (left arm) and the Blade IP (right arm.) Problem was, the balance was off. The bag had to way 2 times as much as the cart. That, and I would have looked quite silly.

The Blade IP weighs in at 14 pounds. It pushes smoothly, thanks to an adjustable handle. When I first began to push, the narrowness of the handle struck me. Then, within 10 paces, I instinctively dropped one hand to my side and began to swing it. I realized that most people don’t push their cart with 2 hands, for very long. They utilize right or left, or both, but not often simultaneously. The IP allows for the single-hand push; actually, it encourages and accommodates it.

Reason Four: The ride

I mention it a bit under Reason Three, as weight segues perfectly to ride. Come to think of it, storage also segues perfectly to ride. Even though the Blade IP is a lightweight model, it has plenty of room for ad-on equipment, like umbrella hanger, towel and glove storage, range finder bag and bottle holder. There’s no need to fish for things in your bag pockets; the handle accommodates nearly everything you might want. Let’s return to the ride. Big Max draws little attention to the construction of the wheels. Nothing beyond the vertical hinge of the forward wheel, and the snap-in/snap-out of the rear wheels. There’s a hidden bonus in the way these wheels turn. There might not be high-end hydraulics, or wonder-bearings at work, but it sure seems that way. I’ve yet to look down at the wheels, wondering what might be wrong with them.

The first time I took out the Blade IP, I was paired with a media personality who had learned the game in Florida. He was incredulous when my pal and I explained that we would walk, that we would easily keep up with him and his buddy in their riding cart, and that we would probably play faster. Seeing was believing that day. I don’t know that he will ever abandon the rider for the pusher, but he should. If you’ve a few spare minutes, have a look at this promotional video (complete with groovy jazz music) on the Big Max Blade IP. It should convince you to consider its purchase for your next push cart.