Thinking about getting a push cart to reduce back pain

[bong_crosby]

I have lower back pain and I think a lot of it is caused by carrying my bag. I play five days a week and will walk 18 to 27 holes on those days. I notice my back gets a little spasmy (is that a word?) while carrying my bag.

So, my first question is, has anyone else had lower back pain and switched to a push cart? Did it help?

Second, there are a lot of carts on the market. Which one would you recommend? I got to put my hands on the Sun Mountain V1 and V2 and they seemed pretty nice. Once concern is the course I walk is very hilly. Should I pay attention to the cart weight? The V1 and V2 seemed pretty heavy. The Sun Mountain Micro seemed very lighweight. It seems like one thing to push a heavy cart on the flats but up and down hills doesn't seem very appealing.

Thanks,

BC

[DannyG]

I would recommend the push cart over one you pull, which can also cause back pain. I have the Sun Mountain V1 and have been very happy with it although I don't have a hilly home course. If money was no object I would look into a power assisted cart. There is nothing better then walking a course not carrying anything. (The few times I have played with a caddy was a real treat.)

[tws1098]

I am going to start using a push/pull cart as well due to back pain. When I play at home I have a cart I use and it reallllly helps. Is your bag a double strap? That helps a lot as well if you continue to carry it. My fiance carried my bag for a couple of holes the other day and it helped tremendously, so I will be going back to a push or pull cart.

[bong_crosby]

If money was no object I would look into a power assisted cart.

Yeah, I'd like an E cart but like many of us, money is an issue. The other problem is the hassle of keeping it charged and the batteries eventually wear out. I definitely don't like the idea of pushing a dead electric cart around a hilly course.

[Zeph]

I don't have back problems, but if I ever were to get a cart, I would not even consider a pull cart. The push carts are so much better, a pull cart would not be an option. Push carts with three or four wheels are superior. Everyone I've played with that use push cart share the same experiences.

Look up test and user reviews. I know TGW has got lots of user reviews on their products.

[bong_crosby]

Is your bag a double strap?

Yeah, it's a Sun Mountain Four 5. It's a really nice bag that fits comfortably. I think the issue is just the added weight of clubs and bag on my back for four to six hours a day.

I just realized I should ask some of the other walkers on my course what they're using.

[pchaney301]

Smart decision looking into the cart...A lot better than looking into pain medication to help with the pain...

[Dub]

I've used the one in my sig line for the last two years. It works really well...opens up for use in less than 15 seconds...no kidding.

It's easy to push. It's a very substantial piece of gear...solid and sturdy. I was initially concerned with the weight when I hefted the box in the store, but it's proven to be nothing objectionable on the course.

I thing that Sun Mountain now makes a four wheel version very simular...haven't tried one but it is even lighter.


I commend your walking and carrying...certainly a tremendous source of excercise. My bum knee has made me lazy and I've been riding almost all the golf I've played the last month or so.

[kilbyman]

check out bagboy sidekick. light, folds us small, well made, quick to unfold

[chilly]

I just picked up a Sun Mountain Speed Cart V1, I had been using an old school 2 wheel pull behind type. It's definitely a great upgrade, and I definitely think it helps the back. I love the three wheel, because you can give it a shove towards the next tee on most holes, saving you from having to walk the bag down to that spot before hitting the green. Also has a lot of room for wallet, keys, etc.

[abraxas]

my brother-in-law has the clicgear 2.0 push cart
i got the sun mountain micro cart for xmas, tho i rarely use it

after trying out both i DEF recommend the clicgear
both fold up to about the same size tho
its just a lot smoother to push and feels sturdier

[jamo]

I would go push carts. Then you have the option of pushing or pulling them if you want.

[Quinn07]

I have back issues if I carry for 18 holes, so I carry playing 9 and use a push cart supplied by my course when I play 18. I am thinking of picking up a clicgear as well. They seem very sturdy and light weight. I like the idea of having the attachments and holders right at your finger tips.

[Titleist_ProV1x]

2.0 push cart, enough said

[calvie7]

I have the original speed cart. And while I have a great carry bag, haven't carried for years. It has really helped my back. I would also recommend building back muscle. I started a workout program and it helped my game in addition to eliminating back pain. I do p90x but there are a lot of options out there.

Even pushing the cart hurt my back if I played too often or on a long hilly course. I had a pinched nerve along my spine that I had to learn how to stretch, and pushing a cart up a hill made it worse. Physical therapy and working out combined with the push cart fixed it all. I'll be playing for a very long time... Long story short, get a push cart, take your bag to the store and test a few out.

[Rocket]

I love to walk, but can't carry the bag. The Clicgear cart is great. Very easy to push with a fully loaded bag.

I rode today and did not play as well as when I walk.

Golf is made for walking ...

[Mrd19abhs]

I have my step dads old pull cart and its not that bad. one course i play is really hilly and its alot easier to pull up hill then push IMO

[leezer99]

I've been walking for a couple of years now, first starting out with push / pull carts and found that my back hurt after every round. Since I dumped the carts and started carrying my back problems went away. You just need to make sure your carry bag is high enough on your back so that it doesn't bounce and the pain should subside.