Push Carts vs Pull Carts

[StBarnard]

I've never used a Push type cart,  but I don't know what the big deal is.  Pulling a bag/cart just seems natural to me,  but as I've said,  I've never used a Push one.  Is it better?  Just seems more expensive to me.  What are yall's (I know,  I'm southern) experience with them?

[Zeph]

Yes, they are better. You can:

• Fiddle with stuff in the handle compartment
• Clean clubs
• Pick up or put down clubs in the bag while walking
• Let the cart run by itself or push it with your stomach, leaving the hands free

The cart doesn't fall over if you take your hands off the handles.

Downsides are price and a little larger in size. I see it as a long term investment and didn't even consider getting a pull-cart.

[billchao]

Yes, they are better.

I use a pull cart. I wouldn't necessarily say one type is better than the other, just that they do different things while serving the same basic function. [quote name="Zeph" url="/t/77319/push-vs-pull#post_1058038"][LIST] [*] Fiddle with stuff in the handle compartment [*] Clean clubs [*] Pick up or put down clubs in the bag while walking [*] Let the cart run by itself or push it with your stomach, leaving the hands free [/LIST] [/quote]I've never had to do the first three while I was walking. Plenty of time elsewhere on the course to do things if I needed to. You got me on the last one, though, but I'll counter that two wheels are easier to maneuver than three. [quote name="Zeph" url="/t/77319/push-vs-pull#post_1058038"]The cart doesn't fall over if you take your hands off the handles. [/quote]I have only ever had the cart fall over twice. Both times were because I took a hill or a bump a the wrong angle. Unless you lose control of yourself or the cart, you should never have to let go of the handle without being able to lift it up slightly so the CoG brings the cart to its upright position. [quote name="Zeph" url="/t/77319/push-vs-pull#post_1058038"]Downsides are price and a little larger in size. I see it as a long term investment and didn't even consider getting a pull-cart. [/quote]This is precisely the reason I went with a pull cart. I drive a compact car, so trunk space is kind of at a premium. Plus, at the time I bought my cart, I couldn't pay a large sum of money for it, so I bought a cheap pull cart I figured I'd be happy with if it lasted me the season. It's been five years now, and my cart is still chugging along. I didn't need bells and whistles with my cart, just something to transport my bag. Like I said, both have their merits and flaws.

[Jakester23]

I just received a push cart from my uncle and I think they are much better than the pull carts I've used (the ones at the courses). The one I have had a place to put golf ball,tees,score card,pencil, and something to drink. It also had a plastic sleeve that screws into the handle so you can put an umbrella over you and your clubs while your pushing the cart. It has a brake for going down hills that locks when you stop. Mine folds up to be fairly small.

[Zeph]

I've never had to do the first three while I was walking. Plenty of time elsewhere on the course to do things if I needed to.

You got me on the last one, though, but I'll counter that two wheels are easier to maneuver than three.

I see that point. I'm happy if I can walk while eating, drinking (oh yeah, the carts usually got a bottle storage thingy on the handle, for easy access) sending an SMS or doing whatever with my hands. I like to keep the pace up and often start walking, pushing the cart with my stomach, while I'm cleaning my club or putting the cover back on before putting it into the bag again. If I'm playing alone, I have nobody to wait for, so I might as well walk while doing it.

Maneuverability is not an issue in my opinion, but pull carts are probably a little easier to move around. Should you face an obstacle that's easier to get by on two wheels, you can just push down the handle a little to lift up the front wheel(s) and push it on the other two.

I have only ever had the cart fall over twice. Both times were because I took a hill or a bump a the wrong angle. Unless you lose control of yourself or the cart, you should never have to let go of the handle without being able to lift it up slightly so the CoG brings the cart to its upright position.

My point was that you don't have to hold the cart all the time with the hands. By fall over I meant that it just bumps forward.

Edit: And they got brakes.

[Archie Bunker]

I often carry my bag, but do use both 3-wheel push carts and 2-wheel pull carts on occasion. Both have advantages and disadvantages. The 3-wheel push cart is easier with a larger, fully loaded bag. The downside is that it is heavier, takes up more space in your trunk, and is less "agile" on directional changes. You really need to use the brake on a hilly course (I watched my cart and bag roll into a pond this year!), and it looks like you're pushing a baby stroller. The 2-wheel is fine for lighter bags and is smaller and more maneuverable. It won't roll on a hill, but does take a bit more effort to use than the 3-wheel push cart. And, it is usually less expensive than the push carts. But, either one works fine when you want some exercise by walking the course.

[lumpuckeroo]

I much prefer a push cart to a pull cart.  I honestly quit using a pull cart and went to carrying my bag because the pull cart put so much strain on my shoulders it was hurting my game.  Having my arm behind me and pulling was VERY uncomfortable to me, so I started carrying as the push carts were not even around at the time.  Eventually I got to the point where carrying was too much on my old back and started riding.  Now I'm back to walking with a push cart, I got mine in 2008 and the only time I ride is when we go on our buddies trip in the summer.

I find that they allow you to walk in a more natural walking position and they don't require you to have to "hold" any weight as you walk.  Plus on down hill slopes, I just let it roll down the hill and walk after it.

[hilmar2k]

I prefer a push cart as I prefer the cart to be in front of me, for several reason.

- Easier on my shoulder

- I can easily grab my drink while walking

- I notice if something falls off my bag

[Patch]

I have both, and prefer the push cart. The old adage that it's easier to pull a chain than to push it does not apply here.

Most pull carts only have two wheels, while push carts usually have 3 wheels. Three wheels come in handy when you want to let the cart roll down hill on it's own, while you walk to it. Can't do that with the two wheeler models. Even on a flat surface you can give the three model a good shove for some separation if you want. Three wheels are just easier to work with.

BTW, my three wheel cart actually folds up smaller than my (older) two wheel mode.

Three wheel models are also available with electric motors, and you can control it's movements with a wireless controller. I am looking into that idea right now. Weight, and battery maintenance  is a consideration with those critters.

[billchao]

Edit: And they got brakes.

Mine has brakes, too. They're attached to my ankles ;-)

[StBarnard]

Thanks for the replies guys.  Interesting.  I only have a pull cart for the occasional times I play a par 3 course.  Otherwise,  I ride.  With bad knees and after 3 knee surgeries ( and probably more in the future),  I find it more enjoyable for me to ride.   Although  I do think it's easier to concentrate on the game while walking.

[Slowcelica]

I have used a pull cart for the last 2 years, and i recently switched to a caddy tek 4 wheel push cart. The difference is like night and day, I used to be tired after 12 holes. Now at the end of 18 I feel like I could walk another 18, a pull cart is harder to pull then pushing a push cart as well as it wears your arms and shoulders out. If I had to do it over again I'd go push cart from the start.

[LeftyGomez]

Biggest advantage of the push cart, for me, is that you can attach an umbrella and walk in the shade on a hot summer day. I realize that relatively few of us do that, but it's well worth it.

[RayG]

After using both, Push cart is my new favorite. As mentioned, my shoulders don't kill me after 12-15 holes.

[vangator]

I have both and the pull cart stays in the garage now. The pull cart puts a strain on my elbows. I already have golfers elbow and tennis elbow (both inside and outside of elbows hurt). So a pull cart makes them worse. It's push cart only for me now.

[scorpion12]

I want a push cart and am really lusting after a ClicGear 3.5... but the course I am planning to play as my home course is kind of hilly... and I'm not looking forward to walking that but I need the exercise.

For those of you that use the umbrella extension, how does it handle wind? My concern would be that the umbrella would break off or fall over to the side in wind that's more than just a soft breeze...

[vangator]

I've borrowed my son-in-law's push cart and the umbrella holder is plastic. I kind of held the umbrella the whole round because I was afraid the holder would break. There was no wind, but I think there would be problems. I don't think I'd use the umbrella holder in windy conditions. The wind would cool me down anyway. The shade from the umbrella is nice.

[scorpion12]

Thanks Vangator. I kind of figured that it would be the case but you never know.