There is no doubt that carting your clubs round on a trolley instead of carrying them on your back saves energy for the far more important task of hitting shots. Gone are the days of just the elderly golfer using a cart or buggy, many younger players are now opting for the modern energy-saving option.
The following descriptions will explain the differences between trolleys to help you find the best one to give your game a lift:
Types Of Trolley
Manual Pull and Push Trolleys
The lighter and less expensive alternative to the electric trolley is the manually operated push or pull trolley. A 2-wheel manual trolley is designed to be pulled behind you whereas the more stable 3-wheel trolley is usually pushed. If you play on a flat course, the balance point of a two-wheel trolley will make it easy to pull along and it can cost less than a 3-wheeled push trolley.
The 3-wheel push trolley is more common these days and they are much lighter to move and more stable than the old 2-wheel pull trolleys. Most come with more accessories including brakes to slow the trolley down or hold it still while you play your shot. Some 3-wheel modern trolleys have larger wheels and smooth bearings that glide over the grass with air filled tyres that are very course-friendly. There are also some 4-wheel push trolleys which are even more stable.
A manual trolley is an inexpensive alternative to an electric buggy, or a hired trolley from your pro shop, as it can last for many years and there is no additional cost for battery charging.
Electric Trolleys
The saving grace to many player's game is the electric trolley. Now used by all ages of player it provides the energy saving, easy way to electronically transport your clubs around the course.
When considering an electric trolley you should look into the battery power, as batteries will cover either 1 or 2 rounds. Check how long the battery lasts on a single charge, what the lifespan is and how quickly can it be re-charged.
The price of an electric trolley is usually more than most push trolleys, but in the long run it will be a good investment as it will allow you to concentrate on your game and not your back.
Given the onboard battery, some electric trolleys also have a lot of bells and whistles on the display screen, some of which are useful and some less so. Battery indicators, time and power level are all good. Distance measuring and pedometers less so, as they only work if you go in a straight line to your ball which is highly unlikely and they only tell you the distance you have gone and not what you have left.
Most electric trolley manufacturers now also supply matching golf bags for their trolleys which can be good value if bought together, as well as fitting the trolley more securely than bags from other brands.
Materials
Aluminium
The great benefit of aluminium is its extremely lightweight construction and the trolley will seem very light and will glide round the course. The only slight drawback is the soft finish of the metal that means it may dent easily.
Titanium
No golf material section is complete without titanium. As concerns trolleys, the lightweight yet strong nature of the material makes it very well suited to golf trolleys. Relatively new to the market, you may have to pay more than you would for steel or aluminium.
Steel
The heaviest option, steel is a strong, durable and will feel lighter if mounted well on stable wheels.
Questions To Consider Before Buying
How much does it weigh?
You must consider that although it saves you carrying a bag, you still have to steer it around the course, up and down hills and lug it in and out of your car or a locker room. If it is an electric trolley, lead acid batteries can also be quite heavy to lift in and out of the car. However more electric trolleys now come with lithium batteries which are lighter, smaller and charge more quickly.
How do I control the speed?
Not a problem with a push trolley. Some electric models just have a basic on/off function with a pre-set level of power. Others have a speed dial that allows for a more progressive level of speed that you can easily control. Some top of the range electric trolleys also have a braking system for slowing the trolley when going down hills, which is a recommended if you play a hilly course or the weight of the trolley and bag on slopes is too much for you. There are also some remote controlled trolleys on the market that will allow you to send the trolley around the green while you walk over it, but at a healthy price!
How easy is it to assemble?
Most trolleys are either fold-up or three-piece detachable designs. Either way you should test out how easy it is to assemble and collapse. Some trolleys allow the wheels to be removed for easy storage and can make them much easier to transport.
Will it fit into my car?
Fairly elementary, but you do not want to choose a trolley that will struggle to fit into your car or locker? Most trolleys are designed with the idea that they will be stored in car boots and there are a variety of options for how the trolley folds and comes apart so try before you buy.
Is the handle the right height?
Make sure the handle of your push or electric it is suitable to your height, so that you wont have to bend to operate it, as that will do your back more harm that good. Some trolleys have adjustable handles for this purpose.
How long will the battery last?
Without the battery, your electric trolley will not go far. You should investigate the battery life of your trolley and how many holes it should run for. It is also important to find out how long it takes to recharge (this can vary from 2 hours to 10 hours) and decide whether you may need to buy a spare battery or a longer life battery if you play 2 rounds in quick succession.
Check the accessories
Most 3-wheel trolleys also come with a range of accessories and the umbrella holder is one we would heartily recommend as it is like have a personal caddy walking round with you to keep you dry. Others include drinks holders, GPS/Phone cradles, distance functions, scorecard holders, rain covers and even USB ports for charging phones.
The cost of these can add up and it is also worth checking how many of these you can have fitted on the trolley at the same time. More modern trolleys have some of these features built into the handle so you don't have to buy them as extras, so plan ahead and work out the total cost for the trolley and the features you want.