From there, the Clicgear cart has continued to improve the cart and it has reached almost a "cult" status where previous model owners will upgrade to the newest model as soon as it is released - even though the cart they have is perfectly fine. In a sense, the Clicgear cart has almost become the Apple iPhone of golf push carts.
New for 2013, the Clicgear 3.5+ Golf Push Cart is Clicgear’s latest model. Built for those of us who prefer to play golf the way it was meant to be played - by walking the golf course and taking in the surrounding while getting some actual exercise. The new 3.5+ push cart has some subtle improvements over Clicgear’s previous 3.0 model, including: a larger storage net, larger cup holder, an improved bag strap system, improved umbrella holder storage bracket, and an improved positive lock braking system. They didn’t reinvent the wheel this time around as they didn't have to it is already a great cart. Clicgear simply has taken what many have called “the best push cart” and maximized it’s potential… at least until version 4.0 is designed.
WHAT'S NEW?
You can’t roll out a new model without some modifications. While I didn’t expect the modifications to be extensive, I do think that they should be improvements, thus adding to the quality of the overall cart. Here are the changes for the Clicgear 3.5+:
- Increased Cargo Net Volume: It’s 80% larger! OK, that’s cool. More room to drop stuff in the net. I’d call that a plus. It’s not so huge that it gets in the way under the console, or that things get lost in its vastness.
- Improved Braking System: Visually the brake is the same, but the locking cogs are easier to engage. The pin is smaller and there are more cogs, so you are less likely to hit the dividers which at times happened in the past. Before it was just a little roll forward or backward to engage the brake, now it isn't necessary, it engages almost every time you flip the lever.
- Improved Umbrella Holder Storage Bracket: OK this one is reaching a bit. It works, and works better, no argument. However, I don’t use an umbrella and I actually leave the holder at home to prevent losing it and excess weight.
- Larger Adjustable Cup Holder: At first I was skeptical of the smaller size, wondering if I could get a Gatorade bottle in it, but what I found is that this one will hold both the skinny Gatorade bottles as well as the larger sized ones. Because of the spiral expansion design it will hold tight just about any size beverage container. (within reason) It also holds the beverage much tighter, thus reducing spills and possible drops.
- Improved Bag Strap System: This was the one thing that I was initially very puzzled about. The great thing about the previous clip systems was their adjustability. I thought it was pretty easy to adjust the strap length to match the diameter of the bag. The new hook and ring system definitely looks different, and guess what, it’s a better system. All of the adjusting is accomplished on the ring end, with the elastic cords sliding through and fastening on both the top and bottom of the ring. Pop the cords out, position the ring, and lock the cords back in place. It’s an easy system. If you always use the same bag, then you set it once and go. If you change bags all of the time like I do, the ease of adjustment is great.
Not only is the Clicgear 3.5+ lightweight, sturdy and compact(able), but it’s also packed with features that are thoughtfully placed and intuitive. Some features that caught our attention during testing were the upgraded braking system, center console and storage net.
SET UP:
VERDICT:
PRICE:
The Clicgear 3.5+ retails for $219.99 and at that price it is still worth it. For a limited time you can pick up one of these carts for $189.99 at Great Golf Deals.com or purchase on "Open Box" version for $179.99. If you're a walker and do not want to carry bags on your back, do yourself a favor and pick up this push cart - you will not be disappointed.