To be clear, I didn’t arrive at Bandon with anything unreasonable. I brought a Ping Hoofer loaded with 14 clubs—a very standard setup. As far as full-size carry bags go, the Hoofer is actually one of the more manageable options. Empty, it weighs just 5.5 pounds.

But that makes it a behemoth compared to this new El Camino Superlite. Empty, it’s just 3.2 pounds!

At Bandon, if your bag is too bulky or heavy, they’ll repack it into one of their stripped-down Caddie Services bags. But even those minimalist setups probably aren’t as light at this Sunday Golf bag.

Seriously, the El Camino Superlite is exactly that. It’s insanely light.

But… What do you think makes it so light? Obviously, you can expect features and functionality to be more limited. The Superlite is designed to carry only eight to 10 golf clubs, meaning at least four less than a complete set.

So, clearly, this isn’t a bag for every golfer or for every round.

But for the right golfer? And the right rounds? There’s a lot to like, at least in theory.

Now let’s see if it actually holds up.

First Impressions of the Sunday El Camino Superlite

Honestly, I can’t see anyone having but one first reaction to the El Camino Superlite:

You’re just not going to believe how light it is. I’m talking pick-it-up-empty-with-one-finger light. It’s crazy.

I don’t have any kind of advanced feel for weight or anything, but if you asked me how much this bag weighed, I think I’d guess even less than the actual 3.2 pounds. It just feels completely and totally feather-light.

I’ll get into using the Superlite on the course. But a quick teaser: When you combine this bag’s raw weight with a limited set of clubs and the comfort of backpack straps, it’s the easiest carry I’ve ever experienced.

The bag is made of nylon ripstop material, which not only makes it light but should protect it against tears. It feels a lot like the material of a modern camping tent. Super thin and light yet also strong.

And that brings me to my second main first impression: Price. Initially, I was surprised to see that the new El Camino Superlite is selling on Sunday’s site for $224.99. Not necessarily because I think that’s an unfair price.

It’s just that the Superlite only has capacity for eight to 10 clubs and has less overall storage than the regular El Camino, which can carry 10 to 12 clubs. And yet the normal El Camino sells for $199.99, or $25 less than the Superlite.

Note: You can use our Sunday Golf code BREAKING15 to save 15% off this, which definitely makes it more palatable.

So, we’re literally into a less-is-more proposition here. The Superlite gives you a bit less in functionality and yet is more expensive. However, that tells you that this ripstop material that is not on the regular El Camino is more premium.

As for the overall quality of touches like the zippers, pockets, and handles, they’re fine but by no means exceptional. This is still a sub-$250 golf bag. While I like the nylon ripstop, it’s not like this bag is equipped with the highest-quality materials and components. That’s not really the Sunday Golf model.

A 3.2-Pound Option for Eight to 10 Clubs

Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite Bag

$224.99

Not all rounds require all 14 clubs. And yet for some of those casual rounds you want more than what the most bare-bones Suday bags can deliver. This lightweight midsized eight-to-10-club option is perfect for the right scenarios. Use code BREAKING15 to save 15%!

Buy from Sunday Golf

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The Look and Feel of the El Camino Superlite

This is the fourth Sunday Golf bag I’ve reviewed (Loma, Ryder S-Class, Big Rig), and I’m rating it as in a tie with the Ryder-S as my favorite looking and feeling.

I haven’t personally seen the Ranger Bag, which I know Sean was a big fan of.

Again, I don’t want to give you the impression that this is the most handsome golf bag on the market. There are classier designs.

But, for Sunday, I think this El Camino Superlite actually looks really nice. I have the Gray-Blue-Black model, and while I don’t see any blue on it anywhere, I love the sleek, understated look.

And I personally think it’s a huge step up in looks from their even smaller Loma Bags.

I also appreciate how it’s not junked up with logos and branding. Even in the spots where Sunday adds its name, they blend in to the point of camouflage. That’s refreshing compared to some brands that really want to ram their logo down your throat.

One thing I noticed right away on the Superlite that’s not on the regular El Camino is the tee holder loops that are on the side of the bag. It looks like a gunslinger’s bullet belt. Personally, I don’t dig it. That’s just not how I’m going to carry my tees, and I wish it weren’t included. But that’s me.

Before I got the El Camino Superlite, I used my Sunday Loma bag for abbreviated rounds or quick trips to the range. I love it for carrying six or seven clubs, and empty it weighs only 1.95 pounds.

But because the Loma only has a single strap, and because when you carry a driver it gets very top-heavy and a little unwieldy, I’ve never found it to be quite right for full rounds.

So to have a little bit larger capacity with double backpack-style straps is a big deal for me. The Superlite all of the sudden feels like an actual functional Sunday bag. Something that I really can walk a full round with when I don’t feel the need to bring all 14 clubs.

And I’d rate the double strap experience with the Superlite as very good. I’ve had some issues with Sunday’s Ryder S-Class straps. Somehow they never quite feel like I’ve got them adjusted correctly, and they’re often getting twisted.

No such problem with this new Superlite, which is a very pleasant finding considering this is a bag designed exclusively for walking.

In fact, that brings up another point. This really isn’t a bag you’re going to use with a golf cart or pushcart. So it’s not the most versatile bag. The El Camino Superlite is very much for one specific style of golf: Casual walking.

The El Camino Superlite Pockets

The pocket configuration in the El Camino Superlite is the same as what you get with the standard El Camino.

The one notable difference is that with the regular El Camino, one of the side pockets is insulated (what Sunday Golf calls their “Frosty Pocket”) so that you can stash a few beverages.

On the El Camino Superlite, that same-sized pocket is just a general use pocket. You can still throw a drink or two in there, but don’t expect them to stay cold for long, especially in the heat.

I’m guessing this is one of the design decisions that helped shave the bag down to the 3.2-pound target.

And honestly, I think it’s a fair trade. If I really need cold drinks, I’ll wave down the beverage cart. I’d rather save the weight.

The apparel pocket on the Superlite is large enough to hold a small extra layer, but don’t plan on bringing much.

The ball pocket is right where it should be: front and center, big enough for a sleeve or two plus a few extras. Again, no overkill here. You’ll learn quickly that this bag rewards you for leaving behind anything you don’t really need.

There’s also a velour-lined valuables pocket, which I appreciate. And it’s actually a bit larger than I expected in this kind of bag. It’s deep enough to feel secure without being a black hole that you have to fish around in.

Beyond that, you’ve got a mesh pocket and an easy-access rangefinder pouch.

And there’s a Velcro patch where you can stick your glove, which has become pretty standard on most golf bags nowadays.

I mentioned earlier that I’m not a huge fan of the exterior tee loops along the side of the bag. Just give me a small pouch or a zip pocket for that stuff. But if you like the visual of a row of tee heads lined up, knock yourself out.

Overall, the pocket situation is well thought-out, just not luxurious. It feels just right for what this bag is trying to be.

What I Don’t Like About the Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite

Beyond the tee holder thing (a very minor annoyance; not a big deal), the possible issues I have with the El Camino Superlite fall into two categories: price and durability.

Let’s start with the price. At $225, this bag is priced $25 higher than the regular El Camino, even though it arguably gives you less. You lose a bit of capacity, and yet you’re paying more for it.

Now, I get it. The ripstop nylon is a more premium, technical material, and shaving down weight takes design work. But when you hold the Superlite next to the standard El Camino, it doesn’t immediately feel like the more expensive option. And I think that could be a tough sell for some buyers.

Although I guess this is also true across the world of outdoor activities: lighter > more expensive.

My second hesitation is about durability over time. This ripstop material is strong in terms of resisting tears, but it’s thin and minimal by design. It feels more like outdoor gear fabric than what you’d find on most golf bags.

And while I haven’t had any issues yet, I do wonder how it’ll hold up after a full season of travel, trunk time, sun exposure, and regular use.

The stand system is also fine, but there’s something about the legs that I don’t quite like. They sit a little too vertical or tall for me unless I manually kick them out a bit more to make the bag sit lower.

Finally, I’ll just say that this bag is unapologetically niche. It’s not versatile. It’s not designed to be your only bag. You’re not going to use it with a pushcart or golf cart, most likely.

None of these things are dealbreakers. But they’re worth knowing before you buy. This is a specialty product, and it’s excellent at what it’s designed to do. Just don’t expect it to be more than that.

One bag I’d also consider if you like the idea of a smaller Sunday carry bag, is the Jones Players series. Similar weight, not as feature heavy, but definitely has wins for bonus style points.

A 3.2-Pound Option for Eight to 10 Clubs

Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite Bag

$224.99

Not all rounds require all 14 clubs. And yet for some of those casual rounds you want more than what the most bare-bones Suday bags can deliver. This lightweight midsized eight-to-10-club option is perfect for the right scenarios. Use code BREAKING15 to save 15%!

Buy from Sunday Golf

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Making the Case for a Midsize Golf Bag

I mentioned that I’ve enjoyed using Sunday Golf’s Loma bag, their smallest and lightest. But I’ve found applicable use cases to be somewhat limited.

I’m all in on the romanticism of playing golf with a Sunday bag. It’s a great casual option or for when you’re playing shorter courses that don’t require all of the shots.

But let’s face it: For us hardcore golfers, we need a bag that’s comfortable and functional. And for as much as I like the idea of carrying a Sunday bag, it sometimes ends up being a better idea than a reality.

I also know that I do not need to carry a full set of 14 clubs for every round I play. Seriously, there are times where I look back over several rounds and realize that there are clubs I hardly ever pull.

So, why carry all of them all the time?

I’m not talking about your most important rounds or when you really want to play your best. For that, you want every tool available to you.

But not every round is like that.

For me, I have plenty of rounds of golf where I’d love to lighten my load, but I also don’t want to accept the limitations of a really small Sunday bag.

Which is why I think a midsize option like this El Camino Superlite is a perfect addition to a golf bag collection.

8 to 10 clubs is just right for me when I want to play casually. That still allows me all of my key clubs without some of the long irons or fairway woods that are unlikely to even get used.

In fact, in the two nine-hole rounds I’ve played so far with the Superlite, I really don’t think I’ve lost a single shot. Over time, that would change. If you’re serious about golf, there are definitely going to be times where you call upon each one of your clubs to post your best score.

But in the short run, I’ve found it very easy to choke down, or club up, or punch out with a different-lofted club than normal.

It’s actually really fun to play golf with a limited set. It introduces more creativity. Kind of gets at the essence of the game.

Final Thoughts on the El Camino Superlite Golf Bag

What Sunday Golf has done with the El Camino Superlite is carve out a very specific lane. And, for the most part, they’ve nailed it.

This is a purpose-built bag for the walking golfer who wants to lighten up, simplify, and still feel organized and comfortable.

It offers more than the smallest Sunday bags, which makes it much more practical for regular use, but it’s lighter than larger stand bag alternatives.

Is it the most premium bag on the market? No. Is it the most versatile? Also no. But is it incredibly functional and satisfying in the exact context it’s designed for? I’ve got to say, absolutely.

For quick loops, casual rounds, or just any time you’re looking to carry less, this bag delivers a great experience.

Would I want the El Camino Superlite as my only golf bag? No, not me personally. I need a bag that will carry all 14 clubs for at least some of my rounds.

But do I love now having this in my arsenal? More than I expected, actually. And I think it’s going to get a lot more use in these upcoming summer months than I ever considered when I first learned about this bag.

A 3.2-Pound Option for Eight to 10 Clubs

Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite Bag

$224.99

Not all rounds require all 14 clubs. And yet for some of those casual rounds you want more than what the most bare-bones Suday bags can deliver. This lightweight midsized eight-to-10-club option is perfect for the right scenarios. Use code BREAKING15 to save 15%!

Buy from Sunday Golf

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, we may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post Sunday Golf El Camino Superlite Bag: The Easiest Carry I’ve Ever Experienced appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Not because I don’t respect the Golden Bear. Quite the opposite. Jack Nicklaus is arguably the greatest to ever play the game, and his name deserves all the reverence it gets.

And it wasn’t because I don’t respect Stix. Again, totally opposite. They’ve legitimized what used to be the impossible prospect of a beginner set of golf clubs actually being of high enough quality to be taken seriously.

My hesitation came from a different place. I’d seen these clubs before.

Literally. I had.

Because when you strip away the fresh branding and iconic Golden Bear logo, what you’re left with is essentially a dressed-up version of the Stix Play Series, a set of clubs that Sean already reviewed here on Breaking Eighty.

So, when tasked with this review, I found myself wondering: What’s left to say? What can I offer that hasn’t already been covered, especially when we’re dealing with gear that, aside from some cosmetic tweaks, is basically the same under the hood?

Turns out, quite a bit.

Because this rebranding isn’t just about looks. It’s about positioning. And for the right golfer, that positioning might actually make all the difference.

Let me explain and maybe help you decide if the new Stix Nicklaus Collection is worth your consideration.

Rebranding the Beginner Experience

Let’s start with the obvious: The Nicklaus Collection is not a technological leap forward for Stix. It’s not a new generation of clubs. It is, functionally, the same DNA as the Play Series.

Meaning, with Stix, we’ve still got the OG Perform Series clubs that are generally for a more experienced golfer and include more customization options. And then we’ve got what used to be called the Play Series, a set tailored specifically for beginners, only now they’re calling it the Nicklaus Collection and have juiced up the look with a bunch of Golden Bear logos and Jack’s signature.

And that’s actually OK.

Because here’s the thing—Stix didn’t need to overhaul the Play Series. That line was already well-built, thoughtfully composed, and targeted at the true beginner and high-handicap player to great effect.

Sean has commented about the Play Series giving the new golfer literally everything they need to get into the game. And I agree. The Play Series blew away all of the other crap-by-comparison beginner sets.

Now, what Stix has done with the Nicklaus Collection is take that platform and wrap it in emotional appeal. Jack’s name brings heritage and confidence to a segment of golf gear that often feels like an afterthought. Beginner clubs tend to look cheap and feel worse. This set doesn’t.

So yes, this is a rebrand. But I think it’s a smart one. Because, for the right golfer, I think this set doesn’t just look better, it feels better. Not in your hands, necessarily (we’ll get to that), but in your head.

And for beginners, that matters.

On the other hand, there’s a type of beginner golfer for whom this whole change will be a total turnoff. For one thing, as time marches on, younger and likely beginner golfers are becoming more and more unfamiliar with the Nicklaus legend.

And the other thing is that with this rebrand, Stix has taken a set that was already “loud” visually and cranked the speaker to 11 with no shortage of in-your-face logos. So for shy golfers looking to avoid attention, they’re going to at least need to ditch the Nicklaus Collection-issued headcovers. But we’ll get to that.

Still the Best Complete Set for Beginners

Stix Nicklaus Essentials 10-Club Set - Save $50 with code BE50!

$699

The best complete beginner's set now has a major (or 18 of them) association. But the updated aesthetics won't be for everyone, but this remains one of the best "first sets" in golf. Use code BE50 to save $50.

Buy from Stix

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

What You Get with the Stix Nicklaus Collection

Before we get into how these clubs actually perform and a bit more about the overall Nicklaus-inspired aesthetic, let’s start with what comes in the bag. Because, yes, the bag is included. I’ll talk in a minute about the look and feel of that component.

The Nicklaus Collection is offered in three different configurations:

• Nicklaus Essentials Set (10 clubs) – $699
• Nicklaus Women’s Set (10 clubs) – $899
• Nicklaus Compete Set (14 clubs) – $1,499

For this review, I tested the Nicklaus Essentials Set, which includes:

• Driver
• 3 Wood
• 4 Hybrid
• 6-9 Irons
• Pitching Wedge
• 56-degree Wedge
• Putter

That’s 10 clubs designed to cover all the key distances and provide a full spectrum of gapping for newer players or anyone looking for a simplified setup.

The clubs are available in both right- and left-handed configurations, with fixed specs per set.

The Women’s Set features a similar 10-club build but includes a higher-lofted fairway wood and an additional hybrid. It also comes standard with lightweight graphite shafts throughout the set, which helps explain the higher price point.

We’ll have a full review of that set coming soon.

Aesthetics: It’s Kind of a Lot of Golden Bear

I think to rock this bag and set of headcovers with confidence you’re going to have to love you some Jack Nicklaus. Because otherwise, man, the whole Golden Bear thing is going to be a bit much.

Let’s be real: Jack Nicklaus isn’t in the Stix design lab tweaking CG or bounce angles. His name is on this collection as a branding play, and Stix is definitely aiming to get the most of this licensing agreement. They definitely lean into the visual identity.

You get clean stainless steel irons with chrome-plated steel shafts (just like the Play Series) instead of the blacked-out look from the Perform Series. The driver, woods, and hybrid are the same sleek, modern profile.

But what’s different are the Nicklaus touches. The Golden Bear logo on the putter face, a signature and logo on each club shaft, the bear on each headcover and on both sides of the bag… Like, it’s a lot of Golden Bear.

I think some people are going to think it looks awesome, while others find it to be too much.

Personally, I’m most interested in the clubs themselves. If I’m playing this set, I might be opting for at least different headcovers and possibly an entirely different bag. But I’ve been playing golf for a long time, and I know what I like. A beginner may be completely fine with this and see it as a nice, organized look.

I’ll get into the club performance, but first, about the bag. It’s the same one you would have gotten with the Stix Play Series, only now with more gold and more bear. Which is to say that it’s a nice, functional bag. Since we first reviewed it with other Stix sets, we’ve found it to be better than we expected.

The zippers aren’t super robust. The pockets are minimal. The backpack shoulder straps aren’t incredibly well-padded. This isn’t a Vessel bag by any stretch. But it does the job. It’s lightweight and (assuming the aesthetics don’t bug you) a perfect first golf bag.

Out on the Course for a Club-by-Club Breakdown

Driver

Sean really liked the Play Series driver for its draw bias and found that it legitimately tamped down his wicked slice.

Me? I draw (often hook) the ball. And consequently, I’m not quite as psyched about this club. I did not hit it particularly well.

But for a beginner? It’s a 10.5-degree, simple, forgiving, confidence-inspiring-at-address driver. No adjustability here. No multi-material crown. No low-spin rocket launcher tech. Just a solid clubhead paired with a lightweight graphite shaft that does what it’s supposed to do: help you get the ball airborne and reasonably straight.

The distance is decent, launch is easy, and sound is more muted than metallic, which I prefer. You won’t be bragging about ball speed, but you won’t be dreading the tee shot either.

Fairway Woods and Hybrid

So you get a 3 wood and a 4 hybrid, which I think is a great combo for a beginner set. As you’d expect, the 3 wood is the tougher of the two to hit. But, relatively speaking, I actually found it pretty easy to get good results with a smooth, slower-tempo swing.

The 4 hybrid, in my opinion, is a star. Easy to launch, straight as anything, and versatile from the tee or turf.

If you’re a beginner, this might end up being your favorite club in the bag.

Irons (6-9, PW)

These stainless steel cavity backs are exactly what a newer golfer needs. Thick topline, generous sole width, and enough offset to help square the face. The steel shaft adds a nice bit of feedback and consistency you often don’t get in budget sets that go full graphite.

I actually really like these irons. No, they aren’t super buttery like a Mizuno. But they’re not clicky either. Good strikes feel stable, mishits don’t sting, and the distances are predictable.

Honestly, if these were your first irons when you got introduced to the game, you’d be playing clubs that are better than what Jack Nicklaus himself started with.

56-Degree Wedge

Basic but effective. There’s enough bounce to help you out of bunkers, and the wide sole keeps it friendly around the greens. Chances are, you won’t be opening it up for flop shots or trying to shape spinny pitches.

Putter

The same blade-style head from the original Stix lineup makes an appearance here, but with a few upgrades. The alignment aid is now a single, extended line (instead of the Stix logo), and the branding has been updated with Nicklaus details.

Performance-wise, it’s solid. The weight feels balanced, and it actually features a beautifully milled face. The roll is consistent.

Look, I’m not saying you’re going to throw your Scotty Cameron in the trash in favor of this thing. But, honestly, I could see even some seasoned golfers giving this putter a chance at winning a spot in their bag. It’s legit. Maybe even great, considering the price point.

Who These Clubs Are (and Aren’t) For

Let’s get this out of the way: the Nicklaus Collection is not for everyone.

That’s probably obvious. If you’re already carrying a single-digit handicap, working with a coach, or tweaking your swing path using a launch monitor, these probably aren’t the sticks for you. The Nicklaus set doesn’t have the workability or feedback an advanced player typically wants.

I see these clubs as right for the kind of golfer who’s buying a first or second set, doesn’t want to overthink gaps or shafts, plays a few times a month (or a few times a year), and just wants something that looks sharp, feels solid, and gets the ball in the air.

Because here’s the thing: If that’s you, you’re not going to find higher quality for a comparable price. You’re just not. Stix has got this beginner set thing on lockdown.

I’d also argue that there’s a pretty big sweet spot of potential buyers here. Parents buying for teenage kids. Partners buying a gift for a casual golfer. Retired folks getting back into the game. Golfers who are returning after a long layoff. I think a wide range of golfers would benefit from these.

I didn’t test the Nicklaus women’s version personally, but on paper, the same logic applies. What’s especially nice is that the women’s 10-club set includes two hybrids and two woods, which is exactly how most women’s sets should be built. More loft, more forgiveness, fewer long irons equals a smarter bag makeup.

Nicklaus vs. the Rest: Should You Buy ‘Em?

One of the biggest questions new golfers face is pretty simple: Where do I even start?

Do you go all-in with a set from a big brand like Callaway, TaylorMade, or Cobra, hoping to get that performance edge and long-term value?

Do you start scavenging through Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace trying to piece together something decent and affordable?

Or do you just keep it simple, grab a ready-to-roll setup like the Nicklus Collection, and hit the course?

It’s a real decision. And, personally, I think the Stix Nicklaus set is the right answer for most beginners.

The problem with the big-brand boxed beginner sets is that, well, they often pretty much suck. Yes, you get a full setup, plus a bag and headcovers. But the quality is suspect. A lot of them have that very “starter kit” vibe.

Then you’ve got the used market route. For golf nerds, it can be a goldmine. If you’ve got time, patience, and enough knowledge to know what to look for, you can piece together an amazing set. But it’s not easy. It takes digging. It takes research. And if you’re new to the game, trying to figure out loft gaps, shaft flex, and lie angles? It’s overwhelming.

And that’s what makes the Nicklaus Collection a pretty compelling third option. It doesn’t pretend to be a tour-level setup. But it offers legitimate quality and performance. Seriously. If a beginner knew any better, they’d be stoked to be playing clubs this good.

As for the look, that might end up being polarizing. Maybe you’ll love it. Maybe you’ll hate it. My advice: Don’t let that be the deciding factor.

First of all, these aren’t clubs you’re meant to own forever. It’s temporary and a good proving set to see if you’re even going to stick with this golf thing.

Secondly, you can always swap out headcovers (or skip them altogether).

The bottom line is that the look shouldn’t be such a big deal that it stops you from getting in on a good thing.

And honestly, if the Golden Bear is a turn off? Go back to the traditional Stix Clubs.

Circling back to where we started. I said earlier that this rebranding isn’t about performance upgrades. It’s about positioning. And I think that matters.

When you’re new to the game, confidence is everything. Standing over the ball with clubs that feel legitimate is a bigger deal than people may realize. Add the name Nicklaus to that equation, and you’re suddenly part of something that feels a little more legit.

No, Jack didn’t design these clubs. But if his name on the bag helps a beginner feel like they belong on the course, that’s worth something. That’s the power of positioning. And, overall, I think Stix got it right.

If I’m shopping for a beginner golfer, or I’m the beginner, I’m going with the Nickalus Collection. Stix is still tops to me in this corner of the golf club world.

Still the Best Complete Set for Beginners

Stix Nicklaus Essentials 10-Club Set - Save $50 with code BE50!

$699

The best complete beginner's set now has a major (or 18 of them) association. But the updated aesthetics won't be for everyone, but this remains one of the best "first sets" in golf. Use code BE50 to save $50.

Buy from Stix

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, we may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post Stix Nicklaus Golf Clubs Review: A Fantastic First Set of Clubs appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

When I first heard about the Pinned Prism+, my expectations weren’t exactly sky-high.

That’s not a knock on Pinned the brand. Actually, when I look at their whole approach to golf—fun, stylish, modern gear at prices that don’t make your wallet cry—I’m pulling for them.

Their thing is bringing personality to golf tech. And what’s wrong with that?

But at the end of the day, good looks and fashion sense only get you so far.

I assumed the Prism+ was going to be one of these “style over substance” products. A cool design, a couple of clever marketing angles, maybe a solid enough rangefinder experience, but nothing game-changing.

Turns out, I was wrong.

There’s a lot more to Prism+ than meets the eye.

In fact, after spending a round with it, I realized this rangefinder actually has some firepower I didn’t expect.

Most notably, it’s got one feature you very rarely see outside of high-end, $400-plus models.

That feature? 7x magnification plus the bonus of a very sweet 4K OLED display.

And once I started looking through that viewfinder, I found myself asking a simple question:

Why don’t more rangefinders do this?

First Impressions of the Pinned Prism+

The very first thing you’ll notice about the Prism+ is the color.

Actually, colors—plural.

Pinned offers this model in seven different solid-color options: Red, Navy, White, Black, Green, Pink, and even a USA-themed red/white/blue edition.

Mine is a bold and attention-grabbing red.

And you know what? I’m cool with it. In a sea of black-and-gray rangefinders, big color is a welcome addition.

I don’t think anyone would argue that Pinned is going for a traditional aesthetic. It’s clear who they’re talking to with this product: younger golfers, casual players, anyone who lean towards hoodies over polos.

But here’s the thing: I think the look works. It doesn’t feel gimmicky. It feels intentional. Modern. Clean. Even kind of classy in its own loud way.

The build quality? Better than expected.

It’s not Bushnell-tier (few things are), and I’d still put the Voice Caddie TL1 or Precision Pro Titan Elite ahead of it in terms of overall materials.

But the Prism+ doesn’t feel cheap. It feels solid in the hand, and I love the fact that everything is controlled with just one, big button on the top.

Also, the case has a unique magnetic closure that’s genuinely useful.

Still, none of that prepared me for what I saw when I actually looked through the viewfinder.

7x Magnification for Only $259.99

Pinned Golf Prism+ Rangefinder

$259.99

The beautiful display with 7x magnification and 4K OLED is the headline here with this otherwise mid-tier rangefinder.

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A Stunning Display With 7x Magnification

This is the part that caught me off guard.

You know how most mid-range rangefinders top out at 6x magnification? That’s kind of the industry standard unless you’re spending Pro X3 money.

Well, the Prism+ ups the ante with 7x magnification, and it makes a big difference.

Target acquisition feels easier. The visuals are clearer. And when you pair that with the 4K OLED red display, the experience inside the viewfinder feels premium.

Way more premium than its $260 price tag would suggest.

This might actually be my favorite thing about the Prism+. Not just the magnification, but the entire optical experience. The red lettering/numbering just pops nicely against any background, and the adjustable brightness (five levels) means it works just as well in bright sun as it does at twilight.

I’ve used rangefinders that cost twice as much and didn’t look this good through the lens.

Look, on paper, the difference between 6x and 7x doesn’t seem huge. But out on the course? It’s a different story.

That extra bit of zoom makes it easier to pick up the flag from longer distances or in trickier lighting. And if you’ve ever accidentally lasered a tree behind the green, you’ll appreciate how much easier it is to lock in on what you actually want to hit.

I also found myself using it to scout bunkers and layup zones. That added clarity can actually help you reconsider strategy when you can see more detail of the consequences you’ll face.

So yeah, 7x magnification is not just a spec on the back of the box. And that’s what makes it such a surprising value in the Prism+.

That said, there’s one small visual annoyance…

The Viewfinder Logo (Why Is It There?)

Pinned decided to include their logo inside the viewfinder display.

It’s small. It’s subtle. But it’s always there, floating just above the numbers like a digital watermark.

And I have to ask: why?

It doesn’t really interfere in any way, but it does feel unnecessary and a little distracting at first. And for someone who places a ton of credence in an uncluttered viewfinder – this was just a poor design decision.

It’s not a dealbreaker, but if Pinned asked for my feedback, I’d say drop the logo in the next version. The display is gorgeous. Let it shine.

Other Things the Pinned Does Well

The Prism+ holds its own function-wise. And for $260, I’m starting to see some significant value.

It’s not the absolute fastest I’ve used (Cobalt and Bushnell are still the kings there), but it’s solidly quick. Lock-on speed is reliable and consistent.

In side-by-side testing, the Prism+ stayed within 1-2 yards of the Voice Caddie TL1, which I’ve never had any reason to doubt its accuracy.

It’s got USB-C charging with a claimed 65-70 round battery life. That’s better than average. Most rechargeables top out around 40 or 50 rounds.

I’m still partial to good ol’ CR2s, but I get why a lot of golfers prefer rechargeable. And if that’s you, the Prism+ nails this implementation.

There’s a magnet on the side of the rangefinder, which makes cart attachment simple. It’s strong, but not Bushnell-strong. Still, strong enough.

There’s a physical switch on the side for turning slope mode on and off. It’s a little hard to tell which position means what, but the switch is there and it works.

Where the Pinned Prism+ Falls Short

As much as I’ve enjoyed using this rangefinder, it’s not perfect.

You get vibration when you lock onto the flag, but it’s… underwhelming. Compared to the tactile confirmation of a Bushnell, the Prism+ feels like a missed opportunity here.

It works, but sometimes you second-guess whether you actually felt the vibration. I actually find that more annoying than you might think.

You also don’t get a slope delta in the display. Yes, the Prism+ gives you slope-adjusted yardages. But it doesn’t tell you how much up or down you’re playing. You just see the raw number and then the adjusted number.

Not a huge deal. Most of us can do the quick math. But competitors commonly show you the delta either in degrees or yards, which feels more informative and polished.

You also don’t get any extra features with the Prism+. If you’re someone who wants triangulation, GPS integration, or club recommendations, this isn’t the device for you.

This is a laser rangefinder, period. No bells. No whistles. Just a number and go.

And that’s what holds it back from being a product you’re going to hear people scream about from the rooftops.

In an age when we’re getting bombarded with innovations—things like our rangefinders interacting with our launch monitors and our golf watches and phones for more and more immersive experiences—the Prism+ almost feels old-fashioned but with a very new-fashioned color scheme.

But hey, if all you need is a rock-solid rangefinder, the Prism+ does the job very well.

About the Prism+ Case

Quick sidebar here because I think it’s worth mentioning.

The carrying case for the Prism+ is actually really clever.

Instead of a zipper or a toggle closure, it’s held shut by a strong magnet that runs the length of the opening. It seals tight, opens quickly, and just feels nice to use.

I wonder if we’ll see more rangefinders ditch the zipper for a similar magnetic setup.

Comparing It to the Market

This is where the Prism+ gets really interesting.

At $260, it lands right in that mid-tier rangefinder market where there’s no shortage of competition.

But its 7x magnification immediately gives it an edge most people aren’t expecting. The only other one I’ve tested under $300 is the MGI SureShot, which has a very nice and unique form factor, but lacks the OLED display of the Pinned.

Still, I think the Prism+ runs into some issues when you consider some of the devices that you can pick up for around the same price.

A couple of those options are rangefinders that retail for $400 or more but that, through sales and discount codes, you can pick up for around what you’d pay for the Prism+.

The Voice Caddie TL1 has a dual OLED display and fantastic build quality. It also typically retails for $449, but Breaking Eighty readers can get it for $280, which puts it in direct competition with the Prism+.

That’s a tough battle.

The TL1 has better optics overall and arguably stronger branding (Voice Caddie has built a rep). But it only has 6x magnification. And for as good as the Prism+ red optics look, the dual color green/red combo on the TL1 is admittedly tough to beat.

The Precision Pro Titan Elite is another one that stands in the way.

It’s Precision Pro’s best rangefinder yet. And includes GPS integration, meaning you get your front, middle, and back green distances alongside your pin reading. That’s a feature you typically only find in $600-plus rangefinders.

The Titan Elite retails for $399, but you can occasionally find it on sale for $349, which is a good deal on a high tech, very well build device.

So just with those two quick examples (and there are others), you can see the hard road that the Prism+ has ahead of it. Fact is, you can get more features for about the same money.

But that 7x is pretty sweet!

Who This Rangefinder Is For

This one’s easy.

The Pinned Prism+ is for golfers who:

• Appreciate modern design and bright colors
• Want great optics without spending $500-plus
• Don’t need GPS or hybrid features
• Want a balance of simplicity and premium feel
• Are intrigued by a rangefinder that looks cool and also performs

And honestly? That’s a pretty big group.

So maybe it’s not such a tough road for the Prism+ after all. If you’re looking for a “best bang for your buck” candidate and value crystal-clear visuals and magnification above all else, the Prism+ is going to be a very appealing option.

Who It’s Not For

If you want a device that syncs with your phone, tells you wind speed, or gives you carry distance data from your last range session, this is not the rangefinder for you.

The Prism+ doesn’t want to be that kind of rangefinder. But believe it or not, you can find all of those things available on 2025’s rangefinder menu.

Also, if ultra-premium build quality is your dealbreaker, and you want something tank-like like a Bushnell Pro X3+? Spend the extra cash and go that route.

Final Thoughts on the Pinned Golf Prism+

There are a lot of rangefinders on the market right now. Probably too many.

And in a space that’s gotten really crowded, it’s easy to write off any new model as “just another laser with a magnet.”

I almost did that with the Prism+. At first glance, I figured the Prism+ was going to be a fashion-first device. The kind of rangefinder that looks great in an Instagram post but ends up collecting dust in the gear closet. And I would’ve been wrong.

Because while the looks are the first thing you notice, what really sets this thing apart is the view through the lens. That combination of 7x magnification and OLED clarity makes using it genuinely fun.

It’s one of those rare budget-ish rangefinders that punches above its weight class in at least one very tangible, very noticeable way.

Is it perfect? No.

The vibration feedback is weak. It doesn’t show slope deltas. And the viewfinder logo still makes me shake my head.

But at $259.99, it’s a compelling package.

For me, despite loving the 7x magnification, I’d probably still spend the extra $20 on the TL1. That device is just so good in every way, and it’s continued to be the one I use most often.

But if you’re someone who wants a rangefinder that looks different, feels modern, and delivers a seriously good visual experience, the Pinned Prism+ is worth a long look.

7x Magnification for Only $259.99

Pinned Golf Prism+ Rangefinder

$259.99

The beautiful display with 7x magnification and 4K OLED is the headline here with this otherwise mid-tier rangefinder.

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The post Pinned Prism+ Rangefinder Review: 7x Magnification on a Budget? Nice. appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

This humble piece of turf is more than just a surface to hit from. It can determine how accurate your data is, how realistic your practice feels, and how long you can play without risking injury.

Not all golf mats are created equal, and the differences between them can be dramatic. Size, price, material, and performance are all factors you need to consider carefully.

A good mat should provide accurate feedback, feel as close to real grass as possible, and protect your body from the repetitive impact of practicing.

The wrong mat, on the other hand, can give you misleading data, wear out too quickly, and even cause joint pain.

In this post, you’ll see the name Fiberbuilt come up a lot. And for good reason. They’ve set the industry standard for golf mats.

But as the premium option, Fiberbuilt’s products are a bit spendy for some people. If you’re working on a tighter budget, don’t worry. There are still excellent alternatives available.

As always, finding the right fit for you depends on your specific situation. As you’re reading through this list of recommendations, keep these questions in mind:

• Are you looking for an indoor-only golf mat, or do you need something that can also be used outside?
• How committed are you to your golf practice setup? Do you want to pay more for something that’s going to last you for years, or are you OK with a stop-gap solution that might save you money but wear out a little faster?
• Are you a “picker” or a “digger”? Depending on whether you have a shallow or steep angle of attack may dictate how important a forgiving surface will be for your health. If you dig into the turf, too hard of a mat may lead to injury.

What Is a Golf Hitting Mat?

Just in case you’re brand new to golf…

A golf hitting mat is a specifically designed surface that allows golfers to hit golf shots away from the actual golf course.

You’ve probably seen them at most driving ranges. They’re typically used when the ground is too wet or has gone dormant in the off season. The golf course will require golfers to hit off of the mats to allow the natural grass hitting areas to recover.

Mats are often very unpopular. Many golfers hate them. Some refuse to use them, choosing to just skip range sessions if they are limited to hitting off of mats.

That bad name that mats have gotten has mostly to do with the really poor-quality variety. Golf courses are running a business. Many of them cheap out when it comes to outfitting their ranges with hitting mats.

That leads to a lot of bad experiences where golfers are hitting off of surfaces so hard that they feel like concrete.

Or the opposite. Surfaces that are so squishy that it’s like hitting out of a swamp.

In either case, the common complaint is that mats don’t feel anything like the real grass out on the course.

But good golf hitting mats actually do replicate natural turf. At least to an extent. You’re never going to get divots hitting off of a mat, of course. But there are mats that really do accurately mimic the club-turf interactions you’d encounter out on the real golf course.

The trick is to know which golf mats are worth owning. That’s especially true for more and more golfers now that so many people are building their own indoor golf simulator spaces.

If you’re planning an indoor golf setup, a hitting mat isn’t just some annoyance at the driving range during the offseason. It’s a very important part of achieving the kind of setup you can use all day and night, just as you’ve envisioned in your golf simulator dreams!

So, let’s make sure you get it right. There are so many choices available, but I’ve narrowed it down to what I think are the options that are actually worth owning.

Here are the 8 best golf mats of 2025. No matter the size of your space or the amount in your budget, there’s an option for you on this list.

Best Golf Hitting Mat for Most People: Fiberbuilt Performance Turf Series

If it says Fiberbuilt, it’s worth owning.

This company, far more than any other, is obsessive about getting their golf mats right. They go to incredible lengths to ensure that the synthetic turf behaves just like real grass.

That means that the club-turf interaction mimics what you’d get out on the course. Which means that if you’re using an accurate golf launch monitor and a Fiberbuilt mat, you can actually trust the data.

With cheaper golf hitting mats, the mat will either be too hard or too soft. In either instance, the ball will contact the clubface either too low or too high on the clubface, which results in data that isn’t reflective of what you’d see when hitting off of real grass.

On top of all that, Fiberbuilt’s mats are built to last. Each mat has a layer of rubber tiles in a tray under the mat. That provides stability and shock absorption. Most golf mats have a foam layer underneath, attached to the mat with glue. Fiberbuilt’s solution is much better for injury prevention and durability.

The Performance Turf Series is Fiberbuilt’s entry-level turf. Which, of course, means it’s the most affordable. You can do better than the Performance Turf, and we’ll get into that below. But for the highest number of users, this mat is going to be just right. It’s far better than cheaper options, and yet it’s not quite the bank-breaker of the highest-end choices.

The Performance Turf is engineered to replicate the feel and behavior of a bentgrass fairway.

Another bonus with the Performance Turf Series is that you can use real tees with this type of mat! There are very few golf mats for which it’s an option to use the same golf tees that you’d use outdoors.

Best Golf Mat for Most People

Fiberbuilt Performance Turf Series Golf Mat

We continue to be impressed by Fiberbuilt mats, and when it comes to a premium hitting or practice surface - this is where we most often tell people to go.

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Best Indoor-Only Golf Mat: Sigpro Softy

Overall build quality and engineering might not be up to the level of a Fiberbuilt mat, but there is a lot to like about the Sigpro Softy. It’s a popular option for good reason.

One thing I like is that it’s very customizable. There are multiple size options, and you can even purchase strip extensions to help with things like keeping a radar golf launch monitor on the same height level as your hitting surface.

This is a durable mat that’s going to allow for thousands of shots. And it includes a replaceable hitting strip, so that you can always cycle through strips when one wears out without having to replace the whole mat.

For indoor users, this is a solid alternative to “Best Golf Hitting Mat for Most People.” I think the nod still goes to the Fiberbuilt Performance Turf, but the Sigpro Softy does have some advantages.

Best Indoor Only Mat

SIGPRO 4' x 7' Golf Mat

$999+

It's not cheap, but it's one of the most popular indoor hitting mats for a reason. I still generally lean Fiberbuilt, but this is a fantastic option as well.

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Best Golf Mat with Multiple Hitting Surfaces: Fiberbuilt Grass Series

One of the coolest things about Fiberbuilt mats is that they make them to mimic different types of grass. So not only are you getting the beyond-a-doubt highest-quality mat, but you can tailor your experience to what matches your most typical outdoor rounds.

The Fiberbuilt Grass Series mats are meant to replicate a zoysia grass fairway. If you’ve played on zoysia, you know that the ball tends to sit up a bit higher, and that’s exactly what you get with the Grass Series mats.

Another huge advantage of the Grass Series is that these are Fiberbuilt’s most durable mats. They guarantee them for up to 300,000 shots from the same divot area. That’s insane! That alone is reason enough to buy with confidence. With cheaper mats, you’re not going to anything even remotely close to that kind of durability.

And if you still need more reason, the Fiberbuilt Grass Series is also designed as the company’s most injury-preventive hitting surface. So, yeah, your body might actually be able to hold up for those 300,000-plus golf shots.

Fiberbuilt offers their Grass Series as a 1-foot-wide hitting strip in multiple configurations. You can get a mat that has a strip in the center of the mat, allowing for both right-handed and left-handed use. Or you can choose an option with a strip on either side of the mat, or one that has a Grass Series strip on both sides of the mat. Each Grass Series hitting strip includes six tee holes spaced across the mat.

For these Fiberbuilt mats that include the Grass Series strips, the rest of the mat is made up of Fiberbuilt’s Performance Turf, meaning you get the added benefit of having two hitting surface options within one mat.

Fiberbuilt Grass Series Hitting Mat

Looking for an option that simulates multiple different types of grass? The Grass Series from Fiberbuilt is definitely the way to go.

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Best Golf Mat to Simulate Intermediate Rough: The Country Club First Cut Golf Mat by Real Feel Golf Mats

One thing about golf mats is that almost all of them are designed to mimic fairway conditions. In fact, with most of them, the artificial turf height is so low it’s like hitting off of a putting green.

But if your game is anything like mine, you play plenty of your golf shots from the rough. So why not get some practice in from a surface that better replicates those conditions?

The Country Club First Cut Golf Mat won’t give you the feel of the gnarly deep stuff, but its turf pile is higher than normal, meant to mimic first-cut or intermediate rough conditions.

If you really want to get serious about your indoor golf practice, maybe you add this mat to your mix so that you can get in some reps from varying turf conditions.

Available as a 5’ x 5’ mat or 1’ x 3’, 1’ x 4’, and 1’ x 5’ hitting strips.

The Country Club First Cut Matt

"The only golf mat designed to simulate first cut rough." Honestly? This is my favorite surface to hit off of, so if that's any indication - I'm a fan.

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Best Hitting and Putting Mat Combination: Fiberbuilt Combo Golf Hitting & Putting Mat System

If you’re planning a sim studio and you’ve got a golf launch monitor that can track putting, here’s an all-in-one, best-of-both-worlds option.

Not only do you get a Fiberbuilt golf mat (ya ain’t gonna do better than that), but you also get a putting mat that includes two cups. And they aren’t cheap plastic cups either. These are real metal cups that give you that auditory feedback when you sink one, just like on the real course.

You can get a Fiberbuilt combo mat in multiple configurations. But the one I like best includes two Fiberbuilt Grass Series strips with the rest of the surface made up of Fiberbuilt Performance Turf.

So, with this mat you get two distinctly different hitting surfaces and a putting surface. That’s a win-win-win. And it’s the perfect option for a lot of home golf simulator setups.

Fiberbuilt Combo Golf Hitting & Putting Mat System

Want a mat that allows you to not only hit full shots, but also roll puts on a high quality surface? This is a mat to consider. It doesn't fully replace a dedicated putting mat, but it's pretty close.

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Most Premium Golf Hitting Mat: Fiberbuilt Player Preferred Series

It’s not cheap, but Fiberbuilt’s Player Preferred Series is the absolute best. If you’re super serious about achieving the utmost accuracy with your golf hitting mat, this is undoubtedly your best choice.

This is the highest-end offering from a company that’s obsessed with golf hitting mat accuracy and quality. This is the mat they recommend to the pros. It’s the one that, as confirmed by Foresight GCQuad testing, best replicates club and natural turf interaction.

While the other Fiberbuilt hitting surfaces (Grass Series and Performance Turf) are awesome, they still do cause a bit of mat effect, meaning that the ball contacts the clubface just a smidge lower or higher than on comparable outdoor natural grass surfaces.

The Player Preferred Series isn’t quite as durable as the other Fiberbuilt mats, but it is the pinnacle of their engineering efforts. They liken it to a performance tire that’s all about the highest possible performance but with the tradeoff of a little less durability.

Again, if you want the ultimate accuracy for your golf simulator studio, this is the mat you need to buy.

Best Premium Golf Mat

Fiberbuilt Player Preferred Series Studio Golf Simulator Hitting Mat

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Want the best of the best for your indoor golf simulator? It doesn't get much better than the Fiberbuilt Player Preferred.

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Best Budget Golf Hitting Mat: DURA-PRO Golf Mat

If you’re looking for an inexpensive golf mat that is still worth owning, I’d consider the DURA-PRO.

The quality here is not up to Fiberbuilt standards, but it is much higher than the cheap mats you definitely want to avoid.

Additionally, the DURA-PRO will hold up to repeated use both indoors and outdoors.

With a heavy foam backing, this mat is also very stable. One annoyance with cheap mats is that they often slide all over the place as you ramp up your swing speed. That’s a non-issue with this mat.

You can definitely do better than the DURA-PRO. But, more importantly, you can do much, much worse. For a price starting at $89, this is a solid option for a budget-conscious golfer. And it comes with a ball tray and three rubber golf tees.

Dura-Pro 3 x 5 Premium Residential Golf Mat

$109.00

Want to practice your swing indoors, but on a bit of a budget? This mat from Dura-Pro strikes the right balance of decent quality and a great price.

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06/13/2025 04:04 am GMT

Most Portable Golf Hitting Mat: PGM DJD005

This mat really isn’t what you’re looking for if you’re trying to build a dream indoor golf simulator studio.

But for a quick backyard session when you just want to get some reps in without spending a lot of money? Yeah, it’ll get the job done.

Its small size makes it simple to transport and to store.

And you get the bonus of having two different-length synthetic grass surfaces. So, if you want to hit off of a fairway or practice tee shots, you’ve got that option. And if you want to work on shots out of the rough, this will help you with that as well.

While this isn’t anywhere close to the highest quality mat on this list, it does have a rubber base that makes it stable. And, for only $51.33, it’s not a bad way to get something on the cheap.

PGM Dual Grass Golf Practice Swing Mat

This is definitely not on the same level as most of the mats we've selected. But want something small and easy to move around? This is a great way to go. The dual surfaces is a nice addition as well.

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How To Choose the Right Golf Hitting Mat

Finding the right golf mat fit for you really comes down to your expectations for accuracy and how often you plan to use it.

Let’s say you’re not planning to pull out your golf hitting mat only occasionally. Maybe you live in a fairly temperate climate and only plan to use it to get in a few swings once in a while when the weather just won’t cooperate.

In that case, you probably don’t want to spring for a mat that’s going to cost hundreds or even more than a thousand dollars. You might not even plan to use your mat with a golf launch monitor. Maybe you just want to take a few cuts, hitting into a net.

If that’s you, I’d look at something like the DURA-PRO or the PGM. In both cases, you can get out the door for less than $100 and still have a mat that will give you some semblance of realism. Of the two, the DURA-PRO is the nicer option. But the PGM has the advantages of portability and multiple synthetic grass lengths.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re dead set on owning the best, maybe for your ultimate golf simulator studio, just buy the Fiberbuilt Player Preferred Series with absolute confidence. No other mat is going to mimic real-grass club/turf interaction like that one.

And then there are a host of options in the middle. Personally, if I was building an indoor golf simulator studio and I wanted close to the best, I’d choose from one of the other Fiberbuilt options or the SigPro Softy. You’re not going to go wrong with either choice.

One word of advice: If you’re going to use your golf hitting mat often, don’t cheap out. If you try to spend as little as possible, you’re just begging for injury, not to mention an unrealistic experience.

Do you have a golf hitting mat that you swear by? Let us and the other readers know in the comments.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, we may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post 8 Best Golf Hitting Mats for Your Indoor Simulator in 2025 appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

For one thing, they cost a lot. And for another, they attract attention.

But then I played a few rounds with an electric caddie. And there was no going back.

Until you’ve experienced hands-free walking, you don’t know how good golf can get. An electric caddie provides almost all of the benefits of a human caddie, but you only have to pay one time.

As for the cost, yeah, these things can be pricey. But for the luxury and usefulness that they provide, I now actually look at them as a bargain. If you play enough and if your budget allows for it, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble justifying this kind of investment.

And as for the attention you call to yourself, there’s no denying that’s a real thing. You do look like a bit of a fat cat rolling down the fairways with an electric caddie. But even I, someone who prefers to fly under the radar out on the course, got over that issue pretty quickly. The benefits are just too damn good.

Plus, more and more golfers are getting hip to those benefits. Chances are, there are a lot of other players out on your course rocking an electric caddie. Why be the one that’s left behind?

So, if you’re ready to add hands-free walking to your rounds in 2025, here are the best eight electric caddie options to consider.

What Is an Electric Caddie?

Surely, you’re familiar with golf push carts, those devices that hold your bag so that you can push it rather than having to pick it up, carry it, and set it down after every shot.

Well, an electric caddie takes that concept to an entirely new level. It provides all of the advantages of a push cart but removes the pushing part. In other words, an electric caddie takes all of the work out of getting your golf clubs to your next shot.

Electric caddies operate off of a rechargeable battery that powers the wheels on the cart. Most electric caddies allow for various speed controls, and they also allow you to steer the cart.

Some electric caddies are controlled by buttons attached to the cart’s main console, but the best ones also give you remote control functionality.

Then there are those electric caddies that can actually follow you wherever you go so that you don’t even need to mess with the remote control at all.

So, what is an electric caddie? Basically, it’s the ultimate tool for the most enjoyable way to walk a golf course. And, unlike with a human caddie, you don’t have to tip anyone when the round is over.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Remote Caddie?

Any electric push cart, follow cart, electric caddie—by whatever name you want to call it—is going to deliver the luxury of hands-free walking on the golf course. But there are a few subtleties that differentiate one model from another.

Three key things to keep in mind when shopping for an electric caddie:

1. Folded dimensions. One of the biggest issues with electric push carts is that they can be bulky. If this is something you’re going to need to fit in your car to transport to and from the golf course and something you’re going to be storing somewhere in your house, you’ve got to make sure you have enough room. No electric cart is going to be small, but some fold down to a more compact and manageable size than others. So if space is tight, this may be a key consideration for your use case.
2. Weight. Electric caddies are considerably heavier than manual golf push carts. Lifting them in and out of something like a car trunk can be a non-starter issue for some. Are you comfortable lifting something in the neighborhood of 30 pounds and doing it over and over again throughout the golf season?
3. Price. Luxury like this does cost a premium. But, like with everything, there is value to be found. And remember, while the up-front cost may be steep, any electric caddie on this list should last you many seasons. So, if you play enough and you can see yourself enjoying the benefits of walking without having to carry or push, you can likely justify the expense of an electric caddie if you take the long view.

Best Electric Caddie for Most People: MGI Zip Navigator

The Ghost Golf on an MGI Zip Navigator AT electric caddie.The Zip Navigator isn’t as feature-rich as some carts on this list, but overall, I think it’s the best option for the most number of golfers. This one hits the sweet spot of all the luxury of hands-free walking without the extra cost of bells and whistles that might not be as useful as the marketing makes them out to be.

After testing it, I liked this cart so much that I bought one myself.

The MGI Zip Navigator AT (2024 version) sets itself apart with unrivaled stability and terrain-handling capability, thanks to its fifth stabilization wheel and innovative gyroscope technology. These features keep it balanced and on track across steep hills and uneven ground, making it a go-to choice for courses with challenging layouts.

The remote control tucks under the handle for convenient and discreet storage, and it’s simple and intuitive to operate. And you’ve got what feels like an almost limitless range of speed options.

Each rear wheel on the Zip Navigator operates on an independent motor, which allows for tight turns and precise navigation. This cart can turn on a dime, and I found it easy to navigate even through tight spaces.

With the battery removed, the cart still weighs 31 pounds. And with it installed, it’s 37 pounds. So be mindful of the weight. Storage-wise, it folds down to 28 x 19 x 17.

At $1,595 and for all that it can do, I think the Zip Navigator represents a great deal.

Best Remote-Controlled Golf Push Cart

MGI Zip Navigator AT Electric Golf Caddy

$1,595

Hands down, one of the best electric caddies on the market.

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Runner-Up for Best Overall Electric Push Cart: Motocaddy M7

Very similar to the MGI Zip Navigator in price, look, and functionality is the Motocaddy M7. And for all the same reasons, it’s an absolute winner.

Setup is simple. And a big plus for the M7 is that it easily accommodates various bag types, providing stability without extra hassle.

The remote operation is remarkably intuitive with nine speed settings and smooth automatic braking on downhill runs.

It folds down to 25.5 x 18.5 x 16.5 inches and weighs 31 pounds, making it convenient for storage and transport.

For $1,549, the M7 is an easy choice for any best-of electric caddie list.

Motocaddy M7 Electric Golf Caddy

$1,499.99

A fantastic all-around electric caddy that does pretty much everything well at a reasonable price.

Buy from Amazon

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06/12/2025 08:00 am GMT

Best Follow-Me Electric Caddie: Stewart Golf Q-Follow

Alright, if you really want to go big-time with your hands-free walking experience, why not just ditch the remote control? Or at least clip it to your belt instead of having to hold it?

True to its name, the Q-Follow will literally follow you wherever you walk. And don’t worry, you can set up parameters to prevent it from driving onto the green (or into a pond!) or wherever else it’s not allowed.

This is a premium electric caddie designed for golfers seeking an innovative experience. You clip the remote to your belt to create a virtual halo, and the cart does the rest.

It’s not flawless. Obstacles like bunkers or tight spaces can interrupt the follow feature, but damn does it perform impressively in open conditions. It’s almost like having a real person hauling your bag around for you.

Construction is robust. Stability is outstanding. It is 31 pounds with the battery removed, so it’s not the lightest on this list. But it is one of the most compact. The Q-Follow folds down to just 23.6 x 21.6 x 12.6 inches.

Battery life allows for 36 holes of power with the added convenience of Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to monitor battery life via a smartphone app.

At $2,999, the Q-Follow isn’t cheap. But if you want to take your hands-free walking to the next level, this is how you do it.

Best Follow-Me Electric Caddie

Stewart Golf Q Follow Electric Golf Trolley | Use Code BREAKING-EIGHTY to save 5%!

$2,999

It's not cheap but if you're looking for a hands-free follow cart that actually works as advertised? The Stewart Golf Q Follow is absolutely the one you should go for.

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Best Electric Caddie With GPS Mapping: MGI Ai Navigator GPS+

The MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ redefines the electric caddie category with its integration of accurate, detailed, full-color maps of every hole on more than 40,000 courses around the world, all displayed on a 4-inch touchscreen display.

Now, not only can you enjoy hands-free walking, but you can get pinpoint yardages to the green, any hazards, or layup locations, just like you would with a human caddie. And all without any subscription fees.

Compared to MGI’s Zip Navigator, the Ai Navigator’s central battery placement enhances stability, and its refined fifth wheel design eliminates setup hassles. The redesigned remote control also adds ergonomic improvements for smoother operation.

Priced at $1,895, the Ai Navigator weighs a little more than 33 pounds with the battery removed and folds down to 24.4 x 18.1 x 15.4 inches.

The Ai Navigator delivers a premium experience and is ideal for golfers who value convenience and cutting-edge technology.

Best GPS Electric Caddie

MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ Electric Golf Caddy

$1,895

Do you need GPS on your electric caddie? Probably not, but it's admittedly a convenient feature! Better than the less expensive Zip in just about every way, but price.

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Most Compact Electric Caddie: QOD Golf Q2

If your trunk space is tight, or if you just want an electric caddie that’s not going to be in the way when it’s not in use, there’s no better option than the QOD Golf Q2, which debuted in December 2024. With folded dimensions of 20 x 16.5 x 13.5 inches, it’s the most compact remote control electric push cart in the world.

Building on the reliable design of the Q1-6, the Q2 introduces remote functionality for a more seamless on-course experience. It’s simple to set up and operate, and the removable anti-tip wheel ensues reliable stability.

With the lithium battery removed, the Q2 weighs 32 pounds. So, while it is the most compact, it’s a full 10 pounds heavier than our lightest option.

I don’t think the Q2 is the most feature-rich of all of our options. And at $1,999, it’s not the least expensive. Overall, I can’t call it the best choice. But if space-saving is your biggest concern, I think this is going to be the electric caddie for you.

Most Compact Electric Caddie

Q2 Remote Control Electric Golf Caddy

It's not light, it doesn't have the most features, and it's not cheap, but if your most important consideration is a compact size - then the QOD Q2 may be the right option for you.

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Lightest Electric Golf Caddie: PowaKaddy CT8

Weighing just 22 pounds without the battery, the CT8 is tough to beat if you’re looking for an option that’s easier on your back. And it folds down to 20.1 x 16.7 x 16.1 inches, which is 35 percent smaller than many competitors.

Beyond that, it’s got a 3.5-inch, full-color touchscreen GPS display with more than 40,000 preloaded courses and no subscription required. Advanced tools like Green View, Drop Flag technology for pin-point accuracy, and score tracking make for a pretty robust feature stack.

One knock on this cart is that it’s not going to be a great choice if you’re planning to use it with a stand bag. The fit just isn’t secure enough to recommend it for that use. But for cart bags, and especially if you’re looking for a lighter option, the PowaKaddy CT8 is definitely worth a look.

Buy the PowaKaddy CT8

Best Budget Option if You Own a Compatible Push Cart: Alphard Club Booster V2

This aftermarket accessory attaches to a push cart to turn it into a fully motorized electric caddie.

Now, I personally haven’t used this product, but I’ve played with a couple of guys who have one, and they swear by it.

You simply use the Club Booster V2 to replace the rear wheels on any compatible push cart. The attachment features dual-motor operation and a built-in gyroscope, and it’s all remote controllable.

Compatible push carts include:

• Clicgear three-wheel, Model 8.0, Rovic RV1S/RV1C
• CaddyTek TourTrek
• Bagboy Quad XL, Triswivel, Nitron
• Sun Mountain Pathfinder, Speed Cart, Micro Cart,
• Bigmax IQ
• Axglo

At $839, you can get a Club Booster V2 for about half of what you’d pay for a full-blown electric caddie.

Best Way to Make Existing Push Cart Electric

Alphard Club Booster V2

$849.00

Have a push cart you already love, but wish it had the hands free convenience of being electric? Look no further than the Alphard Club Booster 2.0. As long as your existing cart is compatible, this thing is great.

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06/12/2025 06:01 am GMT

Best Budget Electric Caddie Runner-Up: Cart Tek Formula Remote Golf Trolley

While the Formula Remote Golf Trolley may not be as feature rich as some of the others on this list, it does include everything most golfers need:

• Remote control
• All-terrain slope control
• Downhill braking
• Compact design

And you can usually buy it for $1,239, meaning you can save a few hundred bucks compared to some competing options.

The Formula Remote folds down to 35 x 26.5 x 14 inches and weighs 31 pounds with the battery removed. It’s neither the most compact nor the lightest. But it is one of the most affordable. This is a great option to get in on the electric caddie experience for not much more than a grand.

Best Value Electric Cart

Cart Tek Formula Remote

$1549

This often goes on sale and you can find it for under $1300. When it is, this is among the best electric push cart values out there.

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Are You Ready for a Premium Walking Golf Experience?

I’ve said before about walking a golf course that pushing is better than carrying. Well, an electric caddie takes things a considerable step further. It makes even pushing feel like a lot of unnecessary work.

Until you try it, you can’t fully appreciate how much more enjoyable and less fatiguing it is to play golf without having to lug your clubs around. When you can focus just on walking and hitting your shots, the whole experience becomes much more relaxed.

An electric caddie isn’t for everybody. Price will be a concern for many budgets. And some golfers won’t want the attention that comes with such cutting-edge technology.

But if you’re looking to make a long-term investment in your golf comfort, I don’t know that you can do any better than by buying an electric caddie. And these are the eight that I think are going to give you the best return.

Want More Best-Of Golf Product Recommendations?

Check out these favorite golf gear options:

• Best Golf Push Carts — Maybe you’re tired of carrying but aren’t quite ready for the big-time of an electric caddie. Pushing is still great, and here are your best options.
• Best Golf Drivers of 2025 — Ready to bomb it in the new year? Or maybe just try to find more fairways? Whatever your game needs, there’s a big stick on this list that’s right for you.
• Best Golf Putters for 2025 — If the driver’s not the most important club in your bag, then it’s definitely the putter. Find your magic wand here.
• Best Golf Gifts — Spread the love. Whether it’s a birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, or if you just need an idea to give to someone shopping for you, here are the best golf gifts out there.
• Best Golf Rangefinders — There are so many golf rangefinder options in 2025. But they aren’t all equal. These are the ones worth owning.
• Best Golf Balls — You can’t shoot your best scores if you’re not playing the best ball for your game. And if you don’t think you’re good enough to benefit from a specific ball, think again.
• Best Golf Ball Retrievers — Yeah you might look like a bit of a nerd, but who doesn’t love free golf balls for life?

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, we may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post What’s the Best Electric Golf Caddy for 2025? These Are Our 8 Favorites appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

That’s been their calling card with a steady evolution of mostly stand bags and push carts. They aim to serve the golfer who wants a product that’s cutting-edge and built to last but who doesn’t want to shell out for the ultra-high-end more prestigious brands.

So what about their new Ridgeline 3 golf push cart? Does it hold the Sun Mountain line as another innovative, durable, value-driven product?

Well, first off, the Ridgeline 3 is the first golf push cart with a fully adjustable bag bracket, meaning it can easily accommodate any-sized golf bag.

Innovation? Check.

And, like everything Sun Mountain, the Ridgeline 3 is built like a tank. Solid materials. Super-smart design. Nothing at all cheap-feeling.

Durability? Check.

But this push cart retails for $349.99. That’s $60 more than their previous generation cart. And if you look around the market, I think you’ll find that $349.99 is on the high side for best golf push carts in 2024.

So, value? Let’s find out.

I’ll tell you right now that the Ridgeline 3 is a nice golf push cart. But you already knew that. After all, it’s Sun Mountain.

The question is, how nice?

I’ve used this Ridgeline cart for multiple rounds now. And, for good measure, I’ve pulled out a couple of my other golf push carts to see how it compares. Read on for my honest take on whether or not the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 holds up to its price tag.

Best Cart if You Own Multiple Golf Bags

Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push Cart

$349

The Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 is an excellent golf push cart, especially for different-sized golf bags. It's not cheap, but if you own more than one bag or plan to buy another golf bag, this is an awesome future-proof option.

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Sun Mountain Ridgeline First Impressions: So Much More Compact

I’ve owned a Sun Mountain Speed Cart GX for about four years. And even after scoring several other push carts through my golf reviewing gig (hey, someone’s gotta do it), I still play often with that Speed Cart because it’s just so damn reliable.

But here’s the thing: The Sun Mountain Speed Cart is bulky as hell in the folded-down position. If I didn’t have a decent-sized car trunk, I think it’d present a transport issue. As it is, I never take it with me on a road trip because it just takes up too much space.

So the very first thing that struck me about the new Ridgeline 3 is how compact it is when folded. Seriously, I was like, “Is this really a Sun Mountain?!” That’s how much better the Ridgeline folds down compared to my Speed Cart.

When folded, the Ridgeline 3 transforms into a tidy 26” x 16.5” x 15” cube that weighs 18 pounds. That compact shape makes it easier to store and transport than many other push carts on the market, including the Speed Cart, which folds into a bulkier, more irregular shape.

The Ridgeline isn’t the most compact push cart I’ve come across. That distinction goes to the Big Max Blade Trio and its flat-fold design. But the Ridgeline’s folded dimensions are impressively compact enough that I think it immediately becomes a great candidate for anyone tight on trunk or storage space.

Another thing that I enjoyed upon unboxing the Ridgeline 3 is that it comes fully assembled in the box. With some carts, you’ve got to put on the wheels or handle yourself. Not with this cart. You could literally pull it out of the box in the golf course parking lot and be ready to play in about a minute.

The Ridgeline comes with an extra-large cup holder and an umbrella holder, which are both very nice accessories to find included. And there’s a knob on each side of the handle for snap-on attachment of any after-market Sun Mountain accessories.

Adjustable Bracket: Secure Fit for Any Bag

Sun Mountain’s main pitch in selling the Ridgeline 3 is that it includes a patent-pending adjustable top bag bracket that slides up and down the mainframe post so that it can securely fit any-sized golf bag. They call it Vertical Fit Technology.

If you’ve used different types of push carts with different sizes of bags, you know that this is a very welcome feature.

Some carts do great with stand bags but are a bit too small for cart bags. I’d put the Big Max Blade Trio in that category.

Other carts work very well with larger cart bags but don’t provide a snug enough fit for smaller carry bags. That’s definitely the case with the MGI Zip Navigator and MGI Ai Navigator GPS+.

With the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3, I tried both stand/carry bags and cart bags and, thanks to that adjustable top bracket, each one fit perfectly.

Now, if you only own one golf bag, does this feature really matter? I guess it does in the sense that you know if you buy the Ridgeline, you won’t have to worry about whether your bag will fit.

And I suppose it’s nice to know that your push cart is future-proof in the event that you change out golf bags. After all, with as durable as this cart is built, you can expect it to outlast your golf bag.

Another use case for the Ridgeline 3 is for a junior golfer growing into the sport. This push cart can accommodate a junior bag and will still be of use when that kid transitions into their full-size adult bag.

The top bracket adjustment is simple to operate. You just pull one lever to unlock the bracket, then slide it up or down the post until you reach your desired height, and then re-lock the bracket.

For golfers who share a cart among family members or switch between different bags, the Ridgeline 3 is definitely the cart to own. It’s the most versatile golf push cart I’ve tested.

I’m also a big fan of Sun Mountain’s new bag strap system. On both the top and bottom adjustable straps, you’ve got a very robust buckle or clasp system that makes securing your bag really easy. Older model Sun Mountain carts include bungee straps with a connecting clip that’s a lot less beefy. I really like the new style.

Rolling with Ease: The Power of EZ Glyde Wheels

The Ridgeline 3’s EZ Glyde wheels deserve special mention.

I initially thought this feature was all marketing hype. But I’ve got to say, this cart pushes smoother and with less effort than any of my other push carts. It’s noticeable in the grass and on the cart path.

The credit goes to stainless steel bearings that reduce friction so that the wheels glide smoothly without as much force required.

I’m certainly not saying this is reason enough to buy the Ridgeline 3, but I do think that you’ll appreciate an effortless roll when you’re walking 18.

The Ridgeline 3 also supposedly includes anti-tip technology. And I will say that this cart is very stable. Then again, I’d say the same about my Sun Mountain Speed Cart, so take that for what it’s worth.

The Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Braking System: Hand vs. Foot

There are two types of pushers in this world: Those who prefer a hand brake and those who’d rather a foot brake.

I am 100 percent in the hand brake camp. And, thankfully, the Ridgeline 3 includes a hand brake. To me, a hand brake is totally superior. It’s much easier to reach, especially if you’re trying to hit the brake quickly.

With a foot brake, you’ve got to somewhat awkwardly kick your leg out and visually search for the brake to get it engaged. With a hand brake, I can find it without even looking.

If I was shopping for a golf push cart, a hand brake would be a must. So, at least for me, score another point for the Sun Mountain Ridgeline.

Best Cart if You Own Multiple Golf Bags

Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push Cart

$349

The Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 is an excellent golf push cart, especially for different-sized golf bags. It's not cheap, but if you own more than one bag or plan to buy another golf bag, this is an awesome future-proof option.

Buy from Golf Galaxy

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Where the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Falls Short: Mesh Pocket Design

While the Ridgeline 3 excels in many areas, it does have some drawbacks —particularly with its mesh pocket configuration.

For starters, the early-generation Sun Mountain Speed Cart that I have includes a small top mesh pocket and a large bottom mesh pocket. The bottom pocket is perfect for storing garments or larger items.

But the Ridgeline only includes the top mesh pocket. That means there’s nowhere to quickly discard something like a pullover or rain gear. Instead, you’ll have to take the extra steps of cramming them into your golf bag.

I also don’t like how the Ridgeline’s top mesh pocket is configured. The pocket opening is kind of tucked underneath the cart’s large accessory tray. It’s just not very easy to access when you’re walking behind the cart. I sometimes like to quickly reach into the pocket as I’m moving, but this design makes that impractical.

Is this a deal breaker? Of course not. But I definitely do find it annoying.

Accessories and Customization

Like with other Sun Mountain carts, the Ridgeline includes a very nice, spacious accessory tray with a flip-top lid. It’s great for storing valuables.

Another practical accessory is an included slot for your cell phone with a bungee strap to keep it locked in place. This is a nice feature if you like to have your phone screen visible and at the ready as you play. Perfect, for example, if you’re using your phone to access GPS yardages.

As I mentioned, the Ridgeline comes with a cup holder and umbrella holder. Sun Mountain also offers a range of optional accessories that are compatible with the cart, including a seat, sand/seed bottle, and cooler.

One detail that caught my attention is the hard plastic of the Ridgeline’s handle. My Sun Mountain Speed Cart’s handle is made of a more spongy material that’s definitely more prone to aging with exposure to the sun and rain. The Ridgeline handle strikes me as much more durable.

Final Ridgeline 3 Review Verdict: A Smooth Ride With a Few Minor Bumps

At $349.99, the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 sits in the higher price range for push carts. But I’ve got to say, considering the rising prices of most everything, I think the features and performance of this cart justify its cost.

Its combination of an adjustable bag bracket, smooth-rolling wheels, and compact folding design make it a standout option.

For those golfers looking for a cart to accommodate different-sized bags, I think this may be your best option.

And if you’re tight on space, I think you’ll like the Ridgeline 3 better than previous Sun Mountain carts.

I’m annoyed by the mesh pocket situation with the Ridgeline, but that’s not too big of an issue to get over.

Do I think the Ridgeline 3 is revolutionary enough to replace the golf push cart you already own? Unless yours is one of the very specific use cases discussed, probably not. I’d bet that the Ridgeline is nicer than what you’re currently using. But not so much nicer that you need to run out and drop another $350.

But if you’re in the market for a new golf push cart, and certainly if you’re looking for a more versatile or easier-to-store option, I think the Ridgeline 3 deserves your serious consideration. Sure, it’s pricey, but I think it’s a cart you’re going to enjoy for many years.

Innovative, durable, and, yes, value-driven. With the Ridgeline 3, Sun Mountain’s done it again.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, we may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

Best Cart if You Own Multiple Golf Bags

Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push Cart

$349

The Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 is an excellent golf push cart, especially for different-sized golf bags. It's not cheap, but if you own more than one bag or plan to buy another golf bag, this is an awesome future-proof option.

Buy from Golf Galaxy

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The post Is the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Worth $350? Well… appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

Obviously, the Ai Navigator GPS+ carries your clubs for you.

But you already knew that. It’s an electric golf caddie after all. The kind that’s battery-powered and remote-controlled. That alone is a golf luxury you’ve got to experience to fully appreciate.

What makes this product so next-level and different from other electric caddies is that it not only does the heavy lifting, it also gives you your yardages! Just like a human would.

The Ai Navigator GPS+ won’t clean your clubs for you, but it does have some advantages over a human carrying your bag.

I’ve loved the rounds of golf I’ve played with a human caddie. But if there’s one thing that’s always been just a tiny bit awkward it’s when they recommend a specific club for me to hit. The good caddies don’t do this until they learn your game, but not all caddies are created equal.

What happens with me, a shorter hitter, is that the caddie assumes that based on the yardage they’ve given me, that I’m going to want to hit a certain club. But oftentimes, I need to club up. Not a huge deal, but it can be a tiny bit weird and even a little embarrassing to tell them, “Um, actually, I’m gonna need the 6 iron instead of the 8 iron.”

No such worries with the MGI Ai Navigator GPS+. You’re never going to get “I told you so” vibes when that 6 iron shot flies well over the green. The Ai Navigator will just happily roll on down the fairway, content to go wherever you point it, ready to deliver your next yardage.

You also only have to pay for an electric caddie one time. And you don’t have to give it a tip after each round. Instead, you just fold it up and pack it in your trunk, both of which are much easier to do than you might think.

But here’s the question: Do you need all that the Ai Navigator GPS+ can do?

I’m not talking about whether or not you need to play hands-free walking golf (you do). If you’re a walker who’s committed to carrying or pushing (and sweating profusely), you do you.

I’m talking about whether or not you need all of the special things that set the MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ apart from other electric caddies. After all, it is $1,895.

Would a more basic (and less expensive) model give you all the benefits you really want without the bells and whistles you’re not really going to use or appreciate?

That’s the crux of the matter to me.

Is the Ai Navigator GPS+ the right electric caddie for your game? Let’s find out.

Best GPS Electric Caddie

MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ Electric Golf Caddy

$1,895

Do you need GPS on your electric caddie? Probably not, but it's admittedly a convenient feature! Better than the less expensive Zip in just about every way, but price.

Buy from Play Better

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First Impressions of the MGI Ai Navigator GPS+

Honestly, my very first impression of this thing was that it needs a new name. MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ is a bit much. How ‘bout just “Ai Navigator”?

Beyond that, the first impressions were all positive. Very positive, in fact.

For starters, I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a piece of golf equipment that costs nearly $2,000 that assembles so easily. Normally, as the price increases, so too does the setup complexity.

Not with this remote-controlled golf caddie. You slide on the back and front wheels, you unfold the cart, you place the 24v lithium battery in the center of the chassis, and that’s it.

I thought unfolding and folding the less-expensive MGI Zip Navigator AT was simple. With that cart, there are just two levers you need to pull to make it all happen.

Well, with the Ai Navigator, it’s just one button. You press the button, and it becomes obvious how to push the cart down for folding or how to pull it up for unfolding. It’s incredibly easy — and fast.

Once you’ve got the cart unfolded, you’ll see a built-in display on the cart’s handle. This iPhone-looking screen is the main differentiating feature of the Ai Navigator.

The screen will prompt you through the setup, starting with instructions to connect to a password-protected WiFi network. You’ll only need WiFi for registration, initial setup and any firmware updates. When you’re on the course, you won’t need any kind of internet connection.

I’ll get into all of the functionality that the screen unlocks in just a bit.

The Ai Navigator also comes with a drink bottle holder, umbrella holder, phone holder and a remote control clip. Installing each of these accessories is snap-on simple.

One thing that jumped out to me was the look and feel of the Ai Navigator’s remote control. Compared to the remote on the MGI Zip Navigator, this Ai-model remote is much sleeker. I like it a lot better.

I also like how the stop button on this remote is in the center of the directional arrows, which I think makes finding the brakes a little more intuitive. On the Zip Navigator remote, that button is below the arrows, and I’ve suffered an embarrassing experience with being too slow to hit the brakes.

Of course, you’ve got to charge both the battery and the remote control before your first use. That’s likewise intuitive, but the instructions cover any questions that might arise.

MGI upgraded the design of their Ai Navigator cart so that the battery now fits right in the center of the main chassis. With the Zip Navigator, it hangs on the back of the cart, which puts a lot of weight in the rear and makes it easier to tip backwards.

I’ll talk more about this battery position redesign below. I certainly like it. I’m just not sure it’s as big of a selling point as MGI makes it out to be.

Related: See all of our favorite electric golf push carts.

MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ vs. MGI Zip Navigator AT

The Ai Navigator is MGI’s flagship, highest-end electric caddie. Most of that justification for the highest price is because of the built-in GPS functionality, which I’ll cover. But there are also some design advantages.

When comparing the Ai Navigator with the Zip Navigator AT (or All Terrain), a handful of things stand out:

1. The remote control on the Ai Navigator isn’t just smaller and better designed, it also clips to the side of the handle rather than underneath it like with the Zip Navigator AT. While I like the stealth, out-of-the-way remote storage option on the Zip, I think the design on the Ai makes for easier access when you’re out on the course.
2. The Ai Navigator is slightly narrower and shorter than the Zip Navigator. Because of the redesigned battery placement, they can build the cart just a bit smaller. The difference is most pronounced when the two carts are folded with the rear wheels inverted (24.40” x 18.11” x 15.35”  for the Ai vs. 28” x 19” x 17”  for the Zip). That’s definitely a positive.
3. Because of the extra built-in technology, the Ai Navigator is two pounds heavier than the Zip Navigator AT (39 pounds vs. 37 pounds). Removing the battery before lifting reduces the lifted weight in each cart by about 6 pounds.
4. The new battery placement in the middle of the chassis improves the Ai Navigator’s stability. But, was there anything wrong with the Zip Navigator AT’s stability? Read on.
5. The Ai Navigator’s fifth wheel only includes one setting, which is a good thing. With the Zip Navigator AT, you have to not just unfold the fifth wheel, which is critical for on-course stabilization, you also have to take an extra step to extend it. Not only that, but MGI doesn’t do a great job of making that obvious in the instructions. Without extending the fifth wheel, you’re in danger of tipping your cart, which I found out the hard way.
6. The rear wheels on the Ai Navigator feature a bit more bling. The spokes on the Ai are chrome-colored and stand out a bit more compared to the black-on-black design on the Zip Navigator AT. Not sure that matters much, but it is noticeable.

Overall, the Ai Navigator is a better-designed cart than the Zip Navigator AT. The differences are subtle, but in every case, the advantage goes to the Ai Navigator.

The Zip Navigator AT retails for $1,595. The Ai Navigator GPS+ is $1,895. So, for $300 more, you’re not just getting built-in GPS yardages, you’re also getting a better overall electric caddie. 

But 300 bucks is 300 bucks. Do you need to spend the extra money?

Playing Golf With the Ai Navigator Electric Caddie

In my review of the MGI Zip Navigator AT, I talked a lot about the absolute joy that it is to play golf with an electric caddie. I mean, it is undeniably awesome.

Yes, you do call a bit of attention to yourself. That said, I’ve seen a lot more golfers using a remote-controlled golf cart in just the past year or so. You likely have too.

And yes, you might feel that you’re too young to be rocking what on the surface looks like an old man’s golf cart. But to that I say, get over yourself. Even young people deserve some comfort if they want it and can afford it.

Personally, I think if you like walking, you’re going to love walking with an electric caddie. You get all the benefits without all the extra work of carrying or pushing.

And with the MGI Ai Navigator, those benefits are extensive. The biggest of which is, of course, built-in GPS mapping.

Right on the cart, front and center, just above the t-bar handle, you’ve got a 4-inch, full-color, all-weather, touchscreen display that gives you access to hole maps on more than 40,000 courses around the world.

You can pinch, drag and swipe your way around every hole, getting distances to layup targets, hazards and anywhere else on the hole you might want to investigate. You can get a zoomed-in view of the green and can manually place the pin approximately where you think it is that day for the most precise yardage.

You can also use the screen as a digital scorecard. And, if you want to, you can record shot stats like your number of putts.

The cart can also record the distance and direction between where you hit from and where you hit your next shot, giving you shot distances that it will then record and tabulate for you at the end of each round and cumulatively over all the rounds you play. It can also show things like how many drives hit the fairway, how many missed left and how many missed right.

In other words, it’s like having an advanced golf GPS watch or hand-held GPS device built right into your electric golf push cart.

But that’s the thing. Maybe you already own another GPS device. Nowadays, there are so many options for getting GPS yardages and a lot of these other functions, including:

• Golf watches
• Some golf rangefinders
• Handheld GPS devices
• Some Bluetooth golf speakers
• Shot-tracking systems like Arccos
• Various phone apps

There are even a lot of free ways to get GPS yardages. On that point, I should mention that MGI does not charge any kind of subscription fees for this GPS functionality, which is awesome. Once you buy the cart, you get everything that comes with it for as long as you own it. Pretty sweet.

But do you need it? That again is where I keep landing. There’s a fairly good chance you’re already enjoying playing golf with another one of these GPS solutions.

Now, I will say that I have loved the luxury of just glancing down at my cart to get my yardages. And the interactive touchscreen display is absolutely awesome. Not to mention, the size of the screen is far nicer than what you’d get on any watchface, golf speaker, or even handheld device.

You can also pair your MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ to your phone via Bluetooth. When you do, any incoming phone calls, texts or emails will show up on your remote control golf cart’s screen, similar to with an advanced golf speaker.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the rounds of golf I’ve played with the MGI Ai Navigator GPS+. It’s just that I think a lot of people may love playing with an electric caddie but will be happy to combine that luxury with a GPS tool they already own.

On the other hand, other golfers will recognize the beauty of having everything in one product. There’s a definite advantage to that. Not to mention that the overall build quality and other features on the Ai Navigator make it a really good buy for a lot of people, regardless of the GPS benefits.

Best GPS Electric Caddie

MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ Electric Golf Caddy

$1,895

Do you need GPS on your electric caddie? Probably not, but it's admittedly a convenient feature! Better than the less expensive Zip in just about every way, but price.

Buy from Play Better

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Additional Benefits and Features of the MGI Ai Navigator

I mentioned earlier that the Ai Navigator includes a new battery-placement design. And it works really well. The battery slides into place on the center of the chassis, and there’s an on/off switch on the battery itself, which is how you power up the cart and shut it down. It’s effortless. A very nice design.

But the main benefit of the design, according to MGI, is increased stability. I think that’s true. Moving the 6-pound battery from the back of the cart, where it’s placed on the Zip Navigator, to the middle on the Ai Navigator does make the cart more balanced.

That said, the only time I had any stability issues whatsoever with the Zip Navigator is when I failed to properly engage the stabilizing fifth wheel.

In other words, while this new design is nice, I don’t think there was a big need to improve stability. Both the Zip Navigator AT and Ai Navigator are incredibly stable.

With both carts, I can go up and down the steepest of hills and over the most rough terrain, all at top speeds, without the cart tipping. The Zip Navigator will pop a wheelie faster than the Ai Navigator will because of the heavier back weight on the Zip, but it just rides along on the back two wheels and fifth wheel without any issue at all.

Both carts are also incredible on sidehills, thanks to a built-in gyroscope and independently powered rear wheels. The cart will continue in a straight direction even on a steep side hill, rather than pulling towards the lower side. The design allows one rear wheel to slow or stop while the other speeds up so that it can maintain its direction.

This is an absolutely awesome feature. I visited with a friend who has a 2023 Motocaddy cart, and he said that he has to constantly nudge the remote direction arrows to keep his cart in a straight line. Not with the MGI electric caddies. You push the top arrow to get it rolling, and it keeps on that precise line until you direct it to turn, speed up, slow down or stop.

I really like the fifth wheel design on the Ai Navigator. With the Zip Navigator At, you have to unfold the fifth wheel and then additionally extend it into a second setting in order for it to do its job of stabilizing the cart. With the Ai, there’s just one setting, which is much, much better.

Another nifty feature on this MGI electric caddie is that you can invert the rear wheels to make the cart more compact when you fold it down. With folded dimensions of 24.40” x 18.11” x 15.35”, the Ai Navigator GPS+ actually fits fairly easily into even a crowded trunk.

Speaking of the quick-release rear wheels, they have two axle positions. When you push them all the way into their axles, they are in gear and ready to be powered by the battery. But you can pull each wheel slightly back on its axle to get to a second free-spinning position, making the MGI operational as a regular golf push cart. This would be a lifesaver if you ever ran out of battery power on the course.

As far as which type of golf bag works best on this electric caddie, it’s definitely a cart bag. I’ve had success using a stand bag, but it doesn’t fit quite right. And if you have a very small stand bag, it’s not going to fit securely on the MGI.

Regardless of the size of bag, be careful where you place your towel. I found out that having it clipped to the side of my golf bag in the normal spot allows the lower end of the towel to get caught up in one of the rear wheels on the cart, causing it to pull the golf bag out of position.

Does the MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ Have a “Follow Me” Feature?

When MGI first announced this electric caddie, they priced it a few hundred dollars higher and promised a couple of additional features.

For one, the Ai Navigator was supposed to be able to follow you around the golf course using a transmitter/receiver system, like the Stewart Golf Q-Follow.

The Ai Navigator was also supposed to include a geofencing system that would prevent the cart from driving into hazards identified by the GPS mapping system.

Apparently MGI couldn’t get either system to work reliably enough to bring them to market. I suspect these will be added features in future models. But for now, you’ll have to be satisfied with a remote control GPS electric caddie.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy This GPS Caddie?

I’ve made myself clear on my thoughts on electric caddies. In my opinion, they’re a hell of a nice luxury.

But they most certainly are a luxury. By no means would I ever suggest that you need a remote control caddie to enjoy the game of golf.

And as an extension of that point, it would be ridiculous to suggest that you need an electric caddie that’s not only remote controlled but that also includes a built-in display that gives you GPS maps of each hole.

But here’s the thing. At $1,895, which I’m by no means suggesting is inexpensive, it is competitively priced. Take the MGI Zip Navigator AT for example. It’s not as good of a cart as the Ai model but it’s only $300 less expensive.

For the right user, I think built-in, subscription-free GPS maps more than makeup for that $300 difference, and that’s before you even consider the other advantages the Ai model has over the Zip Navigator AT.

It really comes down to how you want to get your distances out on the golf course. If you’re still just relying on sprinkler heads and stakes in the ground to get your numbers, you’re probably leaving shots out on the course.

But if you’ve already got a reliable, modern means of getting your yardages, and it’s a system that you like, you may not need a cart that’s as souped-up as the Ai Navigator.

Or maybe you’re the type of golfer who wants the best and who would appreciate having everything you need in one product. There’s a lot to be said for that position. And if that’s you, I think the MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ represents a great deal.

Best GPS Electric Caddie

MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ Electric Golf Caddy

$1,895

Do you need GPS on your electric caddie? Probably not, but it's admittedly a convenient feature! Better than the less expensive Zip in just about every way, but price.

Buy from Play Better

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ Review: It’s Amazing, But Do You Need It? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

It’s one thing to work out regularly. And for as much as I want to do that, I typically make every excuse in the book as to why I can’t stick to a routine.

Time is my favorite go-to reason. And golf is a huge part of where all that time goes.

But a golf workout program?

Something that can help me get in better shape and help me play better golf, all at the same time?

Now that has my attention!

If I can improve my golf swing speed, strengthen my core to better maintain my balance and posture, increase my flexibility for a fuller shoulder turn and better backswing and avoid injury so that I can play pain free and for longer… All of the sudden, I’m motivated as a mo-fo.

In a nutshell, that’s what the GolfForever program promises. It’s marketed as a golf fitness program that helps you improve strength, conditioning, flexibility and balance in ways that benefit your game and your overall health and fitness.

But does it work?

And is it worth the price?

And if it does work and is a good value, how much work do you have to put in to see results?

I’m now 18 workouts into my GolfForever training program. While that may not be enough of a foothold to guarantee I won’t fall off the wagon tomorrow, I do think it’s enough of a taste for me to give some well-informed answers to those important questions.

So, if GolfForever and all of their slick commercials featuring guys like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Leonard have caught your attention, this GolfForever swing trainer review is for you.

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$199

Looking for a golf training program that really works? This is without a doubt one of the best out there. Save 15% with the code BE15!

Buy from Golf Forever

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What Is the GolfForever Program?

The GolfForever fitness program is quite simple, really. There are two main components.

You’ve got a package of equipment. And you’ve got a video library of workouts.

Just as you’d expect, the equipment is the physical things you’ll need to do the various exercises prescribed in the video workouts.

And the video library of workouts are made available through a membership to the GolfForever app, available for both iOS and Android.

You can buy the equipment and the membership separately, or you can purchase them as a bundle.

To buy just the equipment, called the GolfForever Swing Trainer, will cost you $199.99. With that, you’ll get:

• A 44.5-inch premium resistance training bar
• A light and medium resistance band with nylon safety sleeves
• Two detachable resistance band handles
• A D3 swing weight ball attachment
• An overloaded (i.e. heavier) ball attachment
• Two polymer carabiners
• A door anchor
• A carry bag
• A 30-day free trial to the GolfForver app

Or you can buy what’s called the Birdie Training System, which retails for $398.99 but is typically on sale for $348.99 (or about $320 after the BE10 discount) and comes with all of the same equipment but also a one-year membership and daily workout routines that are customized just for you based on information that you share with GolfForever upon purchase.

Then there’s the Eagle Training System, which retails for $468.98 but is always slashed to $403.98. That gives you all of the same equipment, the same one-year membership, and the same customized training program. But you also get a wall anchor set that includes:

• 3-pack set that includes high, mid and low anchor positions
• Stainless steel construction for rust-resistant performance
• Integrated storage port for the Swing Trainer
• 6 lag screws

And finally, for a full retail of $538.96 or the usual price of $453.96, you’ve got the Albatross Training System. That includes everything we’ve mentioned so far plus:

Mini Bands+

• Pinchfree fabric construction for comfort and durability
• Light/Medium/Heavy resistance levels
• Non-slip, non-roll design for consistent fit and function

Stability Ball+

• 1,000-pound burst-resistance rating and PVC membrane for commercial-grade durability and performance
• 65cm diameter
• Includes dual-action hand pump for fast inflation

After the initial trial period, the GolfForever app costs $24.99 per month or $199 per year.

As you’ve likely guessed, the way this all works is you use the equipment for the workouts that are made available to you in the app. Each workout is presented as a video with a trainer giving you instructions on each exercise and then doing the physical workout with you on the video.

Can you use the GolfForever swing trainer without the app? Yes, you’d essentially have nice resistance bands, the training bar and the other accessories, all of which could be used for rigorous workouts.

But the real magic of the GolfForever system is in the workout library. That’s where all of this comes to life. That’s how you learn all of the exercises that are going to help you get in better shape and play better golf.

How Does the GolfForever App Work?

As I mentioned, the GolfForever app is the hub of this whole system. It’s where all of the workouts are stored. And there are a lot of them — more than 500!

The app also keeps track of your progress, showing you how many and which workouts you’ve completed and giving you an overall Golf-Fit score and a weekly score to help you stay on track.

You’ll get eight points for each workout you do with an extra five points for every extra workout you complete in a given day. Your goal is to get to at least 70 points each week. Scores reset every Sunday evening.

The coolest thing about the app is that every day you’ll get “Today’s Workout.” And it’s tailored to you specifically.

When you create your account and purchase your membership, the app will take you through a series of questions. It will ask you things like your age, gender and weight. And then it will have you perform a series of exercises and ask you to provide your honest answers on whether or not you were able to properly perform the exercise.

All of this information gives GolfForever an idea of what kind of range of motion you have, what kind of cardio intensity you might be able to handle, and your overall strength levels.

The app will also ask you what kind of basic exercise equipment you have on hand. Things like a medicine ball or dumbbells. If you don’t have it, you just tell them that you don’t have it. And that way, they won’t ever feed you a workout that requires equipment that you don’t own.

So far, in my 18 workouts, all but one have been exclusively with the GolfForever Swing Trainer. I had one workout that was with dumbbells. I’d imagine as we progress, they’ll start to incorporate some other equipment, but I think the Swing Trainer bar and the resistance band will always be the core of the system.

Golf-Specific Exercises Customized for You

Once it has all of your information, GolfForever builds a program tailored to your level that will gradually ramp up in intensity each day.

It’s actually two workouts in two separate videos.

The workout library includes multiple workouts under the headings of:

• Pre-Round Warmups
• Fundamentals
• Rotational Power
• No-Equipment Workouts (meaning you don’t need the Swing Trainer; a great option if you’re traveling)
• Injury Prevention
• Cardio
• Stretching
• Education & Pain Relief
• Golf Performance
• Lessons with Justin Leonard

Each Daily Workout feeds you a video from two separate categories.

In my experience so far, my workouts have all started with a Fundamental video, which lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes and includes a lot of stretching, flexibility work, some light cardio, and a lot of general warming up.

Then, most of the time, it’s taken me into a Rotational Power video that lasts for another 20 to 25 minutes. Again, it’s set to your strength and fitness level. This is where the more intense workout begins.

There’s a lot of work with the resistance bands and swinging the bar with the weighted balls. There’s quite a lot of core-strengthening exercises and a lot of work that promotes better shoulder strength and flexibility for a fuller backswing and follow through.

As I’ve progressed with the system, I’ve noticed recently that they are mixing in more Injury Prevention and Stretching into my personalized curriculum. My expectation is that as I continue to move forward, I’ll eventually be getting workouts that cover all of the categories.

In case you’re wondering, the Lessons with Justin Leonard section of the library are videos that are not fitness related but rather focus on game improvement with topics like “Fundamental Course Management” and “Breaking 80 with Justin Leonard”. I think it’s cool that they mix in a bit of non-workout material, and of course, ya gotta love a Breaking Eighty reference!

If you want to choose your own curriculum, you can go to the workout library and choose whatever suits you best.

I’ve poked around in the library to get an idea of its scope and what some of the workouts in the other categories are like, but so far, I’ve really enjoyed having a Daily Workout that the GolfForever algorithm has decided is right for me.

And the workouts have all felt very appropriate for my level.

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$199

Looking for a golf training program that really works? This is without a doubt one of the best out there. Save 15% with the code BE15!

Buy from Golf Forever

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

How Intense Are the GolfForever Workouts?

The short answer to this question is that they are as intense as you want them to be.

At the conclusion of each day’s workout, you’re asked a series of questions that essentially are inquiring about whether or not the workout was too easy or too hard. So, if it’s not intense enough, you can tell the system that. Presumably, they will use that feedback to challenge you more aggressively going forward.

Remember, the system is set up so that the personalized Today’s Workouts will gradually increase in intensity over time.

For me, the workouts have been about right. I’ve had many workouts that have left me drenched in sweat and with a sore set of abdominal muscles the next morning. Most of these workouts have definitely challenged me.

However, I’ve had a few that, for whatever reason, just seemed really easy and almost kind of lacking.

There are multiple different instructors in this library of videos. They all have different styles and some of them are more amped up than others.

I do think that if someone who was in excellent shape and was working out regularly was on my GolfForever program, they would want something a bit more. Then again, if the system is working correctly, that person in better shape than me would be getting a more intense workout as part of their daily curriculum.

As far as what these workouts are like, it’s a lot of pushing and pulling on the straight bar that is attached to a resistance band. You can make the exercises easier or harder by changing your hand positions on the bar and by stepping closer to or further away from the anchor point. So there is a lot of opportunity to dial in the intensity to your own taste.

The majority of the exercises, though definitely not all of them, are very relatable to something having to do with golf. There’s a lot of work that mimics a golf swing. And there’s a lot of core-strengthening work that promotes better balance and better golf posture.

There’s also a lot of exercises that don’t include a resistance band but instead use just the Swing Trainer bar. With a weighted ball that attaches to the end of the bar, you do a lot of work swinging the bar just as you would a golf club. But because it’s heavier, it’s of course harder and promotes more of a workout.

The point here is that as you’re doing these workouts, you definitely get a clear understanding of how this might translate into better golf performance. That’s what I really love about it, and that’s what’s kept me motivated to keep doing the program day after day.

I want to get in shape. But let’s face it: Above all else, I want to play better golf!

How Much Space Do You Need for the GolfForever System?

I mentioned earlier that the GolfForever equipment includes a door anchor. It’s a simple but durable piece of nylon with a hole on each end. You slide one end of the anchor piece into an open door, just above one of the hinges. Then you close the door, attach a carabiner to the hole in the anchor, and then the other end of the carabiner attaches to the resistance band.

Most of the exercises I’ve done call for a mid-anchor point, meaning the middle hinge. But I’ve also had a few that ask me to anchor it above the bottom hinge.

Because the majority of the workouts do include using the bar and the resistance bands, I think that you’ll want at least 10 feet of space beyond the anchor point. And probably at least 6 feet of width.

With that amount of space, you should be able to comfortably move, even with the resistance band completely stretched, for any of the workouts that the library might throw at you.

You can also wrap the anchor and carabiner setup around something solid like a tree or the post on a golf cart. And, GolfForever sells a wall-anchor system if you want a more permanent fixture.

So, you’ve certainly got options. And the included carrying case makes it very convenient to take your GolfForever system wherever you go.

I do wish that the Swing Trainer bar were somehow collapsable. I was recently packing for a flight and wanted to bring my GolfForever system with me on my trip. But the bar was too long to fit into my suitcase.

As I mentioned, the workout library does have a No Equipment section, so you can still keep grinding even if you don’t have all of your gear with you.

My Personal Experience With GolfForever

So after a few weeks and 18 workouts with the GolfForever program, I’m definitely noticing some differences.

First of all, I’ve lost a little bit of weight. I don’t consider myself grossly overweight. But, like a lot of us, I could stand to lose a few. And thanks to my regular workouts with GolfForever, I’ve done exactly that. Nothing major, but it’s starting to become pleasantly noticeable.

The next thing I’ve noticed is that I am far more balanced over the golf ball. This one isn’t even open for debate. I am so much more secure and stable in my posture all the way through impact. Again, it’s only been a few weeks. I am very excited about this development.

I really think balance, flexibility and injury prevention will end up being the most long-lasting benefits. That’s my hunch after the workouts I’ve completed so far. The increased balance and stability is very noticeable to me.

Now, I am not a long hitter. If I hit a drive that’s over 250, I’ve really popped one. Make fun of me in the comments if you must.

It may very well be a coincidence, but I’ve had three drives of more than 250 yards (as measured using my Garmin Approach S70) in my past three rounds. I can go many, many rounds without hitting a drive of that length. To pull off three of them within my last three rounds is huge for me!

And I’m not talking about a wild pull that, of course, always goes longer. I’m talking about fairways hit or just into the rough.

Is that all because of the Golf Forever program? I really can’t say for sure. Yes, I do feel stronger. But it’s not like I’ve never hit drives of that length before. It’s entirely possible that I’m just on a bit of a good run with my driver. But, like I said, my typical M.O. would have me going multiple rounds without anything like that. So, you tell me…

GolfForever Pros and Cons

I think by now you’ve got a pretty good idea of what I consider to be the pros of the GolfForever system.

Mostly, I think it’s a great option for golfers who want to get in shape but need something golf-specific to get them motivated. That’s me to a T. And if that’s you too, I think this might be an excellent solution.

I haven’t used competing products or systems like Fit for Golf, TPI training or the Stack System, so I can’t speak to how those fitness programs might compare to GolfForever. But again, I think the big key for maintaining a routine for many of us golfers is that the workouts give us a sense of working on our golf games as we get in shape.

As for cons, I mentioned that for as portable as the system is, I wish it could pack down to a smaller size for things like air travel.

One thing that is both a pro and a con is that there is an extensive roster of training instructors and so many different workouts. That’s a great thing on the surface, and I especially love that you can mark workouts that you like as favorites so that you can easily find them when you want to repeat them.

The con of that, in my experience, is that not all of the instructors and workouts are as good as others. Some instructors don’t do as good of a job of explaining the specific moves in the exercises. It can occasionally be frustrating when you’re not quite sure if you’re doing it correctly.

But the biggest con for most people is likely the cost. I think some people are going to see this as a resistance band, a bar and a couple of weighted balls for $199.99. And they may not see the value in that.

But more likely, I think, will be complaints about the ongoing subscription cost. I think it’s fair to call $24.99 per month or $199 per year a bit steep.

Then again, think of what it would cost you to hire a personal trainer and have them customize a plan specific to your golf goals. When you look at it that way, I think you’ll start to see the value.

Bottom line is, you’ve got to use the system to get your money’s worth. The more you use it, the more reasonable that monthly or annual subscription becomes.

Is the GolfForever Program Worth It?

For me, that’s a resounding yes.

Even if the system tricks me into thinking it’s helping my golf game while all it’s really doing is helping my health, it’s of course worth it to me. I really needed something to motivate me to exercise regularly. What better way to do that than with something golf specific?

But I actually do think GolfForever is going to help my golf game. As I said, the increases in balance and stability that I’ve felt after just a short time using the product are undeniable.

Maybe the increased driver distance is psychosomatic, or maybe it’s real. Over time, I think doing these workouts will unquestionably help me increase my swing speed. So, I do think that benefit will ultimately be a real one.

As for the somewhat steep ongoing subscription, I choose to look at it as an investment in myself. If I’m paying good money, I’m much more apt to try to get some benefit out of this. And by using it, I do think I’ll get that benefit.

If you’re like me, a golf nut who traditionally shuns fitness in favor of more golf, GolfForever just might be that rare product that has the power to change your life (and game!) for the better.

GolfForever Training System | Use Code "BE15" to save 15%

$199

Looking for a golf training program that really works? This is without a doubt one of the best out there. Save 15% with the code BE15!

Buy from Golf Forever

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

The post Golf Forever Review: Is it the Ultimate Swing Trainer? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

I’m leading with that because a lot of the other things I have to say about this bag might be obvious to you just by looking at it. Mostly, that it’s what some people might consider a bit “loud” looking. Or, at the very least, unique looking.

To me, those are the two most salient points about this golf bag: It’s very high quality and, because of its looks, it’s going to stand out.

Those two things combined make for what I think is a very interesting product. And one that is potentially going to be very polarizing. Meaning, I think the people who like this bag are going to LOVE this bag. And the people who aren’t into it, are going to be totally turned off by it.

So, to help you figure out which of those two camps you might fit in, let me share my experience with using it.

I’ve had the Ghost GT-14 Oreo out on the course for nearly a month now. And in that time, I’ve gotten a solid handle on all of its features. I’ve also gotten a number of different reactions from other golfers.

I’ll share it all in what I hope you’ll find to be a comprehensive Ghost Golf GT-14 golf cart bag review.

Let’s get into it.

Ghost Golf GT-14: Yeah, It’s Nice, but Is It That Nice?!

The GT-14 is a $475 golf cart bag.

When you look around at competing products, that price looks a bit steep. 

We recently reviewed the Sunday Golf Big Rig cart bag, and that thing retails for $279.99. After our Breaking Eighty coupon code, you can get it for $238.

Then there are the options from the big names like Titleist, Callaway, PXG, TaylorMade, and several others, all for less than $300.

But here’s the thing: None of those bags are as nice as the Ghost Golf GT-14.

As I said at the outset, this is a badass, premium, luxury cart bag. It really is.

The leather, the zippers, the quality of pockets, the strap, the rain hood, the 14-way divider system — all of it is high-end. In fact, all of it combined might just be industry-leading when it comes to cart bag quality. This is a damn fine golf bag.

The premium polyurethane leather is abrasion and water-resistant. And it’s very easy to clean.

With as much white as there is in the Oreo design that I have, I was initially concerned about wear and tear and having what looks like a nice bag out of the box get dirty and unsightly really quickly.

But I’ve had mud splatters, wet grass clippings and dried dirt on my bag, and all of it wiped off simply with just a wet paper towel.

At least to my eyes, the bag looks the same after a month of heavy use as it did the day I unboxed it.

The 14-way dividers are velvet-wrapped with full-length, fully enclosed sections. That’s an awesome feature. If you’ve ever dealt with club tangle, or the pain that it can be to pull out and put back clubs without them interfering with each other, you know what I’m talking about. There’s none of that with this bag. Each club has what amounts to its own private apartment.

And the velvet lining in these club sections is softer than on any of the eight other golf bags I currently have in my possession. It’s really nice.

There’s a large well for putters, which you’d expect to find on a cart bag nowadays. And this one is wide enough, which isn’t always the case with other models of bags. I have an oversized putter grip, and I don’t have any issue with the fat grip getting stuck when I pull my putter.

Pockets and Other Features on the Ghost Golf GT-14

The GT-14 has 11 pockets, which I’d say is fairly standard for a modern bag of this size. You’ve got:

• Two large size pockets that include additional internal mesh pockets
• Two velvet-lined valuables pockets
• Two additional side pockets for extra storage
• One ball pocket that includes a removable panel in case you want to personalize your bag
• A magnetic, velvet-lined range finder pocket
• One additional large center pocket
• Two water bottle sleeves
• Three of the pockets include insulation for beverage storage

The zippers on all of these pockets are really robust and high-quality.

But while I find the storage to be more than enough, I’m not crazy about the overall pocket configuration. I can’t quite put my finger on it entirely, but there’s something about the way these pockets are designed that just isn’t intuitive for me.

With most golf bags, I have an immediate sense for where I want to put everything — my golf balls, garments, gloves, tees, ball markers, repair tools, etc. There’s certainly ample room for all of those things in this bag, but some of the pockets are so large that they just don’t feel like the right spot for those smaller items.

And don’t get me wrong, I love a beverage on the course as much as the next guy, but I probably don’t need three insulated pockets for beverages plus two more water bottle sleeves.

Anyway, that’s by no means a deal breaker. Like I said, there’s room for everything. More than enough, actually. And I’d certainly prefer too large of pockets rather than too small. It’s just that if I was designing this bag, I’d probably have the pockets configured a bit differently.

Ghost Golf GT-14 Golf Cart Bag

$475

If you're ok with the bold styling and copious use of branded logos, there's a lot to love with the Ghost Golf GT-14 cart bag.

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One slick feature is a detachable carabiner that doubles as a bottle opener. Brilliant!

This bag also has rubber feet on the base so that it won’t slip when you’ve got it freestanding. Even fully loaded, in a parking lot, or on a floor, the bag felt very sturdy and in no danger of tipping over.

You’ve also got a sweet-looking rain hood. And, while I like the quicker-install design on a bag like the Ping Hoofer better, this snap-on Ghost Golf hood works perfectly fine.

Beyond that there are a number of standard features like:

• Pen holder
• Velcro glove holders on each side of the bag
• Umbrella loop
• Three grab handles for easy loading
• A single strap for carrying with an option to tuck the strap away
• Cart strap pass through

The Bold Look of Ghost Golf

As we noted in our review of the Ghost Golf Anyday stand bag, Ghost Golf brings a different flavor to the table.

They seem to be targeting a younger, more dynamic audience with a blend of high-end appeal and a touch of casual cool.

To older eyes, I think this bag is going to look loud. It’s non-traditional.

But to the right, and likely younger, eyes, I think the bag is going to resonate as interesting, different, fun, and cool.

My first-person experience using the aptly named GT-14 Oreo bag around other golfers pretty much confirmed for me those exact suspicions.

My home club hosts a local college team, so there are always younger golfers on the range and at the course. When I brought this bag out, I had three different golfers in their 20s say things along the lines of:

“Cool looking bag. I haven’t seen that before.”

“Nice bag. Where did you get that?”

“Oh, sweet! I’ve heard of those guys, but I hadn’t seen one yet.”

Then, with the 40 and up crowd, I got more of a mixed reaction with a couple of:

“Whoa! Interesting.”

“What kind of bag is that?!”

I’m no fashionista. And I have to admit that I was initially a bit shy to bring the bag out in public for fear of the attention I knew it would draw.

Sure enough, it attracted some eyeballs.

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But on the whole, people seem to be interested in the unique look, and the comments were much more positive than negative. Especially once people inspected the quality of the bag up close.

I don’t think the look is over-the-top by any stretch. In fact, in some ways, there’s a lot of subdued classiness to it.

But Ghost sure is proud of its logo. They paste that baby everywhere, including with a large, Pac-Man-looking ghost on each side of the bag.

But, really, when you think about the bigger-brands, in actuality they are often just as bold. Why is it that when we see a massive “Titleist” or “TaylorMade” across the entire side of a golf bag, we don’t think anything of it? It’s because we see that every day.

In a lot of ways, the only reason the Ghost bags look bold is because the brand is unfamiliar.

But in other ways, the GT-14, which is available in seven limited-edition colorways, is undeniably different looking.

The bag comes with a very bold and large red pull tab for one of the pockets that says, “PLAY FEARLESSLY.” To me, it just looks a bit obnoxious.

The nice thing is that Ghost includes a smaller, more discreet replacement black pull tab, which I prefer. I swapped them out pretty much immediately.

But if you prefer to rock the red and the bold “Play Fearlessly” mantra, Ghost includes a few extra of those tabs so that you can put them on multiple zippers on the bag. It’s a nice touch of flexibility.

Who Should Buy the Ghost Golf GT-14?

I think my original main points — that this bag is super high-end and that it is “loud” looking — will serve as the guidelines for who is going to like the Ghost Golf GT-14.

If you’re looking for a high-end, premium-quality, luxury cart bag and something that’s different from any other you’ll find in your playing group and maybe at your entire golf course, the Ghost Golf GT-14 should be a front-and-center candidate.

But if you prefer more discretion in your game, or you don’t want to call attention to yourself, this bag might not be right for you. Maybe you’re better off flashing the giant logos of a more familiar brand.

Or, if you’re into the idea of a luxury cart bag at a similar price that kind of goes with the opposite approach of almost no logos, you definitely want to check out the Vessel Lux Pro.

Personally, I consider myself belonging more to the discreet group, but the sheer quality of this bag is winning me over. And the design is actually growing on me rather nicely.

If you’re looking for more options, these are our favorite golf bags on the market.

Ghost Golf GT-14 Golf Cart Bag

$475

If you're ok with the bold styling and copious use of branded logos, there's a lot to love with the Ghost Golf GT-14 cart bag.

Check the Latest Price

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The post Ghost Golf GT-14 Review: Is This the Ultimate Cart Bag? appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.

And they look pretty sweet, right?

I mean, what’s not to love about hands-free walking on the golf course? It’s like playing with a lot of the benefits of a human caddie, except you don’t have to tip anybody when the round is over.

If you love to walk, you’ve probably at least considered or are already using a golf push cart.

And if you’ve reached that stage in your golf evolution, you’ve certainly at the very least dreamed about an electric golf caddie, those carts that move themselves that you can start, steer, and stop via remote control.

The questions are: Is it worth it? Should you bite the bullet and buy one?

I know because I’ve been asking myself those exact questions for a while now.

Well, over the past couple of weeks I’ve been playing with the MGI Zip Navigator All Terrain 2024 Model.

And let me tell you, it is un-freaking-believable! All the benefit and enjoyment of walking but without the strain of shouldering a bag or pushing a cart up hills. The Zip Navigator AT is a total game changer.

But it’s also $1,595. So, yeah, it better be nice.

Which gets us right back to where we started: Is it worth it? Should you bite the bullet and buy one?

I’m going to share my experiences, findings, and opinions. While I’m not going to try to hide the fact that I love the luxury of hands-free walking, I’m also not going to claim that this MGI electric cart is perfect.

Read on as I give you my honest take on whether or not you should consider buying the Zip Navigator AT.

Best Remote-Controlled Golf Push Cart

MGI Zip Navigator AT Electric Golf Caddy

$1,595

Hands down, one of the best electric caddies on the market.

Buy from Play Better

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First Impressions of the MGI Zip Navigator AT

One of my biggest fears of an electric golf caddie was assembly and maintenance; that sort of thing. I’m not super handy, and I don’t love long installation processes. And I’m definitely not interested in products that are going to require continuous fuss every time I want to use it. I’m the type of golfer who’s likely to under-use certain gadgets and tech for reasons of them being too high maintenance. I just want to get to the tee box.

I gotta say, putting together the MGI Zip Navigator AT is stupid-simple. It’s crazy how easily this thing goes together. I finally opened the instructions just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. But, honestly, I could have assembled this with no guidance. It’s super intuitive.

Basically, all you’ve got to do is slide the wheels on (two on front; two on back) and find a couple of levers to unfold the cart. It’s obvious where the battery goes, and it’s likewise pretty obvious how to attach the included accessories.

Am I over-simplifying my explanation of this setup process? Maybe a tiny bit. But honestly, not by much. I’d say you could have this cart fully assembled and functioning within 15 minutes of opening the box. Easily.

I finally had to consult the instructions because I couldn’t find the remote control – ha! Seriously, I thought they had forgotten to include it. I searched through all the packaging and couldn’t find anything. I was just starting to be seriously bummed out.

But, sure enough, there it was, tucked discreetly under the handle of the cart. It’s easy to miss, but once you know it’s there, you appreciate how stealthy the design is. There’s a little clip where you just slide the remote in. It’s the perfect spot for storing and charging, totally out of the way and not at any risk of getting damaged when you fold the cart down.

The Zip Navigator AT 2024 also comes with some accessories, including:

• A drink holder
• An umbrella holder
• A multi-purpose clip
• A scorecard holder

Each accessory is simple to attach to the cart’s main console area.

The drink holder and umbrella holder are fairly standard to what you might find with other golf push carts. They both work really well.

The clip is very strong. You could use it to hold a towel, I suppose, but I haven’t really found a lot of other uses for it. Still, it’s nice to have it available.

To me, the scorecard holder is kind of worthless. I guess some people may like it. I just find it to be clunky and in the way. I actually prefer the cart without this accessory.

Charging the MGI Zip Navigator AT Electric Golf Caddie

The MGI Zip Navigator AT comes with a 24v battery that’s estimated to allow for 36 holes of golf before needing a recharge.

I’ll be honest: I’m terrified of the idea of running out of juice while I’m out on the course. Not necessarily because I wouldn’t be able to complete the round.

The way the MGI works is that the quick-release rear wheels have two positions. When you push them all the way into their axles, they are in gear and ready to be powered by the battery. But you can pull each wheel slightly back on its axle to get to a second free-spinning position. It’s like putting the cart in neutral. You won’t be able to drive the cart using the battery in this position. Instead, you’ll be able to push it just the same as you would a regular golf push cart.

It’s not the fear of pushing that has me scared so much as it is the ridicule I’m likely to face from my golfing buddies. Using an electric golf caddie does call attention to yourself. And if you play with partners as excited to give you grief as I do, using something this fancy opens a whole avenue of ribbing. I’d never hear the end of it if I ran out of battery power on the course.

This was a similar fear we had with the Stewart Golf Q-Follow – and is basically a universal concern with electric caddies.

All that to say that I did not fully test the 36-hole battery life limit. Instead, I just charged the thing after each time I used it. The biggest reason for that is that it’s really easy to do.

Because the battery is removable, you just pull it off the cart, bring it in the house and plug it into the charger that’s included with the cart. When you’re ready to play next, grab the battery from the charger, connect it to the cart, and you’re ready for more golf. It’s that easy.

I could see a nightmare scenario where you keep your MGI in the back of your car and your battery charger in your house and then realize when you get to the golf course that you left the battery at home on the charger.

That hasn’t happened to me (yet), but it would suck. And it’s probably only a matter of time.

You also need to charge the remote control. But that’very easy as well. You don’t even have to remove the remote from its clip. Using the included USB cord, you simply connect one end of the cord to the remote’s port and the other end into a USB port that’s located underneath the Zip Navigator AT handle.

On the cart’s display screen, which I’ll talk about below, you can see a battery life indicator for both the main battery when it’s connected and the remote control when it’s turned on. So, if you’re paying attention, you should be able to avoid any power outages.

Related: MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ Review – The more expensive sibling to the Zip.

The Important Fifth Wheel on the MGI Zip Navigator AT

How’s this for my first round of golf with the MGI Zip Navigator?

I was running a bit late for a tee time with my buddy, Michael. I had assembled the MGI Zip Navigator AT the night before, and I had planned to take it for something of a test drive before I took it out on the course.

But life happens, and here I was, running behind. There would be no test run.

Instead, I hastily unpacked the cart from my trunk, unfolded it and put my clubs on. So far, so good. From the time I hit the parking lot to the time I was headed for the first tee box was only a couple minutes.

The trouble came when I pulled out the remote control and, excited to show off this new toy, started racing the cart towards my friend on the first tee box.

Barrelling across the parking lot it went, a little fast for my comfort. Apparently, I had gotten a bit aggressive in pushing the accelerator button on the remote, which I had now placed in my pocket.

Next thing I know, the MGI crashes into a high curb on the cart path at top speed, flips over and comes to rest upside down with the wheels still spinning. Meanwhile, I’m still fishing around in my pocket trying to find the brake button.

What an idiot!

Suffice it to say, I’m still catching crap for that one and expect to be for a long time to come.

My point in sharing that embarrassing moment is that you should definitely take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your MGI and the remote control BEFORE you head to the golf course.

This is probably obvious to you. Then again, maybe you’re dumb like me.

The problem in my case is that I had not properly engaged the fifth wheel. The Zip Navigator includes a fifth stabilization wheel that is tucked under the cart when not in use. I knew about it, and I thought I had pulled it out and into position correctly. What I didn’t realize is that you have to not just unfold the wheel but also extend it until it clicks into place in a second position.

I have to say that MGI doesn’t do a great job of making this obvious in the instructions. I think this is an important point that should be very clear. But it’s not expressly clear in the owner’s manual, and I’ll bet there are many other people who learn about the importance of extending the fifth wheel only after they first flip the cart.

The good news here is that if I had properly engaged the fifth wheel, I think the MGI would have survived my high-speed curb crash without even flipping over. Once you have this wheel in place, it’s amazing the terrain this thing can handle.

Seriously, it’s incredible.

I’ve gotten super aggressive in taking it up steep hills, across side hills, over bumps, you name it. And, other than my initial snafu, I’ve yet to get the thing to tip over. It’ll pop a wheelie, which at first makes you think it’s going to tumble over backwards, but it just rides along on the back two wheels and the fifth wheel with no issue at all.

Another reason for this version of the Zip Navigator’s incredible stability and the reason it’s the “All Terrain” model is that it includes patented Gyroscope Straight Tracker Technology that keeps the caddie on track across any terrain.

That means that when you drive it on sidehills, instead of the caddie pulling to one side, it will self-correct. The Zip Navigator AT has two 230w calibrated motors so that the rear wheels operate independently. So on side hills, one of the rear wheels automatically slows or stops while the other speeds up, keeping the cart moving in a straight line. It’s quite impressive.

Those independent-operating rear wheels and the swivel front wheels also allow the cart to turn on a dime, which is awesome. Navigating the cart, even through tight spaces, is easier than you might think.

There’s also built-in downhill speed control so that your cart won’t recklessly race away even going down a steep hill.

And the rear wheels also include all-terrain tread to help handle all conditions.

Best Remote-Controlled Golf Push Cart

MGI Zip Navigator AT Electric Golf Caddy

$1,595

Hands down, one of the best electric caddies on the market.

Buy from Play Better

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Playing Golf With the Zip Navigator AT

This is where it gets really good. And I mean really good.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of playing golf with a caddie, you know how much different that experience is than carrying your own bag or even pushing your bag on a cart.

I love to walk when I play. But, like everyone, I’m not always super psyched about having to carry my bag. For that reason, I made the switch to a push cart a few years ago. And I thought that solution was awesome.

Until now.

Being completely unencumbered when I play is just, well, amazing. It’s like everything that makes walking a golf course great without any of the drawbacks. Every single scenario is improved.

Here’s an example: Between the fifth green and sixth tee at my home course, you’ve got to walk about 100 yards in the opposite direction of how the sixth hole plays. Every walking golfer comes off the fifth green and sets their bag down or parks their pushcart near the left side of the sixth fairway, then grabs their driver and hikes back to the tee box.

But sometimes (or maybe a lot of times), I hit a shot wayward to the right. So, instead of being able to walk in a direct line to the far right side of the hole to find my ball, I have to trudge back to my clubs 100 yards ahead on the left side of the fairway and then walk all the way across the hole.

But not with the Zip Navigator AT. Instead, I just pull out the remote and drive that baby over to where I want it. It’s a beautiful thing.

The same thing around the greens. Proper golf and pace of play etiquette dictates that you set your bag or cart at the back of the green or in the direction of the next tee box so that you can exit the green after putting and not have to backtrack.

But sometimes you’ve got a shot on the opposite side of the green, meaning you’ll need to hit the shot and then walk either through the green or around the green all the way to the other side to park your clubs and then return to the green to putt.

With an electric golf caddie, you don’t have to worry about those extra steps and extra time. Instead, you hit your shot, grab your putter, pull out your remote control and drive the cart to wherever you want to park it. It’s pretty damn sweet.

All of these little scenarios actually add up to the point that, while I haven’t gotten out the stopwatch, I think playing with an electric golf push cart really can speed up your pace of play.

MGI Zip Navigator AT Remote Control Functionality

The range on the remote control is incredible. Maybe a little too incredible. I was successfully guiding my cart from a distance that I measured with a rangefinder as more than 250 yards! Once you’re out of range of the remote, the cart will automatically stop.

The reason I think the range might be a little excessive is that if you get into a runaway cart situation it can roam a long way and into a lot of trouble (think water hazards) before it stops on its own. You might be tending to your golf shot and not even realize that you accidentally hit the up arrow on the remote that moves the cart forward.

The remote control does include a lock button that prevents this scenario. But in my experience, once you get in the flow of a round, it’s easy to forget or to choose not to take the extra step of locking and unlocking the remote each time you use it.

So, believe it or not, I actually wish the remote control were a little less powerful.

I also wish it were just a bit smaller. The remote, while light, is just a tad clunky for my taste. Again, it’s really light, which means you don’t even notice it in your pocket. You’ve also got the option to clip it to your belt if you prefer, but I like the pocket method. It’s not a big deal, but I’d prefer a remote that was just a little smaller.

As for the buttons, you’ve got lock and unlock and then an arrow for each of four directions. It’s like driving a remote-controlled car. Then there’s a red stop button below the four directional buttons. I’d probably prefer the stop button to be positioned in the middle of the four arrows. That, to me, would make finding it quickly a little more intuitive. That design might have even saved me my initial runaway cart embarrassment when I couldn’t find the brake button fast enough.

When you want to move the cart forward, you simply press the up (or forward) arrow. The longer you press the button, the faster the Zip Navigator AT will move. And let me tell you, it can motor! I didn’t clock it with a radar gun, but it definitely can move much faster than I can run, for whatever that’s worth.

You’ve got a full range of incremental speeds that you can operate in, which is great. So you can slowly inch it ahead just a couple feet, or send it at top speed cruising down the fairway.

When you want to stop the cart, you simply press the stop button and it stops immediately. It works great.

To reverse, you need to hold down the bottom arrow button. And you use that same button to slow the cart down when you have it driving forward. Again, it works perfectly.

The digital display box on the cart’s handle shows you battery status, which speed setting you’re in and how far the cart has moved in that round as well as how many miles (or kilometers depending on your setting preference) you have on the cart overall.

You can also control starting and stopping with a push button just below the digital display, though I really never found a use for that feature. I just prefer to operate it with the remote control.

Related: Our 8 Favorite Electric Golf Caddies.

Which Type of Golf Bag Works Best on the MGI Zip Navigator AT?

I tested this electric caddie using both a standard-sized carry bag and a full-size cart bag. It was designed to use with a cart bag, and definitely works much better with that larger-style bag. It just fits much more securely.

Initially, I was concerned that a regular carry bag wouldn’t even be an option with this cart. When I first tried to install mine, I couldn’t get the bottom of the bag to rest on the bottom of the cart without it being too low for the top of the cart’s straps. But I realized that you can adjust the top straps bracket to raise or lower it to fit different-sized bags.

Still, even with that adjustment, a carry bag just doesn’t quite fit perfectly. Can you use the MGI Zip Navigator AT with a carry bag? Yes, I think you’ll be OK with a carry bag that’s on the larger side. But it’s not going to work with really small bags, and it’s definitely not an option to use something like a Sunday bag.

If you’ve got a cart bag, an electric caddie is perfect. You can have the luxury of all that extra golf bag space without having to worry at all about the extra bulk or weight.

We specifically love this high end cart bag, or this one if you’re on more of a budget.

What Does the MGI Zip Navigator Weigh and How Bulky Is It?

With the battery, the Zip Navigator AT weighs 37 pounds, but the battery itself weighs 6 pounds. So, by removing the battery and lifting it separately, you reduce the weight of this thing that you’ll have to load in and out of your vehicle to 31 pounds.

I can’t speak for someone with a bad back or who has restrictions on how much weight they can lift. But in my experience, loading and unloading this cart in and out of a vehicle really isn’t a problem.

One cool thing about this caddie’s design is that you can remove the rear wheels, invert them and then slide them back onto the axles to significantly reduce the width. It takes a couple of minutes, but if you’ve got a tight trunk or storage area, this little hack is a lifesaver.

With the rear wheels inverted, the folded dimensions of the Zip Navigator AT are 28” x 19” x 17”.

When the cart is fully unfolded, it’s 46” x 23” x 41”. Not that size is of any real concern once you’re out on the course with the caddie in use.

Should You Buy the MGI Zip Navigator AT?

Look, $1,595 for a piece of golf equipment that’s not even going to help you put the ball in the hole might be pushing it for a lot of people.

There’s no denying that an electric golf caddie is a luxury.

But, damn, is it a sweet luxury. And if you play a lot of golf and have the budget available, shouldn’t your comfort and enjoyment be worth some investment?

I’ll tell you this much: Once you play this way, it ain’t easy to go back to carrying or pushing. Trust me on that one.

How much do I like the MGI Zip Navigator AT?

Let me put it this way: When the MGI rep emailed me asking when I was going to send this cart back, I replied with, “Are you the person I need to talk to about buying one?”

Best Remote-Controlled Golf Push Cart

MGI Zip Navigator AT Electric Golf Caddy

$1,595

Hands down, one of the best electric caddies on the market.

Buy from Play Better

We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

This page contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and buy one of the products on this page, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you!) This doesn’t affect our opinions or our reviews. Everything we do is to benefit you as the reader, so all of our reviews are as honest and unbiased as possible.

Recent Updates

October 14, 2024: Added link to new review of MGI Ai Navigator GPS+ – the higher-end version of the Zip Navigator. 

The post The MGI Zip Navigator is So Good, I Bought One Myself appeared first on Breaking Eighty | Best Golf Courses and Golf Product Reviews.