OT: BEST ELECTRIC CART

[Lou_Duran]

My MGI has been field-tested for two rounds.


Conclusions:  it does mostly what it claims to do.


The learning curve is very steep.


It is too top-heavy and relies greatly on the small back wheel to keep from tipping over- the slightest incline produces a wheelie.


The gyroscope does not work well- the cart does not follow a straight line, veering in both directions depending on the slightest slopes turning the front wheels.


My bag does not fit well, turning to one side or the other.


After two rounds, it still shows that it is mostly charged.


The remote is pretty rudimentary.  A simple readout on what speed setting it was running on would be helpful.


Our course has circuitous cart paths with steep curbs on all par 3s and around all other tees and greens, with ropes to keep carts off the grass until well into the hole.  Having to jump these is a pain and the wheels, especially the back wheelie one, will likely wear out on the concrete in no time.


The course is also modern in design with mounds and swales throughout.  The cart gets through them ok, but it is jumping,/jarring all over the place with stuff flying out.


I have to keep my attention on the cart probably more than on playing golf.  The pace of play is also slower than carrying.


The cart is plenty fast and responsive to remote commands.


No buyer's remorse yet; will give it a few more rounds.

[Ira Fishman]

Lou,


It took my wife a few rounds to get the hang of it and now sends it around greens as she is walking to them. We do not have the curb problem though.


I ended up splurging for the bag that is designed to lock onto the cart. That helped with top heavy and twisting .


Ira

[Marty Bonnar]

Oh, how I love a good First World problem thread!
 
F.

[Tim Martin]

Any feedback on the manual-control models? It must be similar to operating a self propelled lawn mower.

[Lou_Duran]

The MGI can be operated in the power mode manually, but that defeats the purpose of the extra $800+.  The center start/stop button on the handle also controls the speed by turning the dial, starting at 2 after stopping, with a maximum setting of 9; 4 to 5 are good to fast walking speeds.  I had a hard time turning at more than 4, but I typically went to the remote when it was getting away from me.


The cart can be pushed without the battery by pulling the wheels away from the body by one setting.  It is a manual process, but quite easy.  For small trunks and tight storage spaces, the back wheels also come off easily.




Mr. Bonnar,


I was prompted to make this "investment" by watching the many members of Scottish links sporting theirs.  The brand of choice seemed to be the Motocaddy, often with a matching logoed bag.  Very smart, really, and I know how value-oriented most Scots are.  But, of course, you're right.

[Marty Bonnar]

The MGI can be operated in the power mode manually, but that defeats the purpose of the extra $800+.  The center start/stop button on the handle also controls the speed by turning the dial, starting at 2 after stopping, with a maximum setting of 9; 4 to 5 are good to fast walking speeds.  I had a hard time turning at more than 4, but I typically went to the remote when it was getting away from me.


The cart can be pushed without the battery by pulling the wheels away from the body by one setting.  It is a manual process, but quite easy.  For small trunks and tight storage spaces, the back wheels also come off easily.




Mr. Bonnar,


I was prompted to make this "investment" by watching the many members of Scottish links sporting theirs.  The brand of choice seemed to be the Motocaddy, often with a matching logoed bag.  Very smart, really, and I know how value-oriented most Scots are.  But, of course, you're right.

Mr Duran, sir,
I am utterly mind-boggled by my countrymen’s propensity for the acquisition of golfing paraphernalia. Even our ten and twelve year old kids are sporting these ridiculous motorised bag-luggers.
I like to carry. Everyone else is an eedjit.
Much love,
M.
 

[Mark Mammel]

Mr Duran, sir,
I am utterly mind-boggled by my countrymen’s propensity for the acquisition of golfing paraphernalia. Even our ten and twelve year old kids are sporting these ridiculous motorised bag-luggers.
I like to carry. Everyone else is an eedjit.
Much love,
M.
 

Marty-
As a golfer who has logged 6 decades of walking, after 2 back surgeries I can no longer carry the load- though I still enjoy the odd 9 with the Sunday bag- so the motorized trolly keeps me with feet on the ground. I guess that makes me a happy eedjit!

[Lou_Duran]

Question for those with experience on the MGI Zip Navigator cart and/or lithium batteries, is it best to drain the battery well down before recharging, or should it be recharged after every round?  I have two rounds on the original charge (about 7 hours) and still show most bars.  Unless I missed it, the manual only mentions that the remote's battery should be charged at the same time as the cart battery.  The literature states that the expected life of the battery is 400-600 charges before replacement.  At $400 to replace, the less often it is put on the charger the better?   Have zero knowledge of battery technology other than that the memory problem is no longer applicable.  Guidance, please.

[Kevin_Reilly]

Lou, these lithium batteries are pretty durable.  About the only advice you might get is to keep the battery's charge between 20-80%.  Don't let it ever get to zero (most important), and better to stop charging at around 80% than to keep it charging at a long period at 100%.


Since you live in Texas, also avoid keeping anywhere at high temps.


Enjoy your cart and post a follow-up!

[Jerry Kluger]

For those of you who are still considering purchasing the MGI, it is on sale at Costco.com for $300 off or $1299.  I was able to get an adjustment from them for $300 for my purchase back in September.

[Tim Martin]

For those of you who are still considering purchasing the MGI, it is on sale at Costco.com for $300 off or $1299.  I was able to get an adjustment from them for $300 for my purchase back in September.

I bought some Prime strip steaks last week. Can I drop your name for the September price?

[Carl Johnson]

Since no one has mentioned it, I think, I'll add the Made in USA Kangaroo Caddy. . . .


I have one of the older "tank" model kangaroos, but chose not to get it with remote.  I've tried remotes, and I've seen guys run their carts on remote into ponds.  Keeping in touch has a lot to be said for it.