Buying an Electric Golf Trolley
This can be a daunting task. With so many choices, how does one decide which golf trolley is the right one? Here are some tips to help guide you in that process. The first step is to narrow the choices to either Manual or an Electric Golf Trolley. This will make the research faster and easier. When you've decided which of these you'd like to research, look at the following major factors: Performance, Design, Control Features, and Drive System.
Golf Trolley Performance
This determines how well your trolley transports the clubs. Important parameters are hill climb-capability (in degrees of slope), operating range (the number of holes you can play on a single battery charge, and carrying capacity (maximum carry weight). For the operating range, this is generally a personal preference depending how much you plan to play in a day on average (9 holes in the morning and 18 in the afternoon means you would be better off buying a trolley with a 27 hole battery capacity). If most of your play is going to be on hilly courses, look for a trolley with a climb-capacity rated at least 20 degrees. Factors that determine electric golf trolley performance are motor size in Watts, battery power in Amp-Hours (AH) and trolley/battery weight. For most courses a motor rated at 175 Watts should be adequate. Battery power can vary from 20 to 40 AH. For hilly courses look for batteries rated in the 30-40 AH range.
Other golf trolley factors to consider are:
Construction:
Look for sturdy, but lightweight construction. Tubular steel frames are the most rugged, but also weigh more. An aluminum frame is lighter than steel, but dents more easily. A titanium frame is light and strong, but more expensive. Models made of anodized aluminum alloy frame with titanium finish might be a good choice for the regular golfer.
Dimensions and Fold-ability:
Check folded, unfolded dimensions to make sure the trolley will fit into your car, and how easy it is to setup and fold. Find a good match for your build and height. The handle height should be within comfortable reach.
Weight:
You'll want the trolley to be light enough to lift in and out of your car by yourself. So confirm the total weight of the cart including the battery.
Handle:
Consider on the handle shape & design. Select a handle that allows you to easily grab and operate the controls - especially if you are left-handed. Pay attention to where handle mounted controls are located (right, left, or center).
Wheels and Tires:
Wide tires tend to be more stable and are easier on the course. Pneumatic tires with treads will slip less on wet grass. Trolleys with quick-release wheels are easier to store and clean. Double-check to see if it can be easily pushed in a free-wheeling mode.
Accessories:
The golf trolley you select may have optional accessories, which may have value to you and are worth taking into account in your buying decision.
Warranty:
Select a trolley with at least a one-year warranty. Higher-end trolleys are likely to have a 2-year warranty on the frame. Better golf batteries come with a 1-year warranty. Occasionally you will find a separate & longer-duration warranty for the motor.
After-Sale Service:
Customer service and technical support are also worth considering before buying your golf trolley. Check customer reviews to see whether the trolley is reliable and the dealer is reputable. Make sure that there is someone ready to assist you in case you need technical support.
These are the main ingredients for making a good informed decision about which trolley to purchase.
A trolley to consider buying is the new Sport-2 electric golf trolley, the successor to the very popular Sport 250 with a host of new features:
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- LED Digital Display, which will clearly display your favourite speed
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- Cruise Control, which will allow you to stop the trolley to play your shot and on pressing it again, will effortlessly accelerate to match your favourite speed
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- The battery tray is a sleek ABS moulding and accommodates both 18 hole and 27 hole batteries
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- A sturdy aluminium alloy frame finished in a gloss white powder coat and the handle has been reshaped to make it suitable and comfortable for both left and right-handed golfers.
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- Distance Control, which will allow you to send your trolley off to the next tee, either 10, 20 or 30 yards away. The display will 'count down' the yardage and stop when the display reaches '0' - all you need to carry is your putter!
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- Battery indicator to constantly monitor your battery and give you plenty of warning if your battery is running low.
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There is the option of adding an 18 hole battery or 27 hole trolley battery to suit the amount of golf you play and is complete with a modern 3-stage charger, the type you can 'plug in and forget'.
This is a light (8kg) and very sturdy electric golf trolley with all the features required by today's regular golfers.