Big Max IQ 360 Push Cart
Before I begin breaking down all of the features of the Big Max IQ 360 push cart, I feel the need to provide a caveat. Ever since I began walking golf courses roughly five or six years ago, I have only used a Big Max push cart. Specifically, the Big Max IP Blade.
That isn’t to say I haven’t seen other push cart brands or models in action. I believe Bill has about 20 (give or take) of them in his garage. I tell you this simply to provide a little context when it comes to comparing what the Big Max IQ 360 has and does not have, and what it can do and can not do versus other brands.
Setup
The Big Max IQ 360 essentially comes in four pieces: the body and the three wheels. Assembly is as simple as unfolding the body and snapping in the three wheels. Something worth mentioning, and which Big Max takes pride in, is the minimal packaging and zero use of plastic. It’s a nice little bonus if you happen to love Mother Earth!
Anyways, pulling the aluminum frame out of the box, one can’t help to notice how light it is. The entire push cart, with wheels attached, weighs in at a mere 14.9 pounds. My Shih-Tzu weighs more than the thing.
Obviously, the Big Max IQ 360 isn’t the Blade IP when it comes to folding/unfolding. However, that isn’t to say the IQ 360 doesn’t fold up into a manageable size. The official measurement of the IQ 360 when folded up is 22.8 x 14.6 x 16.5 inches. If you need a comparison, you could almost use it as a carry-on suitcase for your next golf trip. The typical carry-on suitcase is 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Plus, if you need just a little more space, you can easily detach all of the wheels.
You can watch a full unboxing right here.
Built-In Storage
Let’s talk about what Big Max calls the “organizer panel”, a.k.a., the place where you put all of your stuff like golf balls, golf gloves, a bottle of water, etc. Lifting the magnetically closed lid reveals an extra-large storage compartment that includes an inside pocket on the side. The side pocket is velcro-sealed and big enough to store at least three golf balls and any other random golf accessories that you would like to keep separate from the main basket.
The basket itself is made of breathable netting and has enough depth and space to store your phone, a small umbrella, and in my case at times, a Canon T6i camera with an 18mm to 135mm lens attached.
The organizer panel also has dedicated spots for a pencil, golf tees, and two spots to attach a GPS (or cell phone) holder and umbrella.
Finally, from an accessories/storage perspective, the true cherry-on-top of it all, Big Max is now including three accessories with the purchase of the Big Max IQ 360: an umbrella holder, a GPS/Phone holder, and a beverage holder. All three are specifically designed to be used with Big Max push carts.
On-Course Performance
Combine the Big Max IQ 360’s lightweight aluminum frame with the smooth and easy-to-roll ball bearing wheels and you’ve got yourself one of the more nimble and easy-to-use push carts on the market.
There happens to be one additional feature, which provides the Big Max IQ 360 with its namesake – the 360º front wheel. Now, admittedly, I didn’t think a 360º front wheel would provide that much of a difference compared to the stationary front wheel of my IP Blade, but boy was I mistaken.
It makes a massive difference.
It just makes it so much easier to maneuver and work your way around the golf course with a front wheel that can move in any direction. And, as a bonus, if for whatever reason you don’t want the front wheel to move 360 degrees, there is a latch on the front wheel that will lock it in the straight position. Speaking of latches, there is also one small feature that Big Max included on the IQ 360 that is not on my Blade IP. One that I didn’t know I needed until I actually used it. The hand brake.
My Blade IP has a brake on each back wheel that you flip down with your foot. Obviously, the foot brake is not difficult to use. When you want the pushcart to not roll, you simply pick a side, flip down one of the brakes with your foot, and you’re done. But, I have to tell you, having a hand brake somehow makes it even easier to lock your wheels. It’s just…right there. So simple, so convenient, so brilliant.
Final Thoughts – Big Max IQ 360 Push Cart
All things considered, it’s no wonder why Big Max Golf has been the number one pushcart manufacturer in all of Europe for the past 20 years and one of the fastest growing brands in the market here in the United States. The Big Max IQ 360 push cart checks every box from its lightweight design, ease of use, and multiple accessories.
Honestly, after using the Big Max IQ 360 push cart for a few rounds and then going back to my Blade IP, I have to admit, it was a struggle to adjust to not having that beautiful 360º front wheel and that fantastic hand brake. (Did I reach for the non-existent hand brake on my Blade IP more than once? Perhaps…) And I love my Blade IP push cart. The IQ 360 is a great all-around push cart that makes walking the course a wonderful experience.
Big Max IQ 360 Push Cart Features
Folding mechanism | Cube-fold |
---|---|
Hight adjustable handle | Yes |
Ergonomic handle | Yes |
Soft foam handpiece | Yes |
Brake | One handbrake |
Detachable wheels | Yes, all wheels |
360° frontwheel | Yes |
Number of wheels | 3 ball-bearing wheels |
Autofold wheels | No |
Foldable frontwheel | Yes |
Size folded (HxWxD) | 22.8 x 14.6 x 16.5 inches |
Weight | 14.9 lbs |
Frontwheel diameter | 7.7 inches |
Rearwheel diameter | 11.6 inches |
Wheel material | PU |
Frame material | Aluminum |
2 Quick Fix bases | Yes |
2 Quick Lok bases | Yes |
Pencil holder | Yes |
Tee holder | Yes, 4 |
Magnetic ball marker | No |
Umbrella holder | Yes |
Integrated bottle holder | No |
Scorecard holder | Yes |
Storage compartment | Yes, XL with 2 inside pockets |
Golf ball holder | No |
Adjustable bag bracket | Yes, with flexible straps |
Quick Lok base at the bag bracket | No |
Universal bag mount | Yes |
Colors | phantom black |
Included Accessories | QF Umbrella Holder Classic, QL Bottle Holder, QF GPS Holder |