BIG MAX Blade IP Push Cart
The BIG MAX Blade IP push cart is an ultra-slim design focused on ease of setup and its compact profile for easy storage. While a very minimalist design, the Blade IP is reliable and performs well on the course. The key is making sure you’re properly setup to fit all your walking needs!
Setup
Setting up the BIG MAX Blade IP cart is about as easy as it gets. Due to its flat design, there is no assembly required for the Blade IP out of the box. To set the cart up, all you do is press a button to release the frame and turn the front wheel into place. Once that wheel is in place, just unfold the cart, watch the back wheels automatically rotate into place, and “lock” the frame. Note: at this point it may seem like the frame can easily fold back in half because the “locking mechanism” is a little loose, but the addition of the bag will reinforce the cart and keep it plenty sturdy. Now you just need to unlock the handle and set it in the best position for you.
Frankly, I expected the setup process to be more complicated and was almost confused by how quick and easy it ended up being. Aside from one button to release the frame sections in the beginning, there aren’t any special tricks or annoying steps. Very straightforward to unfold and get on the course, and just as simple to fold up and throw in your car.
Storage
First, I’m going to cover built-in storage for the BIG MAX Blade IP push cart. It’s important to remember that this is a lightweight and very minimalist push cart. The only built-in storage on the Blade IP is the small compartment on the console which is good for small things like your keys, ballmarkers, repair tools, etc. Outside of that, not much will fit in there. On the console you’ll also find two ball holders, two tee slots, a pencil holder, a small drink net, and two scorecard/note holders. If you’re like me, this amount of storage in a push cart may come up short. Fortunately, BIG MAX offers a great range of accessories to address this. There are multiple built-in attachment areas for bags, nets, and brackets to hold additional equipment. I’d highly recommend adding one of the BIG MAX storage nets for more space and quick access.
(Side note: at the time of writing this, BIG MAX is offering a bundle deal for this cart plus a basket attachment for additional storage. It’s a no brainer.)
Let’s talk about storing the push cart itself. Generally, push carts are sort of a pain to store because they take up valuable real estate. The Blade IP’s slim design certainly addresses that issue. With a car trunk filled with two golf bags, shoes, and whatever else, I can easily slide the BIG MAX Blade IP on top of everything. In fact, if I had two carts to fit, I bet I could puzzle both of them in! I store the cart in my garage and it fits perfectly in a narrow space between my work bench and toolbox. If I had to hang it on the wall, it wouldn’t stick out and create a possible risk of head injury when passing by.
On-Course Performance
Though I mentioned storage issues that are easily addressed, the BIG MAX Blade push cart was great on the course. I typically find smaller push carts difficult to balance and prone to toppling, but the Blade IP has a great center of gravity and is very sturdy. Additionally, the Blade IP tracks smoothly and straight over any terrain. If you find your cart has some tracking issues, you can adjust the front wheel with an allen wrench to straighten it out very easily. The lighter weight of the cart also made it easier to control going up or down steep hills. More importantly, the lighter weight is much easier on your body. At no point did I feel fatigued from lugging a cart around all day!
One thing I ended up really liking about the Blade IP was its bag position. As you can see in the pictures, the bag sits more upright. This made it easier to get clubs in and out of the bag without sticking. Additionally, the base of the cart is receptive to any bag type and the adjustable upper brackets will keep any size or shape bag firmly in place.
An additional feature I want to touch on briefly is the braking system. I’m used to push carts having the parking brake operated by hand but BIG MAX changed it up with the Blade IP. To help maintain the slim and simple design of the Blade IP, BIG MAX used a dual foot brake system instead. A quick flick of the foot on each wheel firmly locks the cart in place, however, you’re typically fine just locking one of the brakes and your cart will stay put.
Final Thoughts
I really liked the BIG MAX Blade IP push cart from a functional perspective. The only “criticism” I have is that I wish there was more on-board storage built into the cart. To be fair, given the concept of this cart, I’m not really sure how BIG MAX could have done it aside from making a storage net a stock option or something along those lines. The Blade IP was very smooth all over the course (and I mean ALL OVER the course), and the bag system was excellent. I’m a big fan of how the Blade IP folds up flat for easy carrying, transport, and storage. The Blade IP is a simple and functional push cart that really does make life easier on the walking golfer.
BIG MAX Blade IP Push Cart Features
Folding mechanism | Ultra-Slim, One-Fold System |
---|---|
Size (in inches) | 88 x 62 x 12,5 |
Weight (in lbs) | 6,4 |
Adjustable Handle | Yes |
Quick Fix Base | Yes, 2 |
Quick Lock Base | Yes, 4 (2 on panel, 2 on bag bracket) |
Magnetic Ball Marker | Yes |
QA base (for i-Dry Rainsystem) | Yes |
Adjustable Bag Bracket | Yes |
Brake | Foot brake |
Detachable Wheels | Ja |
Suitable for Tour Bag | Yes |
Standbag Compatible | Yes |
Colors | white, white-lime, black-red, black-lime, black |