Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push Cart
Push cart use has soared through the roof since the beginning of the pandemic. I know it got me walking more often than not, and I haven’t looked back since. Unfortunately, there isn’t much range in the push cart market for junior and smaller players. Or even push carts that will comfortably accommodate a wide range of different bag sizes. Through an adjustable upper bracket, the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 push cart now provides a versatile investment for players to grow with, or even share amongst their household. They’re calling this “Vertical Fit Technology”. Additionally, the three-wheel Ridgeline 3 is easy to setup and packs premium performance on the golf course.
Setup
Much like the Speed Cart V1R, the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 unfolds in two easy steps. While holding the front wheel and the handle, unfold the cart until the latch on the bottom middle post clicks. Once fully “unfolded”, there is another main handle to unlatch that locks the handle into place. You can set this at your preferred height and just latch it into position. All that’s left is to lower the upper bag bracket and you’re ready to go.
Tear down is really just as easy. Unlatch the handle and fold it back down. Next, raise the upper bag bracket back up. Then press the metal latch on the bottom post and fold the top back down to the front wheel. Note, the Ridgeline 3 doesn’t lock in place when you fold it back up. Don’t worry, it doesn’t come unfolded as long as you hold it in the right places. For instance, I like to carry the Ridgeline 3 by the main handle when it’s folded up and it doesn’t open up on its own.
After you put your bag in the bottom rest/bracket, you can decide if you need to adjust the upper bracket. This is done via the “Height Adjustment Lever” which works just like the latch on an adjustable bike seat. Just flip the latch and slide the bracket where you need it on the tube. Now you just need to strap the bag into the brackets and you’re off an running. Speaking of the straps, I appreciate that Sun Mountain used the types of plastic clips you can see in the pictures. They are much more secure and easier to adjust. When pulled tight, your bag won’t move at all and they don’t slip.
Built-In Storage
The built-in storage on the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 is morderate, but I do feel the tray is improved and the overall storage is adequate. It’s a little deeper than the previously mentioned Speed Cart, so I had more room for the essentials and the lid still closed all the way. There are two magnetic posts to hold the lid closed without being too tight. It may be a small thing, but it really did give me a lot of satisfaction. There’s also a cell phone slot on the outside of the tray that’s a nice convenience. Sun Mountain gave this a durable rubber backing with a tight elastic string across it so your phone doesn’t slip in it. My only complaint about the tray is that there aren’t tee slots. I can throw those inside the tray, but the convenience of tee slots is always nice.
There’s a mesh storage basket as well. This does it’s job great for small essentials like a moderate water bottle, rangefinder, extra balls, etc. The only issue I had was that my usual 32-ounce water bottle couldn’t fit through the frame to go in the basket. Not a deal breaker by any means, I’ll just use a different bottle.
Sun Mountain also offers a wide range of add-on accessories to help with storage. Included with the cart is an adjustable umbrella holder that stores underneath the console, and a drink holder. Things such as coolers and an additional mesh bag can really make a big difference during your round!
On-Course Performance
My big criteria for a push cart’s performance are how smooth it pushes and how much of a distraction it is throughout your round. I’m SUPER picky about these things and you will know it quickly when you’re playing with me and a new push cart. (Ask Kris McEwen…) Well, the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 is pretty close to checking all of the boxes.
The Ridgeline 3 unfolds into a very sturdy three-wheel push cart. It almost gives me an “all-terrain vehicle” or “mountain bike” vibe, which is perfect for something traversing sandy/grassy hills and whatnot. It even has a freaking disc brake for its braking mechanism! The “high impact” wheels are heavy duty and durable. Overall, it’s well balanced and doesn’t ever want to tip over unless you’re on an unreasonably steep slope that you’re most likely falling down anyway.
Along those lines, the Ridgeline 3 tracks nicely and is easy to control over any terrain you’ll realistically face. The “EZ Glyde” bearings are very smooth and quiet around the course. Additionally, the large handle is comfortable and really helps maintain that control. While it took me a bit to come around to this all-plastic handle, I’ve come to appreciate that it’s not going to dry out and get brittle over time like rubber might.
The adjustable bag bracket system is also really nice. First, the shapes of the two brackets accommodate stand bag hardware very nicely and can fit a wide range of bag shapes and sizes. Next, the adjustable Vertical Fit Technology is a real nice feature. Even when it comes to full size bags, sizes will vary so being able to adjust this bracket to your perfect position is a great benefit. This makes pulling and replacing clubs much easier as well.
Final Thoughts – Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push Cart
The Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push Cart fills a void in the push cart market by providing a comfortable and adaptable design for golfers of various heights and bag types. A key feature is Sun Mountain’s Vertical Fit Technology – a patent-pending adjustable upper bag bracket that accommodates a wide range of bag sizes, from those designed for juniors to giant adult cart bags. This makes it a great investment for golfers who are still growing and worried about growing out of their expensive push cast. It’s also a great option for families who might want to share a cart in their household. Whoever it may be can rest assure that the Ridgeline 3 will last for a long time and deliver a premium performance on the golf course.
Overall, the Sun Mountain Ridgeline 3 Push Cart is a well-designed and versatile option for golfers looking for a comfortable and adjustable way to get around the course. Its innovative Vertical Fit Technology makes it a great choice for golfers of all sizes and bag types.
