Costco MGI Navigator AT Deal

[Philomathesq]

Making the bag "top heavy," as you mention, is one of the worst things you can do to keep it from tipping over; you want the weight as low as possible. I play on a course that has some relatively decent ups and downs, and with the 5th wheel extended, I've never had any tip over issues.

[Campbells_Soup]

What's the difference between the MGI Navigator and the MGI Navigator AT? Costco has taken down the page with the AT. I see other sites with the Navigator. Really wanted to order one from Costco and finally came up with the coin to make the purchase and now it's gone.

[fazmanicg]

The Navigator AT has two independent front wheels spread further apart giving it slightly more stability. That is the only difference. The item comes up as out of stock on Costco's website if you try to order by item number (1362627). Hopefully they will get more stock.

 

[hurley999s]

just got mine in and have one round on it on my hilly course. Everything worked beautifully and my first time using it was on the course...no “practice” at home. I made two rookie mistakes that I quickly remedied:

1) I forgot to change the wheels from the storage position (narrow base) to how you should have them...even though it was technically in free wheel, it was moving since it’s downhill, and at first I thought it wasn’t going fast enough, then I noticed the wheels...took 20 seconds to change.

2) hole 2 is uphill and I saw it starting to rip back - didn’t fall over - and realized I never extended the wheelie bar. Again, about 20 seconds fix

From then on out it was smooth sailing. Remote is so easy to use and control, and any dicey slopes, I brought the speed down and it did fine. A few times around the greens I used the hand controls...

So to your point about it not tracking straight when holding on — this was mentioned here by an earlier poster and I’m glad I read it before using — when you initiate movement from the remote, the gyro is activated. When you start with the handle control, the gyro is off. So if you start it with the remote then hold on and try to steer, you’ll feel the resistance from the gyro. If you do it from the handle, it will be easier for you to maneuver.

Also, I’d say your tipping over is totally related to hanging the cooler off the handle. I didn’t use my cooler but I’ve been experimenting with ways to strap it underneath the bag or between the frame and seat. Either way, weight low is good and what you want to do.

Also echo your comments about the stand bag moving around. I set mine up straight initially and it moved to one side, but I didn’t bother adjusting. It just seemed like that’s where it wanted to settle. After looking at, the way the legs come out of the top, it just won’t sit in the top bracket properly at all. I’m not going to change my bag over it though, I’ll probably just strap it in sideways from now on.

Also, the bottom strap is totally useless. I may look to get a smaller bungee to use so it can actually put some pressure on the bag down there.

Anyway, totally loving it so far overall.

 

[fazmanicg]

Just unclip the bungee, tie a couple nuts in it Which will make it shorter. Bam! It will work just fine

[hanfrac]

I did my 2nd round on my same hilly course yesterday . Made two adjustments and it didn't tip over, although it came close once or twice. 1 was fully extending the 5th wheel, which I didn't know about last time. 2 was I moved from my lightweight bag to one that is bigger and heavier. the bigger bag just fits better and overall it's more stable. And lastly, I wasn't carrying a cooler bag (it wasn't on the handle last time, but it was on the upper bag cradle, so not in a "low" position).

Need to fabricate some kind of storage solution for this cart, probably under the bag on top of that main bar.

[hurley999s]

Let me know if you fabricate anything - I’m interested in seeing what you come up with. I’m experimenting with a couple different coolers and a bunch of straps and carabiners to see if I can make it work. So far the most stable position I’ve got unfortunately leaves the cooler inaccessible and I’d have to unstrap it and remove it to open the lid...the trial and error continues...

[ShooterMcDabbin]

For those having issues with coolers, check out the Founders Club premium cart bag. It has an insulated cooler pocket at the very bottom and if you toss a couple of full bottles and/or cans in there it also adds weight where MGI wants it. I've had my FC bag for 2 years and love it. If you have dark finished irons it also keeps them from clanging together. https://foundersclub.com/collections/golf-bags-premium-cart-bag/products/founders-club-premium-14-way-cart-bag-black

 

[robp11]

By the way, the Navigator AT is back up on the Costco site....just bought one last night.

Thinking about also getting a Bag Boy bag or possibly a Datrek bag as they are made by the same company from what I understand.

Does anyone know if the Navigator has the Bag Boy Top-Lok system?

[fazmanicg]

For those wondering what cooler may work on the Zip, I bought the one from Stewart Golf. (https://www.stewartgolfusa.com/collections/x-series/products/insulated-cooler-bag) For my situation, it works perfectly. My golf bag is on the heavier side. I usually carry 3-4 waters, an ice pack and some protein bars with no issues. As you can see by the pics, the contents are easily accessible. I have no issues with the weight of the cooler bag making it tip back, though your milage may vary. The handle of the cooler bag splits so you can place it just above the upper bag rest, while the other strap gets secured to the down tube. The cooler bag comes with a velcro detachable divider so you can create two separate compartments if you wish. I choose not to do that. Hope this helps!

 

[steveoly32]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[Miker20890]

 

First time using the cart. Had some steep hills that needed some assistance to not fall over. Next time I’m going to use bungee cords to get the cooler closer to the base. Overall very happy with it.

[EnderWiggin]

Another +1 for don't think about this, just buy it. I hemmed and hawed for months because of the price. I got home after a hot round where I was gassed around 15 pushing my Bag Boy Quad XL (great push cart BTW) and my wife (unbeknownst to me) just ordered one. Delivered it was pretty expensive, but I've played two rounds with it, one at my home course and one at an away course and have no regerts. The home course round was great. 17 and 18 are both uphill so that usually saps whatever energy I had left. Not this time, just had the remote in hand and followed it up the hills. At the away course, this was definitely more hilly than my home course, my playing partners were pushing carts and they were huffing and puffing coming up 16. I just followed Zip up the hills and had plenty of energy left.

I don't know about you guys, but I just play better when I walk versus ride (whack, f* word, stomp the gas, get to my ball, repeat) but pushing affects my game because I get tired. This is the best of both worlds.

I'm still working on how to navigate areas like curbs so you do have to do a little thinking there.

I had no fewer than 5 people stop in the parking lot and ask about it. I'm really hoping the US adopts this motorized cart thing like Europe has. It's just a fantastic way to play.

[hls2k6]

i just got the Navigator AT & agree that its awesome, at least based on my first impression on a fairly flat course. There’s no overstating how much I loved it.

I play at two clubs, 1 in CT & 1 in NH, and the insane hills at the NH course are what prompted this purchase. Today will be the first test there. I’ll report back, but I’m super optimistic & will be smart about when to be close by to prevent tipping.

In the meantime, has anyone tried a staff bag on the Navi? I am utterly drooling over the Titleist Mini, but I’m not sure how well it’ll fit.

[fazmanicg]

Staff bags are fine. No worries there.

[hls2k6]

Perhaps the most helpful six word reply ever. Thanks!!

[JMH1220]

i have had my navigator for 2 1/2 years now. i am glad to see people have come around. i had to defend myself quite a few times when challenged on the remote. i explained the remote is awesome and a must. got grief from the non remote guys and their other brand carts. of course they never had a remote so their opinion meant nothing to me. i would hate without the remote. i do wish the AT was around when i ordered. it looks as if the front wheels could be interchangeable. i wonder if MGI sells the AT wheels only. as far as a bag goes i have the Vessel Luxe. the notch on the bottom of the bag fits perfectly. almost as it was meant for it. i still love my cart and play 27-36 holes when i do play. the cart is a big reason i am able to play that many holes.

[fazmanicg]

I have the AT version. And can say without a doubt that the front end is interchangeable. A couple guys have the regular zip and when side by side, they are identical. Spoke with MGI and they say that they are not but what would you expect them to say lol? The problem is MGI does not have the front wheel assembly available for sale as a separate part number, making it impossible to purchase.

 

as a follow up to the cooler bag I posted above, after several rounds, I highly recommend it. Stays put and does not affect the maneuverability of the Zip.

[MikekiM]

I picked up the Navigator AT last week and have 2 rounds with it so far. It's been a blessing! One thing I did notice that someone mentioned earlier was that the gyro only works when using the remote. If you use the handle controls you can steer the cart around much easier in tight situations. You can't really use the handle to control direction if you're using the remote, the gyro kind of takes over.

I do wish there was more storage. I don't like the placement of the cell phone/GPS holder. I feel like I'm going to hit the screen when inserting my irons back in the bag. Wish it had better storage. I like that Stewart golf cooler bag. May pick one of those up, looks promising, albeit a big pricey.

If you're on the fence with this cart just do it. It truly makes walking much more pleasurable. I'm using a Stitch SL1 bag and it fits pretty well. The top part wants to twist slightly due to the stand legs, but it's more than usable.

 

[hanfrac]

Is there a recommendation for which bag works best with the cart? I first tried my Sun Mountain 2.5 and it was too light and the cart was too easy to tip over. I switched to an old Adidas stand bag I had in the garage that is 3-4 pounds heavier and the tippiness is much better. However, the way the stand is designed on the Adidas, the bag twists sideways no matter what over the course of a round and I have to adjust it a few times during a round - or I have to install it sideways and lose access to one side of pockets.

I suppose I could add weight to the bottom of my Sun Mountain for when I want to use the cart vs. carry, but that seems like a hassle. Does anyone else use an ultra-light stand bag with the Zip?

[fazmanicg]

I use a Sun Mountain C-130. Love that bag. Huge! - If the queen ever kicks me out for playing too much golf, I could easily take up residence inside that thig LOL. I also have a 2.5 for when i want to carry.

[robp11]

I took my cart to a golf store and tried out several different bags. As most know, the Bag Boy bags work well. The Ping Traverse also fits very well on the cart. It has a level top which works well with the cart. Since the top is level and not angled, the top bungie straps of the cart fit very well and very securely around the Traverse. The bottom also fits very well into the bottom of the cart as well. The Ping Pioneer worked very well also.

I ended up getting a Sun Mountain C-130 because the Ping Bags the store had were in color schemes I did not like and I wanted to walk out with a bag that day. The C-130, because of the angled putter well does not play as nice with the top bungie straps of the cart...however, if you adjust them correctly they will stay put and won't budge. I've gone over some pretty big bumps with the C-130 and it hasn't moved...it's really a nice bag.

In addition, it's worth noting that bags as big as the C-130 don't look big on the Zip Navigator for some reason.

[awtryau89]

I ended up with the Ping Traverse. It works perfectly and the top is symmetrical so you can arrange it however you like. The bottom has a small indentation that fits perfectly onto the front wheel platform and keeps it straight. The lower bungee is very tight as well. The top will twist some but its not a real issue. The bag is a great fit. I did as Rob did above and took mine to a shop and tried different bags. The BagBoy look promising but with the top lock it kind of was just in the way.

[hanfrac]

Do you also find that the 2.5 is too light and the cart is tip-happy with it? Maybe I need to try again and throw a ziplock filled with sand into one of the pockets.

[JMH1220]

As I’ve mentioned earlier my Vessel luxe bag fits perfect. Almost as if they were made for each other. Pricey but love the bag.

[fazmanicg]

I don't use the 2.5 on the Zip. I only use it to carry once in a while

[samjenkins87]

Got my MGI Zip Navigator AT about 1 month ago and it might just be my favourite golf purchase ever. I use to carry and love walking but got tired the last 4 or 5 holes.

This is pretty much like having your own caddie without the club cleaning and yardage advice. The remote is awesome and the responsiveness and control is outstanding and you get use to it pretty quickly. 

Also decided to pull trigger on the new Titleist mid size staff bag at the same time as just loved the black on black look and loads of storage. Here's a few snaps of the new combo from the weekend:

 

[lookylookitzadam]

For those that were able to get this from Costco on sale, about what time of year do they typically go on sale?

[awtryau89]

Feb-March I believe. I was told they do a sale around Black Friday too but I’m not sure. 

[Phreddy]

Another fan here.  Mine came in May and I have used it non stop since then.  I started with a Sun Mountain 2.5 and put a zip tie around the leg mechanism so it wouldn't deploy.  Not a good fit, but it got me started.  The closest I've come to a tip/tragedy was when I was paying more attention to my up coming lie and thought I was pushing the turn button and instead pushed the accelerate button.  I got a little too close to the creek!  I should probably get a commission from MGI.  I now have two friends who have purchased the AT from Costco after walking rounds with me.  Mine is not the AT, and if I had it to do over again I would wish for the added stability of the AT with its wider front wheel base.  That said I've never had a tip over.  The only negative, and it is very minor, is that on uneven or harsh terrain your clubs really chatter.  That is a change from being a carry guy.  But again, a minor issue that in my mind is more than made up for by being a walker who now carries the sand bottle.  In my area they are still and oddity, but I enjoy the looks and the questions.  Tying a couple knots in the bottom bungee is a great idea.

 

Phred