Costco Caddytek: to swivel or not to swivel

[cmagnusson]

So my old home course was the same course that my dad plays, and he has his own gas power cart that I would just drive around like the lazy slob that I am whenever I played.

 

This year, the former course just a half-mile up the road is finally reopening after being closed for the last 15 years. Since it's a 9-hole track, and I could really use the exercise, and I'll be starting to bring my soon-to-be 4 year old out on the course for the first time, I'm in the market for a push-cart. 

 

Since I'm not going to be putting an insane number of rounds on it, the affordable CaddyTek models from Costco seem to be the consensus best pick. Up here in Canada, they have both the swivel and non-swivel versions available for the front wheel (the non-swivel being $10 more by virtue of being a slightly newer model, ironically), and they seem fairly identical feature-wise. The non-swivel folds up a bit tighter, but the only place I'd be transporting it would be on road-trips to the in-laws where FIL always walks when we play.

 

Home course is very flat, but FIL course that I'll play a couple times a year is in the Nor'Wester Mountains so very very hilly if that makes a difference.

[kmay__]

I got a swivel one middle of last season and its far and away better for me. I would not go back to a fixed wheel. Some guys complain about walking on a side hill and it wanting to go downhill but in reality I don't know how often you walk on a side hill, and if you've got any strength in your wrist it isn't an issue. My 2 cents... friggin love the swivel. 

[zap311]

Another vote for the swivel front wheel. I've found that it's easier to maneuver throughout the courses I play. The model I have (bought from Costco in U.S.) has the option to lock the front wheel too whenever needed. If you are going to use it somewhat regularly, I think it's worth paying the extra $10.

 

With all that said, the beauty of Costco is that you can return it if you don't like it. 🙌

[areksoo25]

The only down side of the swivel wheel is that it folds up to a larger size than the regular 3 wheel version.

 

Outside of that, I can't think of another reason not to get the swivel version as you can just lock the wheel in hilly conditions.

[Jersey golfer]

Can you adjust the tracking on the swivel version when the front wheel is locked?

[Matt023]

For 49.99 Costco has an extended warranty where they check wheel alignment, tire pressure, measure brake pad wear and check and refill all fluids.

 

wheel locked means from swivel to no swivel… it does not lock the wheel

6 hours ago, Jersey golfer said:

Can you adjust the tracking on the swivel version when the front wheel is locked?

 

[Jersey golfer]

12 hours ago, Matt023 said:

For 49.99 Costco has an extended warranty where they check wheel alignment, tire pressure, measure brake pad wear and check and refill all fluids.

 

wheel locked means from swivel to no swivel… it does not lock the wheel

 

Let me rephrase the question then. Can you adjust the tracking if the cart pulls to one side while the front wheel is in the no swivel mode?

[Wham49]

I dont like the swivel on the grass, most have a lock for the swivel, I after experimenting, just had the swivel locked all the time

[jordan2240]

I've only ever had fixed wheel, including on my electric cart, so can't make a comparison, but I have seen my buddy's swivel wheel electric take some sudden unexpected turns.  That said, if the swivel can be locked and the cart is cheaper, I'd definitely go with that one.  If it can't be locked, I'd probably go with the fixed because just seems to me it would be easier to control in certain conditions and not take much more effort than the swivel overall.

[Matt023]

17 hours ago, Jersey golfer said:

Let me rephrase the question then. Can you adjust the tracking if the cart pulls to one side while the front wheel is in the no swivel mode?

My apologies…the front wheel will click into place when locked so there is a little movement from side to side… I had the tour trek one click 360 and never had to track it…as a side note the swivel wheel is highly recommended for adapting to a motorized accessory.