I’m going to share my thoughts on the Rovic disc golf cart from PAS Disc Golf (I like it), but first I’d like to broaden the topic a bit and present a matter-of-fact, bullet point-style case for why some disc golfers choose to use a cart. Then – assuming one of the reasons resonates with you – I’ll explain why you should consider using a pushcart (Rovic) rather than a pull-behind cart (Ridge Roller, Zuca.) NOTE: It’s been pointed out to me that Zuca and Ridge Roller carts can be pushed as well as pulled but to me the two-wheel and ‘stick’ handle design elements don’t lend themselves well to pushing over and around obstacles.
Five reasons for using a cart in disc golf
- Less strain on the body- In most circumstances pushing (and to a lesser extent, pulling) a load results in far less stress and fatigue on your body than carrying it ‘beast of burden’ style on your back. On top of that, carts (some more than others- see below) reduce the strain of bending over to retrieve and replace discs from a bag on the ground.
- Carry more discs ‘n stuff- This argument works in reverse if you’re only carrying five discs and a water bottle, but the average disc golf-obsessed individual likely carries at least 15 discs in addition to all manner of accessories. The more you carry, the stronger the argument for using a cart when possible (see #1).
- Good built-in seat- Both styles of cart provide the option of a built-in seat that is better than the three-legged stools (which can also be a pain to carry and stow).
- Better in the rain- Setting aside the advantage of umbrella holders for now, the simple fact is carts mean not having to constantly plop your bag on the wet ground then sling it back over your shoulder(s). As it gets wetter, it gets heavier, and you get wetter.
- Another way to spend money on disc golf- Disc golf, on the whole, is exceedingly affordable, leading many players to happily spend the money they save by not having to pay to play on surplus discs and every cool accessory available.
On the flip side, the most obvious reasons for not using a cart is terrain that makes it more trouble than it is worth (If a course is mostly steep slopes and/or rocky and rutted surfaces, for instance), having to transport it to the course, and cost.
four reasons for using a pushcart
- Much better to push than pull- Others may feel differently, but I don’t like having to stretch an arm behind me and pull something along on wheels. It’s just not comfortable and I don’t like not being able to see the wheels as they encounter obstacles.
- Discs sit higher- With three-wheeled push carts my discs sit higher than they do in a pull cart, providing easier access and less bending over.
- Maneuverability- The three-wheel design is more stable, and by lifting either the front wheel or back wheels of the ground I can easily navigate through most uneven terrain.
- Ball golf example- The Rovic is based on the design used by ball golfers for many decades. There’s gotta be a reason golfers have stuck with it all these years, right?
At this point, I should say I went into this review wanting to like the Rovic. You see, I’ve used the same makeshift disc golf cart for more than a decade- a BOB baby jogger designed for offroad use. When the pull-behind crates hit the market I never once considered buying one for the reasons listed above. But the pull-crates did have one feature I envied; the more compact size that enables them to be easily transported. My baby jogger folds up, but not small enough that I can fit it into my already crowded trunk. I had to lift it awkwardly into and out of the back seat of my compact car every time I used it.
My take on the rovic disc golf cart
I was excited about the prospect of having the on-course functionality of my baby jogger in a more stowable design, and I was not disappointed. It takes a few reps to get the setup/breakdown routine down, but it now takes me less than a minute to unfold the cart and attach my bag. For me, that is more than reasonable given the benefits the cart provides. Folded down it measures only 24x15x13 inches!
Backpack-style disc golf bags attach to the Rovic in three places, providing a very secure rigging. You can also simply hang your bag on the upper hooks and it won’t fall off, but it will swing from side to side when the cart is in motion. Use the extra straps if you want to avoid that.
The Rovic comes with some useful accessories, like an umbrella mount, a storage box with a secure snap-closing lid, and a large drink holder. They also sell some optional goodies as well. Some of the most relevant to disc golf include:
- An adapter that allows the angle of your umbrella to be adjusted
- A phone holder
- A cart seat
I ordered the seat, and find that it works nicely. It allows me to sit up a bit higher than a three-legged stool, and the way it works is quite nifty (yeah, I said nifty). It includes a spring that keeps its footpad off the ground until weight is placed on it. When sitting on it the weight is on the seat, not the cart.
So far I’ve played more than a dozen rounds using the Rovic, nearly all of them on a very hilly and wooded course (DeLaveaga in Santa Cruz, CA). It has performed wonderfully and been especially appreciated during and after the rain when my bag stays off the wet muddy ground. The ‘parking’ brake only engages on one of the two rear wheels, but it’s enough to keep the cart in place even on a steep slope.
I used my Rovic while securing a victory in the recent DeLaveaga Disc Golf Club Match Play Championship, and one of my playing partners told me he’s had one for a year with no issues. I expect mine to hold up for years of steady use and recommend it to others without hesitation.
Bottom line: If you want to use a cart in disc golf, go with a three-wheel pushcart. From there the choice is simple. Those with a tight budget but plenty of transport space can get by with a used baby jogger. Otherwise, treat yourself to a Rovic.