Recommend me a motorised buggy.

[Daves]

So a couple of months on with the Zip Navigator and I am still on the fence about it. I have not seen or used one of the cheaper models, but do wonder whether the Navigator is worth twice as much as an X1 or the slightly dearer X3?.

I get the extra battery power but don't really see the benefit of it. I would still recharge after every round as MGI recommend, and I am sure the smaller battery would easily last a round as well. The only upside is the batteries are almost the same price to replace (at least at present).

You learn a couple of things quickly with the MGIs; 1) make sure the dolly wheel is unfolded! 2) don't trust the remote 3) they don't like wet grass/surfaces

I find the wheel base is too short (and probably a touch narrow), the Zip will tip over way too easy at times. Its lack of any suspension also means it does not handle uneven ground that well. Playing recently with an owner of the previous model Quad Pro, he had much the same view. I only found out after I bought the Navigator that there is an AT (All Terrain) version, so MGI seems to acknowledge the issue as well.

With all the recent rain, I have been playing lots of wet courses. The Zip Wheels seem to lack traction in the wet and spin a lot. Not so much of an issue until you try and turn it or drive it up an incline. The Brake Steering seems to struggle with the slip and I had to hit the emergency stop the other day when it tried to go in the opposite direction (into a dam!) to the direction I was pushing on the remote.

MGIs support so far has been good. I bought some accessories via them (Protege Sports) and I also had the belt clip on the Remote break and they are sending me a replacement. Both transactions were easy and helpful.

[benno_r]

So a couple of months on with the Zip Navigator and I am still on the fence about it. I have not seen or used one of the cheaper models, but do wonder whether the Navigator is worth twice as much as an X1 or the slightly dearer X3?.

I get the extra battery power but don't really see the benefit of it. I would still recharge after every round as MGI recommend, and I am sure the smaller battery would easily last a round as well. The only upside is the batteries are almost the same price to replace (at least at present).

You learn a couple of things quickly with the MGIs; 1) make sure the dolly wheel is unfolded! 2) don't trust the remote 3) they don't like wet grass/surfaces

I find the wheel base is too short (and probably a touch narrow), the Zip will tip over way too easy at times. Its lack of any suspension also means it does not handle uneven ground that well. Playing recently with an owner of the previous model Quad Pro, he had much the same view. I only found out after I bought the Navigator that there is an AT (All Terrain) version, so MGI seems to acknowledge the issue as well.

With all the recent rain, I have been playing lots of wet courses. The Zip Wheels seem to lack traction in the wet and spin a lot. Not so much of an issue until you try and turn it or drive it up an incline. The Brake Steering seems to struggle with the slip and I had to hit the emergency stop the other day when it tried to go in the opposite direction (into a dam!) to the direction I was pushing on the remote.

MGIs support so far has been good. I bought some accessories via them (Protege Sports) and I also had the belt clip on the Remote break and they are sending me a replacement. Both transactions were easy and helpful.

I'd agree with most of what you say there Dave. I also learnt the hard way about getting the 4th wheel out. I find the best way to use the Zip Navigator is:
1. Hold onto the handle when going up or across steep banks, especially when wet.
2. Hold on to the handle when near water, or crossing bridges.

At Maryborough, that means I use it in "non remote" mode around the 8th/9th and 16th holes.

The other issue i have is the top bag mount always falls into its lowest position - which means the bag is leaning on the soft part (and the wedge shafts) on certain bags, making it hard to pull wedges out. Ferrins has a newer version, and his has a locking mechanism that holds the top mount higher. As an interim, i use a rubber wedge to keep it up.

Even with these issues I am happy with the purchase.

On another note, we had 3 navigators in our group at RQ. Super flash!

[Daves]

I'd agree with most of what you say there Dave. I also learnt the hard way about getting the 4th wheel out. I find the best way to use the Zip Navigator is:
1. Hold onto the handle when going up or across steep banks, especially when wet.
2. Hold on to the handle when near water, or crossing bridges.

At Maryborough, that means I use it in "non remote" mode around the 8th/9th and 16th holes.

The other issue i have is the top bag mount always falls into its lowest position - which means the bag is leaning on the soft part (and the wedge shafts) on certain bags, making it hard to pull wedges out. Ferrins has a newer version, and his has a locking mechanism that holds the top mount higher. As an interim, i use a rubber wedge to keep it up.

Even with these issues I am happy with the purchase.

On another note, we had 3 navigators in our group at RQ. Super flash!

Thanks Benno, yes they do look good and it always draw comments when I play. Most will want to tell you about the time so and so put their motorised buggy in that dam, creek etc...!

I am still happy to bought it. It does basically what I wanted it to do and that is reduce fatigue at the end of a my rounds, and enable me to play hilly courses without resorting to an electric cart.

I have mine set up for the way I play now;
IMAG2687.jpg


Mine does have the new type lockable bag mount, though I had not really noticed it to you mentioned it. I do find the storage is limited. I would probably do away with the seat if it wasn't also the only storage area. I miss the ClicGear net set up (though not much else).

I find regular cleaning/maintenance is required, especially with soggy conditions. And the axle spindles seem to attract a lot of sand and dirt and need to be regularly clean/cleared and greased. No real risk of grinding between wheel and hub, but probably won't do the seals any good long term.

And is doesn't quite fit in my boot, without having to remove a wheel (which is simple enough to do).