MGI Zip Navigator AT Review

MGI Zip Navigator AT Review

MGI Zip Navigator AT
Grade: A+
Teachers’ Comments: Fast, nimble and powerful. It makes walking a golf course a joy

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MGI recently sent one of their Zip Navigator AT trolleys for review. As a dedicated walking golfer, I was happy to run the powered trolley / cart through its paces.’

As loyal readers know, I am a dedicated walking golfer. I walk every round I play, unless a course forbids walkers — and I avoid those courses. I carried until my back said “no more,” and since have relied mainly on three wheeled push carts like the Big Max Blade IP and the powered assist Kam Kaddie.

As an aside, I have struggled with the proper word to describe a powered “push cart.” It is obviously not a “push cart,” since one does not push. But “powered cart” to me signifies one of those gas or electric riding buggies. Clubs have a “greens fee” and a “cart fee” for riders.

I have settled on “trolley” as the best term. In “British English” it refers to a “frame on wheels used for transporting heavy or large items.” That describes push carts and powered push carts exactly. Other words for such an object, such as “dolly,” “truck,” and “travois” just don’t work for me.

That said, the Zip Navigator AT is a four wheeled cart / trolley with two powered, fixed rear wheels and two smaller front wheels on swivels. A “fifth wheel” extends from the rear to provide stability when going uphill.

The electric motors provide an impressive amount of power, climbing hills with aplomb. The MGI Zip Navigator also is very quick, rapidly accelerating to max speeds that I would be hard pressed to keep up with at a run.

Fortunately, the remote control is very responsive, with a range that extends to at least a hundred yards. I can send the trolley zipping forward to my ball, steering it to a smooth stop with precision.

A gyroscope in the system keeps it tracking straight on remote, with little to no deflection in its trajectory. This is quite impressive to see over rolling terrain. I like to line the trolley up with the spot I saw my golf ball land and then send it forward.

In addition to the remote, the Zip Navigator AT can be controlled with a button on the handle. This is important for navigating through tricky spaces and in parking lots. When forgoing the remote in exchange for the handle button, the gyroscope is disengaged. While it is almost impossible to turn the trolley when in remote mode, in manual power mode, it moves easily.

I use the manual mode on narrow paths between holes, slipping between bunkers and in other spots where the remote function could put the trolley or the golf course in danger. Manual mode is also the preferred mode on cart paths.

The MGI Zip Navigator AT does not have a “follow mode,” but there is much to be said for keeping the cart in front of you. If things fall out of, or off the bag, you’ll see it. I forget to put headcovers solidly back on far too frequently.

The handle of the Zip Navigator AT has an LED panel that displays the remaining battery power for both the main battery and the remote control’s battery. This is a very nice feature that assuages my nervousness as to how much power I have left.

In practice, I have found that the Zip Navigator AT has enough power for 36 holes of golf. However, if at any time the battery runs out, it is a very simple matter to turn it into a free wheeling push cart by adjusting the rear wheels. It is not the greatest push cart in the world, but using it in full manual mode will certainly get one out of a battery jam.

For transport and storage, the Zip Navigator AT folds into an impressively small package. The battery unlatches and pulls up and away from the trolley. A small lever lets the rear balancing wheel fold under. Another lever folds the top portion of the handle down, then a latch allows the entire handle unit to fold forward over the base. As it does, the front wheels fold under automatically. The package can be made even smaller by removing the wheels from their axles (very easy to do with a button on each wheel) and flipping them around.

It is a very clever piece of engineering and fits comfortably in the back of my Subaru Forester with plenty of room for my golf bag and a duffel of spare golf clothes and accessories.

The Zip Navigator AT package I received had a nice selection of accessories. including a scorecard holder, umbrella holder, phone attachment, cup holder and a multi-purpose clip.

Two product improvement thoughts: First, I’d like the rear wheel treads to be more aggressive. It can slip going uphill on wet grass. MGI offers replacement wheels for purchase. Perhaps the company could offer super grip wheels.

Second, the location of the battery at the back of the cart makes it more tip prone than some other powered trolleys I have tested. The rear stability wheel always catches it, but I think it would be better if that battery was more forward and lower.

That said, the Zip Navigator AT really is a marvel. I highly recommend it for anyone who regularly walks rounds of golf — or who would like to walk regularly. Walking rounds of golf has been proven to improve scores, focus and health. The University of Edinburgh found that walking rounds of golf can extend your life.

In southeast Michigan, my home course, Washtenaw Golf Club is an authorized dealer. Co-owner Nick Ma is an “MGI Ambassador.”