Looking back on the early days of golfing, one may have never imagined that traditional golf caddies (persons hired to carry around golf bags) could ever be replaced. In fact, professional golfers spent a lot of time choosing their golf caddies to make sure that their golfing gear was in the best hands as they played around the course.
Then times changed, and as is the case with technological advancement, traditional golf caddies also started to become obsolete. Today, a huge majority among millions of golfers prefer to either carry their golf bags themselves or invest in a motorized golf caddy for the task.
One choice that often confuses golfers looking to upgrade their golfing gear is to choose between an electric golf caddy or a remote-controlled variant. Often mistaken to be the same thing, electric and remote-controlled golf caddies are essentially different on the back of their respective technologies.
If you’re in a fix and need help deciding whether to opt for a Bat Caddy X3R or a Bat Caddy X3 Sport, then here’s the article you should read today.
What is an Electric Golf Caddy?
An electric golf caddy is a motorized golf caddy that’s powered by a battery. This type of golf caddy has built-in features that allow golfers to set the speed and distance at which they want their golf caddy to follow them or move ahead of them. Golfers using this type of golf caddy must remain in close proximity to their caddy to allow the sensors to function adequately.
What About a Remote-Controlled Golf Caddy?
Essentially, a remote-controlled golf caddy is also a motorized golf caddy. However, unlike an electric caddy without remote, a remote-controlled golf caddy gives freedom to golfers to move freely on the course and control their caddy with a handheld device. In most cases, the remote control has a range of up to 20 yards, and golfers can maneuver or control their caddy even from a distance.
Differences and Similarities Between the Two Golf Caddies
Both electric golf caddies and remote-controlled golf caddies have numerous differences. However, there are many similarities as well that we’ll discuss below.
Material
Most manufacturers offer electric and remote-controlled golf caddies in aluminum and titanium material. This makes the structure of the motorized golf caddies extremely sturdy without turning it into a bulky piece of equipment.
Wheel Design
Bat Caddy is a popular electric and remote-controlled golf caddy manufacturer. All the variants of Bat Caddy, including Bat Caddy X3, X4, and X8 have rear-wheel functionality and a total of three wheels.
MGI Zip Navigator, on the other hand, is another leading brand that offers motorized golf caddies with four-wheel functionality. The fourth wheel is in place to offer additional balance against the tipping of the caddy.
Foldable or Not?
Electric golf caddies, in most cases, are foldable and compact. This makes electric golf caddies ideal for golfers who wish to transport their caddies in their everyday transportation.
Battery Types
Both electric golf caddies, without remotes and with remote control, have three types of battery options for Bat Caddy. The MGI models offer lithium in two versions of power.
Lithium Ion
Lithium-ion, also known as standard lithium and advanced lithium, is a lightweight, long-lasting, and eco-friendly battery type that is the most popular Bat Caddy option for consumers that are looking to have the best long term option for their golfing needs.
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA)
Often a more cost effective option to lithium-ion, SLA batteries are found in some electric and remote-controlled golf caddies. However, due to lower battery life, environmental impact, and heavyweight, SLA is not a preferred choice of manufacturers.
Technology
The technology of both electric and remote-controlled golf caddies is quite different. Let’s have a quick look at the technology used in manually-controlled electric golf caddies.
Easy to Use Multi-Function Handle
These caddies have manual rheostat control, On/Off buttons, a 10, 20, 30 yard distance timer, a Stop/Go cruise control function, a power and battery Charge indicator, as well as a USB port all integrated into a new small handle design, so you are in complete control of all caddy functions all the time!
Speed Control
Electric caddies offer precise speed control via 7-speed rheostat.
Stop & Go Function
This function allows you to stop and restart the caddy with a press of a button on the handle, so you don’t have to adjust the speed after every stop.
Off-Power Freewheeling Mode Feature
The caddy can be accelerated and slowed down via the handle rheostat control manually. In Off-Power mode, it is completely free wheeling, so even if you ever run out of battery power, you can push the X4 just like a manual push cart.
Remote-Controlled Caddies
On the other hand, here are some of the technology features offered in remote-controlled golf caddies, such as the Bat Caddy X3R.
Handheld Remote Control
Naturally, remote-controlled golf caddies have a handheld remote device that allows golfers to control their caddies and navigate throughout the course. The remote control allows golfers to turn the caddy right, left, forward, or backward without worrying about their distance.
Multi-Functional Controls
Remote control features directional controls, timed advance function, effective brake/stop functions, and now includes its own on/off button that allows you to shut off the remote transmissions, eliminating accidental signals that could cause unintended consequences.
Note: Our remote controls have the official authorization for radio frequency emitting devices from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Beware of caddies which are not authorized.
Additionally, in these caddies, handle control includes a dual-function ON/OFF button that both powers up and turns off the cart. Secondly, in conjunction with the speed control (rheostat) operates the cruise control function. Also, manual speed dial, timed advance (10, 20, 30 y/m), a LED screen showing speed and a 3-Stage Battery Charge Indicator, and a USP port all integrated into a new ergonomically designed T-Handle, so you are in complete control of all caddy functions all the time!
Electronic Brake System
The caddy can be slowed down or stopped both remotely or manually and has motor resistance slowing it down going downhill. However, in off-power mode it still can be pushed, so even if you ever run out of battery power you can push the X3R just like a manual push cart. Many caddies don’t have this capability and you will be stuck on the course if you lose power!
Remote and Manual Speed Control – Fully Directional Remote Control
You can set the pace up to an amazing 80-100 yards (meters) range (10-20 yards operating range recommended).
Note: our remote controls have the official authorization for radio frequency emitting devices from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Beware of caddies that are not authorized.
Aditionally, it offers seamless speed adjustment on both the handle and remote control. It also features a timed advance function for 10, 20, and 30 yards/meters controlled through both remote and handle.
Anti-Tip
These caddies have a standard retractable rear stabilizer wheel to prevent tipping over, which is included in the price! Bat Caddy offers a newly designed ‘Mountain Slayer’ deluxe anti-tip wheel option which functions like a 4th wheel giving the caddy additional stability on very hilly courses. It’s also recommended for lithium caddies which are lighter on the base due to the light battery weight.
Wheel Torque Control Engages Wheels Slowly with Multiple Speed Control
The Bat-Caddy won’t ‘jump’ or get away or stop while turning. This is an important feature since many ‘cheap’ caddies don’t allow you to operate them in a continuous smooth mode but have to stop for any command you send them through the remote and then turn very abruptly! The Bat-Caddy also does not make a disturbing beeping noise when turning.
Handle
The newly designed T-Handle controls include a 3 LED battery charge indicator, an On/Off button, the timed advance function controls, cruise control functions, as well as the manual seamless speed control rheostat button. This handle emphasizes the high-tech design of the X3R and gives you total control over the caddy at all times.
Add On
Some add-ons that are available on both electric golf caddies and remote-controlled caddies include:
- GPS/Phone Holder
- Cooler & Accessory Bag
- Removable Seat
- Golf Umbrella
- Water Bottle
- Rain Cover
- Sand Dispenser
- Golf Towel
Which Caddy is Better for Your Golfing Needs?
Eventually, choosing the right type of golf caddy comes down to your individual preferences, tech-savviness, and golf course type. But if you need assistance in picking a push cart, electric golf caddy, or a remote-controlled golf caddy like Bat Caddy X3R, then reach out to Perceptive Golfing.
The golf accessories and supply store also has MGI storage bags and Bat-Caddy batteries for sale.