I opened the box and pulled out the Big Max Blade IP 2. I wasn't expecting much. Trust me, I've tested tons of push carts over the years, everything from the rock-solid Clicgear 4.0 to the budget-friendly Caddytek. So yeah, I thought I'd pretty much seen every folding trick in the book.
But here's the thing: this cart collapses down to just 4.9 inches thick. That's thinner than a regular Coke can! I know it sounds crazy, so I actually grabbed the can from my desk and measured them side by side. The cart was definitely thinner, which honestly blew my mind a little.
Now, let me tell you about the frame. Big Max uses aerospace aluminum instead of the cheap plastic you see on most carts. When you pick it up, you immediately notice the difference; it has this solid, quality feel to it. The frame weighs 13.6 pounds total, which means it's actually lighter than my kid's school backpack. And that powder-coated finish? It has this nice, subtle shine that makes the cart look way more expensive than it is.
But the real breakthrough is the FlatFold mechanism. You push one button, and boom, the rear wheels automatically fold in like something out of a sci-fi movie. I've spent years fighting with other "easy-fold" carts that needed an instruction manual just to collapse them. This one makes those look like ancient technology. It's so simple, it almost feels like you're cheating somehow!
The Big Max Blade IP 2 push cart stands out as the best choice for golfers seeking unmatched durability and a lightweight design. Engineered for performance and convenience, it enhances every round with smart features and easy handling. Whether navigating hills or tight fairways, this cart delivers pro-level support to elevate your game.
Let me illustrate a scene of my garage before the Blade IP 2. Three push carts were stacked against the wall, each one taking up roughly the space of a small filing cabinet. My wife had been giving me grief about it for months (rightfully so). The Blade IP 2's folded footprint of 34" x 24" means it slides behind my golf bag in the closet with room to spare. That's not marketing fluff; I've been storing it there for three months now.
The magic happens in how those rear wheels fold. Most carts make you pull pins, push levers, or perform some combination of moves that would make a yoga instructor proud. With the FlatFold system, you literally press one button and guide the wheels as they automatically swing inward. The initial time I did it, I thought I'd broken something because it happened so smoothly. But no, that's just German engineering at work (Big Max is a German company, if you didn't know).
What really sells this system is the removable rear wheels. Now, I don't remove them often; the cart is compact enough as is, but when I flew to Pinehurst last month and wanted to bring my own cart, being able to pop those wheels off and pack everything flat in my travel case was a significant improvement. Try doing that with a ClicGear or Sun Mountain and you'll understand why this feature matters.
The only quirk I've noticed is that you need to be deliberate about the folding sequence. If you try to rush it or force things, the mechanism can bind slightly. But once you get the rhythm down (took me about three uses), it becomes second nature. Think of it like a good golf swing, smooth tempo beats raw speed every time.
I've owned the original Blade IP for two years, and while it was good, this new version's build quality is in a different league. The aerospace-grade aluminum isn't just marketing speak; you can feel the difference in rigidity when you're pushing it up a steep hill or navigating cart paths with those annoying speed bumps.
Here's what surprised me most: there's almost no plastic on this thing. The handle grips, sure. A few small accent pieces. But the frame, the brackets, the connection points, all aluminum. After watching my buddy's plastic-heavy cart literally crack at the handle joint last summer (it was only 18 months old), I've become obsessed with building materials. The powder coating on the Blade IP 2 has held up beautifully through morning dew, afternoon rain, and even that one unfortunate incident where I accidentally dragged it across the parking lot asphalt.
The frame geometry deserves its own mention. With the rear wheels spread 50 inches apart, this thing is more stable than my stance when I'm trying to hit a flop shot over a bunker. I've taken it through sandy areas where other carts would wobble, over wet slopes where stability matters, and through narrow cart paths where maneuverability is key. Not once has it felt tippy or unstable, even with my overstuffed Vessel bag loaded down with rain gear, snacks, and enough balls to supply a driving range.
The handle adjustment mechanism uses a twist-lock system that goes from 24 to 44 inches. I'm 6'1", and at full extension, I can walk completely upright without hunching. My playing partner is 5'6", and she can adjust it down to her comfort level in seconds. The twist-lock has maintained its grip strength over hundreds of adjustments, something I can't say about the flip-lever system on my old Sun Mountain.
Storage on push carts is usually an afterthought, a mesh bag here, a scorecard holder there, maybe a cup holder if you're lucky. The Blade IP 2's XL organizer panel feels like someone actually played golf and designed it based on real needs. The magnetic cover (yes, magnetic) flips open to reveal compartments specifically sized for modern golf gear.
Starting from the top: there's a felt-lined pocket perfect for rangefinders. Mine's a Bushnolf Tour V5, and it fits with room to spare. Below that, a smartphone pocket that actually fits my iPhone 14 Pro Max in its case, something that sounds basic but is surprisingly rare. The ball storage section holds six balls comfortably, with individual slots that prevent them from rattling around like maracas when you're walking.
The tee holder isn't just a mesh pocket where tees fall to the bottom. It has actual slots that keep them organized by size. The glove holder uses a clever clip system that lets the glove air dry between holes. There's even a dedicated sunglasses compartment with a soft lining that won't scratch your lenses. These aren't groundbreaking features individually, but having them all thoughtfully integrated into one panel makes a huge difference during a round. Plus, there's a scorecard clip positioned right at eye level with a pencil holder beside it, so you're not fumbling around trying to mark your score while your playing partners are already walking off the tee.
The adjustable storage net below the main panel is genius. When collapsed, it's nearly invisible. When expanded, it'll hold a jacket, extra towel, or, in my case, the sandwich and chips I inevitably buy at the turn. The net uses a bungee-style cord system that's easy to adjust with one hand, crucial when you're trying to stash something quickly while your group is already walking to the next tee.
My only gripe? No built-in cup holder. The original Blade IP had one, and I miss it. Yes, you can buy an aftermarket holder that clamps on, but for a cart at this price point, it should be included. Big Max does offer their Quick Lok Beverage Holder for $15, which works perfectly with the cart's frame, but that's an extra expense on top of the already premium price.
Three weeks ago, I played Bethpage Black. If you've been there, you know it's a walking test that'll expose any equipment weakness. The Blade IP 2 handled those hills like a mountain goat. The 11.6-inch rear wheels and 7.7-inch front wheel might not sound impressive on paper, but the solid polyurethane construction means no flats, no pressure checks, just consistent performance. The solid polyurethane wheels also run whisper-quiet on cart paths, eliminating that annoying rattle you get with air-filled tires.
The fixed front wheel took some adjustment. I'm used to swivel wheels that let you pivot on a dime. The fixed wheel requires a slightly wider turning radius, especially in tight spaces like crowded driving ranges. But here's the trade-off: on straight pushes and especially on slopes, the tracking is laser-straight. No constant corrections, no drift, just point and push. After a few rounds, I actually prefer it.
The foot-operated parking brake saved me multiple times at Bethpage. Those raised tees can be treacherous for carts, but tap the brake, and this thing locks down solid. The brake engages both rear wheels simultaneously, so there's no awkward tilting or sliding. Release is just as simple, a light tap with your foot, and you're rolling again.
Weight distribution is something you don't think about until it's wrong. With my staff bag loaded up (probably 35 pounds total), the Blade IP 2 maintains perfect balance. The bag support arms hold everything secure without the death grip some carts use that can damage your bag over time. Even walking 18 at a hilly course, I never felt like I was fighting the cart or compensating for poor balance.
The Big Max Blade IP 2 push cart stands out as the best choice for golfers seeking unmatched durability and a lightweight design. Engineered for performance and convenience, it enhances every round with smart features and easy handling. Whether navigating hills or tight fairways, this cart delivers pro-level support to elevate your game.
Yes, you can use it on hilly courses, but you'll face some limitations. The cart handles moderate slopes well with its wide rear stance and dual-foot brake system. However, you'll need to keep both hands on it constantly and work harder on steep hills due to the fixed front wheel and lightweight frame. It's best for mild to moderate hills rather than extremely steep or uneven terrain, where heavier carts perform better.
Your Big Max Blade IP 2 comes with a 5-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and product quality issues. You'll need to register your cart within 30 days of purchase to activate this full warranty period. Without registration, you'll only get standard coverage. The warranty protects your frame, folding mechanisms, brakes, and organizer panel under normal golf course use, though it won't cover misuse or regular wear and tear.
No, the BIG MAX Blade IP 2 doesn't come with a rain cover for your golf bag. While you'll get useful features like a scorecard clip, pencil holder, and phone slot, any rain protection needs to be purchased separately. You can buy compatible accessories like umbrella holders through BIG MAX's accessory range, but if you want a dedicated rain cover for your bag, you'll need to shop for one independently.
Yes, you'll find this push cart perfectly comfortable as a left-handed golfer. The centrally positioned handle and symmetrical design mean you can push from either side without obstruction. All storage compartments, including the XL organizer panel and accessory holders, are easily accessible regardless of your dominant hand. The adjustable handle height accommodates your preferred pushing position, and there's no bias toward right-handed users in the cart's general configuration or operation.
Yes, you'll find the Blade IP 2 extremely airline travel-friendly. Its ultra-compact folded dimensions (88 x 62 x 12.5 cm) and lightweight 6.5 kg design typically meet airline golf equipment requirements. You can fold it in seconds with one hand, and it'll stand upright for easy loading. The 40% slimmer profile fits easily in cargo compartments, and you can remove accessories separately if needed to meet specific airline restrictions.
So here's the bottom line: the Big Max Blade IP 2 isn't for everyone. If you're a casual golfer who plays once a month and stores your cart in a spacious garage, save your money and get something basic. If you're price-sensitive and the thought of spending premium money on a push cart makes you queasy, the original Blade IP or a Caddytek will serve you fine.
But if you're like me, someone who plays 50+ rounds a year, values quality construction, has limited storage space, and appreciates thoughtful design, this cart justifies every penny. After three months of regular use, I can honestly say it's altered both my storage situation at home and my walking experience on the course. The Blade IP 2 is for the serious golfer who sees their push cart not as a necessary evil, but as a crucial piece of equipment that improves their game. It's become as significant to my golf setup as my driver or putter, and that's the highest compliment I can give any piece of golf equipment.
