Alphard Duo Integrated Push Cart and Golf Bag Review
31 Dec 2014
by Pete Wlodkowski of AmateurGolf.com
see also: Equipment Reviews
SHARE:
I'm really impressed by the Alpha Duo golf cart.
I've been using a push cart for many years, and
haven't given the "process" much
thought. The cart is separate from the bag - that's
just the way it's always been. Alphard rethinks that
philosophy with their integrated Duo cart, available
in several models. Here is a breakdown of my first
encounter, from assembly to the first round of golf.
ASSEMBLY:
The Alphard Duo arrives in a sturdy cardboard
box, with all mechanisms safely wrapped. Indeed,
the hardest part of assembly was removing the
protective coverings! Once that was done (less than
five minutes, being careful not to rip the bag with
my razor knife) I was able to pop open the Alphard
Duo without even glancing at the instruction manual.
I like that. The only time I stumbled for a minute
was when attaching the large wheels, before I
realized that all I needed to do was give their
"hubcap" a push to engage the opening
and slip them on the axel.
Folding and unfolding is a two step process that
couldn't be easier. The wheel base pops in and locks
with the push of a button, and the handle comes up
with a quick release lever which is quickly locked in
once you have it in position. Another lever allows for
extension of the handle to adjust for your height and
personal preference. It has a built in hill break.
APPEARANCE:
Something about the Alphard's integrated
construction causes it to have a really nice curb
appeal -- gone are the plastic cradles at the top and
bottom. Hidden from site, but very important, is an
extruded aluminum rail that runs up the underside of
the Duo, providing support and attachment of the
wheel base, and another important function which I
will describe below. The bag itself is really attractive
-- mine is a really nice deep blue color with quality
zippers, and pockets in all the right places. There's
even a cooler pocket for your favorite cold
beverages.
FUNCTIONALITY:
The big question is a two part one. Why would
you want to purchase an integrated cart/bag and
what happens when the bag material wears out or
becomes faded? I thought you would never ask. In
the first instance, convenience is a big one. Because
the Alphard Duo has individual sleeves for each club,
when it's placed in your car the clubs don't tend to
rattle around (same on the course). But more
importantly, the last minute fumbling of putting a
separate cart into your car (or forgetting it
altogether) is eliminated. I would guess that I've
spent an extra five minutes getting things settled
with a separate bag and cart before and after each
round, and hey - that could cause me to miss my tee
time! At home, the storage space required is half of
what a separate bag and cart take up. Simply stand
the Alphard Duo in a corner or place it in your club
rack, and you've eliminated the need for a separate
storage area for the cart itself.
Here's one more cool thing that could save your
wrist. Have you ever ridden in a cart and pulled your
cart behind you while the driver took you to your ball
or back to the clubhouse after a shotgun start? Of
course you have, and you know that it's a dangerous
game for you, your wrist, and your clubs and bag.
With the Alphard Duo, the aluminum rail I described
earlier has a very important function. Simply loosen
the wheel attach mechanism and slide the wheel
base off, and you've converted the Alphard Duo into
a riding bag. Just put the wheels in the storage
compartment or leave them in your car if you know
you are riding that day.
That answers the question of why you might be
interested in going the route of an integrated cart
and bag. But how about the replacement of the bag
itself? Alphard has constructed it to come apart so
that a new "skin" can be snapped on to
the frame. It's not something you'll need to do often,
but you could prepare for the day you do by ordering
an extra, or even switch out from time to time as
your color tastes change.
ON COURSE PERFORMANCE:
I enjoyed my first round pushing the Alphard
Duo. It's light and nimble, and the wheel base
provides a nice amount of shock absorption. It was
kind of fun getting positive comments from the guys
at the club -- I showed each person that asked how
easy it was to breakdown and put back together.
I think the ideal candidate for the purchase of an
Alphard Duo is someone who does a combination of
walking and riding, and who likes to keep things
simple. Taking up 30% less space in the trunk of
your car or
at home is a good thing as well; if you live in a
condo or have limited storage space the Duo could
be your answer.
The Alphard Duo is available at www.alphardgolf.com in three
models, Lite ($279.95); Deluxe ($349.95); and
Evolution ($379.95).