2021 Official Review: Motocaddy M5 and M7

Tpoole22 · April 20, 2021

1 hour ago, ole gray said:

Well I was looking forward to rolling the wagon again tomorrow (Tuesday) however I had a little visit to the med center today for a pretty painful gout flare up. He gave me a shot in the arse and a steroid pack to take for the next five days. I'm actually feeling a bit better tonight so the shot kicked in including the aleve & tylenol I'm taking. I'll probably ride tomorrow and get back to walking Wednesday. He advised me to take the week off however I doubt seriously that will happen.

Seems like he should have just saved his breath

Hope you can get back out there soon

TBT · April 20, 2021

Saw some of the comments about hills. Anyone have super steep hills on the courses they play? Feel like almost every hole at my home course has steep hills. Here is an example of a typical hole at my home course. This hole I don't even consider to be one with that steep of hills relative to other holes.

Damn I don’t know where your home course is, but I want to play there!

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TBT · April 20, 2021

I’m definitely looking at getting one of these so I can walk more rounds, I really do wish it had a “follow me” feature though

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dlow206 · April 20, 2021

13 minutes ago, TBT said:

Damn I don’t know where your home course is, but I want to play there!

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If you are ever in the Seattle area, let me know

Tpoole22 · April 20, 2021

Managed to get out for 18 tonight and really put the cart to the test. I only hit 5 gir so I was all over the hills and sides of the greens today. Didnt even flip over the cart today, but I can definitely tell that the bag is more secure with the motocaddy bag. One thing that I did notice is that if you are on a steep hill you need to make sure to put the brake on, otherwise it can slowly creep down the hill.

I got a video showing how easy it is to move the flag position on the screen. Meant to add in the score tracking feature but forgot once I got out there.

If there's any other features that yall would like to see just let me know.

ole gray · April 20, 2021

Seems like he should have just saved his breath
Hope you can get back out there soon

Yep you can keep an ole rooster from crowing

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golfish! · April 20, 2021

21 minutes ago, TBT said:

I’m definitely looking at getting one of these so I can walk more rounds, I really do with it had a “follow me” feature though

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@Motocaddy Prez any plans on including a follow me feature in future models?

14 minutes ago, dlow206 said:

If you are ever in the Seattle area, let me know

I am in the Tacoma area for business sometimes...

ole gray · April 20, 2021

Damn I don’t know where your home course is, but I want to play there!

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I’ll shoot some videos of steep inclines both up and down and you will be impressed.

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WaffleHouseTour · April 20, 2021

On 4/14/2021 at 1:58 PM, ole gray said:

M7 MotoCaddy gettin setup for my round today.

If you can do the set up one handed, it’s gotta be easy and well engineered. I can’t open my regular cart one handed...

Appreciate the videos going up and down those grades. Found any spots where it was too much for that back wheelie and it still tipped over or got stuck?

A question for all the testers - you’ve all been given those bags w the EasiLock bottoms. That’s nice and all; but does that essentially mean trouble for regular carry bags? Do the legs get in the way? Trouble strapping them on or keeping them balanced? Or just a way to sell something more?

TBT · April 20, 2021

On 4/15/2021 at 8:07 PM, Tpoole22 said:

Managed to get in about 13 holes before dark today. So far I was really impressed with the cart. The GPS really came in handy and was spot on for distance I'm my experience. Since we do not have the accessory pack yet it was nice to have the on screen score tracking. It was super easy to do. I'll try to get a video of this next time.

I don't play at any country clubs so the courses that I play on are usually pretty bumpy and hilly, but I got a couple of videos on the larger hills on the course today. I usually walk pretty fast so I kept it around speed 5 or 6 and with the downhill control I had no trouble keeping up with it. I think the video shows the downhill control pretty well.

It did tip over at one point going up the side of a hill. Definitely my fault for not paying attention, but when it tipped back the wheels just kept spinning so it seems like it might not be a bad idea for there to be some sort of auto shut off for the wheels if it tips over. I get why the M7 has the anti tip wheel on the back because it's expected that you won't be hands on with the cart but I think it would still be nice to have on the M5.

The cart bag is getting delivered tomorrow so I'll get that out this weekend and play a round with it.

Your video does me no good, you hit it right in the middle of the fairway

golfish! · April 20, 2021

2 hours ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

If you can do the set up one handed, it’s gotta be easy and well engineered. I can’t open my regular cart one handed...

Appreciate the videos going up and down those grades. Found any spots where it was too much for that back wheelie and it still tipped over or got stuck?

A question for all the testers - you’ve all been given those bags w the EasiLock bottoms. That’s nice and all; but does that essentially mean trouble for regular carry bags? Do the legs get in the way? Trouble strapping them on or keeping them balanced? Or just a way to sell something more?

The EASILOCK function is great for the Motocaddy bags. It does not have any negative effects on non-Motocaddy bags. My Bagboy bag strapped down to the cart with no problems and stayed centered through the entire round. On my Sun Mountain reflex cart it would spin sometimes.

BIG STU · April 20, 2021

10 hours ago, Tpoole22 said:

Managed to get out for 18 tonight and really put the cart to the test. I only hit 5 gir so I was all over the hills and sides of the greens today. Didnt even flip over the cart today, but I can definitely tell that the bag is more secure with the motocaddy bag. One thing that I did notice is that if you are on a steep hill you need to make sure to put the brake on, otherwise it can slowly creep down the hill.

I got a video showing how easy it is to move the flag position on the screen. Meant to add in the score tracking feature but forgot once I got out there.

If there's any other features that yall would like to see just let me know.

Uhh Huuh and I see what appears to be Hogan Apex 2s sticking out of that bag. Since I am rehabbing and taking baby steps mine is set up for the range but with old school stuff. Got my Muirfields in which is my #1 back up set with a Persimmon driver and 5 wood. Will also have a modern hybrid I have been doing some work on. Can see the convience of the bag already. Was going to go out yesterday but I had a minor SNAFU or Charlie Foxtrot that was my fault. When I got the unit the battery was charged but not fully. That was my fault. Checked yesterday morning and it was low low. Put it on charge and it took 5 hours like they said. Time I got done with that and working in the shop it was sorta late and I did not feel like going to the course. So I am out early this AM

Edited April 20, 2021 by BIG STU

BIG STU · April 20, 2021

8 hours ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

If you can do the set up one handed, it’s gotta be easy and well engineered. I can’t open my regular cart one handed...

Appreciate the videos going up and down those grades. Found any spots where it was too much for that back wheelie and it still tipped over or got stuck?

A question for all the testers - you’ve all been given those bags w the EasiLock bottoms. That’s nice and all; but does that essentially mean trouble for regular carry bags? Do the legs get in the way? Trouble strapping them on or keeping them balanced? Or just a way to sell something more?

The only other bag I have tried on it iis my Macgregor Tartan Mini Staff and it did fine with the bottom strap. I had the Mac loaded for a range session out back by the shop and my wife came carrying the Motocaddy bag. I switched then and there. I know for a fact my classic Jones will be no problem because it fit on my old school Bag Boy fine. Now you have brought up an interesting question and in the name of testing I will try it. I will try my old school Hoofer on it since it is still loaded with my front line stuff. I also have quite a few bags I can try including a TM R-7 stand which I know has a sturdier bottom than the Hoofer. Actually I have so many bags and clubs I can try a variety. But so far I like the ease of the Motorcaddy bag on the cart. I messed with it getting it on and off yesterday while the battery was charging. I never thought I would but I like the way the bag sets up on the cart. I can already see the benifits of the whole set up especially for my experimental range sessions. The main benefit for me is the self propelled aspect. My range is some 300 yards away from the parking lot. Even pushing the Bag Boy lightly loaded made my back hurt somewhat and it would be killing me after practice. With this set up I can load my equipment that I need on the range and can go out there not inhibited weight wise. The Docs say the more I walk without putting too much stress the better off I am

ole gray · April 20, 2021

34 minutes ago, BIG STU said:

The only other bag I have tried on it iis my Macgregor Tartan Mini Staff and it did fine with the bottom strap. I had the Mac loaded for a range session out back by the shop and my wife came carrying the Motocaddy bag. I switched then and there. I know for a fact my classic Jones will be no problem because it fit on my old school Bag Boy fine. Now you have brought up an interesting question and in the name of testing I will try it. I will try my old school Hoofer on it since it is still loaded with my front line stuff. I also have quite a few bags I can try including a TM R-7 stand which I know has a sturdier bottom than the Hoofer. Actually I have so many bags and clubs I can try a variety. But so far I like the ease of the Motorcaddy bag on the cart. I messed with it getting it on and off yesterday while the battery was charging. I never thought I would but I like the way the bag sets up on the cart. I can already see the benifits of the whole set up especially for my experimental range sessions. The main benefit for me is the self propelled aspect. My range is some 300 yards away from the parking lot. Even pushing the Bag Boy lightly loaded made my back hurt somewhat and it would be killing me after practice. With this set up I can load my equipment that I need on the range and can go out there not inhibited weight wise. The Docs say the more I walk without putting too much stress the better off I am

I'm off in a few for my Tuesday dogfight with the boys and was looking forward to trying the Motocaddy bag on my cart. Dayummmmm gout in the pad behind my big left toe shut me down for today however I will be back in action walking tomorrow. It will be the first time in several months that I have hopped on a riding cart so my cohorts will be shocked!

Rickp · April 20, 2021

Well I was looking forward to rolling the wagon again tomorrow (Tuesday) however I had a little visit to the med center today for a pretty painful gout flare up. He gave me a shot in the arse and a steroid pack to take for the next five days. I'm actually feeling a bit better tonight so the shot kicked in including the aleve & tylenol I'm taking. I'll probably ride tomorrow and get back to walking Wednesday. He advised me to take the week off however I doubt seriously that will happen.

Take the week off.....Right

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ole gray · April 20, 2021

4 hours ago, Rickp said:

Take the week off.....Right

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The Prednisone pack is doing it's job so I'm getting back on the walking trail tomorrow! I shot 87 today riding so I actually shoot better walking.

BIG STU · April 20, 2021

5 minutes ago, ole gray said:

The Prednisone pack is doing it's job so I'm getting back on the walking trail tomorrow! I shot 87 today riding so I actually shoot better walking.

Yep the gout can be a biotch=== I get it from time to time .

Spoiler

Edited April 20, 2021 by BIG STU

ole gray · April 20, 2021

Just now, BIG STU said:

Yep the gout can be a biotch=== I get it from time to time .

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It hurts like real time fo sho!

BIG STU · April 20, 2021

Do not have any idea of what I did above--- This HP computer is a POS. But I only get gout when I eat farm raised or imported shrimp--- My BP meds have a dieuretic in them anyhow so I just drink more water and everything usually clears out that day

xOldBenKenobiX · April 21, 2021

On 4/9/2021 at 1:17 AM, golfish! said:

INTRODUCTION AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Greetings fellow Spies! Golfish reporting in for another great testing opportunity provided oh so graciously by Motocaddy and MGS! Quick intro about me. As my MGS handle and picture implies, I am an avid golfer and fisherman. Yes that is me holding a casting rod on a golf course trying to fish my 6iron and my buddy's sandwedge out of a tree. Long story but DM if you want to know more! The GRINT says I played 89 rounds last year which is about right. I do play at least once a week and sometimes 2-3 times if the boss is on vacation! I am currently a 16.7 handicap index that has been trending down lately! My personal best round is 84 on a course measuring 6743 yards from the white tees with a slope and rating of 72.5/133. I currently live in Southern California and have been playing golf seriously for about 4 years. Before then I was a range rat for about 2 years ingraining bad habits into my swing! I chose to use pictures of Marines "humping" (hiking for you civilians) up a hill because that was me back in early 2000's. I served as an 0311 (yes PXG names their clubs after Marine Corps MOS designations because Bob Parsons was a Marine in the Vietnam era) which is your basic infantryman/grunt during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I did a lot of humping up and down hills and was the leanest, meanest fighting machine you'd ever seen! Now as an engineering manager married with two kids, I am quite a bit larger, and slower, and maybe not as mean! But I keep telling myself I need to get back to that time where I was in the best shape of my life. So I try to walk the course whenever I can which is usually any season other than summer here in SoCal. Everyone thinks it is a nice comfortable 70 degrees here all year long. That may be the case in the beach counties but cross the mountains into the Inland Empire and it is desert so it gets pretty hot in the summer.

I applied for this Motocaddy test because I wanted to see if having an electric trolley (as they are called in Europe) would allow me to walk during the summer rounds here. As my home course is in a city called Chino Hills, it is quite hilly. The other course I play often is called Mountain Meadows because it is carved at the base of a mountain so there are some elevation changes there as well. This is actually not my first time using an electric push cart as I was in Germany a few years ago on a business trip and managed to get a round together with someone from the vendor I was visiting. He let me borrow his wife's Motocaddy (can't remember the model) as he told me that most everyone in Europe walks and does not ride in a cart. Imagine my surprise when I check my emails and get a notification that I had been selected to test the Motocaddy!

As @GolfSpy MPR mentioned we were given the option to test either the M5GPS or the M7 remote. The main difference between the two is that the M5 has an integrated GPS for course info and has a full color display that shows things like yardages and hazard info. The M7 does not have this but has a remote control for operation. After a good ol knife fight, I was selected for the M5 GPS unit.

UNBOXING AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The box is very sturdy and I was a bit concerned when I picked it up from the Fedex office as I saw some damage on one of the panels. Thankfully it did not transfer to the unit and unit came well packaged and well thought out so nothing would jostle and get damaged in transit.

The unit comes mostly assembled, with just the battery, wheels, and bag straps not attached.

What I was not expecting was the included glass screen protector for the GPS screen. Motocaddy definitely went and got a manufacturer to design and make this custom for this screen as the fit is perfect. Little things like this are what tells the customer that a company appreciates them and is thinking about customer satisfaction. Our phones which for some border on the same cost as a Motocaddy unit don't bother to come with a screen protector! Take some lessons here Apple and Samsung! I install my own screen protectors on my phones so installing this one was the same process.

Looks like there is a SIM card for the GPS which is preinstalled in the unit. No idea where it would go anyway but again nice touch not having the customer have to install something that is vital for the function of this product.

Some random pictures of the instruction manual, the battery box, etc.

The battery connector is proprietary and you will need to use their charger. Charging took about 4 hours for the indicator to go from red to green. Battery is fairly compact but dense. The case is well designed so that it sits in the battery compartment during use and is easy to lift out for charging etc. The instructions recommend disconnecting the battery when not in use to as there is no on/off button.

Once out of the box, folding and unfolding is a breeze. 2 latches control the opening and closing of the unit and the front wheel folds in automatically. Attaching the wheels is also easy as each wheel has a small release button you press and push the wheel on to the axle. The wheel system is designed well as there are two notches on the axle for the wheel to lock into. One notch is for battery operation which allows the motor to drive the wheels. The second notch is for freewheel mode if you don't want to use the motor and it allows the wheels to freewheel on what I believe are it's own bearings. Smart design and as an engineer things like this excite me! The accessory station also comes pre-attached and Motocaddy has been gracious enough to send us the full accessory kit which includes a drink holder, umbrella holder, device cradle, and score card holder. This has not yet arrived as I believe we have been told they will be shipped mid April. Perhaps the accessory kit will have what I am looking for but compared to my manual push cart, there is no actual storage on the cart.

ON COURSE FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I have 2 rounds in (first one was the day I got it lol) and I have to say at first I was not sure if having an electric push cart was going to make a big difference. I am relatively young, in my mid 30's and not totally out of shape. However, after the first round using this, I can't quantitively measure the difference (maybe it is time for a whoop band?) but for sure I was much more energetic at the end of the round than when I used my manual push Sun Mountain Reflex cart. This course is relatively flat with little elevation change (Bryson could probably drive his ball from one end of the course to the other and see the ball flight mostly the entire time!) so the battery usage was minimal. My second round which I played this morning was on a much hillier course. Even with the use of an electric push cart, I was much more exhausted after the round (though that could be attributed to me getting the second dose of COVID vaccine yesterday) and the battery meter looked more depleted. (forgot to take a picture of the screen after to show the battery meter but will remember for future rounds). Controlling the cart is fairly simple, there is a large button in the middle of the handle bars for motor on and off. The button has a dial around it for controlling speed. You can change speeds while the cart is in motion and the response is fairly fast. You can also change speeds while the cart is stopped so that when you turn on the motor it will accelerate to that setting. I did notice though that sometimes the speed dial would not register a speed change and I had to try a few times. Might be I am trying to turn the dial too quickly. Finding my course on the unit was simple as the screen is touch screen and you choose "Play Golf" from the home screen and it searches for GPS data. It will then display courses closest to your location and you choose the course and go. I had no trouble finding the course for both of my rounds. The screen is pretty bright and easy to read in direct sunlight. The screen can be a touch sensitive as during my round I would notice I had pressed the screen accidentally and advanced a hole or went into a setting menu. Most of the menus are intuitive though and you can find your way back to the home screen easy. I did accidentally end my round somehow today between the 5th green and 6th tee box but I was able to find the course quickly before teeing off. You can use the M5 to track your score but it is not saved anywhere. I use my phone to enter my scores on Grint anyway so I am looking forward to the accessory kit. For now I use my Desert Fox phone holder strapped to the push cart. One thing I had to get used to is the lack of onboard storage. My Sun Mountain Reflex has 2 storage bins that I use to hold extra tees and my range finder as well as a 2 ball holder. Not a big deal as the whole point of having a push cart is that you have your bag right there with you and you don't have to walk over to your cart. Plus maybe the accessory kit will have some onboard storage options. Worst case I will use the drink holder as a ball holder as I know my giant water bottle wont fit in it for sure.

Comparing distances with my shotscope V3 and a range finder, I noticed the distances on the Motocaddy GPS were consistently longer on the first round. The hazard info was closer to my Shotscope numbers. The M5 has the ability to connect to wifi to update firmware and course mappings. I updated the course info for my home courses yesterday and I did notice that the distances were pretty spot on for my round today. Forgot to take pictures of distances today but I tried to rely on the M5 GPS for distances to greens for my approach shots and I was hitting the greens like a champ today. Even had one rip back 10 feet to within 6 inches from the hole! Not that the push cart had anything to do with that but definitely had the right distances!

Here are some videos of the cart running along in the parking lot and on the course. I also tested the DHC (downhill control) function which keeps the cart at the same speed when going downhill. The ADC (automatic distance control) function is pretty cool too. Allowed you to set a distance from 5-60 yards and the cart will go that distance then stop. Handy for making the cart go and wait for you at the next hole. Just make sure there are no obstacles or hazards in the way as the cart only goes in a straight line and will not stop until it reaches the preset distance! I can neither confirm nor deny that I may or may not have taken out a footgolf flag today... The cart handles bumpy terrain fairly well though I would recommend holding on to the handles if it gets really bumpy or you are travelling across an incline that is perpendicular to the direction of travel as the cart may topple over. (almost had an accident on one hill but was holding on the handle bars so it didnt go over).

Overall excited to be a part of this test and walk more rounds than previous summers. It is just starting to get heated up here in SoCal so I will also be tracking my weight over the course of the test to see how much walking 1-2 rounds a week contributes to my fitness. Again thanks MGS and Motocaddy for this awesome opportunity and looking forward to talking with Roger, the CEO of Motocaddy USA next week as he has asked for a quick zoom call to go over the features and some starting tips as well as to answer any questions we may have. Also there is another surprise to come but you have to stay tuned for details on that! Not sure if any other company has shown this much dedication to a product test in the past but it shows how much they actually want to hear our honest opinions and ensure the testing goes smoothly.