The Sun Mountain Speed Cart V2 is the “deluxe” version of the original Speed Cart V1, claiming a more durable frame along with a larger handle and accessories panel and a mesh basket for carrying additional belongings.
We like the upgrades – the mesh basket is particularly great in providing a place to toss all kinds of stuff – and like its predecessor, the Speed Cart V2 is simple to unfold and get rolling on the course. The Speed Cart V2 is, however, the heaviest golf push cart that we’ve tested. Part of this may result from what Sun Mountain describes as a “heavy-duty frame with steel stampings and glass-filled joints for increased durability.” All we know is that it’s really heavy.
The Speed Cart V2 is also the most expensive golf push cart that we’ve tested and its styling feels dated (does anyone still think that wire spoke wheels are cool?). If (a) price is no object, (b) you have a Cadillac Escalade that will easily fit the massive cart, and (c) you have a manservant who will lift the cart in and out of your Escalade, then the V2 may be your cup of tea. Otherwise, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.
Retail price: $269
Availability: Discontinued. Replaced by the Sun Mountain Speed Cart V1 line
Pros:
- All kinds of storage space
- Quick unfolding
Cons:
- Highest retail price of the carts we tested
- Heaviest among the carts we tested
SIZE/WEIGHT
The heaviest golf cart in our tests, the Speed Cart V2 tips the scales at 20 pounds (as tested). But it’s the size of the V2 that might hold you back from its purchase. Sun Mountain claims the V2 is slightly larger when folded than its predecessor, the Speed Cart V1, but we found it to actually be a hair smaller, with the handle of the V1 protruding just a bit farther. Either way, the two versions are roughly the same size, and as with the V1, you will have a difficult time fitting the V2 into a standard-sized car trunk along with your set of clubs, never mind carrying a buddy and his clubs (and cart?) as well. Of course if you are rockin’ a Suburban or Escalade these pedestrian issues don’t apply to you.
EASE OF SET-UP
The Sun Mountain Speed Cart V2 unfolds in 6 intuitive steps (technically one less than the V1 which includes the need to unfold the bottom stand where the bag rests). The Speed Cart V2 also features smart brackets that allow you to secure your bag without having to pull straps around the bag to hold it down. As a nice touch, these brackets are adjustable to allow for bags of different sizes.
ON COURSE IMPRESSIONS
- The Speed Cart V2 has a wide rear wheelbase, so it stays stable across a variety of terrain. With the bag stand more closely attached to the front wheel, there is good clearance while heading over curbs or rocks or whatever obstacles you have driven your ball into.
- The brake easily engages and disengages through lightly flicking a lever, although we found that over time the brake (which actually pushes onto the bottom of the tire) isn’t as secure as the standard bike-style brakes found on the Speed Cart V1.
- Unlike previous versions, the tires on the 2010 Speed Cart V2 are made of foam, so you never have to worry that you’ve forgotten to pump the tires before heading to the course.
- The handle can be adjusted to a wide variety of heights through releasing the top knob, adjusting as desired, and tightening. The down side is that due to the design of the V2, raising the handle has the corresponding effect of narrowing the wheelbase of the rear axle, which can make the cart less stable.
STORAGE/ACCESSORIES
The storage and accessories available on the Sun Mountain Speed Cart V2 include:
- a padded valuables tray with a transparent lid and a magnetic latch that is a generous size, easily passing our test of fitting 2 golf balls, a GPS device, an iPhone (with corresponding iPhone golf GPS applications, of course), a set of keys and a wallet
- a small mesh basket next to the valuable tray for holding head-covers or whatever additional items you want to have easily accessible
- a larger mesh basket that is slightly underneath the bag, big enough for holding golf sweaters, food, or other miscellaneous stuff.
- two elastic bands attached to the lid of the valuables tray designed to hold down a scorecard or course guide
- 1 holder with elastic band for holding a pencil or pen
- 5 holes for storing tees
- 1 hole for storing an extra ball, and one tool designed for marking a straight line on your ball with a Sharpie
- a mount on the handle to hold an umbrella while pushing your cart
- 2 straps to hold a folded umbrella when it’s not in use (similar to those found on most golf carry bags today)
- a cup/bottle holder
STYLE
The old-school spoke wheels, heavy-duty frame, and extremely limited color selection won’t win any beauty pageants. Not that your friends will judge you on the style of your golf cart. Then again… At least it comes in more colors than the Model T – you can get it in both black AND silver.
VALUE
At $269.95, the Sun Mountain Speed Cart V1 is the highest priced of the carts tested. While it adds a few extra features not included with the Speed Cart V1, the additional $70 is tough to swallow. The value doesn’t seem quite there, and at this price we would point users in other directions.
My V2 is one year old and I like it except the brake system is really not very good. I play a very hilly course in Windsor CO and I rely on the brake. It lost its holding power two months ago and I tried to adjust it by the wheel. Not good. Then today I made the mistake of trying to fix it at the handle. Bad! The tiny orifice through which the stranded cable must pass just won’t accommodate it. I took it apart and could not make it work. I trust you’ve improved on the brake. If you have please allow me to trade in this near-new cart for something with a reliable, adjustable, enduring brake system. Please get back to me. If nothing else, please direct me to a shop that can fix this brake and make it tight enough to hold and loose enough to allow free wheeling. Thank you.