New Ridge Roller User
Hey Guys just wanted to post a review on my new Ridge Roller. Just to give you a little background, I'm 6'2" 235 so I'm a decent sized guy. I've been playing for 14 years and about 12 years competitively. I average about 2 rounds per week and I play year round. I probably play at least 10 - 15 tournaments per year, most local , some PDGA.
Either way I just got the production Ridge Roller and took it out for my first round last evening. I have to say that this thing is pretty sick. I played in a local weekly draw dubs. I warmed up about 9 holes and then played 18 once teams were drawn and I have to say that it didn't feel like I had even played 4 holes. It was a pretty good inaugural round for the cart as my partner and I tied the course record for dubs at -16.
First off the cart is very light and easy to maneuver. It really does roll like butta. I couldn't decide whether to push it or pull it so I let the terrain decide. When I needed to go over large objects, I pulled it and just let the wheels ride over the obstacle. For rough terrain I pushed it and most times because of the wheel height It just ran over things without stopping at all.
Second, the seat is very comfortable for a guy that's my height and weight. The cart frame is super sturdy and I wasn't worried about it collapsing or tipping over. In fact with the seat pad it's quite comfortable. Realistically I'm not going to be sitting on it for hours at a time writing disc golf haiku, but for a rest between holes or shots it's pretty damn good.
Third, the storage is quite good. I carry 30 discs and this was not a problem. I carry 6 putters (I know it's weird). I have 3 in the side stretchy pocket and they fit well. Not too loose but not so tight as I have to put any real effort into pulling them out. The other 3 fit on the bottom rack with what I call my utility discs. All my mids and main drivers sit on top and I use the divider to separate them.
Fourth, miscellaneous storage is ok. There are side pockets that zip on both sides. Once side has a shallow pocket that should fit a cell phone and maybe a small wallet. The other side has a zippered side that opens back toward the back of the cart with a zippered pocket that I used for my cellphone, keys and wallet. There is also access behind disc storage where I'm keeping towels for now. I think I'm going to pick up a water proof container of some type to probably use for my phone, wallet and keys. You could also put extra clothes in there as well. One detail that I really like is that the disc rack has a rubberized pencil holder. This is located on the inside for storage between rounds. Also the production cart comes with a bag that attaches to the pole and is secured by Velcro. It has one main big opening and 2 smaller openings that have Velcro covers. I used these for my sunglasses and vaping rig. They are relatively deep and I wasn't worried about anything coming out.
Fifth, the pole is sturdy and collapses with ease. It is in 3 pieces. The bottom is very securely fastened to the frame. The 2nd pulls out of that one and is secured with a quick release that really locks it down. The third where the handle is comes out of that one and is secured by a locking button as the middle pole has the height adjustment holes. Once fully extended locks down nicely with no play in the pole at all. The handle which I believe was originally a bar end for a mountain bike has been re-done for the production model and is actually made for the cart. It is quite comfortable to use. It has a rubber cap on the end so I could see this being used for maybe battery or "hippie lettuce" storage.
6th, The wheels really roll nicely and are pretty similar to wheels found on other carts. However I believe this cart is the only one with sealed bearings. This may not sound like a big deal, but as the owner of the Go Cart, I'm here to tell you it is. On the Go Cart I had to constantly futz with the wheels to keep the bearings clean and to keep them in the rim. I finally ended up putting washers in to keep the bearings in. There may have been a better way to do this, but I'm an IT Security guy not an engineer. Either way the wheels on the RR are seemingly maintenance free, which is a big plus in my book.
Lastly, I'm still working out how to hang my Bluetooth speaker
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tYj1lJFSL.jpg on the pole. Once I have that in place the cart will be perfect. I did get an umbrella, the versabrella
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71oyRUXJpIL._SL1500_.jpg.
I have to say that the attention to detail paid by Joe on this cart is really excellent. I was using the Go Cart until this and I have to say that this thing is superior in every way. The price may be $300 plus depending on how you configure it, but in my opinion it is worth every f-ing dime! I payed $225 for my Go Cart and had to use my innova tour bag that was like $65 back in the day. So for a little more money I got a cart with a bag that specifically made for it. My Innova bag hung off my Go Cart and dragged the ground a bit when tilted to pull it. The side that drug would get wet. This will not happen with the Ridge Roller.
In closing, I will apologize for being long-winded but when I see a small company trying to do something new and they are putting out a good product then I feel compelled to give a good review. Hats off to Joe for producing a top notch product.
Once I have time I'll follow up with some pictures.
