Known for its premium lineup and for every trolley being designed, engineered, and hand-built here in the UK, Stewart Golf has steadily built a solid reputation in the golf industry. Having long been intrigued by the innovative design of their trolleys, I jumped at the opportunity to review the VERTX Remote when it came up and was genuinely interested to see whether the performance lived up to the hype.
As with all golf equipment I review, I spent a good amount of time getting to know the VERTX Remote inside out before taking it to the course. I then tested it thoroughly over five full rounds, split between parkland and links courses. Since I was testing during early spring here in Scotland, I had the added bonus of being able to test it in everything from glorious sunshine to truly horrendous, soggy conditions.
And, after some extensive testing, it’s safe to say that the VERTX Remote really did deliver, and then some. In my experience, it’s rare for a golf product to impress me so quickly and so much during testing, but as you’ll discover from this review, it genuinely is one of the best remote control golf trolleys on the market.
Colourways, battery options and pricing
At the time of writing, pricing for the VERTX Remote is as follows:
- Baseline Model (27-hole battery): Retails at £1399
- Premium Finish Model (45-hole battery): Rises up to £1749
With 13 colour options to choose from, which is undoubtedly the largest range of any trolley on the market, there’s a look to suit every golfer. However, it’s worth noting that prices vary by finish, so if you’re looking for something a little fancier than the standard all-black finish, you should expect to pay a bit more.
Having generally played it safe in the past with black golf trolleys, this time round I decided to inject some colour in my setup, opting for the red finish to match my black, white and red Titleist StaDry cart bag. As you can see above, the VERTX Remote really is a beautiful-looking golf trolley, and this colourway ties in perfectly with my cart bag. If you’re interested in seeing my full setup, feel free to check out what’s in my bag for the current season.
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Unboxing and Close Up
As expected at this price and from a company like Stewart Golf, the delivery was well organised and prompt, and the packaging was neat, tidy, and clearly well thought out.
After removing the protective cover and seeing the trolley for the first time, I was impressed by how good it looked. Interestingly, the frame isn’t a solid colour as I expected. It has a subtle dark-grey marbled effect created during the moulding process, which I really like, and I love that it makes my trolley completely unique compared to every other trolley crafted by Stewart Golf.
As mentioned above, I opted for the red finish, and I think they’ve got the balance of coloured accents to black just right on this trolley. They’ve refrained from overdoing it, instead deciding to simply apply a touch of colour to small areas like wheel trims and mudguards, which helps the trolley achieve a premium look without looking cheap – a trap many other manufacturers fall into.
Unfolding, folding and carrying
Unfolding
Before unfolding the trolley for the first time, I read the instruction manual, which explained that I needed to follow a specific sequence when unfolding and folding to prevent damage to the internal cables. The instructions and illustrations were clear and easy to follow, and I thought the QR code linking to a video tutorial was an excellent idea. Whilst not necessary, given the printed instructions are so well written, some users may prefer the visual tutorial as an alternative.
In the past, I have found the folding/unfolding process on some golf trolleys to be unnecessarily difficult. However, I found the VERTX Remote process to become second nature after just a few practises. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the design of this trolley to ensure everything clips securely into place, which makes it feel really stable and secure when folded.
Folding
The folding process is basically the reverse of unfolding. When folded, the VERTX is compact and can be carried vertically with one hand or horizontally with two. I like that the battery can stay in place while folding, which is helpful if you’re short on time or space, since everything can be kept together. Again, this isn’t standard practice for most other trolleys I’ve tested in the past, but it’s certainly useful.
At 14KG (17KG with the battery attached), the VERTX Remote is on the heavier side, partly to provide stability on the course and partly because it has two motors (compared to most trolleys, which only have one).
Whilst it’s not too dissimilar in terms of weight to many of the competitor trolleys on the market, the weight is something to be mindful of if you’ll be carrying it to your garage or lifting it in and out of a car. I should add, however, that the two carry points make it easier to lift, and when it’s folded, it’s surprisingly compact.
Minor touches like the slot on the frame to clip the remote control for transport or storage, and the fixing points to hold the bag straps in place when not in use, are well thought out too.
Golf bag, battery and remote
Attaching my golf bag
When fitting my bag to the trolley, I found my Titleist cart bag sat securely on the base plate, and it was easy to hold it in place with the rubber fixing band, which has plenty of give. Whilst the bottom band was straightforward, securing the top fixing band was a little more difficult. My bag isn’t particularly wide, but I did find it a little awkward to stretch and secure both bands. I think these bands could do with being longer, especially when cart/tour bags are normally wider than standard carry golf bags. That said, as you can see in the video below, they do work, and I’ve had no issues with them detaching when using the trolley.
One thing that offsets this minor frustration is the VERTX frame design, which allows easy access to the rear golf bag pockets. This is something that many of the trolleys I’ve owned or tested over the years do not do, meaning that the bag valuables pocket of my golf bag is generally redundant, but not with the VERTX Remote, which allows for easy access to all pockets.
27-hole battery
I rarely play more than 18 holes in a week, let alone the same day. So, when ordering, I chose the smaller 27 SmartPower battery over the larger, more expensive 45-hole option. The battery charges from flat to full in under 7 hours, and rather helpfully, you can monitor charge progress using the free Stewart Golf app, which connects via Bluetooth. This feature is new to me on a golf trolley and is helpful if the battery is charging in another room, and you want to check the progress from the comfort of the sofa.
Before each round, I ensured the battery was fully charged and checked its level in the mobile app after 18 holes. Surprisingly, the level never dropped below 50% after any of my rounds lasting 4+ hours. Based on my testing, the smaller battery will easily last through 27 holes on a single charge. In fact, I even managed 35 holes over two days using it on my home course, which was impressive, but I’d still not risk trying to play 18 on a regular basis.
Whilst I like the fact that you can check the remaining battery level using the mobile app anytime the battery is switched on, I do think that I’d prefer to be able to see the level on the trolley or the battery itself. If you don’t carry your mobile phone when playing golf or don’t have a smartphone, there’s no way of knowing how much battery is left, which could be a problem for some users. The good news, however, is that if the trolley does run out of battery mid-round, the wheels can easily be slid off the motor, allowing it to freewheel until you finish. Each wheel can also be fully removed, which helps make cleaning the trolley easier, as well as being useful for compact storage.
Remote control
As the name suggests, the trolley is controlled by a handheld remote powered by an integrated battery. Unfortunately, it charges via a proprietary cable, not USB-C, so you’ll need to store the cable somewhere safe or risk having to buy a new one from Stewart Golf. Another minor frustration is that, unlike the main battery, which you can check the level of using the mobile app, there’s no way to check the remote’s battery level. To be on the safe side, I’ve resorted to putting it on charge after every round.
The remote control is light, comfortable to hold, and very easy to use with just one hand. During my testing, it paired seamlessly with the trolley every time and never lost connection. The buttons are easy to press and well laid out, and I like the fact that it has a belt clip, which can also be used to attach the remote to the trolley’s handle.
Finally, the remote also comes with a soft silicone cover that provides a little extra protection from the rain as well as from any drops on the ground.
On-course performance
To thoroughly test the VERTX Remote, I used it for five full rounds on parkland and links-style courses. Before heading to the course, I practised with it in the garden as advised in the user manual. Surprisingly, I found controlling the trolley much easier than expected, especially the first time that I used it. In fact, even my 10-year-old daughter managed a garden tour without crashing it, a clear indication of just how easy it is to navigate.
Uphill, downhill and side slopes
One standout feature of the VERTX Remote is the Active Terrain Control (ATC). The chip in the trolley analyses the ground over 1,000 times per second, and then adjusts how power is distributed to the wheels, controlling speed and balance. I have to be honest, I was a bit sceptical about just how well this would work, but I really shouldn’t have been, as it is incredible.
During testing, I made every effort to take the trolley up and down as many steep hills as possible, and its control was remarkable. What is impressive is just how elegantly it glides along, maintaining almost perfect balance and speed, no matter how steep the hill (within reason, of course). When going uphill, extra power is applied to the wheels to help them maintain a comfortable walking pace, so you never feel like you have to slow down to wait for the trolley to catch up.
I have to admit, there were a couple of heart-in-mouth moments initially when the trolley rocked backwards when the slope was questionably steep, however, the two rear balancing wheels always ensured that the trolley did not topple over, much to my relief.
Going downhill, the VERTX Remote was even more impressive. Where any other electric trolley would career downhill picking up speed as it went if set free, the VERTX remained under complete control of itself. Even as it approached the slopes at speed, it immediately slowed to a gentle walking pace as it started descending. I genuinely cannot stress enough just how impressed I was by this, and think this level of control on slopes will be incredibly beneficial during the winter, when the ground is often wet and slippery, and using an electric trolley on slopes can be rather dangerous. If you’re someone who plays golf all year round, then be sure to check out my 15 winter golf essentials blog post to help you play your best golf this winter.
On side slopes, the trolley kept its line with very little drift and remained well balanced.
It’s worth mentioning that users should still exercise caution when using the VERTX Remote, avoiding excessively steep slopes. While it performs incredibly well overall, there will be some slopes that are a bit too challenging, even for a device as impressive as this, so common sense should be used.
Wet weather conditions
During one round in some of the wettest and muddiest conditions I’ve played in, the trolley performed astonishingly well. Despite many sections of the golf course resembling something of a bog, the wheels demonstrated excellent grip and did not spin. Prior to using the trolley, I was unsure whether or not the mudguards were necessary, but I quickly saw their value during this round in these conditions.
In my experience, it only really takes a few holes to get comfortable using the remote to control the trolley on the golf course. You can easily adjust the speed and direction using the arrows on the remote, and it’s very, very quick and responsive. Changes to speed and direction are visible on the trolley almost immediately, though I did almost crash into my playing partner’s bag a couple of times due to my getting a little too complacent.
Like most modern-day cars, the VERTX Remote has a sort of cruise control, courtesy of three preset speeds that can be accessed via the remote. Out of the box, the default speeds may not be the preferred speed for everyone, but the good news is that they’re customisable, so you can set your own three preset speeds. As someone who tends to walk quickly, I really appreciated being able to set my own custom walking speeds.
Emergency and glide stopping
As mentioned above, I’ve had a few near misses on the golf course with the VERTX Remote, mainly due to my driving or lack of concentration at times. Thankfully, the Stop button, located in the centre of the arrows on the remote, does an incredible job of bringing the trolley to an abrupt stop almost immediately. This is perfect if the trolley is careering towards a bunker or one of your playing partners and you need it to stop instantly.
For less critical scenarios, the Glide Stop button can be used to bring the trolley to a gentle stop. Again, this button is responsive and works well.
One unexpected benefit of having the remote was just how much easier it made using a second device, such as a GPS unit or a phone, whilst walking alongside the trolley. Admittedly, it took a little getting used to using the remote without looking at it, but after a while, I was able to check distances on my Shot Scope H50 in one hand whilst controlling the trolley with the remote in the other. Normally, I’d be too busy trying to guide my trolley and adjust its speed, so I liked the fact I could work out my yardages or do my pre-shot work whilst walking to my ball. Anything that can improve the pace of play is only a good thing, in my opinion.
One major advantage of using the VERTX Remote is the relief it offers to your arms, shoulders, and back. As a golfer with a bit of a troublesome back, I’ve preferred using an electric golf trolley over a carry bag for several years. In fact, this was one of the decisions I believe was instrumental in helping me become a single-figure handicap golfer.
However, until I tried the VERTX Remote, I didn’t realise how much effort was still required to manoeuvre a standard electric golf trolley by hand, and the stress it places on your arms, shoulders, and back.
With the VERTX Remote, you can relax your shoulders and walk the fairways with confidence, knowing that your body won’t be under any strain. It may seem like using a regular electric golf trolley doesn’t involve much physical effort, but once you experience the convenience of a remote-controlled trolley, I seriously doubt you’ll ever want to go back.
What's good, and what could be better
Having tested the VERTX Remote over several rounds across a wide range of courses, here’s a summary of its many positives and a couple of things I think could be improved.
Pros
- Slope control: The Active Terrain Control (ATC) manages speed and balance, braking downhill and powering uphill, whilst keeping the trolley stable.
- Hands-free: The remote control prevents strain on your back and shoulders, and allows you to use other devices whilst walking.
- Frame design: The frame offers access to all golf bag pockets and folds with the battery still in position – helpful for transport and storage.
- Battery life: The standard 27-hole battery easily lasts 18 holes, often with over 50% charge remaining.
- Colour variety: With 13 colour options, it offers finishes to suit most preferences.
- Unfolding and carrying: Unfolding and folding is quick and easy, and everything locks into place nicely. Easy to carry using one or two handles.
- Wet-weather performance: Excellent performance in wet conditions with solid grip and no wheelspin. Mudguards work well to prevent splashback.
- Cruise control: The three preset walking speeds can be customised to match your personal walking pace.
Cons
- Weight: At 14kg (17kg with the battery), it is a little on the heavier side.
- Battery display: You can only check the battery life via the smartphone app, and there is no indicator for the remote control battery.
- Bag straps: The upper rubber fixing band is short and sometimes awkward to stretch around wider cart or tour bags.
- Charging cable: The remote uses a proprietary charging cable rather than a universal USB-C connection.
Final Verdict
All in all, the Stewart Golf VERTX Remote is an incredible golf trolley. In my experience, it’s rare to find a golf product that just works so unbelievably well straight out of the box and every time you use it, and that’s exactly what the VERTX Remote has done. Yes, there are a few small negatives, such as the lack of USB-C charging for the remote and the fact that you can’t check the battery level without using the Stewart Golf app. However, the many, many positives far outweigh these.
Given that it’s one of the most expensive golf trolleys on the market, you really want to know that you’re going to get your money’s worth when buying it, and I can honestly say you will. For me, golf trolleys are a long-term investment, and in my experience, you really do get what you pay for. The VERTX Remote really is worth every penny.
If you are interested in buying the VERTX Remote, feel free to use the links/codes below to save 5%.
Get the Stewart Golf VERTX Remote today
Ready to try the Stewart Golf VERTX Remote?
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to reveal my exclusive 5% discount code and be taken directly to the official Stewart Golf store (UK or US). Copy and paste or manually enter the code at checkout to apply this amazing saving to your basket.
With this affiliate link, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. This code can be used on a range of products, and worldwide.
Share your thoughts on the VERTX Remote
Have you tried a remote-controlled trolley before, or are you tempted to make the switch to the Stewart Golf VERTX remote? Let me know your thoughts on this review or the trolley itself in the Comments section below.
Also, if you’ve enjoyed this product review then be sure to check out my golf equipment reviews page where you’ll find loads more!
