Thursday, September 9, 2010 as of 4:41:03 pm ET
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 The Wire Editor Stuart Hall gives the Mantys a try at the PGA Show Demo Day Wednesday, Jan. 27. |
The Mantys, which debuted at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show's Demo Day, is an electric powered cart that carries your bag and you, but that requires to stand on it and shift your weight to steer and turn. Two 500-watt motors that are powered by lithium-ion batteries can carry you around for a couple rounds — up to 36 holes.
At Demo Day, attendees were getting a taste of the four-wheeled Mantys through short trial runs along a section of the driving range. While it seemed to take people a minute or two to get the hang of it, most got into it and zoomed the cart around using movements akin to skiing or roller skating. A thumb throttle and hand brake help you start and stop; a turbo mode lets you move as fast as 12.5 mph.
A subtle hill on the driving range was no problem for the Mantys, even though the Leev and Sun Mountain staffers offering demos advised that testers stay on the flat surface. In fact, the Mantys can climb hills with up to 20-degree inclines.
Makers of the Mantys are betting that golfers will like the speed and ease of use, while being able to speed up play by moving directly to the ball. Each cart comes with turf-saver wheels, a universal bag mount and holders for scorecard, balls, tees and a drink. When you're done with your round, you can even fold the cart down and fit it into the trunk of your car.
More: See a video featuring the Mantys.
Sun Mountain will start selling the carts early this year at a retail price of $3250. SunMountain.com will have more details about the Mantys and how to find a nearby retailer.
— Jennifer Gardner
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