The latest model to roll out of the Stewart factory, how did the VERTX Remote caddie perform versus its rivals?

It's been a busy period in the remote electric caddie market. New models have been launched from pretty much every electric caddie brand out there and the innovations in this space have been coming thick and fast, all offering golfers a new remote experience throughout 2023 and into 2024. Dan Parker, writer and head equipment reviewer at Golf monthly, was interested to see how the VERTX could cement Stewart's place atop the remote caddie standings.

You can read a more in-depth review of the VERTX from Golf Monthly below.

Or watch the review on the Golf Monthly website >

At first glance, those familiar with the design of Stewart caddies will notice a lot of similarities and a few refreshments to the overall design. Aside from the sporty new wheel design and refreshed Stewart logo, the bones of this caddie share a lot of similarities to the Q Follow caddie. The VERTX Remote caddie also shares the same folding system we've become familiar with from Stewart. It's a well-designed and efficient two-step system that folds up surprisingly compactly considering the overall size. Remarkably, it's the only model versus the Motocaddy and PowaKaddy that has an integrated carry handle into its design, allowing it to be easily moved from point A to point B. This is such a simple yet effective piece of design that I'm amazed other brands haven't prioritised adding it to their models. 

On-course performance is highlighted by a key new technology under the hood of the VERTX Remote that makes it a class leader for remote functionality. 

It's called Active Terrain Control (ATC) and it's an all-new operating system that is designed to allow the caddie to tackle any sort of landscape or gradient on the golf course. This new operating system allows the VERTX Remote to react to its surroundings and atomically redistribute power accordingly between the twin motors. ATC uses a powerful microchip that is constantly monitoring the power requirements for each motor, allowing it to redistribute power where necessary to keep the caddie stable.  

Unlike standard downhill braking, ATC allows the VERTX Remote to automatically keep travelling at the same speed, uphill or downhill, without the user having to change the power output. Not having to constantly adjust the speed when going up and down the many hills you encounter on a golf course makes walking the course an even more relaxing experience and ATC also allows the VERTX Remote to tackle some seriously steep slopes with total ease. Translated onto the golf course, this technology meant the VERTX is certainly the most in control I've felt of any remote-controlled golf caddie I've tested this year.

Game defining performance.

If we look closer at the design, we'll see other models like the Motocaddy M7 GPS and PowaKaddy RX1 GPS use 360° rotating front wheels on their respective remote models, whereas the Stewart has opted to continue the use of two, non-rotating front wheels on the VERTX. While I thought this would make the manoeuvrability slightly less nimble than its competitors, I actually found this design made the caddie more stable and equally as manoeuvrable. Having the two wider wheels on the front makes for a much wider base and a more stable ride when the caddie is tackling bumpy terrain. It's a design trait Stewart has stuck by, despite the 360° rotating wheels of its competitors, and I'm glad the brand stuck by it on the VERTX Remote. Importantly, when folded up, these two wheels tuck nicely under the chassis for a compact folded-up position. 

The remote is a bit bulkier than its rivals, but it's still an ergonomic and easy-to-grasp design. I'd love to see Stewart update and refine its remote in later models, but the current one is still easy to use and rapid when it comes to responsiveness. Further, the new VERTX benefits from the largest range of battery offerings currently on the market in the shape of the SmartPower lithium battery that offers either 27 or 45-hole ranges. With no screen on the VERTX the status and health of the battery can be viewed in the free Stewart Golf app and its slimline and lightweight design is impressive considering the amount of power and range it provides.

The only thing that the VERTX is lacking versus its competitors from this year is the embedded GPS in the handle. It's something I highly doubt Stewart will try and battle against its competitors, and I think that makes a lot of sense. Stewart Golf knows where its expertise lie and, for the time being at least, that's not in GPS functionality. Indeed, if you already have a GPS device or rangefinder, then the integrated GPS systems on the competitor remote electric caddies might be made redundant.