This is a comparison between the MGI Zip X3 vs X5. While they are both excellent quality electric carts, there are some key differences between the two models. By the end of the comparison, it should be pretty clear that the Zip X5 is probably the better buy, provided you take a long term view of this particular purchase decision.
Product Specs Comparison - MGI Zip X3 vs X5
| Product Name | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
| Features | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Compact, One Piece Frame | Yes | Yes |
| Zip Fold | Yes | Yes |
| Fold can be Complete with Lithium Battery in Place | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Upper Bag Support with Straps | Yes | Yes |
| Click & Go Lithium Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Lower Bag Strap | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic & Mechanical Features | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Single 230w Motor | No | Yes |
| Single 230w Motor with Brake | Yes | No |
| Standard Gearbox System | No | Yes |
| Differential Gearbox System | Yes | No |
| 24v Electrical System | Yes | Yes |
| Patented Gyroscope for Straight Tracking | No | No |
| Full Directional Remote with Reverse & Speed Control | No | No |
| Downhill Speed Control | Yes | No |
| Electronic Park Brake | Yes | No |
| Variable Speed Control with ON/OFF | Yes | Yes |
| Displays Speed Setting, Battery Level(s), Distances | Yes | Yes |
| Controlled Distance Function | Yes | Yes |
| Two Resettable Distance Measurements | Yes | Yes |
| Wheel Features | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Three Wheel Design | Yes | Yes |
| Front Wheel – Swivel & Lockable | Yes | Yes |
| All Terrain Tread Rear Wheels – Quick Release | Yes | Yes |
| Fully Integrated 4th Rear Wheel | Yes | Yes |
| Top Handle Features | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Ergonomic T-bar Handle | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Soft Rubber Grips | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Fixed Remote Control Holder | No | No |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Features | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Available in Titanium Grey Frame | Yes | Yes |
| Available in Black Frame | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Options | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Lithium 24v 250Wh (36 Hole*) | Standard | Standard |
| Lithium 24v 380Wh (36 Hole*) | Optional | Optional |
| Weights & Dimensions | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Open Dimensions: L x W x H | 31.5 x 23.2 x 40.9 INCHES | 31.5 x 23.2 x 40.9 INCHES |
| Folded Dimensions (Inverted Rear Wheels): L x W x H | 27.55 x 18.5 x 16.5cm | 27.55 x 18.5 x 16.5cm |
| Weight (No Battery): | 25.9 lbs | 24.8 lbs |
| Weight (With Battery): | 30.5 lbs | 29.4 lbs |
| Optional Zip Accessories | Zip X5 | Zip X3 |
| Drink Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Hand Warmer | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-purpose Clip | Yes | Yes |
| Rain Cover | Yes | Yes |
| Sand Bottle with Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Sand Bucket Loop and Bracket | Yes | Yes |
| Scorecard Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Seat with Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Travel Bag | Yes | Yes |
| Umbrella Holder | Yes | Yes |
| Umbrella Holder Extender | Yes | Yes |
| Wheel Covers | Yes | Yes |
| Cooler & Storage Bag | Yes | Yes |
Key Differences Explained - MGI Zip X3 vs X5
Price
The first and most obvious difference between the MGI Zip X3 vs X5 is price. According to the recommended selling price of MGI, the Zip X3 should be 200 dollars cheaper than the Zip X5.
Upgrading to the Zip X5 effectively unlocks a few extra benefits, with downhill speed control, electronic park brake, and a differential gearbox being the most notable improvements that you can unlock with the additional investment.
Differential Gearbox System (Better Turning)
One of the key mechanical differences between the Zip X3 vs X5 is found in the gearbox setup. The Zip X3 has a standard gearbox setup, whereas the Zip X5 has a differential gearbox.
Without diving into a full-on physics lesson, a differential gearbox allows the wheels to rotate at a different speed, depending on the turn demands imposed upon the unit. With a standard gearbox, both wheels will rotate at the same speed when turning, which can result in a small amount of slippage when making tight turns.
Conversely, the differential gearbox allows the outer wheel to rotate faster, and the inner wheel to rotate slower, which makes the turning process smoother while reducing the likelihood of slippage. The end result is that the Zip X5 should handle better than the Zip X3, especially when making frequent turns. If you play a lot of golf, this could be a dealbreaker in the long run.
Downhill Speed Control
The MGI Zip X3 lacks downhill speed control, which means it will automatically gain speed when traversing over downhill gradients. This isn’t necessarily an issue on gentle slopes, but when gliding down steep descents, the speed increase can be significant. You can always slow down the Caddie using the remote, but it can be tiresome to do this manually.
This issue is nullified by the automatic Downhill Speed Control offered by the Zip X5. Instead of increasing in speed on downhill slopes, the Zip X5 will automatically slow down to the default walking speed that you have selected.
In other words, you don’t have to worry about the caddie zooming past you when walking downhill, and you also don’t have to use the remote control to prevent this problem from occurring. From a convenience standpoint, this gives the MGI Zip X5 a significant edge over the MGI Zip X3.
Single 230w Motor with Electronic Park Brake
Both the MGI Zip X3 and the MGI Zip X5 are built with a single 230w Motor that can comfortably power you through 36 holes of golf, provided the battery is fully charged.
However, the 230W motor of the Zip X5 also included an Electronic Park braking mechanism. This mechanism allows you to park the caddie on any incline with the simple press of a button.
While you are unlikely to have any issues stopping the Zip X3, the ability to quickly park the Zip X5 gives it another convenience edge in this particular product battle.
Summary of Differences
| Product Name | Zip X3 | Zip X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
| Single 230w Motor | Yes | No |
| Single 230w Motor with Brake | No | Yes |
| Standard Gearbox System | Yes | No |
| Differential Gearbox System | No | Yes |
| Downhill Speed Control | No | Yes |
| Electronic Park Brake | No | Yes |
| Weight (No Battery): | 24.8 lbs | 25.9 lbs |
| Weight (With Battery): | 29.4 lbs | 30.5 lbs |
Product Features MGI Zip X3
The MGI Zip X3 will turn heads with its stylish look and modernistic design whilst being effortless in its operation. For effortless play, the MGI Zip X3 is built on a platform of signature MGI features like a Controlled Distance Function, a swiveling & lockable front wheel and all-terrain tread wheels. To help improve your game and feel in control, the advanced digital electronics will provide valuable statistics, like distances walked and longest drive.
- Advanced digital electronics
- Controlled Distance Function enables you to select the desired distance and the caddy will stop on demand
- Resettable odometers for tracking distances walked, longest drive and total use
- Whisper quiet 230 watt motor
Swivelling & lockable front wheel - All-terrain tread rear wheels
- Fully foldable rear 4th wheel for added stability
- 3 year warranty
Product Features MGI Zip X5
The MGI Zip X5 with the ingenious advantage of Downhill Speed Control and an Electronic Park Brake. The downhill speed control eliminates the need for the golfer to manually adjust the speed control when walking downhill creating an effortless, weightless transition on all downhill terrains. Such a feature allows the golfer to focus only on the next shot, leading to lower scores and increased satisfaction. Plus, park on any incline by activating the electronic brake at the press of a button. The Zip X5 is the gamechanger.
- Electronic park brake stops and holds the MGI Zip X5 on any terrain.
- Downhill speed control maintains desired speed on all downhill terrain.
- Controlled Distance Function enables the setting of the desired distance and the caddy will stop on demand
- Resettable odometers for tracking walked distances, longest drive, and total use
- Whisper quiet 230 watt motor with brake
- Swivelling & lockable front wheel
- Fully foldable rear 4th wheel for added stability
- 3-year warranty
Final Thoughts
At this point, it should be pretty clear that the MGI Zip X5 has enough technical extras to make it the better buy over the long term. However, if you’re still on the fence, these final buying tips may help.
Go for the MGI Zip X3 if:
- You want the more budget-friendly model
- You can live with reasonably good handling
- You just want an electric cart that can make walking the course a pleasure
Go for the MGI Zip X5 if:
- You want the better electric cart overall
- You want highly responsive handling
- You want the convenience of downhill speed control and electronic park brake
