Choosing the right beach gear hauler can make or break a beach trip. This review compares two popular options: the MacSports all-terrain beach wagon and the Crestwalker beach cart, evaluating their performance based on real-world beach testing.
Initial Setup and Impressions
The MacSports beach wagon boasts a convenient setup, unfolding easily right out of the box with no assembly required. The Crestwalker beach cart, on the other hand, requires some initial effort. The 13-inch balloon wheels need to be inflated, ideally over a two-day period to ensure even expansion. While the cart comes with pins for securing the wheels, in this instance, the included pins were initially too large, requiring a temporary workaround.
Capacity and Loading
Both the Crestwalker and my previous beach cart, the Rio Wonder Wheeler, share a similar size and a 100-pound weight limit. The Crestwalker held a comparable amount of gear, including a fully loaded cooler, beach chairs, and other essentials. The MacSports wagon, despite having a higher 150-pound weight limit, couldn’t accommodate as much gear due to its dimensions. It also lacked features found on the Crestwalker, such as a side umbrella holder, chair rack, and removable tote bag.
Performance on Soft Sand
The beach test was conducted on soft sand, providing a challenging environment to assess each hauler’s performance. The Crestwalker excelled in this terrain, its balloon wheels gliding smoothly over the sand. While some effort was still required, it was noticeably easier to pull than the Rio Wonder Wheeler. The MacSports wagon, however, struggled initially. Its narrow front wheelbase and the positioning of beach chairs made it top-heavy, resulting in tipping. After adjusting the load and placing the cooler in the front, its stability improved, although it still tipped over once during the test.
Portability and Storage
Both the MacSports wagon and the Crestwalker cart offer convenient folding mechanisms for storage and transport. The MacSports wagon folded up easily and proved relatively portable. The Crestwalker, while taking up slightly more space, folded similarly to the Rio Wonder Wheeler and fit comfortably in the back of a two-door Jeep Wrangler.
Conclusion
For beachgoers seeking a reliable and easy-to-maneuver gear hauler, the Crestwalker beach cart emerges as the superior choice in this comparison. Its performance on soft sand, combined with its ample capacity, makes it ideal for transporting beach essentials. While the MacSports wagon offers convenience in its setup, its instability and limited capacity make it less suitable for navigating challenging beach terrains.
