Buying a doubletake golf cart enclosure is honestly one of those "why didn't I do this sooner?" upgrades that changes how you use your cart every single day. If you've ever been stuck in a sudden afternoon downpour or felt that biting wind during an early morning round, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Most of us start out with those cheap, "one-size-fits-all" throw-over covers we find on Amazon, only to realize they fit like a loose garbage bag and flap around the second you hit fifteen miles per hour.
DoubleTake does things a bit differently. They've built a reputation for making parts that actually look like they belong on the cart, rather than something you just strapped on as an afterthought. Their enclosure system is designed to work seamlessly with their own roof and body kits, creating a finished look that's hard to beat.
The Difference Between "Universal" and DoubleTake
To be totally honest, the term "universal" in the golf cart world is usually a lie. It usually means "it'll sort of stay on if you use enough bungee cords." When you switch to a doubletake golf cart enclosure, you're moving into the world of track-style systems.
Instead of hooks and straps that scratch your paint or fly off in a gust of wind, these enclosures use a dedicated track that mounts directly to the roof. You slide the fabric into the track, and suddenly, you have a seal that's actually weather-tight. It looks clean, it doesn't rattle, and you don't have to worry about it shifting every time you hit a bump. It's the difference between wearing a tailored suit and a poncho you bought at a gas station.
Quality Materials That Actually Last
One thing that drives me crazy about cheap enclosures is how quickly the "clear" windows turn yellow or cloudy. There's nothing more annoying (or dangerous) than trying to drive through a neighborhood while squinting through a foggy, scratched-up piece of plastic.
DoubleTake uses marine-grade vinyl and high-quality zippers that can actually handle being used. If you live somewhere with high humidity or intense sun—looking at you, Florida and Arizona—you know how fast cheap materials degrade. The fabric used in these enclosures is UV-resistant, meaning it won't fade into a sad, dusty gray after one summer in the sun. It stays vibrant, and more importantly, it stays flexible. Cheap vinyl gets brittle and cracks when it gets cold, but this stuff is built to take a bit of a beating.
Dealing With the Elements
Let's talk about the actual "weather" part of a weather enclosure. Most people buy these for the rain, and they're great for that. But for me, the real win is the wind protection. If you like to take the cart out for a quick grocery run or a trip to the clubhouse in November, that wind chill can be brutal.
A doubletake golf cart enclosure creates a little microclimate inside the cabin. It's surprising how much heat stays trapped inside just from two people sitting there. If you add a small portable heater to the mix, you're basically driving a car. You can stay out on the course or cruise the neighborhood long after everyone else has parked their carts for the winter.
The Aesthetic Factor
We've all seen those carts that look like they're wearing a tent. It's not a great look. One of the best things about going with DoubleTake is that they care about the "cool" factor. Since they make color-matched body kits and seats, their enclosures are designed to complement that specific style.
You can choose colors that actually match your seats or your trim. It makes the whole rig look professional. If you've spent a few thousand dollars customizing your cart with a lift kit, nice wheels, and a custom paint job, the last thing you want to do is ruin the vibe with a floppy, tan nylon cover. The track system keeps the lines of the cart sharp and tucked in.
Installation: Is It a Headache?
I'll be real with you—you're going to need a few tools and a Saturday afternoon to get this set up the first time. It's not "hard," but it's a project. Because it's a track-based system, you have to mount the tracks to the underside of the roof.
The good news is that once the tracks are in, taking the enclosure on and off is a breeze. If the weather is beautiful and you want that open-air feel, you can slide the panels out or roll them up and secure them with the built-in straps. Most people just roll the sides up and keep the back panel down to block the dust. It's very modular, which is a huge plus compared to those "all or nothing" covers.
The Importance of the Rear Seat Setup
If you have a four-passenger cart with a flip-down rear seat, you need to make sure you're getting the right version. DoubleTake makes specific enclosures for their Max 5 and Max 6 rear seat kits. This is a big deal because the dimensions of the rear roof supports are different on every cart.
When you get a doubletake golf cart enclosure that's matched to your specific seat kit, the back panel actually fits around the footrest and the handrails. It keeps your passengers dry, which is usually the first thing they complain about. No one wants to sit on a soaking wet rear seat because the cover didn't quite reach the back of the cart.
Maintenance and Keeping It Clean
If you want your enclosure to stay looking new, you can't just ignore it. Dirt and salt (if you live near the coast) are the enemies of zippers and clear vinyl. A quick rinse with fresh water every now and then goes a long way.
I always tell people to avoid using harsh chemicals on the clear windows. Windex might seem like a good idea, but the ammonia can actually break down the plastic over time. Just use a very mild soap and a soft microfiber cloth. And if you're going to store the enclosure for the summer, make sure it's completely dry before you fold it up. If you put it away damp, you're going to open it up to a science project of mold and mildew next year.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Look, these aren't the cheapest enclosures on the market. You can definitely find something for a third of the price if you just want a temporary fix. But if you plan on keeping your cart for a few years, the doubletake golf cart enclosure pays for itself in frustration saved.
You aren't fighting with it every time you want to go for a drive. The zippers don't snag, the wind doesn't blow rain through the gaps, and it doesn't look like an eyesore in your driveway. In the world of golf cart accessories, you usually get exactly what you pay for. Investing in a solid, track-mounted system is one of those upgrades that actually adds value to the cart if you ever decide to sell it.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your golf cart is supposed to be about fun and convenience. If you're constantly checking the weather app and dreading a cloud in the sky, you're not getting the most out of your machine.
Adding a doubletake golf cart enclosure basically turns your cart into an all-season vehicle. Whether it's a misty morning on the fairway or a breezy evening drive to dinner, having that extra layer of protection makes the whole experience way more comfortable. It's a clean, professional-looking solution that handles the elements like a champ, and honestly, once you see how well it fits, you'll never go back to those old-school throw-over covers again.