NewAge Bold 3.0 vs. Pro 3.0: The $800 Difference (Read Before You Buy)

By Pro Garage Gear Team | Estimated Read Time: 9 Minutes

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The “Buy Once” Warning: You are about to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 on garage cabinets. Do not make the mistake of saving $500 today, only to realize your compound miter saw doesn’t fit on the workbench.

If you are looking for “High-End” garage storage without paying custom carpenter prices ($10k+), you have likely narrowed it down to NewAge Products.

They are the kings of the RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) cabinet world. They look stunning. They hang on the wall. They transform a garage instantly.

But then you see the two options: The Bold Series (3.0) and The Pro Series (3.0).

The “Pro” set costs roughly 30-40% more.

Is it just marketing fluff? Or is there a physical difference that justifies the extra cash?

We broke down the specs, the steel, and the hidden “gotchas” to help you decide.

🏆 The “Cheat Sheet” Comparison- NewAge Bold 3.0 vs. Pro 3.0

If you are in a rush, here is the breakdown. The Storage Depth is the most critical number here.

🚚 The “Curbside Nightmare” (Delivery Day Survival Guide)

This is the part nobody tells you. Buying a 7-piece cabinet set isn’t like buying a toaster.

The Reality: These cabinets arrive on a massive wooden pallet weighing over 1,000 lbs. The delivery truck uses a liftgate, and the driver’s contract usually specifies “Curbside Delivery.”

• Translation: He will drop the pallet at the end of your driveway and drive away. He will not help you move it into the garage.

Your Survival Checklist:

1. Have a Dolly: You cannot carry the tall lockers (130 lbs) alone safely.
2. Have a Knife Ready: If the pallet won’t fit through your garage door, you must cut the bands and move the cabinets one by one immediately.
3. Watch the Weather: If it rains on delivery day, you need a plan. The cardboard packaging is not waterproof.
4. The “Porch Pirate” Billboard: A giant box that says “NewAge Products” sitting in your driveway is a beacon for thieves. Do not schedule delivery for a day you aren’t home.

1. The “Tote Test” (Why Depth Matters)

This is the #1 complaint we see from people who bought the cheaper Bold Series.

The Bold Series is 18 inches deep.

The Pro Series is 24 inches deep.

Why does this matter?

Go measure a standard “Black and Yellow” storage tote from Costco or Home Depot. It is usually 20 to 21 inches long.

• If you buy the Bold Series: You cannot slide a storage tote straight into the locker. The door won’t close. You have to turn it sideways, which wastes huge amounts of horizontal space.
• If you buy the Pro Series: The tote slides straight in. You can stack them perfectly.

The Verdict: If you plan to store plastic bins, compound miter saws, or large tool cases inside your cabinets, you simply must buy the Pro. The Bold is too shallow for “real” shop equipment.

2. The “Dent Factor” (24-Gauge vs. 18-Gauge)

Steel thickness is measured in “Gauge.” Lower number = Thicker Steel.

• The Bold (24-Gauge): This is similar to a standard filing cabinet or a school locker. If you lean a heavy ladder against it, or if your kid hits it with a bicycle handle, it will dent. When you open the doors, they feel light and “tinny.”
• The Pro (18-Gauge): This is nearly double the thickness. It feels like a commercial tool chest. You can punch it (don’t do that) and it won’t flex. The doors have a heavy, satisfying “thud” when they close.

The Verdict: If your garage is a high-traffic zone with kids, bikes, and chaos, the Pro Series is armor-plated insurance. If it’s just for storing paper towels and wiper fluid, the Bold is fine.

3. The “Soft Close” Luxury

You know that feeling in a high-end kitchen where you slam a drawer and it magically slows down and whispers shut?

• The Pro Series comes standard with Soft-Close Hinges and Soft-Close Drawer Slides. It feels premium.
• The Bold Series does not. The drawers slam shut metal-on-metal unless you are gentle.

Is this essential? No.

Does it make you smile every time you reach for a screwdriver? Yes.

4. The Installation Reality (What They Don’t Tell You)

Both systems use a brilliant “Wall Slat” system. You screw a metal bracket into your studs, and the cabinets hook onto it. This keeps them off the floor (preventing water damage and making it easy to clean underneath). These cabinets mount to the wall. For the rest of your garage walls, we recommend waterproof PVC slatwall systems.

However, the “Pro” is HEAVY.

• A “Bold” tall locker weighs about 80 lbs. One person can wrestle it into place.
• A “Pro” tall locker weighs nearly 130 lbs. You need a helper. Do not try to lift the Pro series wall cabinets alone.

5. The “Curbside Nightmare” (Shipping Warning)

Whether you buy from Amazon or direct, these cabinets arrive on a massive wooden pallet via a semi-truck.

The Driver’s Rule: “Curbside Delivery Only.”

The driver will drop the 1,000lb pallet at the end of your driveway. They will not push it into your garage. They will not help you unpack it.

Pro Tip: Have a utility knife, a dolly, and a friend ready on delivery day. You need to break the pallet down and move the boxes inside immediately before it rains or porch pirates spot a giant “NewAge” billboard in your driveway.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

This is a 10-year investment. Divide the price difference by 10. Is it worth $80 a year to have the better set?

Buy the NewAge BOLD 3.0 Series If:

• You have a narrow garage (every inch of walking space counts).
• You are primarily storing small items (paint cans, car fluids, gardening gloves).
• You are on a strict budget and just want things hidden.

Buy the NewAge PRO 3.0 Series If:

• You store plastic totes (The 24″ depth is non-negotiable).
• You want a workbench deep enough to actually work on.
• You hate the sound of slamming metal drawers.
• You want the “Dream Garage” that adds resale value to your home.

Our Take:

We have never met anyone who bought the Pro and wished they bought the Bold.

We have met plenty of people who bought the Bold and regretted that their totes didn’t fit.

Go with the Pro.

Now that you have the storage, ensure your workstation is at the correct height to prevent back pain, the 42-inch rule for standing work is applied.

See Current Pro 3.0 Pricing & Colors on Amazon

Once your cabinets are installed, use our checklist to organize your tools…

Now that your gear is stored, keep the space warm with garage heaters.