After 4 weeks of this, I had enough and bought the stroller. She claims that it is the best umbrella stroller ever, and will last forever, and is light, and comfortable, and blah, blah blah, blah. I'll tell you what I really think of it.
I purchased it for $150 USD, with free shipping to Blaine. I've been shipping my US purchased goods to a nice family in Blaine by the name of Shawn and Chandra (ship2blaine.com). The stroller retails for $300 USD.
Facts:
- Light - 11 pounds
- Can carry up to 56 pounds
- Reclining seat
- 5 point harness
- One hand foldable
- Comes with a weather shield for when it rains
- Big canopy
- Orange/Grey
- Brake lever that simultaneously engages both brakes at the same time
- Quality built in the United Kingdom
- Lifetime Warranty
More details here: http://www.maclarenbaby.com/us/content/view/102/494/lang,en/
Impressions:
It is indeed a good stroller. The 5 point harness is easy to get the baby in and out of. The material is a soft, plush fabric that makes the baby comfortable. The seat is pretty large and the reclining ability (uncommon in umbrella strollers) makes it possible for the baby to sleep in it.
The handling is supreme - it turns on a dime and pushes effortlessly. It pushes better than our full size Evenflo Aura (though I must admit that's not a fair comparison, since that was $120 for the stroller, a car seat, and the car seat base).
Folding - it came a little bit stiff, but now has become easy to fold. You kick up the bottom lever, then push down on the side lever, and then lift up the bottom lever with your foot again. The whole thing just collapses. Handy. It's also pretty much impossible that the stroller will collapse on your baby while they are in it. There are just too many levers to pull first.
Unfolding - there's a latch on the side that causes the whole thing to be expanded. It doesn't automatically expand.
Size - Bigger than i thought. The Quinny Zapp is much smaller. It's heavier than it looks too. For someone who wants ultralight, you will have to look at the Zapp or the Maclaren Volo. Still, it is perfect for leaving in the car. Special considerations would still have to be made for an airplane ride, whereas the Zapp would fit in the overhead compartment.
Brakes - works as advertised.
Style - The wife digs the grey/orange pattern, but it doesn't bother me one way or another.
Competitors:
We considered the Quinny Zapp, but decided on this one for it's more comfortable seating position.
Verdict:
It's worthwhile, if not for any other reason other than not having to close an eBay page every day when I get home from work.
Joe
