PROS:
Easy to open - you can flip the latch with a single finger, then step on it - and voila.
Easy to close - step on the side lever, then pull the strap and throw it over your shoulder (and at 8 lbs, you can carry stroller AND kid).
Comfortable handles - the handles are at a comfortable height for me (5'6" - and our 6' family members).
Steers like a dream - the stroller really is easy to push and not hard to steer, I've pushed it one handed in the mall.
High weight limit - what attracted me in the first place is the high weight limit, in the hopes that it will be the last stroller I buy. I also like that it's a little sturdier than some of the cheaper umbrella strollers, I feel like it will stand the test of time until the higher weight limit will actually apply to my son (like in three or four years).
BEST USES: I don't think this stroller is built for rugged terrain. It handles fine on the sidewalk, but this is an ideal stroller to keep in the trunk of your car to run into the post office or the mall - or to take on trips - it will be a breeze in the airport. It would probably be disappointing if you planned to get rid of your other strollers and use this as a primary.
CONS:
The front wheels touch the inside of the canopy when closed, so you need to throw a plastic garbage bag over the wheels to keep it clean. I just don't want dirt from the wheels near my kid's head, but I don't suppose you have to go through this added step unless you are as anal as I am.
The reason it only got four stars is that I'm not a big fan of the straps and safety is an important issue. I feel like the clip itself (which the straps snap into) is cheap plastic, but the main problem is the straps are super long. I recognize this is important so that the stroller can grow with the child, BUT they are very loose on my one year old. Now that it is winter and he's in bulkier clothes, it's not as much of a problem, but it is something to be aware of before purchasing.
MY JOURNEY TO MACLAREN:
I was looking for a second stroller, one for quick jaunts to the mall, because I was tired of lugging around my 29-pound monster (the
Graco Quattro Tour Sport in Nolan. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Graco travel system - it has a smooth ride and lots of features and is my go-to stroller for long walks around the neighborhood or for outdoor events where I'm going over grass and rough terrain.
But I'm not crazy about hefting it in and out of my trunk to run a bunch of errands.
I thought I'd go for an upgraded lightweight stroller because I wanted something that would be comfortable and long-lasting. I also feel spoiled because the Graco is so easy to push.
Initially I purchased the
Joovy Kooper Umbrella Stroller, Red. It received rave reviews on Amazon and looked cool and stylish and it seemed like it had some nice added features. I bought it sight unseen online. BIG MISTAKE. It was impossible to push (front wheels malfunctioned). I ended up returning it a month later.
In looking for a lightweight replacement, I narrowed down to a
Zooper Twist Stroller, Coconut Waves which cost about the same amount as the Joovy Kooper - but included a foot muff, rain cover and mosquito net. I was hesitant because I'd been burned once ordering a stroller online without ever pushing it. I also was considering MacLaren, since I could test it out in stores - but hadn't yet gone to test drive them.
On a lark I picked up a MacLaren Volo (I saw it at a discount store for less than half the price of the Joovy, and less than the price on here). I am sooooo glad that I did. The MacLaren Volo is cute (not quite as much of a statement stroller as the Joovy Kooper) - but so much easier to push and really, functionality is way more important than having a stylish stroller that sits in your trunk!
