Customer Reviews

Valco Baby 2011 Tri-mode SE Single in Cirque

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I purchased both Tri Mode and Latitude EX from Amazon because I couldn't decide which one fits better for me.
At that time (April 2011), the descriptions on the Valco Baby (VB) web site was not clear (what included in the box, differences among all models, etc) and no stores had store models on site.
I wish VB makes a detailed comparison chart like Baby Jogger.

I wanted to keep Latitude, but I had to RETURN BOTH strollers for the following reasons:

Tri Mode has very nice functions and design, but it is too bulky and too heavy. I live in a city, so Tri Mode does not work for me.

PROS Tri Mode
- Has nice fabric
- Has seat pad, head support, strap cover included
- has front bar included
- Nice blushed nickel finish frame
- Extended canopy with a zipper is huge plus
- Recline almost 180 degree is big plus
- Upright almost 90 degree is big plus
- Has included rain cover
- Has snack tray option available

CONS Tri Mode
- Too heavy 23 LB
- Too bulky overall
- The rear tires are positioned too wide
- No foot rest adjustment
- Too many steps to fold
- No need to have a bag on the rear canopy - nice to have mesh window though
- No need to have side pockets on the basket
- No need to have a zipper on the basket - it is useless.... rather have a larger, lower & load function like Graco
- Canopy opening and closing make big noize. Why?
- No parent console. I would like to have a console, not a cup holder which is very flimsy.

PROS Latitude
- 19 LB light weight (if it's around 17 LB, even better)
- Narrow rear tire positioning, so I can manage narrow streets or door ways
- Extended canopy with a zipper is huge plus
- Recline almost 180 degree is big plus
- Upright almost 90 degree is big plus
- Has adjustable foot rest
- Medium sized basket and easy access (if it's larger and lower & load function like Graco, it is perfect.)
- Has included rain cover
- Stand upright when folded

CONS Latitude
- Does NOT INCLUDED a front bar and car seat adapter (they're included in the box until 2010 model, but being redesigning right now, and they're not included in 2011 model) Those are NOT available even in the option.
- Does not available snack tray option for Latutude. Almost all parents want it, so please make one. Personally, I don't need a boots cover, so including a snack tray is more valuable.
- Shiny aluminum frame is cheap looking. If it is non shiny color (blushed nickel color) like Tri Mode, it is much better looking.
- I would love to have ALL black color like Tri Mode (I don't like the striped silver stitches on Latitude Ricorice - it is not cute.), so that I can coordinate better with another seat pad which I was planning to order additionally.
- Easier folding system than Tri Mode, but it's still complicated. I want ONE STEP FOLD like other brands.
- Canopy opening and closing make big noize. Why?
- Canopy doesn't have mesh window for air circulation
- No parent console. I would like to have a console, not a cup holder which is very flimsy.
- No seat pad and strap covers are included. (I would like to have matching seat pad and strap covers.)
- No need to have a little flip on the top of the back seat. It is always bended down. What's this for?
- Should have same nice fabric like Tri Mode

PROS Seat Pad
- Has velcro, so easy put on/off
- Nice padding

CONS Seat Pad
- Need more design/color variety
- Should include strap covers in the package

In conclusion, I would like to have Tri Mode quality Latitude but much smaller/lighter stroller. I would like to purchase Latitude when the front bar is available. Hopefully in 2012 model.