Cosco Umbria Stroller - Pink Zigzag

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have a compact car and having a big stroller means to sacrifice the limited space for other things (i.e. groceries) so when we have our second baby we decided to go for this one and I love it! It is well built and easy to handle. You may want to consider your height when purchasing it, I am not very tall 5"6 and my wife is 5"1' and we both love it but if you are tall it may not work out for you.

Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double, Carbon

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I purchased this stroller when I found out I was pregnant with twins. I wanted a tandem stroller that could hold 2 infant seats (not all do) and I didn't want to spend a ton of money.There are things I really like and things I don't like about it. Likes: 1)The color is very nice and neutral. I have b/g twins so it really works for us. 2) As mentioned above it holds 2 infant car seats. I have the matching Baby Trend seats. They snap in and out easily. 3) The parent cup holders and little storage bin is great. 4) I really like that both seats have a tray and I didn't have to purchase the second one separately. 5) It is easy to set up/open. Dislikes: 1) It is difficult to fold down all the way. It takes a lot of muscle to get it to fold completely so I can hook the strap that keeps it closed. It is also big and pretty heavy. If you were a petite person you would probably have a lot of trouble getting it in and out of the car. 2) The basket underneath is large but basically inaccessible due to the back seat footrest and sit and stand step. This really drives me crazy when I'm trying to shove my diaper bag in there. It mostly just rests on the step in back. 3) It steers fine if you are going straight on a smooth surface, however if you want to turn or go on a bumpy surface it is very difficult to maneuver. Often one of my twins becomes fussy when we're out at a store and I pick him/her up out of their infant seat to carry. This leaves me trying to push the stroller with one hand. It is VERY difficult to do. When walking around the neighborhood I have to be careful not to tip it when going up onto the sidewalk. Overall, it does the job I need it to do, but it's not great. I'm glad I didn't pay a ton of money for it.

Baby Jogger 2014 City Lite Stroller, Red

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) To begin, I am a HUGE Baby Jogger fan. I am currently an owner of the 2012 City Mini as well as the 2013 City Select. These are my two main strollers that I use every day. So, when the opportunity came to test out the new Baby Jogger City Lite, I was very excited at the chance to see what new things Baby Jogger was bringing to the US Market.



I believe the City Lite has been available in the UK for a few months now. I also believe that this model will be replacing the US version of the City Micro. Because this stroller is more in line with the City Mini and is closer in price range, I’m mostly comparing the City Lite to the City Mini, instead of the Select (which, I don’t believe the City Lite has any comparison to)…



The Good:

- It’s lightweight! It’s about ½ pound lighter than the City Mini

- Roomy! My son, at 8 months old and already 25 pounds, will be a big boy! I need a stroller that will hold a LOT of baby! The City Lite has a 55 pound weight limit.

- Recline – It reclines nearly flat – just like the City Mini

- Ease of Use – this stroller is just as maneuverable as the City Mini

- Canopy – If anyone has owned or researched any of the Baby Jogger brand strollers, you will know that their sun canopies just can’t be beat. It’s large and shields your baby from the sun at all times – although, it doesn’t appear like it’s lined like the City Mini’s canopy is.

- Fast fold – This is another incredible feature of the City Mini that Baby Jogger brought to the City Lite. However, there is one extra step. There is a small red button in the back of the stroller. You must first press that button and then pull up on the folding strap. Still a one-handed fold, just a button to press first. This is not an issue at all, nor is it cumbersome.



The Bad:

- The Fabric – I feel like the fabric is a little bit cheaper than the City Mini. It doesn’t feel as thick or “wipe-able” as the City Mini and Select fabrics.

- Car seat attachment – Now, I don’t know this for a fact, but it really doesn’t appear like there is an available car seat adapter for this stroller. I don’t see where any adapters would be inserted in order for a car seat to be attached and use this stroller as a travel system. I could be wrong, but I don’t see it and there isn’t enough information on this stroller at the time of this review for me to research this answer.

- Overall “feel” – The City Lite feels a little flimsy. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is a good stroller, it’s just not as “solid” feeling as the City Mini



Overall, I would say that the City Lite is an excellent stroller for those looking for a lightweight, easily maneuverable, and easy-folding stroller. If price is not an object, I would say that the City Mini is the better route to go – with the ability to convert to a travel system and the available accessories. The City Lite is small and can fit in the trunk of any compact car. It’s lightweight and just overall a great stroller option for those looking for an affordable entry in to the Baby Jogger brand.

Graco Ready2Grow Classic Connect Double Stroller, Fiji

CUSTOMER REVIEW



ok. i have a 2 and a half year old and a 6 month old. i have a BOB duallie for the beach, parks, and walks, but have been looking at double strollers for stores. when i saw this one i knew it was the best option for now and in a year.



assembly is ok, not difficult but not super easy. after i assembled it, it really seemed like they could have done it for us and just packed it in a bigger box. but, nothing is that easy. the only part i struggled with was the standing platform, you have to snap it on upside down and pull it through. it was just odd.



it is like 95% plastic pieces. i'm guessing they will be durable enough, but the wheels, the seats, the platform all snap on to other plastic pieces. i just hope it lasts for the other children we will be having in the next few years.



**update** ok first chicco carseat do NOT fit in facing you. but you can slide it in sideways. the baby can see you if they turn their head. and it sat deep enough, that i felt comfortable for a quick trip in to the store.



right now my older son rides up front and my baby sit in the "bucket seat". both love their position. my older child gets to see everything and my baby seems comfortable staring at me. if he wants he can see other people to the side or behind me. he also is more willing to sit in the bucket seat for longer than he ever sat in our chicco carseat travel system. i just think he has more room.



it is very difficut to get to the basket with a child in the front seat and the bucket seat attached. so i figured out that i need to put everything in the basket first and then the kids in. it is easier to keep everything loose in the basket, rather than trying to get into a bag when both kids are in.



overall...PROS

assembly simple

drives nicely, can even steer using one hand if needed

folds easily

confortable seats

easy to adjust



overall...CONS

very, very long when folded [we have a new explorer and it has to go in diagonal, no way it would fit in a small trunk]

many, many plastic pieces [will it affect durablity?]

strong chemical smell when taken out of box [it does go away, i'm assuming all the plastic]



ok and for my biggest CON. they have a 5 point harness on front seat and bucket. however, the shoulder straps easily detach from the lap belt, allowing the shoulder pads to fall off when folding. i have almost lost them several times, had i not looked down. if this didn't happen i would probably give this stroller 5 stars.



***i have switched to using it for the baby up front and my almost 3 year old sitting or standing. both love their new option, my 9 month old is content to sit and watch, and my older can hop on to stand or sit.



We have since had a third baby and this stroller is still going strong. I have a 5, 3, and 1 year old. Usually, the 1 yr old is in the front seat and the 3 year old is sitting and my five yr old stands in front of him. I use this for trips to amusement parks, farms, Boardwalk, etc... It squeaks pretty loud, I tried wd40 but can't seem to stop it. When it needs it I just hose down the whole thing w dish soap. Again if you have more than one child go for it, it's been well worth the money.

Garmin nüvi 42LM 4.3-Inch Portable Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps (US)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have had this GPS for 1.5 months now and it has been excellent so far. I upgraded from my old Garmin Nuvi 885 and my thoughts are below:



Satellite:

* It is really fast to acquire a GPS satellite. Most of the time in less than a couple of seconds. I took this GPS on a trip to Myrtle Beach from Pittsburgh and it has always been fast in acquiring satellites.



Screen and screen navigation:

* I went with the 4.3 inch over the 5 inch version because I dont really see a reason to pay the extra $20 for an additional 0.7".

* The screen is not as good as the current smart phones but very responsive for a GPS. It is much better compared to my 885.

* The GPS is fast and very responsive. No lags when moving across different screens.



Map updates:

* The map updates are pretty good. I have updated it once now and the process was very smooth.

* This is my first GPS with lifetime maps. I have read reviews of other GPS where people complain about space issues when updating maps. This has 4GB space and the maps take about 2GB so lot of free space for future updates.



Compatibility with garmin mount:

* I had the garmin friction dash mount that I bought for my old GPS and it works perfectly with that. The dash mount is awesome and you can find it here:

Garmin Portable Friction Mount - Frustration Free Packaging



Summary:

An excellent GPS for the price.

Summer Infant 3D lite Convenience Stroller, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Whenever I buy something, I read all the reviews and research A LOT. And even then I'm not sure I'm making the right decision. There aren't that many reviews for the Summer 3d Lite as it seems fairly new to the market, so I thought I'd try and do a comparative review in the hopes of helping.



I wanted a durable, lightweight travel stroller, a decent recline, good wheels/maneuverability, comfort, storage space, 5-point harness, and for it to be easy to fold/unfold. I wanted all this for the minimum price possible as I already have an UPPAbaby Vista and a Chicco Liteway (I previously used the Chicco for travel but I had to leave it behind for an international move as I opted to take the Vista - we do lots of walking, and it's much cheaper to replace an umbrella stroller!).



Some airlines/airports have strict weight limits on strollers that can be gate checked, and some airlines will automatically send the stroller to the baggage conveyor belts even if you gate-checked, so lightweight was essential.



Initially I was considering the First Years Jet Stroller, which weighs just 11 pounds. It has a 4* average rating from over 1100 ratings, AND costs under 45 dollars - seemed pretty good. But I went to try it in store and it was awful - no recline, wheels didn't work properly (i couldn't maneuver it on the floor - my son is 18 months and weighs about 25 pounds, about half the recommended max weight), awful sunshade, and my son wanted out! It felt cheap and flimsy so i looked at the reviews more closely - theme was that it was good for the price, and that the wheels are awful but people overlook that as it was so cheap. So whilst the Jet may be good/better than expected (for the price), I wanted something that was genuinely good, even if it meant spending a bit extra.



I came across the Summer 3D Lite and ordered it. I was a little concerned as I could not find it in my local baby store, so I was buying blind. It seemed to fit my requirements, and weighs 12 pounds, just one pound more than the Jet. Like the Jet, it says it accommodates children up to 50 pounds. (To compare, my Chicco Liteway goes up to 40 pounds).



When it arrived it took just a few minutes to pop the wheels and the canopy on, and presto, it's done. It reclines ALMOST flat, which is fantastic, although the recline mechanism requires two-handed operation, which is a little awkward. My Chicco Liteway also reclines almost flat, but it has a more convenient one-handed recline. The seat padding isn't as generous and the material isn't as nice as the Liteway either, however the Liteway weighs in at a heftier 17 pounds - 5 pounds heavier than the Summer 3d Lite, and is considerably more expensive. The 3d Lite's recline is also better than the First Years Ignite Stroller (the model up after the Jet, Cheaper than the Summer 3D Lite, but at 14 pounds, it is also heavier).



The folding mechanism is easy but it takes a couple of practices, it has two levers to disengage before collapsing and I had to read the instructions to find the second lever. The back of the frame has an extra handle that can be pulled up manually, which would effectively mean you need two hands to fold, however I prefer to fold the back of the frame by placing my foot underneath, making it a one-handed fold so I can collapse it in an airport holding my toddler. I hope that makes sense, and if it doesn't, hopefully it will when you see it or even if you try a different umbrella stroller as most use the foot action. Additionally, the plastic pull-up handle is the sort of extra piece that I can see breaking off during rough airport handling. Whilst this would certainly be annoying, it is not essential to functionality so it wouldn't be the end of the world. The frame locks automatically when folded which is great and doesn't need an extra hand - unlike the Jet/Ignite, which require the user to manually lock the frame (this may not seem like a big deal, but in an airport it really is!). Unfolding does need 2 hands, simply because the lock needs to be disengaged whilst holding the stroller upright, but this is probably true for all umbrella strollers. Overall, I think the fold/ unfold is fairly similar to other umbrella strollers, including the Chicco Liteway.



Sunshade is OK, slightly larger than some (much better than the Jet's shade), although it can't be rotated like the shade can on the Liteway. I don't think the shade is a particularly big deal though, as I always tend to use a light blanket for extra protection when my son is asleep, but when he is awake he tries to push the canopy back anyway.



The 3D Lite features lockable front wheels for rougher terrain, which the Jet does not, although in order to lock them they have to be perfectly aligned and forward facing. I'm not sure about other umbrella strollers, but on the Chicco Liteway (and the Vista, but that's a different kind of stroller, so maybe moot) you can lock the wheels whilst they are in any position, and as soon as the stroller is moved and they align with the frame, they lock into place. I hope that makes sense. It just makes it a little fiddly to lock the 3D Lite's wheels, but I don't think it's a deal-breaker. The brakes on the back wheels are more easily accessible than on the Jet (and also the Ignite, I believe but I didn't see the Ignite model in store, only online photos on Amazon).



Other thoughtful features on the 3D Lite include the essential 5-point harness, (the padded covers keep sliding down which bugs me a little so I may end up removing them) a carry strap (could be padded but not a big deal), a pocket for cell phone, wallet/purse, keys..., a cupholder that can be moved so it can be used by the parent or the child (remove the cupholder before folding if you put it at child's height as it fits where the stroller-lock clips to the frame). Actually I would remove the cup holder before travelling as it looks like it can easily come off. The basket is easier to access than the baskets on the Jet/Ignite, although like with any almost-fully-reclining umbrella stroller, the basket is not accessible when the seat is reclined.



I'm not sure I'm too keen on the fabric that covers the harness buckle, but this is a minor detail. Also, the handles on this stroller are tall, slightly taller than the handles on my UB Vista. This may not be so great if you are on the shorter side. I am 5'7 and don't have a problem with this.



From my research, I only found a few options that were lighter, none of which recline, and some were more expensive. The lighter options include the Jet (cheaper, not significantly lighter, no recline), The Chicco Capri (same price, weighs 11 pounds, lower max child weight limit, limited recline), the Macalaren Volo (lightest on market, expensive, no recline), UPPABaby G-Lite (no recline, expensive), or the really cheap, no-frill 20 dollar options ( which look awful for parent and child IMO). I also considered the First Years Ignite, which is cheaper, but I ruled this one out due to its additional weight and limited recline. I decided that full bells-and-whistles options, such as the UPPABaby G-Luxe and the Maclaren Quest were too expensive for what was essentially to be my travel stroller. (An equivalent and much cheaper option to these would be the Chicco Liteway which I stand by and recommend, although as noted it is a little heavier).



Overall, I think this is a great stroller. It has lots of features for both the weight and price, and was better than many more expensive options. I also purchased an open box deal from Amazon Warehouse Deals, stroller was perfect and brand new, saved myself 13-15% off the retail price which makes it almost comparable in price to the First Years Ignite.



I hope that helps. Happy stroller hunting!



UPDATE: I used the stroller exclusively for three weeks on an overseas trips, and also used the stroller on several shorter trips, including a trip to DisneyWorld. I liked it but didn't love it because it isn't as easy/ comfortable as it could be to steer. Unlike most strollers, the handles are straight in line with the frame rather than ergonomically curved inwards. This makes it hard to steer with one hand (I can steer my Chicco Liteway with one hand relatively easily). I still think it was the best value umbrella stroller with all the features I was looking for at the lightest weight, recline was good, easy to fold up and down, and held up well through airport handling. My son was able to nap in the stroller, although he rarely naps in any stroller now he is almost 2. I still think it is nice to have a decent recline option.

Baby Jogger City Lite Stroller, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



Vine Customer Review of Free Product (What's this?) To begin, I am a HUGE Baby Jogger fan. I am currently an owner of the 2012 City Mini as well as the 2013 City Select. These are my two main strollers that I use every day. So, when the opportunity came to test out the new Baby Jogger City Lite, I was very excited at the chance to see what new things Baby Jogger was bringing to the US Market.



I believe the City Lite has been available in the UK for a few months now. I also believe that this model will be replacing the US version of the City Micro. Because this stroller is more in line with the City Mini and is closer in price range, I’m mostly comparing the City Lite to the City Mini, instead of the Select (which, I don’t believe the City Lite has any comparison to)…



The Good:

- It’s lightweight! It’s about ½ pound lighter than the City Mini

- Roomy! My son, at 8 months old and already 25 pounds, will be a big boy! I need a stroller that will hold a LOT of baby! The City Lite has a 55 pound weight limit.

- Recline – It reclines nearly flat – just like the City Mini

- Ease of Use – this stroller is just as maneuverable as the City Mini

- Canopy – If anyone has owned or researched any of the Baby Jogger brand strollers, you will know that their sun canopies just can’t be beat. It’s large and shields your baby from the sun at all times – although, it doesn’t appear like it’s lined like the City Mini’s canopy is.

- Fast fold – This is another incredible feature of the City Mini that Baby Jogger brought to the City Lite. However, there is one extra step. There is a small red button in the back of the stroller. You must first press that button and then pull up on the folding strap. Still a one-handed fold, just a button to press first. This is not an issue at all, nor is it cumbersome.



The Bad:

- The Fabric – I feel like the fabric is a little bit cheaper than the City Mini. It doesn’t feel as thick or “wipe-able” as the City Mini and Select fabrics.

- Car seat attachment – Now, I don’t know this for a fact, but it really doesn’t appear like there is an available car seat adapter for this stroller. I don’t see where any adapters would be inserted in order for a car seat to be attached and use this stroller as a travel system. I could be wrong, but I don’t see it and there isn’t enough information on this stroller at the time of this review for me to research this answer.

- Overall “feel” – The City Lite feels a little flimsy. Don’t get me wrong, I think this is a good stroller, it’s just not as “solid” feeling as the City Mini



Overall, I would say that the City Lite is an excellent stroller for those looking for a lightweight, easily maneuverable, and easy-folding stroller. If price is not an object, I would say that the City Mini is the better route to go – with the ability to convert to a travel system and the available accessories. The City Lite is small and can fit in the trunk of any compact car. It’s lightweight and just overall a great stroller option for those looking for an affordable entry in to the Baby Jogger brand.

Britax B-Agile Double Stroller, Sandstone

Product Description

Color: Sandstone

The B AGILE Double stroller incorporates the same quick fold design and great maneuverability of the single B AGILE stroller, but with capacity for two children. With a lightweight frame, height adjustable handle and the ability to fit through standard doors, it is perfect for all occasions. Equipped with the BRITAX CLICK and GO system, the B AGILE Double stroller accepts one BRITAX Infant Car Seat with the included infant car seat receivers. Caregivers will further appreciate the access to under seat basket through the front leg rest, automatic chassis lock and two convenient zippered back of seat pockets. The padded, supportive seats feature a 5 point harness system with head pad that is adjustable without having to rethread or unhook any straps. The infinite seat recline allows the B AGILE Double to be used from birth and has a weight capacity of 50 pounds for each seat. Extra large canopies with mesh ventilation windows allow you to see your children, while the all wheel suspension ensures a smooth ride, and a single step locks both rear wheels simultaneously.






CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have has several double strollers. At least 4 side by sides. This one is by far the best one. It has it pros and cons but i would recommend this to any parents with 2 or more kiddos!

Pros:

- One handed steering works great with my toddler and infant (when my 6 year old gets in- tho she's too heavy for it)-it doesn't maneuver as well with one hand)

-Easier to get stuff out of front of basket than back

- folds great- large but easily

- fits through all doors I have encountered

- harness clips together easily

- harness adjusts easily

- cheaper than city mini

- pushes better than city mini

- has one handed push and city mini does not

Cons:

- car seat adapter doesn't work well but if you buy the cup holder/tray you can rig the car seat on it facing forward.

- tray is way to far away from seat for my toddler to reach it with 4 point harness on

- the clip that holds it closed often sticks when trying to open it quickly.

Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch, Black, Small

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I received the FitBit Surge as part of FitBit's early limited release. I purchased it directly from FitBit on December 5, and received it on December 8th. UPDATE: My original review was made after one week of use with the Surge. I've gone through and updated every section of this review after over a month of use.



The FitBit Surge is FitBit's flagship fitness "superwatch". It integrates a few capabilities of a smart watch, like text/call notifications and music control, into a GPS/heart rate fitness tracker. It tracks your sleep as well.



-------------------------------------------------



The Good:

Heart Rate Tracking:

This is probably the most important feature of this tracker, so I'll go into a bit of detail here. It is accurate, if it is worn snugly. When exercising, it's best to wear it a notch tighter than you normally would so that it stays in place, and a few inches up from your wrist so that it can get an accurate reading. It takes a few minutes for the reading to stabilize. I noticed that if it's loose, the results are all over the place. For everyday use, you can't wear it too tight because your skin won't be able to breathe (in my case wearing any watch made out of non-breathable material too tightly for too long results in a rash). When loose, the reading is 20BPM higher that it should read until I put it higher up my arm and tighten it, which is quite disappointing. But when it is just tight enough that it won't move around and further up the arm, it works great, and was accurate within 5BPM compared to my elliptical. So for exercise it seems to work well, but for everyday use is inaccurate. Unfortunately, any wrist-based heart rate tracker would have this same issue because they use a light sensor and blinking LED's, and having the band loose lets external light in, and light from the LEDs out.

FitBit: In the future, add something that lets you choose a target heart rate, then gives you a buzz on the wrist if you go outside it. This would tell you to work harder or slow down and pace yourself without having to look down at the watch, and would be an awesome feature.



Altimeter/Stairs Tracking:

Counts going up every flight of stairs (going down stairs does not count). Accurate and no complaints here.



Telling Time:

Several different watch faces available from the FitBit app. Digital, or analog, or some are a combination of both. They are easy to read, and if you just touch the screen in the dark, a backlight will illuminate the screen. However, since you can swipe on the screen to show different stats (Flights of stairs, heart rate, distance, calories burned, steps), that makes it very easy to inadvertently swipe it to a different screen. So it might be on a different screen than time at a moment's glance, and you then need to swipe left or right to get back to the clock.



Notifications:

It's nice to get a buzz on your wrist for a notification, when you're forgotten your phone across the room and left it on silent. I have even had the Surge go off when my phone was on the other side of the house! So great range, and sometimes the Surge actually goes off before my phone does.



Battery Life/Charging:

When I originally received my FitBit Surge, it seemed to be fully charged - I did not charge it out of the box. The first week it lasted from Monday morning until Thursday afternoon (battery was low, but not dead). After leaving it on the charger for about an hour, it was fully charged and ready to go again! Fast charging time, and much, much less downtime that something such as a phone. After a month, it seems battery life is about 4-5 days, and it still charges crazy fast. However, it does not reach its advertised seven day battery life. I was sick for about a week, and didn't work out at all - Surge still only lasted five days.



Motivation:

The FitBit App lets you set a main goal for the day: Steps, Distance, Calories Burned, or Floors Climbed. I set mine to calories burned. When you're reached your daily goal, the Surge gives a series of buzzes and shows that you're reached your goal on the screen. If you use the app for logging food, you can see a nice ratio of how many calories you've burned vs how many you've consumed. If you're trying to lose weight, approx. 3500 calories = 1lb fat, so do the math on you calorie deficit for the day, and that's how much you should have lost (in theory).



Fit:

I ordered a size Large. After ordering I reconsidered and tried to get FitBit to change it to a size small (my wrist is barely large enough for a large, but not too large for a small). After receiving it, I'm glad that they couldn't change the size from large to small since it was about to be shipped. My wrist measures at about 6.00-6.25 inches, and I am at the 4th notch in for normal use, or the 3rd notch during exercise with the Large size. Since you need to wear it a few inches further up your arm while exercising, if you are in between sizes, go with the next size up.



Build Quality:

The build quality overall seems decent. The band is super smooth, and it can be cleaned easily. There isn't anything sharp or with rough edges anywhere on the device. There is no significant wear after a month of everyday use, wearing a winter jacket, and bumping into things with it. I'm not sure how much wear there will be on the band over time, but at least it doesn't look too difficult to replace - each side is just held on by two Torx T5 screws.The side of the Surge that is furthest away from you is about two times taller than the side closest to you. This side tends to snag on jackets, shirts, just about anything.



-------------------------------------------------



The Bad (And Improvement Recommendations):

Just about every digital watch has a stopwatch and lets you set alarms on the watch itself... Except the FitBit Surge!



Alarms must be set in the FitBit app on your phone, then you must sync it. You can turn alarms on/off on the Surge, but you cannot create, delete, or edit them from the Surge itself. A quick buzz on the wrist also isn't enough to wake up someone like me... And that's all the Surge does when an alarm goes off. It should act like a watch, beeping (or in the case of the Surge, buzzing) incessantly until you shut the alarm off and actually wake up. Because of this, the alarm feature is basically useless for me, which is disappointing.



The lack of a stopwatch on fitness "smart" watch is also a bit ridiculous. You can get a decent alarm and stopwatch on a cheap $10-15 watch.



No tracking for cycling. On FitBit's site, it is rated to 5ATM of water resistance, but it does not track swimming (I don't think FitBit wants this to be used in water - quite possibly due to chlorine and other detergents, and they specifically mention not to use soap on it).



The good news is that FitBit can add just about all of these features in the future, since they are just software-based features. For the sake of battery life, FitBit could easily implement the continuous alarm by checking to see if the watch is actually on your wrist (which it does anyways for the heart rate monitor), and if it is, the alarm goes off continuously until it shuts off. If it isn't on your wrist, it could either remain silent or buzz a couple times like it normally does.



Again, these are issues that FitBit can solve in the future with software updates. After a month, FitBit has still not added any of these features.



-------------------------------------------------



The Ugly:

I had major issues out of the box. The left button, which is used for going through the menus, was very problematic when I first received the Surge. Barely touching the button with constant pressure (not even enough to press it in), would cause it to think that it was being pressed very quickly, and would bring up the music control screen... Again, and again, and again... Double-pressing that button is what should bring up the music control. Even clicking the button once firmly would make it think it was being pressed several times. I rebooted the Surge and still had issues, and that made it obvious that it was a hardware issue with the button, not a software problem. I was about to contact FitBit and send it back, but decided to spend a few minutes gently pressing the button to get it to sort of break in. Surprisingly, it worked! I haven't had any issues since then.



-------------------------------------------------



What I haven't been able to test:

I have not been able to test GPS, since I hate Winter weather. I also don't plan on using it for the music control, and it seems that you must enable "Bluetooth Classic" in settings in order to use it. This would most likely lead to worse battery life since it would probably be using normal BT instead of BT Low Energy, so I don't want to enable it.



-------------------------------------------------



Four Stars: Lack and limitations of basic watch features, such as a stopwatch and alarm, is a major problem. A month after receiving it, FitBit has still not added any of these features, and other users are also complaining about it in their reviews. Battery life is worse than advertised at 4-5 days on average, and this is with no GPS use. There was a week when I was sick and didn't exercise at all, and it still only got five days of battery life. The button issue I experienced resolved itself, so that isn't affecting my rating, however it is a bit bothersome to see an issue with a simple button on a $250 watch. The lower than advertised battery life, lack of added software-based features, and inaccurate everyday HR monitoring dropped this from five stars to four stars.

Fitbit Surge Fitness Superwatch, Black, Large

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I received the FitBit Surge as part of FitBit's early limited release. I purchased it directly from FitBit on December 5, and received it on December 8th. This review covers my almost one week's use of the Surge, and I will update it as time goes on.



The FitBit Surge is FitBit's flagship fitness "superwatch". It integrates a few capabilities of a smart watch, like text/call notifications and music control, into a GPS/heart rate fitness tracker. It tracks your sleep as well.



-------------------------------------------------



The Good:

Hear Rate Tracking:

Accurate, if it is worn snugly. When exercising, it's best to wear it a notch tighter than you normally would, so that it stays in place. I noticed that if it's loose, the results are all over the place. But when it is just tight enough that it won't move around, it works great, and was accurate within 5BPM compared to my elliptical. Overall amazing for just a light sensor and a couple LED's tracking blood flow. Step counting is also accurate.

FitBit: In the future, add something that lets you choose a target heart rate, then gives you a buzz on the wrist if you go outside it. This would tell you to work harder or slow down and pace yourself without having to look down at the watch, and would be an awesome feature.



Altimeter/Stairs Tracking:

Counts every flight of stairs. Accurate and works great here.



Telling Time:

Several different watch faces available from the FitBit app. Digital, or analog, or some are a combination of both. They are easy to read, and if you just touch the screen in the dark, a backlight will illuminate the screen.



Notifications:

It's nice to get a buzz on your wrist for a notification, when you're forgotten your phone across the room and left it on silent. Sometimes the Surge actually goes off before my phone does.



Battery Life/Charging:

When I received my FitBit Surge, it seemed to be fully charged - I did not charge it out of the box. It lasted from Monday morning until Thursday afternoon (battery was low, but not dead). After leaving it on the charger for about an hour, it was fully charged and ready to go again! Fast charging time, and much, much less downtime that something such as a phone. Battery life may actually be better than my example here, since I did not charge it out of the box.



Motivation:

The FitBit App lets you set a main goal for the day: Steps, Distance, Calories Burned, or Floors Climbed. I set mine to calories burned. When you're reached your daily goal, the Surge gives a series of buzzes and shows that you're reached your goal on the screen. If you use the app for logging food, you can see a nice ratio of how many calories you've burned vs how many you've consumed. If you're trying to lose weight, approx. 3500 calories = 1lb fat, so do the math on you calorie deficit for the day, and that's how much you should have lost (in theory).



Fit:

I ordered a size Large. After ordering I reconsidered and tried to get FitBit to change it to a size small (my wrist is barely large enough for a large, but not too large for a small). After receiving it, I'm glad that they couldn't change the size from large to small since it was about to be shipped. My wrist measures at about 6.00-6.25 inches, and I am at the 4th notch in for normal use, or the 3rd notch during exercise with the Large size.



Build Quality:

The build quality overall seems decent. The band is super smooth, and it can be cleaned easily. There isn't anything sharp or with rough edges anywhere on the device. However, after less than one week there is some visible wear on edges of the band. I'm not sure how much wear there will be over time, but at least it doesn't look too difficult to replace - each side is just held on by two Torx T5 screws.



-------------------------------------------------



The Bad (And Improvement Recommendations):

Just about every digital watch has a stopwatch and lets you set alarms on the watch itself... Except the FitBit Surge!



Alarms must be set in the FitBit app on your phone, then you must sync it. You can turn alarms on/off on the Surge, but you cannot create, delete, or edit them from the Surge itself. A quick buzz on the wrist also isn't enough to wake up someone like me... And that's all the Surge does when an alarm goes off. It should act like a watch, beeping (or in the case of the Surge, buzzing) incessantly until you shut the alarm off and actually wake up. Because of this, the alarm feature is basically useless for me, which is disappointing.



The lack of a stopwatch on fitness "smart" watch is also a bit ridiculous. You can get a decent alarm and stopwatch on a cheap $10-15 watch.



No tracking for cycling. On FitBit's site, it is rated to 5ATM of water resistance, but it does not track swimming (I don't think FitBit wants this to be used in water - quite possibly due to chlorine and other detergents, and they specifically mention not to use soap on it).



The good news is that FitBit can add just about all of these features in the future, since they are just software-based features. For the sake of battery life, FitBit could easily implement the continuous alarm by checking to see if the watch is actually on your wrist (which it does anyways for the heart rate monitor), and if it is, the alarm goes off continuously until it shuts off. If it isn't on your wrist, it could either remain silent or buzz a couple times like it normally does.



Again, these are issues that FitBit can solve in the future with software updates.



-------------------------------------------------



The Ugly:

I had major issues out of the box. The left button, which is used for going through the menus, was very problematic when I first received the Surge. Barely touching the button with constant pressure (not even enough to press it in), would cause it to think that it was being pressed very quickly, and would bring up the music control screen... Again, and again, and again... Double-pressing that button is what should bring up the music control. Even clicking the button once firmly would make it think it was being pressed several times. I rebooted the Surge and still had issues, and that made it obvious that it was a hardware issue with the button, not a software problem. I was about to contact FitBit and send it back, but decided to spend a few minutes gently pressing the button to get it to sort of break in. Surprisingly, it worked! I haven't had any issues since then.



-------------------------------------------------



What I haven't been able to test:

I have not been able to test GPS, since I hate Winter weather. I also don't plan on using it for the music control, and it seems that you must enable "Bluetooth Classic" in settings in order to use it. This would most likely lead to worse battery life since it would probably be using normal BT instead of BT Low Energy, so I don't want to enable it.



-------------------------------------------------



Four Stars: Lack and limitations of basic watch features, such as a stopwatch and alarm, is a major problem. If this is fixed by FitBit in the future through a software update, I will definitely upgrade this to five stars. The button issue I experienced resolved itself, so that isn't affecting my rating, however it is a bit bothersome to see an issue with a simple button on a $250 watch.

BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller, Orange

CUSTOMER REVIEW



My grandchild is one year old and I bought this stroller for jogging and hiking on dirt trails in our local parks. It does a superb job for each. However this is not a stroller that I would buy for everyday use, especially if you live in the suburbs rather than a big city, where people walk most places and don't need to constantly take a stroller in and out of a car trunk. Let me describe the stroller, which I bought at my local REI store since it came fully assembled and because they have a lifetime return policy in case I run into any problems.



1. The construction is first rate, the fabric used is high quality, and it takes literally seconds to open and close, which is very simple. Just pull a red handle to lift the stroller into the open position. To close, just push two levers on the top forward and the stroller collapses (I disagree with the leading negative review that this is at all difficult). There is a wrist strap on the handle to be used when jogging that can be buckled to keep the stroller closed when it is folded. I NEVER use the wrist strap while jogging. I know that its purpose is to prevent the stroller from getting away from you if you lose your grip, but I think it is dangerous to use. If I tripped while jogging and had the wrist strap on, not only could I break my wrist from the force of the stroller with a child in it, but the odds are that I would flip the stroller too. If I felt myself going down I would rather just hold onto the handlebar and try to slow the stroller down. Just my opinion.



2. The stroller has two modes--walk (the front wheel swivels) and jog (the front wheel is locked into position and stays straight). There is a simple red knob on the front wheel that allows you to easily switch between the two positions, and it literally takes just two seconds to switch.



Note: If you are ONLY going to jog, and don't mind having the front wheel permanently locked, then you can buy a less expensive BOB stroller known as the Sport Utility model, on which the front wheel does not swivel at all. Yes you can turn the stroller with a locked front wheel--but you have to lift the front of the stroller to do so. I did not want to be so limited, especially hiking on trails, which is why I bought the Revoution SE instead.



3. This rides very smooth for jogging, and handles off road surface well when walking. The reason is that this is a very heavy stroller (24 pounds--I weighed it on my luggage scale, which makes it heavier than any of the other strollers that my grandchild has, which I discuss below) and has very large wheels--again larger than on her other strollers. Unlike other strollers, these wheels are inflatable just like bicycle tires. They need to be kept at 30psi for best performance. Of course jogging with a seriously under inflated wheel could be dangerous; ordinary walking would just be more difficult. You don't have to check tire pressure all the time, but ask yourself if you want to bother having to check it at all if you are considering this as an everyday stroller. You might not want to have to deal with an unexpected flat tire just when you need to use the stroller.



This takes up a lot of space in a trunk, and is heavy to put in and take out. Yes, each of the wheels has a quick release lever (just like bicycle wheels), so you can take them all off to save trunk space. This might make sense on a long trip, but I can tell you from experience that this is not something you would want to do on a regular basis, especially with a cranky young child or in inclement weather. Plus, using quick release wheels takes some getting used to. As the directions point out, if the "quick release lever does not leave a visible imprint in the palm of your hand" after you put the wheel back on, then you have not done it right.



4. I do agree with the leading negative review that there is no soft padding on the seat, though I disagree that the crotch strap is too short (it is adjustable) or that buckling your child in is any more difficult than on any other stroller. When the canopy is fully extended, there is a "window" on top that lets you see your child. There is also ample storage underneath. You can adjust the seat to a reclining position using two straps, though for jogging you need to keep it fully upright (the further back it is, the less stability you have).



However I would not use this as an everyday stroller. My grandchild (who lives in Manhattan) started out with the Bubaboo Cameleon stroller for local neighborhood walking (which I have reviewed on Amazon), and then at about nine months also started using the Maclaren Quest Sport stroller (which I have reviewed on Amazon) for traveling in cabs and subways, as well as day trips out of the city (like visiting me and my wife) since it is more light weight, easier to fold and close, and easier to carry with a carrying strap. And at my house she sometimes used the Graco Infant Car Seat stroller frame (which I have reviewed on Amazon).



I mention these different strollers because all of these provide more comfortable seating, and are lighter and more compact (except maybe the heavier and bulkier Bugaboo) than the Revolution SE, which for me is a special purpose stroller for jogging and off road use. Yes, it can be used as an everyday stroller, but its strength lies not in lots of comfortable padding or a light weight compact size when folded, but rather in great stability while jogging or walking off road.



For walking only the recommended age range is 8 weeks-8months; for jogging/off-road use it is 8 months-5 years. The stroller can accommodate a child up to 70 pounds.



5. This stroller comes with a very clear and well illustrated manual that explains everything. Among the advanced features is a simple form of wheel alignment in case the stroller does not roll in a straight line (which could occur after off road use, the same as when a car goes over lots of bumps), and a shock absorber setting.



Bottom line: This is a special use stroller that works great for jogging and off road use. For everyday use I would get something else whether you live in the city or the suburbs.



Update February 23, 2012: This past weekend I went jogging with my 13 month old granddaughter in Manhattan and really appreciated how this stroller performed on lots of different surfaces and terrain-- smooth paved roads, uneven asphalt surfaces, sidewalks with bumps, street curbs, and some moderately steep uphill and downhill paths. It was a breeze using this stroller and more importantly my granddaughter enjoyed every minute of it. Since it is critical to keep the front wheel in a locked position while running, anytime that I needed to make a turn (like at a street corner after we left Central Park), I easily just pulled back on the handlebars to lift the front wheel up and move it into the new position. Very easy to do and no big deal.



Update June 10, 2012: The instruction manual contains the following warning in bold letters: " Never jog with the stroller in walk mode. Doing so could result in loss of control and serious injury." Nevertheless my daughter and son-in-law went running with my granddaughter in Central Park in Manhattan with the stroller in walk mode. My daughter said it worked fine, and made the stroller much easier to maneuver going back and forth to the Park and running inside the Park. I am not recommending this, but am simply pointing out someone else's experience.



Update June 2, 2013: Still in perfect condition and working great.



Update September 22, 2013: This stroller is easy enough to use one handed. Let me explain. My 2 year 8 month old granddaughter wanted to go to the playground in her Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On. I wanted to bring my 5 month old grandson in the Bob stroller, but grandma was not available to wheel the stroller. No problem. I wheeled the stroller with my left hand (my weaker one) and my granddaughter's toy car right behind it with my right hand. The Bob was so easy to use that it was effortless even with just my left hand (and I am not a lefty) to navigate broken and uneven sidewalks while pushing my granddaughter at the same time.



Update October 20, 2013: I took my 6 month old grandson for a walk on a beautiful sunny fall day. Even walking with the sun directly ahead of us, he was shaded down to his shoulders by my extending the canopy all the way. I was also able to see and talk to him through the opening between the canopy and handlebars, and to see his entire body by pulling back a flap on the top of the canopy that reveals a clear plastic shield. I mention these features because I think they are important.



Update February 11, 2014: If you live in the suburbs and have an SUV, then transporting this stroller might not be a problem. On a recent weekend morning the family went out to breakfast and afterwards walked around a suburban downtown. I knew there would be patches of snow and ice on the sidewalks (the storms in my area this winter seem never ending) and packed the BOB for my 10 month old grandson. It fit easily into the back of my SUV, though there was no room for anything else. This stroller worked just as well on snow and ice as it does on grass and dirt.



Update February 25, 2014: Because of all the snow this winter, sometimes the path that my neighbors have shoveled on the sidewalks is just too narrow for the BOB to make it through without at least one of the rear wheels having to cut through the snow. No problem. I just went walking down the sidewalk with my 10 month old grandson as if I were driving an SUV--and I did it using only one hand because I was pulling my 3 year old granddaughter behind me in a wagon with my other hand. This really is an all terrain stroller.



Update March 13, 2014: I received the Thule Chinook 2, which I would never have bought on my own because it's so expensive. But since the Bob Revolution SE accommodates only one child, I now use the Thule for running with my 3 year 2 month old granddaughter and 11 month old grandson. However, had I not received the Thule, I would have purchased the Bob Revolution Duallie--which costs 2 1/2 times less.

BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller, Black

CUSTOMER REVIEW



My grandchild is one year old and I bought this stroller for jogging and hiking on dirt trails in our local parks. It does a superb job for each. However this is not a stroller that I would buy for everyday use, especially if you live in the suburbs rather than a big city, where people walk most places and don't need to constantly take a stroller in and out of a car trunk. Let me describe the stroller, which I bought at my local REI store since it came fully assembled and because they have a lifetime return policy in case I run into any problems.



1. The construction is first rate, the fabric used is high quality, and it takes literally seconds to open and close, which is very simple. Just pull a red handle to lift the stroller into the open position. To close, just push two levers on the top forward and the stroller collapses (I disagree with the leading negative review that this is at all difficult). There is a wrist strap on the handle to be used when jogging that can be buckled to keep the stroller closed when it is folded. I NEVER use the wrist strap while jogging. I know that its purpose is to prevent the stroller from getting away from you if you lose your grip, but I think it is dangerous to use. If I tripped while jogging and had the wrist strap on, not only could I break my wrist from the force of the stroller with a child in it, but the odds are that I would flip the stroller too. If I felt myself going down I would rather just hold onto the handlebar and try to slow the stroller down. Just my opinion.



2. The stroller has two modes--walk (the front wheel swivels) and jog (the front wheel is locked into position and stays straight). There is a simple red knob on the front wheel that allows you to easily switch between the two positions, and it literally takes just two seconds to switch.



Note: If you are ONLY going to jog, and don't mind having the front wheel permanently locked, then you can buy a less expensive BOB stroller known as the Sport Utility model, on which the front wheel does not swivel at all. Yes you can turn the stroller with a locked front wheel--but you have to lift the front of the stroller to do so. I did not want to be so limited, especially hiking on trails, which is why I bought the Revoution SE instead.



3. This rides very smooth for jogging, and handles off road surface well when walking. The reason is that this is a very heavy stroller (24 pounds--I weighed it on my luggage scale, which makes it heavier than any of the other strollers that my grandchild has, which I discuss below) and has very large wheels--again larger than on her other strollers. Unlike other strollers, these wheels are inflatable just like bicycle tires. They need to be kept at 30psi for best performance. Of course jogging with a seriously under inflated wheel could be dangerous; ordinary walking would just be more difficult. You don't have to check tire pressure all the time, but ask yourself if you want to bother having to check it at all if you are considering this as an everyday stroller. You might not want to have to deal with an unexpected flat tire just when you need to use the stroller.



This takes up a lot of space in a trunk, and is heavy to put in and take out. Yes, each of the wheels has a quick release lever (just like bicycle wheels), so you can take them all off to save trunk space. This might make sense on a long trip, but I can tell you from experience that this is not something you would want to do on a regular basis, especially with a cranky young child or in inclement weather. Plus, using quick release wheels takes some getting used to. As the directions point out, if the "quick release lever does not leave a visible imprint in the palm of your hand" after you put the wheel back on, then you have not done it right.



4. I do agree with the leading negative review that there is no soft padding on the seat, though I disagree that the crotch strap is too short (it is adjustable) or that buckling your child in is any more difficult than on any other stroller. When the canopy is fully extended, there is a "window" on top that lets you see your child. There is also ample storage underneath. You can adjust the seat to a reclining position using two straps, though for jogging you need to keep it fully upright (the further back it is, the less stability you have).



However I would not use this as an everyday stroller. My grandchild (who lives in Manhattan) started out with the Bubaboo Cameleon stroller for local neighborhood walking (which I have reviewed on Amazon), and then at about nine months also started using the Maclaren Quest Sport stroller (which I have reviewed on Amazon) for traveling in cabs and subways, as well as day trips out of the city (like visiting me and my wife) since it is more light weight, easier to fold and close, and easier to carry with a carrying strap. And at my house she sometimes used the Graco Infant Car Seat stroller frame (which I have reviewed on Amazon).



I mention these different strollers because all of these provide more comfortable seating, and are lighter and more compact (except maybe the heavier and bulkier Bugaboo) than the Revolution SE, which for me is a special purpose stroller for jogging and off road use. Yes, it can be used as an everyday stroller, but its strength lies not in lots of comfortable padding or a light weight compact size when folded, but rather in great stability while jogging or walking off road.



For walking only the recommended age range is 8 weeks-8months; for jogging/off-road use it is 8 months-5 years. The stroller can accommodate a child up to 70 pounds.



5. This stroller comes with a very clear and well illustrated manual that explains everything. Among the advanced features is a simple form of wheel alignment in case the stroller does not roll in a straight line (which could occur after off road use, the same as when a car goes over lots of bumps), and a shock absorber setting.



Bottom line: This is a special use stroller that works great for jogging and off road use. For everyday use I would get something else whether you live in the city or the suburbs.



Update February 23, 2012: This past weekend I went jogging with my 13 month old granddaughter in Manhattan and really appreciated how this stroller performed on lots of different surfaces and terrain-- smooth paved roads, uneven asphalt surfaces, sidewalks with bumps, street curbs, and some moderately steep uphill and downhill paths. It was a breeze using this stroller and more importantly my granddaughter enjoyed every minute of it. Since it is critical to keep the front wheel in a locked position while running, anytime that I needed to make a turn (like at a street corner after we left Central Park), I easily just pulled back on the handlebars to lift the front wheel up and move it into the new position. Very easy to do and no big deal.



Update June 10, 2012: The instruction manual contains the following warning in bold letters: " Never jog with the stroller in walk mode. Doing so could result in loss of control and serious injury." Nevertheless my daughter and son-in-law went running with my granddaughter in Central Park in Manhattan with the stroller in walk mode. My daughter said it worked fine, and made the stroller much easier to maneuver going back and forth to the Park and running inside the Park. I am not recommending this, but am simply pointing out someone else's experience.



Update June 2, 2013: Still in perfect condition and working great.



Update September 22, 2013: This stroller is easy enough to use one handed. Let me explain. My 2 year 8 month old granddaughter wanted to go to the playground in her Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On. I wanted to bring my 5 month old grandson in the Bob stroller, but grandma was not available to wheel the stroller. No problem. I wheeled the stroller with my left hand (my weaker one) and my granddaughter's toy car right behind it with my right hand. The Bob was so easy to use that it was effortless even with just my left hand (and I am not a lefty) to navigate broken and uneven sidewalks while pushing my granddaughter at the same time.



Update October 20, 2013: I took my 6 month old grandson for a walk on a beautiful sunny fall day. Even walking with the sun directly ahead of us, he was shaded down to his shoulders by my extending the canopy all the way. I was also able to see and talk to him through the opening between the canopy and handlebars, and to see his entire body by pulling back a flap on the top of the canopy that reveals a clear plastic shield. I mention these features because I think they are important.



Update February 11, 2014: If you live in the suburbs and have an SUV, then transporting this stroller might not be a problem. On a recent weekend morning the family went out to breakfast and afterwards walked around a suburban downtown. I knew there would be patches of snow and ice on the sidewalks (the storms in my area this winter seem never ending) and packed the BOB for my 10 month old grandson. It fit easily into the back of my SUV, though there was no room for anything else. This stroller worked just as well on snow and ice as it does on grass and dirt.



Update February 25, 2014: Because of all the snow this winter, sometimes the path that my neighbors have shoveled on the sidewalks is just too narrow for the BOB to make it through without at least one of the rear wheels having to cut through the snow. No problem. I just went walking down the sidewalk with my 10 month old grandson as if I were driving an SUV--and I did it using only one hand because I was pulling my 3 year old granddaughter behind me in a wagon with my other hand. This really is an all terrain stroller.



Update March 13, 2014: I received the Thule Chinook 2, which I would never have bought on my own because it's so expensive. But since the Bob Revolution SE accommodates only one child, I now use the Thule for running with my 3 year 2 month old granddaughter and 11 month old grandson. However, had I not received the Thule, I would have purchased the Bob Revolution Duallie--which costs 2 1/2 times less.

BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller, Navy

CUSTOMER REVIEW



My grandchild is one year old and I bought this stroller for jogging and hiking on dirt trails in our local parks. It does a superb job for each. However this is not a stroller that I would buy for everyday use, especially if you live in the suburbs rather than a big city, where people walk most places and don't need to constantly take a stroller in and out of a car trunk. Let me describe the stroller, which I bought at my local REI store since it came fully assembled and because they have a lifetime return policy in case I run into any problems.



1. The construction is first rate, the fabric used is high quality, and it takes literally seconds to open and close, which is very simple. Just pull a red handle to lift the stroller into the open position. To close, just push two levers on the top forward and the stroller collapses (I disagree with the leading negative review that this is at all difficult). There is a wrist strap on the handle to be used when jogging that can be buckled to keep the stroller closed when it is folded. I NEVER use the wrist strap while jogging. I know that its purpose is to prevent the stroller from getting away from you if you lose your grip, but I think it is dangerous to use. If I tripped while jogging and had the wrist strap on, not only could I break my wrist from the force of the stroller with a child in it, but the odds are that I would flip the stroller too. If I felt myself going down I would rather just hold onto the handlebar and try to slow the stroller down. Just my opinion.



2. The stroller has two modes--walk (the front wheel swivels) and jog (the front wheel is locked into position and stays straight). There is a simple red knob on the front wheel that allows you to easily switch between the two positions, and it literally takes just two seconds to switch.



Note: If you are ONLY going to jog, and don't mind having the front wheel permanently locked, then you can buy a less expensive BOB stroller known as the Sport Utility model, on which the front wheel does not swivel at all. Yes you can turn the stroller with a locked front wheel--but you have to lift the front of the stroller to do so. I did not want to be so limited, especially hiking on trails, which is why I bought the Revoution SE instead.



3. This rides very smooth for jogging, and handles off road surface well when walking. The reason is that this is a very heavy stroller (24 pounds--I weighed it on my luggage scale, which makes it heavier than any of the other strollers that my grandchild has, which I discuss below) and has very large wheels--again larger than on her other strollers. Unlike other strollers, these wheels are inflatable just like bicycle tires. They need to be kept at 30psi for best performance. Of course jogging with a seriously under inflated wheel could be dangerous; ordinary walking would just be more difficult. You don't have to check tire pressure all the time, but ask yourself if you want to bother having to check it at all if you are considering this as an everyday stroller. You might not want to have to deal with an unexpected flat tire just when you need to use the stroller.



This takes up a lot of space in a trunk, and is heavy to put in and take out. Yes, each of the wheels has a quick release lever (just like bicycle wheels), so you can take them all off to save trunk space. This might make sense on a long trip, but I can tell you from experience that this is not something you would want to do on a regular basis, especially with a cranky young child or in inclement weather. Plus, using quick release wheels takes some getting used to. As the directions point out, if the "quick release lever does not leave a visible imprint in the palm of your hand" after you put the wheel back on, then you have not done it right.



4. I do agree with the leading negative review that there is no soft padding on the seat, though I disagree that the crotch strap is too short (it is adjustable) or that buckling your child in is any more difficult than on any other stroller. When the canopy is fully extended, there is a "window" on top that lets you see your child. There is also ample storage underneath. You can adjust the seat to a reclining position using two straps, though for jogging you need to keep it fully upright (the further back it is, the less stability you have).



However I would not use this as an everyday stroller. My grandchild (who lives in Manhattan) started out with the Bubaboo Cameleon stroller for local neighborhood walking (which I have reviewed on Amazon), and then at about nine months also started using the Maclaren Quest Sport stroller (which I have reviewed on Amazon) for traveling in cabs and subways, as well as day trips out of the city (like visiting me and my wife) since it is more light weight, easier to fold and close, and easier to carry with a carrying strap. And at my house she sometimes used the Graco Infant Car Seat stroller frame (which I have reviewed on Amazon).



I mention these different strollers because all of these provide more comfortable seating, and are lighter and more compact (except maybe the heavier and bulkier Bugaboo) than the Revolution SE, which for me is a special purpose stroller for jogging and off road use. Yes, it can be used as an everyday stroller, but its strength lies not in lots of comfortable padding or a light weight compact size when folded, but rather in great stability while jogging or walking off road.



For walking only the recommended age range is 8 weeks-8months; for jogging/off-road use it is 8 months-5 years. The stroller can accommodate a child up to 70 pounds.



5. This stroller comes with a very clear and well illustrated manual that explains everything. Among the advanced features is a simple form of wheel alignment in case the stroller does not roll in a straight line (which could occur after off road use, the same as when a car goes over lots of bumps), and a shock absorber setting.



Bottom line: This is a special use stroller that works great for jogging and off road use. For everyday use I would get something else whether you live in the city or the suburbs.



Update February 23, 2012: This past weekend I went jogging with my 13 month old granddaughter in Manhattan and really appreciated how this stroller performed on lots of different surfaces and terrain-- smooth paved roads, uneven asphalt surfaces, sidewalks with bumps, street curbs, and some moderately steep uphill and downhill paths. It was a breeze using this stroller and more importantly my granddaughter enjoyed every minute of it. Since it is critical to keep the front wheel in a locked position while running, anytime that I needed to make a turn (like at a street corner after we left Central Park), I easily just pulled back on the handlebars to lift the front wheel up and move it into the new position. Very easy to do and no big deal.



Update June 10, 2012: The instruction manual contains the following warning in bold letters: " Never jog with the stroller in walk mode. Doing so could result in loss of control and serious injury." Nevertheless my daughter and son-in-law went running with my granddaughter in Central Park in Manhattan with the stroller in walk mode. My daughter said it worked fine, and made the stroller much easier to maneuver going back and forth to the Park and running inside the Park. I am not recommending this, but am simply pointing out someone else's experience.



Update June 2, 2013: Still in perfect condition and working great.



Update September 22, 2013: This stroller is easy enough to use one handed. Let me explain. My 2 year 8 month old granddaughter wanted to go to the playground in her Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On. I wanted to bring my 5 month old grandson in the Bob stroller, but grandma was not available to wheel the stroller. No problem. I wheeled the stroller with my left hand (my weaker one) and my granddaughter's toy car right behind it with my right hand. The Bob was so easy to use that it was effortless even with just my left hand (and I am not a lefty) to navigate broken and uneven sidewalks while pushing my granddaughter at the same time.



Update October 20, 2013: I took my 6 month old grandson for a walk on a beautiful sunny fall day. Even walking with the sun directly ahead of us, he was shaded down to his shoulders by my extending the canopy all the way. I was also able to see and talk to him through the opening between the canopy and handlebars, and to see his entire body by pulling back a flap on the top of the canopy that reveals a clear plastic shield. I mention these features because I think they are important.



Update February 11, 2014: If you live in the suburbs and have an SUV, then transporting this stroller might not be a problem. On a recent weekend morning the family went out to breakfast and afterwards walked around a suburban downtown. I knew there would be patches of snow and ice on the sidewalks (the storms in my area this winter seem never ending) and packed the BOB for my 10 month old grandson. It fit easily into the back of my SUV, though there was no room for anything else. This stroller worked just as well on snow and ice as it does on grass and dirt.



Update February 25, 2014: Because of all the snow this winter, sometimes the path that my neighbors have shoveled on the sidewalks is just too narrow for the BOB to make it through without at least one of the rear wheels having to cut through the snow. No problem. I just went walking down the sidewalk with my 10 month old grandson as if I were driving an SUV--and I did it using only one hand because I was pulling my 3 year old granddaughter behind me in a wagon with my other hand. This really is an all terrain stroller.



Update March 13, 2014: I received the Thule Chinook 2, which I would never have bought on my own because it's so expensive. But since the Bob Revolution SE accommodates only one child, I now use the Thule for running with my 3 year 2 month old granddaughter and 11 month old grandson. However, had I not received the Thule, I would have purchased the Bob Revolution Duallie--which costs 2 1/2 times less.