Maclaren XT
$315, Maclaren, StrollerDirect.com
Overall score: 4. It's a good combination of lightweight and fully loaded.
Value: 3.5. It's got a lifetime warranty, well-made parts, and a solid price.
The basics: 15 pounds. Good from birth to 55 pounds. 20 inches at the widest point when it's unfolded. Collapses to 46 by 14 by 18.5 inches.
The extras: Maclaren's famed Techno gets an upgrade for 2009, including a new hood with air vents and a large viewing window. Plus, it keeps its great classic features like height-adjustable dual handles, a removable seat cover, and a compact, umbrella-style folded position.
Folding and storage: Like most Maclaren strollers, the Techno XT folds up with a quick, five-second one-handed fold. Once folded, it's compact enough to be thrown into a car trunk with room to spare for all your other necessities. A quick shake and a push of the foot are all that's needed to unfold the Techno XT.
Pros: Maclaren is known for making durable umbrella-weight strollers that are a cut above other brands. The 2009 Techno XT doesn't disappoint. Testers appreciated that the stroller's 15-pound frame seems strong enough to last for years but is light enough to carry up and down stairs with a child in it. The five-point harness keeps children safe, and infants seem to feel comfortable in the fully reclining seat (a rarity in the world of lighter-weight strollers). The 6.5-inch-wide wheels are large enough to keep the ride smooth. "When I first had kids, I thought this kind of stroller wouldn't be substantial enough, but the Techno is just great for everyday," said one mom. "It has enough features, but I don't feel like I'm pushing this massive stroller," she added. Parent-testers who rely on public transportation loved that the stroller was narrow enough to fit on buses and the subway. Plus, with its tight collapse, even our apartment-dwelling testers could find enough space to stash the Techno.
Cons: Testers weren't thrilled with the minimal storage. The basket is very hard to reach when the seat is reclined. Plus, extra weight added to the back handles causes the stroller to tip backwards when the seat is empty. "For the cost, I really think you should get more," said one tester, adding that she felt her Maclaren Triumph, at more than $100 less, was a better value. "I really didn't feel like I was getting all that much more." Testers also noted that the Techno doesn't maneuver particularly well, particularly with one hand.
Who will love this stroller? Urban families looking for a solid, everyday stroller that's not as large as a traditional, full-featured stroller, but offers the durability and comfort of one.
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