The Travel Savvy Stroller is Savvy Indeed!
Written: Jul 19 '03 (Updated Aug 08 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Durability: |
 |
|
| Ease of Use: |
 |
|
|
Pros: Lightweight ~ 12 pounds!
Cons: Does NOT fully recline.
The Bottom Line: The Travel Savvy is a great value. It offers durability and a lot of features for the money.
|
|
|
| marybatson's Full Review: Combi Travel Savvy Stroller |
While expecting my first child, I had the pleasure of using a friend's Travel Savvy Stroller, made by Combi International Corporation. Its smooth traversing and "ground control" amazed me. While assisting a friend across the street, I steered it with one hand. By the way, this was not an easy task, in view of the fact that a one-handed pregnant woman was navigating. It glided effortlessly, and turned with ease. As a result, I registered for a Travel Savvy for my baby shower. That was over 2-years ago, and this stroller just keeps on strolling.
Description:
The Travel Savvy is classified as a lightweight stroller, and that it is. It only weights 12 pounds, sans child of course. The seat provides ample wiggle room at 12" wide, and boy is it compact when folded, only 9" high. This stroller is lightweight, but NOT weak or cheap. It is designed with both sexes in mind, as there are three different patterns to choose from: Leopard Skin, Green Briar Plaid, and Navy Dot. It retails for $79.99, which is a little pricey for a travel stroller. On the other hand, most umbrella strollers are not as "decked out" as the Travel Savvy is. Following is a list of features, and items that are included in the price of the stroller.
Lightweight ~ 12 pounds
Opens easily with one hand
Folds up fast in an easy 3-step process
Front wheels swivel
Four wheel suspension system for a smooth ride
Partially reclines to 140º
3-point harness seat belt
Steel frame with powder coated paint
Removable seat cushion for machine washing
Removable Guardrail with cover provides comfort as baby grows
Dark fabric patterns verses light colored pattern
Carrying capacity is up to 45 pounds
Adjustable canopy
Storage basket holds up to 10 pounds
Front and rear breaks
Footrest
Canopy pocket
Measures 31” x 18” x 38” when open
Measures 14” x 9” x 37” when folded
*Acoustic canopy on closeout models
Additional Options
Carrying strap is available
Stroller pack is available
Points of Interest:
The Travel Savvy makes a great travel companion.
1.) It is lightweight.
2.) It is easy to transport (especially with the carrying strap).
3.) It is compact for storing on an airplane, in a trunk, or in a closet.
4.) It opens easily, and folds up without difficulty.
Question - What more could one want from a travel stroller?
The Answer- An infant carrier attachment, and, or a fully reclining seat.
The Travel Savvy does not come with an infant car seat attachment. Therefore, the stroller is not recommended for newborns. It partially reclines to 140º; and that means it is only appropriate for children that have fully developed neck muscles, which typically takes place around 5 to 6 months of age.
Front Swivel Wheels
At first, the front wheels traversed effortlessly, but over time, dirt became lodged in the swivel mechanisms and the wheels would lock. Can you see it - mommy and baby strolling along, and all of the sudden, "SCREECH". Since I am a geek and keep all owners’ manuals, I consulted it for this problem. Well, it seems, spraying compressed air into the wheel mechanisms removes the dirt, thus stops the wheels from locking up.
Adjustable Handle Bar
I am a "height" challenged person. "What does that have to do with the tea in China", you ask. Well, as a 5'3" person, it never occurred to me to consider the height of the handle bar when selecting a stroller. Nor did I know that some strollers feature an Adjustable Handle Bar. My poor husband has an awful time pushing this stroller. He is 6'7" TALL, and this feature, if it were available, would take a lot of pressure off his back.
Acoustic Canopy
*The closeout models 2120-5, 2120-0, and 2120-8, are also available in the Navy Dot, and Green Briar Plaid fabrics, and they feature an Acoustic Canopy. The model number is not listed on this site; as a result, I thought it best to include the description. A small set of speakers is built into the canopy, and wired to the back pouch. One can plug a portable cassette, CD, or MP3 player into the speakers and voilà… surround sound while strolling.
As far as comparison-shopping goes, keep in mind the Travel Savvy does not offer the following.
Infant carrier attachment
A fully reclining seat
Adjustable handle bar
Does not stand on its own when folded
Cup holder
Parent tray, and
Headrest pillow
Closing Remarks:
If you are looking for a well-designed travel stroller, with a lot of features for the money, than this may be the stroller for you. I recently replaced this stroller, because my son has inherited his father’s height, and he has out-grown the Travel Savvy, at two. In all fairness, I should have prefaced that by saying he is the size of a three-year old. His feet drag on the ground, maybe one of those fancy strollers sits higher, and I could have avoided the double stroller thing. It is hard to say because I never considered them at the time, and maybe I should have. I do not regret selecting the Travel Savvy, as it has been an awesome stroller! It has served our needs well, and will easily perform for our second child as well. It currently lies in the trusty hands of our friends who did not have a travel stroller. They are enjoying it as much as we did.
In the end, it comes down to what your needs are, and how much can you afford.
Happy Strolling ~ ☺ ~
Mary
Combi International Corporation
189-199 Easy Street, Carol Stream, IL 60188
Phone: 630-871-0404, Fax: 630-871-0606, Toll Free: 800-992-6624
Email - www.combi-intl.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 79.99 (Gift)
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
marybatson
|
 - Top 500 |
|
Member: Mary
Location: Phoenix
Reviews written: 169
Trusted by: 188 members
About Me:
We are all apt to believe what the world believes about us.
George Eliot
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.