The SUV of Double Strollers
Written: Aug 02 '00
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Pros: Comfortable, rugged, easy to use, snack tray & large basket..
Cons: No driver tray, can't purchase matching infant seat cover.
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| sgentile's Full Review: Graco DuoGlider |
I want to begin by clarifying that there are 3 different DuoGlider models. The one I am reviewing is the Deluxe model #7930 (higher end, more expensive). I paid $169.99 at the “Baby Castle” which is a store that sells only childrens’ furniture and equipment. The GracoDuoGlider I had originally tried out was the lower end model; and that one did NOT meet the criteria I described in my editorial entitled, “Search for the Perfect Stroller.”
That said, on with this review!
Just like it’s single version, the Graco DuoGlider is rugged, built to last, user-friendly, and (in my opinion) superior in baby protection. The deluxe model we purchased is also EVERY bit as elegant as its competitors the Combi, Regalo and Peg Perego. The fabric design is beautiful. The stroller I purchased does NOT have the same patterned fabric as the one in the picture Epinions used. Mine is a dark navy blue with a very sophisticated pattern. Personally I think the other strollers (Combi, Regalo & Peg Perego) are designed more for parents (the snob appeal)... but my new Graco DuoGlider is just as classy as they are & it handles even better. Best of all, my daughter Alison is soooooo comfy and happy in it, and my Graco infant car seat/carrier snaps right in. This is a feature I missed more than I had imagined.
Here are some of its attributes:
• Infant Car seats clip on securely / Shields baby from inclement weather.
One of the most wonderful things about this stroller is that when you use the infant seat (facing you and with the canopy up), and then pull the stroller canopy up and over the lip of the infant seat canopy, it creates a “seal.” You can effectively eliminate bright sunlight or create a barrier to wind, cold, or rain exposures. You still need to keep baby warm and bundled in the winter months until you get inside, but this extra protection is EXTREMELY reassuring.
• Special Seating Features.
~ Stadium seating.
The rear seat is elevated which allows the backseat passenger to see over the child in the front. My son is still too young to sit upright. I can’t report on whether this feature actually creates a happier backseat passenger, but stadium seating makes sense.
~ Padded with reclining positions.
The backseat can be reclined completely so it is flat. This allows you to lay an infant down completely. This will also allow you to change your little one’s diaper in a pinch. Graco added another smart feature here and that is that is a closure flap that seals up the bottom portion of the backseat (where an older child’s feet will go). This flap is easily secured by a snap on the fabric and heavy-duty Velcro straps. With the flap up, you needn’t worry about your baby slipping through the leg openings. The backseat can be moved to 3 different positions. The front seat doesn’t fully recline, but it goes down further than many of the other strollers I tested. There is only one recline position; it goes back far enough that is does allow the front passenger to comfortably fall asleep (my daughter has). Positions are easy to adjust; all you have to do is pull the metal bar (located on the back of the seat) “up”. The seat is locked into place unless you pull the bar up.
~ Comfortable!
The comfort factor is the main reason we purchased the Graco DuoGlider. The seat itself is deeper than any of the other stroller seats we examined. The seat seems cushier too. This means that your little one can really “sit back” and relax. The seatbelt is made of fabric and is in that T-bar style. The buckles are those big, easy to fasten, chunky plastic kind.
~ Removable & washable quilted canopies.
The canopies are really easy to snap on and off. They are large enough to shelter the child in the front seat from most of the rain (their legs will still get wet) and also the sunshine. But if for some reason your child doesn’t care for the canopy, it is easy to remove.
• All-terrain “vehicle” .
As mentioned earlier, this stroller is rugged. With 8-inch wheels in the front and 9 inch wheels in the back, the DuoGlider can handle all different terrain. If you lock up the wheels you will have an easier time traveling straight on a bumpy surface. Simply push up to lock the swivels, push down to release. We recently used the stroller at an agriculture fair which took place on a field. The ride seemed smooth and the stroller handled easily. The looks on our faces were much happier than the few Peg Perego owners we passed (its amazing how many double tandem strollers are around these days).
• Easy to fold up.
Before packing the DuoGlider away, the seats must be placed in the upright positions, the canopies must be folded up, and the front canopy lowered towards the front of the stroller. Then you simply pull on the two levers which are located on both sides of the handle; and push slightly forward. The stroller has a self-locking system. If you lock the rear wheels, the folded stroller can stand upright on its own. If you need more truck space (for a trip), the stroller will fold even more compactly if you remove the front canopy and the front arm bar.
• As Lightweight as they come.
Believe it or not, just under 30 lbs. this is one on the lightest double strollers around. I am only 5 feet, 4 inches (when standing VERY tall); a small-framed 35 year old woman who averages 124 pounds at my regular weight. Now I just had a baby so I am heavier now, but also still recuperating from the bodily stresses caused by pregnancy and childbirth. I have been using this stroller every day for 4 weeks, and I can honestly say it has been easy to use it, even hoisting in and out of my Ford Explorer (taller than most cars). If I can do it, anyone can.
• Large basket underneath.
This basket is amazing! And the double stroller allows you to access parts of the stroller from in between the two seats. So far that is where I have been keeping my toddlers bag of snacks and books; and my front carrier too. The basket runs the length of the stroller, underneath both seats. The mesh sides are high enough that the basket contents do not fall out while traveling (this is a problem I had with the Regalo double stroller).
• Removable passenger snack tray.
I may be alone on this opinion, but I don’t know how (or why) people choose a stroller without a passenger snack tray. The snack tray is a wonderful place to keep your child’s sippy cup, snacks or a “friend.” Before my daughter had mastered her pincer grip, I used to sit a little stuffed animal (a friend) up there, facing her. There is a slightly raised edge all around the tray so items won’t easily fall off. Because this tray is removable, an older child might be offered the privilege of taking it off and allowing them to get up or sit on their own.
Can this stroller be improved? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sure, there is always room for improvement. Graco are you listening? These are how you can make me an EVEN HAPPIER & loyal customer:
• Add a Drink Tray for Parents.
The single Graco stroller has this tray. It was a fantastic place for my car keys, drink, and cell phone. What we have done to compensate is order a replacement tray for my single stroller. If you break off the bendable back part of the drink tray it will fit on this stroller, but it is not a perfect fit.
• Offer a removable second snack tray for the back passenger.
Once the second child is out of the infant stage (no longer using the infant carrier), it would be nice to be able to snap on a snack tray. I don’t know how I will make up for this shortcoming when my son is old enough to care.
• Allow children to face each other.
This one isn’t as important as the other wishes, but it would be nice to have the option. But I would only use this feature if it were incredibly easy to switch the front seat back to forward facing.
• Offer matching fabric covers for infant seat.
This actually did annoy me quite a bit. Immediately after purchasing the Graco DuoGlider I called Graco with the intent of buying a cover for my Graco infant seat to match this stroller. I was told that they didn’t make a cover for my model infant seat in this fabric. My Graco infant seat is only 2 years old. I truly believe that Graco should anticipate the fact that many parents of one child are likely to have a second; meaning that it is possible they will purchase a double stroller and want to continue using their infant seat.
The Bottom Line. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love my Graco DuoGlider! I highly recommend it. I am also extremely pleased with Graco. All parts can be replaced at a minimal charge. I have found that Graco usually sends these parts for free if there is a problem during the first year of ownership. And their customer service is very friendly and personable, and extremely helpful. Need help? Call Graco 1-800-345-4109.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 170
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Epinions.com ID:
sgentile
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: New England, United States
Reviews written: 249
Trusted by: 476 members
About Me:
I'm a mother who focuses on safety, fun, & value. I write from experience.
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