Another Stroller Question...Maclaren Quest or Techno...Plinko Matic?

[poohfriend]

I know there have been many stroller threads lately and I didn't want to start another, but I need experienced opinions, please. I didn't even know about Maclarens until I read this board.

I want to get a new stroller. It will be used at Disney in 6 months. My son is currently 18 mo old. Also have 4yo dd who might like the Plinko's footrest.

DO THE 2003/2002 PLINKO MATIC models for sale on the internet have the toddler footboard?

Right Now, I am leaning toward a 2004 Quest. But I noticed at several internet stores I can get a Techno Classic for about $20 more. Anyone know the differences...they look about the same ... except the Techno says it has a suspension system. Worth the $$?

Thanks for any help you can offer...I've gotten stroller crazy looking at all of this!

 

[dijid]

Go for the pliko. P3 version if you can afford it - it's much easier to stand on the back with the improvements. We went when my oldest DD was 4 and never had to get a stroller for hre as she was able to just hop on the back when she got tired of walking (or we needed it to keep her contained in big crowds). DH griped about me spending the $$ before our first trip there with kids, and afterwards he admitted it was money well spent.

 

[hipmaman]

DO THE 2003/2002 PLINKO MATIC models for sale on the internet have the toddler footboard?

Right Now, I am leaning toward a 2004 Quest. But I noticed at several internet stores I can get a Techno Classic for about $20 more. Anyone know the differences...they look about the same ... except the Techno says it has a suspension system. Worth the $$?

Yes, the 2002/2003 Plikomatic has the toddler footboard. It is a tad smaller than the current Pliko P3 (or known just as P3). It's not as easy to push and steer one-handed as the P3. But this feature is not important for when you have a toddler standing on the footboard, you would need to have both your hands on the handles anyway.

If you want ease of pushing/steering one-handed, then the P3 is a better choice. If not, the Pliko is just as nice, but much less expensive.

The catch with either model is that your stroller can not be reclined much with the toddler standing on the footboard.

The Maclaren as typically lighter (especially the Quest) than the P3/Pliko. They are also folded more compact than the P3/Pliko. Steering is effortless as is the Maclaren 'trademark'. But it is a single and if you want a riding board for your toddler, you need to add a Lascal Buggy Board www.lascal.se

Between the Quest and the Techno Classic (I assume 2004 Techno to have price of $20 more than the Quest)... Basically, the Techno is considered the 'full size' Mac stroller with a marginally bigger frame/seat comparing to the Quest. It's also a tad heavier (maybe by 2 lbs). Doesn't the Quest have the foam-grip handles and the Techno Classic the ski-pole style, adjustable handles? The canopy on the Quest is also round and is smaller (or maybe 'shallower' might be a better word). Quest has smaller wheels.

In terms of value, the Techno is always more expensive. And for $20 extra, you gain quite a bit of 'value' (including better resale value, I think)

 

[poohfriend]

wow/

thank you for the detailed info.


I went to Babies R us and tried out the 2005 versions of QUEST and P3.

Loved the Quest. Thought the P3 came across as "cheap" even though I knew the materials chosen were for weight. I did like the baby's snack tray/cup holder.

They did not have the Techno classic...but I think I'm going for that since dh is over 6 ft. the longer handles would be nice. That said...i love the foam handles on the quest!!! easy to steer!

thanks for the help.

 

[bjakmom]

poohfriend - I recently bought the techno classic for my DGrD (20 mos and already over 30 lbs and VERY tall - wearing 3 & 4Ts !). I only compared it to the quest (and some others that they had) at BRUS. I preferred the deeper seat and the fact that it reclined all the way - the other major consideration was that DH is also over 6' and he really appreciates the adjustable handles. We walk a lot on the boardwalk and she has been very comfortable with this stroller (and so have I!) I love the hood and the additional little clear plastic sun filter that pulls down - the rain protector is a cinch to put on/off and she doesn't seem to feel closed in by it - I also like the clear plastic 'window' on the top of the hood so that I can see what she's doing without stopping - she also likes to reach up and get my attention through it. The stroller handles really well - and that's saying something on the bumpy boardwalk.