Anyone have/had a Combi Flare Stroller?

[squirrel]

I spent some time today looking for a stroller for WDW for my niece who will almost be 5. It was hard to find anything that was good for a child over 40lbs. I did find a Combi Flare which is good til 55lbs ($100 Can) and it might go on sale before we leave for WDW.

I know everyone likes Maclarens, but I have never seen one. I don't know how they fold down or if they are worth me investing $ on as it is for my niece-I don't have any children.

Any other strollers you would recommend?

TIA

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

I had a savvy soho which looks exactly like the flare and my dd grew out of it by the time she was three.

you may like this a bit more than the combi.

ETA~ I forgot to post the link.
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/pr...ctID=1414&tab=features&CategoryID=2&subCatID=

 

[squirrel]

I did look at that one online but haven't seen it up here in Canada. Not saying it isn't, but where I live there is only Wal-Mart, Zellers and Sears. I didn't make it to Sears today but looked at the other two stores.

How does the Graco IPO fold down?

The Combi Flare is a tri fold so it is quite small.

 

[miksilver]

I'm a Combi fan. I just bought a Combi Urban (2007 model) for my family's last week trip to WDW. It was my second Combi (DD outgrew her first one) and this one was wonderful. The only thing the Urban doesn't do is recline. That wasn't an issue for us since my DD only fell asleep once in her stroller and it was at the end of a long day. The best thing about the Urban is that it is a very tall stroller and myself and my DH didn't have to bend down at all when pushing it around the park.

 

[squirrel]

I believe that is the model they have on the website, they look the same to me from the picture. I couldn't find the Flare on the website. Does the Urban fold down the same -tri fold?

The Flare definately reclines some, it was the first one I looked at. It had a strap that went down the back, is that to carry it when folded?

I think I better go back and look at it again!

 

[miksilver]

Yes, it does the tri-fold -- it's easy to do and lightweight. The strap on the back is so you can just sling it over your shoulder and go. The basket under the seat is very small, but it manages to hold a Disney Spray Fan and some extra ponchos in a small bag very nicely

All I can say is that I pushed that stroller all over WDW and I didn't have any backpain from stooping.

 

[mamaLori05]

I just bought a Maclaren Quest for around the house and for errands. I tested one out at Babies R Us a few days ago and LOVED it. I compared it to the Graco and Jeep umbrella strollers that looked similar, but I have to say, the Maclaren handled much better, and had a ton more room in the seat when I put my 3 yr old dd in it. I was holding my 9 month old ds while pushing my dd with one hand and it was a breeze. I couldn't do that with the other two strollers very easy, and for sure couldn't turn the other two one handed. I'll admit I ORIGINALLY thought the Maclaren strollers were way to expensive for being an umbrella stroller, but now that I have seen them in person and compared them with others, I have totally changed my mind. THEY ARE AWESOME!! If you are looking for a cheaper version of the Mac, Target is selling a Maclaren Volo for I believe around $80. Anyway, my recomendation would be to try them out ahead of time if you can. Oh, and the Mac's really seem to hold their value too. If you would decide to sell it when you get back from your trip, just post it on ebay or craigslist and you will get most of your money back, if not all.

 

[mamaLori05]

OH, I forgot to add that the mac's fold up small like a typical umbrella stroller does.

 

[squirrel]

Thanks for all your help.

I think I'll go back and take a look at the Combi Flare again and then head over to Sears. I noticed they had the Combi Cosmo in the catalogue. They look the same to me, I'll have to inspect them a little closer.

I loved the extra height for pushing also. That non-umbrella stroller I bought last year isn't going to work this year as she is a year older. If only I could add a few inches to the length of it then I wouldn't need a new one!

 

[blessedby3]

My experience with the combi was not a good one. Maybe the one you are talking about is better since it has a higher weight limit, but the one I had wouldnt push once my dd got to be about 2 1/2. The frame was also very shaky and made of plastic. Very rickety. We tired a Mac Volo when my 3rd DD was 6 for a Disney only stroller and I couldnt believe what a great sturdy stroller this was!! It is rock solid and has a 55pound weight limit. We used it for 2 more Disney trips over the next 2 years. We then had another baby this past Sept. and we have bought a Mac Quest for her since it reclines. I love the Macs and they are worth every penny. they fold up small and the Volo has a carry strap, the Quest a carry handle. Definately try to find somewhere to test drive the strollers if possible.

 

[belle&beast]

I tested both the Combi and Mac Volo at BRU last week with my 4yo DS who weighs 42 lbs. I absolutely loved the Volo and came home and bought last year's model on ebay. We had a Combi double for our last trip and the axle broke in WDW. I'm sure we had exceeded the weight limit with both our kids and everything we stuffed in the baskets, so that is probably our fault. My DH is very impressed with the Volo, and he did not want to buy another stroller. We are actually considering buying another for our DD who will be 7, but will probably need a break in the evenings.

If you have an opportunity, I would go and "test drive" the strollers with a child in them. They really seemed about the same empty, but there is a big difference with a bigger kids in them. Good luck!

 

[ERMama]

my 39 inch 3 yo didnt fit well into it. his feet hung by the wheels.

 

[squirrel]

My problem is I don't know where to find a Maclaren up here to compare.

I tested out the Combi Flare again today with my niece and it seemed to manuver quite well. At first I had trouble, but then noticed that the front wheels were locked. After unlocking them no problem. Height wise it is fine for her (43" tall). The sunshade doesn't hit her head while sitting up or while reclining. I find the seating area is snug for her shoulders (that's the only thing I can find that I don't like much, an adult cup holder would be nice).

I did find out that Sears also carries the Flare, so I can wait and see if it goes on sale at one of the two stores.

 

[PrincessAnnabell]

I purchased one and returned it to buy a volo. It was too narrow for my son to sit comfortably. I also thought it was too bulky when folded and the wheels seemed flimsy.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

Thanks for all your help.

I think I'll go back and take a look at the Combi Flare again and then head over to Sears. I noticed they had the Combi Cosmo in the catalogue. They look the same to me, I'll have to inspect them a little closer.

I loved the extra height for pushing also. That non-umbrella stroller I bought last year isn't going to work this year as she is a year older. If only I could add a few inches to the length of it then I wouldn't need a new one!

I don't know if this would be an option for you its a stroller handle extender.
http://www.gifts.com/products/One-S...xtender&ei=UTF-8&iscqry=&fr=slv7-grpj&fr2=sfp