Stroller Advice Needed! Volo, Caddy...(*Update-Bought one!*)

[liznboys]

Ok, I've decided we need to get a more compact and lighter umbrella stroller for our trip in 2 weeks. The one we have is a Jeep Wrangler which we really love, except that it weighs about 16 lbs and when folded up, is bulky. Sooooo, I went back and read through many of the stroller threads on here, and I've gotten my choice down to the 2005 Maclaren Volo, the 2005 Chicco Caddy or buying a super cheapy (under $20) one.

The Volo seems to be the absolute best umbrella stroller out there right now. BUT, the one thing that I'm not sure about is how compact it is when folded. On the Maclaren website they have a little demo showing it being folded up, and it looks like it doesn't fold up very tightly at all?!? The clip seems to be lower than on other umbrella strollers too? Also, I see that the handles turn inward, and I wonder if that keeps it from folding up as tightly as well. Seems like straight handles would be better in that regard? Of course it is the most expensive one, and it is a bit hard for me to spend $99 on an umbrella stroller...but if we LOVE it, it would be worth it.

The 2005 Chicco Caddy has all the features I'd want, but it weighs a little more than the Volo, and I wonder how good the quality is.

And finally, I've thought about just getting a super cheap one, which I know would be lightweight and fold up compactly. But obviously, it could fall apart after a day! So I'd have to by another one, but even if I bought 2 of them, it'd still be cheaper than the cost of the other ones, especially the Volo. I could buy 5 cheapies for the cost of the Volo! I am so back and forth about this! LOL

I'm going to try and see the Volo and Caddy in a store within the next week so I can see for myself. But I thought I'd see if anyone owns them and has advice.

Thanks!

(*Update-I bought one, see my new post below...*)

 

[wright1baby]

I don't know how the selection will be in your area, but I had the same thought and went to Babies R Us and Target and neither of them had the volo in stock. I really wanted to see one in person. BRU did have other Maclaren models (triumph is the next step up I believe) so I got a pretty good idea of the quality. I went ahead and oredered the Volo from Albee-baby, $99 free ship and I bought the organizer to hold water bottles etc, $19.99. This was the 3rd site I tried to order from, everyone else said they would not have them in stock until end of May. Thats just cutting it too close for me. I can update you as far as a review when I recieve mine in less than a week if you like!
Good Luck in your quest

 

[daisylove]

I have the 2004 Volo. It folds up very compactly. I love the stroller. The strap is great. I can just sling it on my sholder like another purse almost. It doesnt weigh much more than my backpack does sometimes at WDW. The reeason I picked it over the Chicco is that My DD is very tall for her age and the Chiccos did not give her any clearance bwteen her head and the canopy (must hav in So Fla) The volo gives her tons of room to grow even. It was hard spending the $$ but I am very happy I did!!!

Oh by the way the handles do not get in the way at all when folding.

 

[Stiff]

last year we bought a cheap umbrella stroller...and then just left it there

we did the same thing for our upcoming trip

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

Have you looked at Combi Soho 2000? I just bought it for our May trip instead of a cheap umbrella stroller. It is $69.00 at Target and I love it. Box says weighs twelve pounds with the box. It folds up easy and has strap to carry on your shoulder. It turns and pushes like a dream. Seat reclines for naps. Has a really good canopy with side mesh for ventilation. I was looking at the Volo before I found this one. I took a cheap umbrella stroller for my now four year old when she was two. I found it a little harder to turn/ manuveur and even though it had a small canopy it provided very little sun protection. She also never seemed comfortable in it. But she is VERY tall for her age. might have been part of the problem. I got the Combi for our 17 month old and have already used it a good bit and love it.

 

[blessedby3]

I vote for the Volo. Ordered a 2004 about a month ago for $68 from babydealz.com. My dd is 6 1/2 and we got this just for Disney. Have tried it out at our mall and it is GREAT. Never thought I would pay that much for an "umbrella" type stroller either, but wish I had seen this years ago so I could have gotten one. It folds compactly, handles dont get in the way, and is very light. Carrying strap is a bonus. I also wanted to see one in a store before buying, but none of our stores carried them. Ordered one after all the praises I read on these boards and I am glad I did. You wont be sorry if you go with the Volo. You didnt say how old your child is, but I got this one because of the weight limit being 55 pounds. My dd is 42 pounds now and it pushes wonderfully. Good luck!

 

[dis-happy]

Ooops, double post.

 

[dis-happy]

I bought a $40. Graco at Target and it has been great during 4 Disney trips so far (will use it again next month). It has a big basket underneath, doesn't tip when you hang a heavy diaper bag from the handles, has cup holders, folds very small and flat, lightweight, collapses with a one hand twist on the handle, maneuvers easily (even with my 30 pound plus 4 year old), can recline for a nap. It's got miles and miles on it and it has held up great. When I bought it, I already had a big expensive stroller and wanted somthing cheaper and smaller and lighter for WDW---really glad I got this.

 

[liznboys]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate it!

 

[mmb]

Hi -

Just my two cents -
I did tons of research before buying my daughter's umbrella stroller. We had narrowed it down to the Mac Volo, the Silver Cross Micro, and the Combi Soho. Friends who had the Combi said that it wasn't as sturdy after using it for a while. Loved Mac, but had heard multiple times that their customer service is AWFUL! So, we got the Micro and I have to say I absolutely love it!!!!! Also used Albee baby to order it and it was $102 with shipping included.

Good luck!

 

[JennsBabySky]

Also, if you buy a Silver Cross Micro or the Maclaren Volo, it will retain most of its value, so you could resell it fairly easily (so it could end up costing only slightly more than the cheapie, but you get a nice one to use instead!)

 

[java]

Ok I am stroller full so I have some opinions on two of these. The combi is one that I love and my kids have loved, in fact I am thinking of buying the double for this trip. Love how easily it folds, a godsend in Disney. And that easy carry strap woohoo. Now if you want to save money that Chico one is the one that DH brought home last year when we needed a quick stroller- he got it for $20 with the save $25 coupon from Toysrus. It worked great for my almost 2 year old. But that is the key, it is definatly for a slightly older child IMHO. While the Combi is fine for little people. Now I have never had a Volo, but I saw a family in Hershey with both the Volo and the Combi- children were fighting to sit in the Combi and when I asked which they prefered, Mom said she liked the performance of the Volo better but the kids thought the Combi was way more comfortable.(wow what a run on sentence!)

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

Ok I am stroller full so I have some opinions on two of these. The combi is one that I love and my kids have loved, in fact I am thinking of buying the double for this trip. Love how easily it folds, a godsend in Disney. And that easy carry strap woohoo. Now if you want to save money that Chico one is the one that DH brought home last year when we needed a quick stroller- he got it for $20 with the save $25 coupon from Toysrus. It worked great for my almost 2 year old. But that is the key, it is definatly for a slightly older child IMHO. While the Combi is fine for little people. Now I have never had a Volo, but I saw a family in Hershey with both the Volo and the Combi- children were fighting to sit in the Combi and when I asked which they prefered, Mom said she liked the performance of the Volo better but the kids thought the Combi was way more comfortable.(wow what a run on sentence!)

Can you tell me which model of the Combi you have? We're leaving soon and are new to this. Thanks!

 

[liznboys]

Well, I made my decision and placed my order last night! And I didn't get any of the strollers I was asking about! LOL

mmb~I owe you BIG thanks for introducing me to the Silver Cross Micro!!! I went and researched it, and I think it will fit our needs PERFECTLY!! I looked at tons of different websites, and Albee Baby had the lowest price, so that's where I bought it from. I can't wait to get it! The warehouse where it'll be shipped from is in New Jersey, so it shouldn't take too long to get here to Maryland. I'll post a report about it after we get back from WDW. If this stroller is as great as I think it will be, I would love to spread the word about it.

Thanks again everyone!!

 

[liznboys]

Here's the websites if anyone else is interested:

Silver Cross Micro website

Albee Baby Silver Cross Micro

I bought it in "Brighton". It was just under $103 including shipping (they only charge tax in New York and New Jersey.)

 

[wishing2bbelle]

I think you are going to LOVE the Silver Cross Micro! I bought 2 last year for our Disney trip (my twins were almost 3 at the time), and these strollers were perfect - very easy to push & easy to fold.

I hope you enjoy it!

Tina

 

[liznboys]

I think you are going to LOVE the Silver Cross Micro! I bought 2 last year for our Disney trip (my twins were almost 3 at the time), and these strollers were perfect - very easy to push & easy to fold.

I hope you enjoy it!

Tina

Wonderful!! Thanks Tina!