Which Maclaren stroller would you recommend?

[musichick2004]

I purchased a Maclaren Techno XLR and a Maclaren Triumph (used, GREAT deals) this weekend for our September Disney trip. Now, to decide!

I have a fairly small 2.5 year old (will be a week before her 3rd birthday when we are at Disney). She likes to nap in her stroller and hates having the sun in her eyes. We also will have my 4.5 year old stepson with us, who is quite large (tall! About the size of an average 6 year old) and loves to laze in his stroller instead of walk. His mom will be bringing her stroller too (another Triumph).

The Techno XLR is bigger, reclines almost flat, has a better canopy, better storage, and bigger wheels to handle small curbs and bumps better. It also accepts a carseat (with adapter) for future use.

The Triumph is noticeably lighter, has a carry strap, folds smaller/tighter, maneuvers better, and is less wobbly (the XLR's braces are lower to accomodate the full recline).

I think, in the park, the kids (because I'm sure my stepson will want to switch and ride in it too) will prefer the Techno.

But maneuvering and folding for buses, we will prefer the Triumph.

I was hinting to my stepson's mom that perhaps she could use the Techno for N, and I could bring my Triumph...this way I don't "have" to sell one of them, like my fiancee is wanting me to do, lol. I want to keep both!

Anyone have opinions/experience on these Maclarens? I've seen the volo and triumph recommended here before (which is why we wanted the triumph originally), but I like aspects of both of them!

Thanks,
Kate

 

[jk2006]

I would keep them both if they were great deals & you plan on having more children.
I would use both Triumphs for Disney due to being lighter and easier to carry on busses & the train. You don't really need all the extras on the Techno for the ages of your kids. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Crl1817]

I really prioritize a good canopy, so I'd probably go with the Techno.

 

[jk2006]

I really prioritize a good canopy, so I'd probably go with the Techno.

I agree that a canopy is great in the sun. We have never had a problem with the smaller canopy on our Volo strollers because they adjust so easily...toddlers & older just move them where they need to be, which they love doing themselves.

 

[Crl1817]

I agree that a canopy is great in the sun. We have never had a problem with the smaller canopy on our Volo strollers because they adjust so easily...toddlers & older just move them where they need to be, which they love doing themselves.

But when they are sleeping. . . . Plus, I tend to go for canopies so big they cover legs too. At least for toddlers and part of the legs for preschoolers, depending on the sun's direction. . I have never had a techno so I don't know if that canopy is that big.

 

[strmtroopr96]

If you choose to use the Triumph, you could always just use an additional shade on it like the Rayshade. It will give you much more shade coverage than the Mac's shades can.

My youngest took her 1st Disney trip at 11 weeks old and I had originally bought a Mac Quest to use with her and bought a Rayshade for extra coverage. Well right before our trip, I found a good deal on a Peg P3 and we used that instead. I liked the Maclaren but was never the biggest Mac fan (and I have gone through more than one LOL). But we did use the Rayshade on the P3 and although the P3 already had a much bigger shade to begin with, that Rayshade really kept her all covered up.

That way you can have the more light weight option but still be better protected from the sun.

 

[puffkin]

I have a Triumph that has survived 20 trips to Disney between my DS8 and now DS2 and we fly every time. It has also been to countless local amusement parks, fairs, and other events. It is still going strong. My kids are very tall and it accomdates them well. I really appreciate how easy it manuevers and folds up. It has worked for us for many, many years.

 

[Crl1817]

Just FYI, I hated the aftermarket canopy add ons. They make unfolding and folding the stroller a pita. And they act like a giant sail in the wind. I just about could not push my stroller with one of those on one particularly windy day (not at disney). I gave up on mine after about three days of use and eventually sold that stroller (2010 Mountain Buggy Swift) in favor of one with a better canopy.

 

[MickeyMouse2010]

maclaren techno without a doubt. The handles are probably taller making it easier to push. I also think the recline and canopies and very important as you will have children napping in them. I have a single techno and a double. I don't find my single cumbersome at all and the double has been on several disney trips with us!

I actually used a rayshade with the maclaren techno b/c on one trip I had a 3mo who I wanted totally out of the sun. Like a pp said, it is a pain to undo/ fold with that on.

 

[lovetogowdw]

I swear by my Volo and when I need extra "shade", I just pull out the infant towel that I always bring along (perfect for drying off any age kid after time in the splash area), plus some clips (large binder clips or clothes line pins work) and I can create a large shade for nap times. Tried those after market extender shades and found the improvised version works much better and does double duty when you need the towel to dry off.

 

[jennilee171]

I take the techno everywhere, I love it. The full recline and the extra shade is worth the larger fold size (to me).

 

[cruisingtwins]

We have and love 2 quest but out of those I would take the triumph. With kids that big you could not use the full recline remember their legs still hang out so they would have to sleep in a L shape if you recline it completely.