And we're back. Where were we? Oh yeah, the mega, the ultimate, the supreme baby gadget: The Stroller.
In the last post, we began discussing the luxury category ($500 and up) of strollers by reviewing the Bugaboo models. The versatilty of the Bugaboo is hard to beat. However, there are other strollers that give it a run for its luxury money. And that brings us to the "new kid" on the block...
The UPPAbaby Vista
Like the Bugaboo, the UPPAbaby sits on an aluminum frame and is versatile enough for a ride on the beach or Park Avenue. The Vista was conceived and designed (but not manufactured) in the United States by a husband and wife duo named Bob and Lauren. In essence, they captured the spirit of the Bugaboo, with its bassinet to buggy versatility, and put it in an American form. And like most things American, the Vista is just a little bigger than its European counterpart -- mainly in it's wide stance (think Suburban versus Volvo).
Like the Frog or Cameleon, the seat on the Vista is reversible so your litle one can face you (but note that the bassinet only is capable of facing the "driver"). But unlike the Bugaboo models, the Vista does not have a reversible handle-bar, so the large front tires must do the brunt of the work when traveling over rough terrain. Also, the Vista is not capable of "two-wheel" mode, for those pulls on the beach that are capable with the Bugaboo.
Other similarities between the models are as follows:
* Shock absorbers in both front and rear tires.
* Like the Cameleon, the tires are run-flat.
* Four sitting positions, including all the way up (for 2011 model) and fully reclined. As a word of advice, the 2010 and previous models did not have a "full up" position, which was added in the 2011 edition. This was a major complaint of parents prior to the change.
* Can be equipped with a cup-holder (with chains) and wheely board in the back for a toddler rider.
The major benefits of the Vista are the following. First, it can be equpped with an additional seat to hold two toddlers or infants (plus a back rider, if equipped). This may make the difference for most expanding families, as it provides extreme versatility. The extra seat runs about $150 and can hold a rider up to about 40 pounds. Second, the Vista costs about $300 less than its Bugaboo Cameleon counterpart (i.e., runs about $700 versus $1,000). This is another huge savings.
Lastly, I'd be remissed if I didn't comment on the copycat B-Ready Stroller, which runs about $200 less than the Vista. The B-Ready is very similar, and has the same capabilities as the Vista. Therefore, if you are thinking about the Vista, you may also take a look at the B-Ready. The name may be the only perceivable difference between the two, except of course, for the extra $200 in your stubborn pocket.
So what do you think? Let us know.
