A typical trade off that parents face when shopping for a stroller is quality & functionality versus price. Do you pay more for a stroller that has more features and/or will last longer? Or do you save the money and purchase a stroller that costs $50 or $60 less?
Perhaps this review can help you with your dilemma. If you are vacationing at, let’s say, Disneyland and you don’t want to travel with your big stroller… A small, lightweight, umbrella stroller is just what the doctor ordered. The two questions that you should ask yourself are: #1 How frequently am I going to use the umbrella stroller when I get home? And #2 Will my umbrella stroller fall apart on my trip?
Form Factor
If you think that you might use your lightweight umbrella stroller more than a few times, or if you are concerned about the stroller’s road worthiness, you should consider the Maclaren Techno XT stroller. Maclaren strollers are made of aircraft-quality aluminum and high-grade fabrics, and are built extremely well.
In addition to its durability, there are two things that set the Techno stroller apart from the rest. The seat is padded and is quite comfortable – you can’t find this feature in other lightweight strollers. The seat also features four reclining positions – including a fully reclined position for napping children.
The Techno stroller’s canopy is reasonably sized, it’s not as large as the canopies you’ll find on standard-sized strollers but it folds up into a tight, compact form factor which helps with the stroller’s transport & storage. One feature that’s really nice about the Techno stroller is the canopy’s UV protection that protects your little one from the sun.
Maneuverability
The Techno stroller has swivel wheels allow you to turn the stroller on a dime. The stroller also has all-wheel suspension which, in turn, gives your child a comfy ride – even over rough / uneven surfaces. And with the height-adjustable handles, maneuvering your stroller couldn’t be easier.
Given that the stroller frame is made of lightweight aluminum tubing, it only weighs 14.5 lbs. The stroller is easy to fold up and carry, you can pull up on the carry strap – which is connected to the carry handle / closing mechanism and step on a second lever (for safety) then gravity does the rest. If you don’t let go of the carry strap you won’t have to bend over to pick the stroller up. Just swing the strap over you shoulder – and off you go.
Safety
Stroll with confidence – knowing that your stroller is safe and secure with the latest safety technology from Maclaren. The brakes found on the Techno stroller can be easily engaged with a foot lever to keep your stationary stroller in place.
The 5-point safety harness found on the Techno stroller comes with height adjustable padded shoulder straps for extra security and comfort.
Another safety feature that the Techno stroller has, a feature that most stroller manufacturers overlook, is reflective material. The Techno stroller’s canopy comes equipped with reflective material so you can be easily seen if you find yourself strolling after sundown.
Pros
- The Techno stroller is lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Maclaren uses high-quality materials to build their strollers
- The 4-position reclining seat is something that you’d normally only see in full-sized strollers. This is a great benefit for a lightweight stroller like the Techno XT
- The adjustable height handles are a great for short and tall parents
Cons
- The stroller’s canopy could be bigger
- Although the Techno stroller is a great value due to its durability, it is a bit on the pricy side.
Techno XT Features:
- 4-position fully reclining seat
- Seat is removable and washable
- 5-point safety harness with comfy shoulder pads for added security
- Height adjustable head cushion and shoulder harness
- High-performance lightweight aluminum frame
- 6.5″ 3 spoke –aligning, lockable, swivel front wheels
- Front and rear wheel suspension
- Easy-engage rear foot brake
- Extendable leg rest with durable fabric
- Ergonomically shaped, 3 position height adjustable handles
- Storage pockets and reflective piping for added safety
- Large, water resistant, canopy with UV protective sun visor and viewing window
- Hood design: Air vents when fully open; larger viewing window
- Extendable hood for added sun protection
- Storage pockets
- Rain cover
- Handy mesh storage basket
- Easy to fold compactly and carry using one hand
- Carry strap or handle for easy portability
- Sovereign Lifetime Warranty™
- Maclaren Recycling Program
Specifications
- Weight: 6.6KG 14.5LB
- Handle height: 104-111cm / 41-44in
- Width (open): 49cm / 19in
- Length (basic folded): 108cm / 42.5in
- Wheel size: 16.5 cm / 6.5in
- Suitable for infants and children up to 15kg / 55lb (US)
Summary
In summary, the Maclaren Techno stroller is a great alternative to inexpensive, cheap, umbrella strollers. Maclaren makes strong and sturdy strollers that will last for years. And the padded, reclining seat makes sets this stroller apart from other lightweight strollers.
