A stroller? Life changing?
No I am not exaggerating. We had our lives changed for the better thanks to a new stroller.
The Chicco ACTIV3™ jogging stroller (Snapdragon) is the ideal combination of a stylish everyday stroller and a fitness jogger.
Before I go on with the review, here are the early returns before even fully trying it out.
Dad – I don’t have to crouch anymore.
Mom – It is beautiful.
Nana – The thing is amazing. So smooth.
The toddler – Weeeeeeeeeeee
The big brother – Wow, where did we get it!
Yes, the stroller is the Rolls Royce of strollers I would have to say. Or maybe it is because went from a broken down umbrella stroller to the Chicco version.
Our only wish, is that our youngest son was not already two, so we could get a lot more use out of it.
We are not runners by any stretch, so maybe we would not of looked at this stroller in the store. But thanks to the kind people at Chicco, we have had the opportunity to test one out. I don’t think we could go back to anything else.
Living in Toronto, you try your best to avoid using the car. Thankfully, most things you need to do are close enough to walk or bike.
I was home with our two boys all summer and the tiny umbrella stroller was key to all of our trips. Being a tall dad (6’5). I always would have to bend, crouch and trip over the wheels. I am sure it was funny to see me pushing it.
I was so excited at the idea of reviewing The Chicco ACTIV3™ jogging stroller, I was checking the mail daily to see if it had come.
The timing could not have been better. We just moved to a part of Toronto where not only do you need a top quality stroller for the hills, but for the status as well. I now hold my head up high as I push my son down some of the trendiest streets of the city.
On to the review….
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The Pros
- Sporty fabrics are wipeable, durable and water repellent (Sweat, rain, coffee, apple juice……no worries)
- Maintenance-free, rubber tires that never go flat (love that)
- Adjustable five-point safety harness keeps baby secure (kid is going nowhere)
- Adjustable, FlexCore™ suspension allows you to choose between a soft ride for bumpy strolling or a more firm ride for jogging (plus the kid loves the bouncy bouncing)
- Hand-activated swivel lock for on-the-go convenience; front wheel locks for stability when running (so it won’t roll down street when checking phone)
- Hand-activated parking brake prevents user from accidentally engaging foot brakes when running (double safe)
- One-hand backrest adjustment to five positions, including full recline (Again, one hand is on phone)
- Large canopy with tinted peek-a-boo windows; canopy adjusts into forward position to completely cover baby (Or block rain, or just so you don’t have to watch your kid eat something)
- Large and convenient storage basket (Groceries or beer)
- Push handle with four height positions for a customized fit (My favourite part)
- One-hand fold with three folded configurations: self-standing fold for the garage, flat fold for the trunk and compact fold for storage (But why do you want to put it away? It’s a way to make the neighbours jealous)
- It holds up to 50 lbs (kid or case of beer)
The Cons
- It took like 10 minutes to assemble (man I am a lazy dad)
- It only holds one kid (other kids need to walk I guess)
- The drink holder was hard to find (again, lazy)
- Not for the subway or diamond store (for when out shopping for mom)
- You get looks when you are bouncing your kid on the powerful shocks (it’s like a ride)
- People cross the street to avoid you (this is actually a pro in my book)
- Finally, we did not get this stroller soon enough in our young son’s life (the thing is money)
My Thoughts
In all seriousness, the Chicco ACTIV3™ jogging stroller (Snapdragon) is worth the investment if you ask me. We don’t even run and we love it. It makes it enjoyable to go for a walk. This counts for the parents pushing and the kids riding. You can stuff all your gear below and not have to worry about the weight.
Our boy is pushing 30 lbs and it is like pushing air. If you have a younger child, there are straps to keep them safe. There are handy locks you can push with your thumb so the thing does not roll away. Oh and it will. Even on the slightest incline, it will take off. I guess that is why there is the safety strap you are supposed to put on your wrist.
My favourite things are the ease to push, the height of the handles and the fact that it can go on any surface (short of the beach). For anyone who has tried to push an umbrella stroller over grass or gravel, you know what I am talking about.
Yes it costs close to $500, but if you think about it, you could use it for four to five years and if you have multiple kids, that could be as many as 10 years. It will last. The wheels will never go flat and the parts are very durable.
We have only had ours about two weeks and it has taken a beating on daily walks. Great to know that you don’t have to be delicate with it. God knows our son loves to bounce and climb while in it.
Want to learn more? You can check out the official listing on the Chicco website, or for those in Canada, you can review and buy one at Babies R Us.
You can see more products on the Canadian versions of the Chicco website or on the Chicco Facebook page.
This review is based on my opinion. The free product that was provided for review, did not in any way sway my thoughts.
