Combi Flare
vs.
Maclaren Volo

Combi Flare

I searched and searched for a lighter weight stroller for us to use when traveling by car and on the subway. I also needed a stroller with brakes placed in such a way the stroller can be bumped up and down a few steps with the baby in it so we can leave our NYC house without having to first take the stroller outside then the toddler. Most strollers have huge brakes that catch on stairs. The Combi Flare brakes will catch on stairs with a large lip on them like unfortunately the subway stairs, but otherwise work great on our own front stairs which has already made my days 10 times easier. I can fold it small and carry it easily for the subway so I've dealt with that okay. It also surprisingly does just fine on very bumpy, historic bluestone sidewalks and pushing over the grass in the park, all of which I worried about when buying a lightweight umbrella stroller. It is narrow in width but that's a matter of perspective and priority; I am thrilled with its narrow width because it's much more maneuverable through doors and store aisles or into restaurants. And of course doesn't take up so much room in the foyer. My son is 18 months old, average percentile in weight like around 60th percentile, and tall, 99th percentile in length and he fits this stroller great. He's not snug in the seat, there's a bit of room still on the sides. He's very comfortable. He'd let me know if he wasn't. My husband and I are both tall and the height of the handlebars is higher than Maclarens or most strollers so we're very comfortable pushing it. This stroller is also less tippy than the Maclaren. I can hang a fair amount of weight on the handles and it won't tip backwards even when the our son isn't sitting in it. The basket is small and just a nylon fabric but I find I can still fit a carton of milk and a few groceries in it. The sun canopy is typically tiny and there is no window in it. It wouldn't keep me from recommending this stroller but if Combi made the wheels bigger so it could take the subway stairs better and if the visor were bigger and with a window it would be the perfect city stroller.

Posted on: 2010-08-29
By Lula McBride

We purchased this stroller, because we needed something smaller than our Chicco Cortina KeyFit 30. I spent literally about a week searching, reading reviews, etc. Finally, we have decided that Combi Flare is the best choice. It arrived within two days, was not very difficult to put together, felt a little cheap but our son loved it from first sight. The next day after we got the stroller, he spent an entire day sitting in it, he liked it so much. We liked it, too, but that did not last long.
First off, if you're gonna use your stroller mostly in the mall or around the block - it's great. It's lightweight, it's easy to fold it, although you need both hands to do it, it doesn't take up too much space. On smooth surfaces it maneuvers easily and rides well. But if you want to take your baby for real walks in the park, let me tell you, it's going to be a nightmare. In the States, we didn't get to use the stroller very much outdoors. However, now that we're in Europe we take walks all the time, and with this stroller, it's a disaster. The stroller stops on the smallest rocks, making it impossible to move until you actually lift the front of the stroller and push it. Making a turn with a baby in the stroller makes you work your biceps more than dumbbell lifting (and my son is only about 20lbs).
The sun canopy could not exist in this stroller, because it's just that useless. It doesn't protect from the sun at all, and when it's unfolded ,you don't see your child, so I usually fold it anyway.
One review said that a single handle makes it possible to push the stroller with one hand only. Oh dear, I wish it were true, but that's totally impossible.
Although very pretty, it's totally not practical and I wouldn't buy it again. I wouldn't even take it for free!

Posted on: 2010-08-17
By Max's Mommy

Experienced moms have told me time and again that they use their umbrella stroller the most because it's handy. So, I started looking and just didn't think the $20 cheapies were a good fit for me. So, I decide to investigate these strollers that cost a little more but offer a lot more. After some research both online and in the stores, I just got this one but in a different color. Already I notice that the mesh bag underneath is larger than any other umbrella strollers I tried at the store. Our medium sized diaper bag will fit if we put it in before the baby is set in the seat. I love how lightweight it is and how it folds up. The handle is high so if you are tall it would accomodate you. It stears more easily than my snap-and-go did. My 5 month old had his first ride in it and enjoyed it. I know we will get a lot of use out of it. If you do a google search you can watch a video on its features, especially how it folds up compactly. I'm happy with it.

Posted on: 2010-08-17
By yippee8999

This stroller truly is light weight and compact. I was skeptical about how easy it would be to fold it up, but I shouldn't have been worried. Although I can fold it up while holding my 1 year old, it isn't that easy - it is, however, very easy to fold it with two hands. It is easy to push and maneuver, and super easy to get my squirmy son strapped in - only two things to snap into the harness, and the connection is large and simple so there is no fumbling around. The canopy stretches out a little farther than other strollers I've had. The "basket" on the bottom isn't very easy to slip items into; it is more of a large mesh bag - but it does hold things securely. When I fold it up nothing falls out. And there is a smaller mesh bag close to the handlebar which is the perfect size for your keys and phone. The handlebar is high enough for me to use easily, and I am 5'8".

The only thing I wish this stroller had is a snack tray. Also, an adult cup holder would be nice. It comes with a removable child's cup holder that hangs off the side of the stroller at the child's level which is pretty useless for children under the age of 2, since the child has to hold their cup out of the stroller and get it in just right or their cup lands on the ground. Impossible for my 1 year old, but ok for my 3 year old. BUT, the stroller seems a little small for my 3 year old, so I really only use it for the little one.

Overall, I really do like this stroller. and it beats my umbrella stroller made by Maclaren.


Posted on: 2010-07-14
By J. Rogowski

That is a perfect stroller for those who are looking for a Lightweight, compact but stong product. I "forgot" in my trunk, doesn't take a lot of room, so when I need, it is there!

Posted on: 2010-07-07
By Daniel