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A step above an umbrella, and above the Volo, February 28, 2006
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Reviewer: Trinity31 from Fairfax County, VA
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Trinity31
saw things this way
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Overall Grade
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(8) |
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Pros:
full recline, handles are tall, storage easy, comfy for baby
Cons:
Fold is a little "sticky"
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I needed a cheap yet functional stroller that I could use at my vacation home for daily walks and getting about with baby. I didn't want to buy a second full-featured stroller, but I didn't want some cheapy umbrella either.So I shelled out $90 to an online retailer to get a swift. I'd certainly considered the McLaren Volo (they certainly are ubiquitous), but hesitated when I saw that the Swift had a full recline. I have to admit that I'm also fairly biased towards Inglesina as a manufacturer, as my other stroller is a Zippy and I'm quite happy with it. I'd also heard vague rumblings about quality control at McLaren having suffered since they started manufacturing in China. No proof of that, of course, but I figured a brand I trusted was better, particularly if the features were there and the price was right.The Swift has lived up to its promise. The recline is easy to operate, and the stroller has more padding and better construction than a cheapie umbrella or even the Volo. Baby sits comfortably and the harness is a high quality 5-point that while looser than many strollers, worked fine for my older baby.My experience has been that the fold happens even with the canopy attached, and while the plastic clamp that holds the stroller in the folded position is admittedly a cheap solution, it is easy to operate and convenient. The canopy itself is great in that it allows a good deal of protection even when the seat is fully reclined.The handles on the Swift do not adjust, but they do stand about an inch or two taller than the Volo when placed side by side (mostly because the wheels on the Swift are about an inch wider in diameter). The Swift does not have a shoulder strap, and the weight difference between it and the Volo is negligible. The storage area is very easy to access, and easily holds a large purse or diaper bag. THe ride is smooth, and the construction decent givem the price. While it won't mimic the feel of a full-featured stroller, it is sturdy and well-built.One thing that always struck me as odd about the Volo is the mesh material used for the seat. It offers no padding (you have to add the padding) which is not really great in colder climes and leads me to wonder about the fabric stretching and losing support over prolonged use. The Swift is a lot better padded and has internal support in the back that would prevent that sort of thing.My one complaint is that the fold, similar to the Volo, has the foot release latches, and then you push the handles forward and together to complete the fold. Not nearly as elegant a solution as the Zippy, and in the case of the Swift, somewhat awkward and sticky, as if something needs oiling. A little practice and the motion becomes easier.On the whole, this is not going to be an everyday stroller for me, and if you were thinking about a stroller for the everyday rough and tumble I'd point you at the Zippy instead. But for travel, quick trips or as a second lightweight option, the Swift does just fine for the money. If you're choosing between the Volo and the Swift, it really comes down to how interested you are in having a recline feature -- for some parents it is essential, and after a long day at Disneyworld and missing his nap, your tyke may thank you for it -- which means the Swift wins handily over most other brands, including the Volo. But if that recline simply doesn't matter to you, then there's really no difference between the two.
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