Cybex Callisto Review

It seems that everywhere you turn these days, you see a celebrity pushing this:Ooops, sorry, wrong picture! That's because we're not in Manhattan today, nor in Beverly Hills. We are at the ZzzzOOO, with the Cybex Callisto.The Cybex Callisto had some tall orders to fill this trip. Had to be comfy enough for all day at the Zoo, warm enough for a visit to Santa, hardy enough to tackle the underground caves, elegant enough for the Nutcracker Ballet, fold small enough to fit in a horse and carriage, and easily enough so as not to annoy the husband, who would be using it a lot. Start with the ballet suitability...did it pass? I would say so. The Callisto is very sumptuous, very rich. Love the design on the canopy. They are a little different on all the models.

But you can push it back, to better see the lions, or tigers, or Zebras, oh my!

There are currently four Cybex models for sale in the US. The feature rich, top of the line Callisto, and the Topaz, Onyx and Ruby. The main differences are that each model down is a step down in features--i.e. umbrella handles instead of the single bar, less recline, no napper bar, no suspension, etc. But they all have cool designs, you should check them out.

A "hidden benefit"is that Cybex is being distributed by Regal Lager. They are the company that used to distribute Phil and Ted's. Anyone who has ever dealt with them has been impressed by their helpfulness and class. Customer Service is something that everyone needs to consider when buying a stroller. Especially since the higher-end ones aren't cheap anymore. And a lot of people have no choice but to buy online, since they don't have the retailers nearby.

The suspension on the wheels made for a very smooth ride to the underground caves. Check out the aluminum rims! And the deep recline means SP 2.0 could take a long noon nap, after a long day of animal watching.The fabric is a soft brushed cotton, so very inviting. The foot muff I used is the faux fur Maclaren, but you can get a matching one from Cybex. Here you can see some other "designer" features. There is a front visor to help with the low sun rays, a front napper bar, a rain cover, and the single bar handle makes for a great one-handed push. It's height adjustable, too! Yet the Callisto DOES fold umbrella style. How is that possible? Well, to fold it, you first reach down and lift up a latch in the center back, down by the basket. Similar to most umbrella folds, except you lift it with your hand, instead of kicking it. Then, you push the top button in, and the both sides of the handle magically fold inwards, towards each other. So voila! it becomes an umbrella. Pretty cool, actually.

One of my favorite things about the Callisto is the super smooth recline. There is a little handle in the back, which you lightly squeeze. Then the seat gently comes all the way down, to four different positions. The harness is interesting, too. It's a puzzle buckle, like on a car seat. And the strap adjustment is also like your car seat. To loosen the harness, you push on the button on the seat, and pull it out. Then to tighten it, you pull the bottom of the strap.

Another thing I like is how long the leg rest extends. This feature is a make it or break it for us right now, in terms of baby's comfort level. And when baby ain't happy, ain't no one happy! But here, you see he clearly is. Just chillin' and watching the 'Roos.Cybex 

Weight: 18 pds.

Width: 21"

Length: 26"

Height: 41"

Seat Width: 13"

Seat Back: 18"

Seat to Canopy: 27.5"

Drop to Footrest: 9"

Seat to Floor: 18"

Folded: 16" x 10" x 43"

I can help you find the perfect stroller for YOUR needs. Don't let a salesperson sell you a stroller that won't work for you! For more info on consultations, visit strollerqueen.com There are lots more reviews here, and info on how to get the 2010 BIG Stroller Roll-Out, an online video magazine of all the new stroller models. strollerqueen.com