Peg Perego Pliko P3 Compact Review

Valentine P3

Roses are red,

violets are blue, 

this P3 is Iris, 

I love it, don't you? 

My first stroller was a Peg Perego Pliko (actually second, but my first was a Silver Cross, and that was a pram, so technically, I am correct.) I remember how the salesperson enthusiastically showed how to fold it and unfold it. To close it, you pulled up on the levers, then yanked on a lower handle. 

 

But his biggest glee was saved for the grand opening. It was one quick shake, and voila, it flew open. 

 

 I traveled with it everywhere, as one is wont to do with one child. And never once was it worse for the wear. You could load it down with bags, and it never tipped. The quick umbrella fold was perfect planes, trains, and taxis.

 

 It had a nice deep recline, and an extendable leg rest. Such a nice napping bed for all day outings. 

 

 But the two features that really got me were the HUGE canopy. So many times it came in handy for sudden downpours. 

 

And then, there was that incredibly unique feature--the rear steps for another child to catch a ride! Even at that time, I told my DH, I will never, ever, part with this. This is the most useful piece of baby gear that we have. In fact, I better get two, just in case they discontinue it! 

Of course, they didn't. And years pass; fashions change. The navy dots and stripes were unique at one time, but, well, now there were new and fresher colors out. Plaids became popular. And adorable patterns. There were ones whose names we never knew, so we made them up. The Van Gough- like "Starry Night". The Scarecrow "Fall Pliko." The pastoral scene "Farm Pliko." The "Frog Prince", "Easter Bunny", and "Martians." 

The solids became en vogue. A few more I had: the red, yellow, and blue "Primary Colors". The red and silver "Metallic." Mint green "FreeStyle". Burberry-esqe "Moda". Orange "Hip Hop.Vibrant, matching framed "Mod Blu". "Polka Dot "Revi Black."        Yes I, as with most citizens of Strollerland, was never without a P3 in the stable. Although the colors changed, the good ol' P3 remained largely the same. Still able to carry 99 pounds of two little ones, still a universal favorite of most babies, (the seat is very padded, and very upright), still light and practical.      Nice big basket, with side access.   Hinged snack tray.     Cupholder, that can be placed in 4 different locations!    height adjustable handles,      peekaboo window with mesh vent,      good sized wheels.     The latest Pliko is called the "P3 Compact."     Because, it boasts a 20% smaller fold.   Now the hardest part now is trying to decide which yummy color to choose for 2011. The soft leather trimmed "Paloma", or choclately "Java"? The exquisitely elegant "Pois Grey", or "Pois Black?" The vivid scarlet "Geranium"?   Or this year's hottest colors--the lavender and royal purple "Iris"?   I bow to the trend.     One trend the Peregos are bucking is the move to manufacture all strollers in China. Recently, Mr. Lucio Perego told me that he agonized over closing his factories in Italy. He said many of his employees had been with him for decades. They were like family, and he couldn't bear to bounce them out of their jobs. And so, they said "Ciao" to China, and kept the  Italian factories open for business.       One day, the Pliko will be retired, as will SP 2.0's cupid costume. Happily, that day is not today. Happy Valentine's Day, Strollerland!  P3 Compact Peg-Perego Weight:                             19 lbs.    Seat to canopy:                 24" Seat back:                         20.5" Seat width:                        12" Seat depth:                        11-15.5"   Drop to footrest:               10" Seat to ground:                  19" Width                                21" Length:                              31"                                           Height:                               41-43" Folded:                              40"L x 14"W x 18"H For more 2011 models, or for help choosing a stroller, go to StrollerQueen.com

Quinny Senzz Review

Basketball Senzz

 When I think basketball, I think big. Tall. 
 
 Which makes me think of tall seat strollers, for big kids. What better stroller to take to the game, then, than the latest entry into the huge seat stroller category,  the Quinny Senzz?

 Not to mention that the color is Bruins blue, haha. 

 

  The Senzz is one of those "More than meets the eye" strollers we've been seeing lately. In other words, it has a lot of features that aren't necessarily apparent at first blush.

 First, there is that aforementioned big seat. Big enough that my 9 year old could sit in it, my 12 year old could sit in it, and even *I* could sit in it!  Not only that, but even with those big kids in it, it was shockingly easy to push. Hardly felt the difference between them and SP 2.0.

 The harness is long, and very easy to adjust.

 The canopy is much bigger than it seems, and retracts quite nicely.
 
Here is the recline with the canopy up.

And with it down.

It's done with a back lever, which many people find much easier to use than a drawstring.

The fabric is soft and pretty, very complimentary to the aesthetics of the frame. 
 
Which makes for a comfy seat, to watch all the action.

 Fun to fold, and folds into a tight little package. Has a carry handle, and stands alone folded.

 And it locks automatically, with a side latch. 
  I thought the square handle would bother me, but it didn't. It is so thin and light, that it is actually quite comfortable to hold.
 
 A lovely detail that you won't see in pictures is the basket. It actually is a woven, wicker-type basket!
 
Interesting to put such a retro feature on such a modern design.

 

 And speaking of baskets, haha...

  

 At least some people were excited, lol!

 

 How did the Senzz perform on the SQ Obstacle Course? Slam dunk! Handled grass, mud, gravel, wood chips, uneven sidewalks, and big bumps a lot better than most other strollers it's size. It's really strong point was stairs. So easy to roll up and down. The wheel base is the perfect length.
 
 Of course, it is not an A/T stroller, but it is not meant to be. Quinny set out to make a mid-range stroller to fill the gap between the bare bones Zapp, and the full featured, reversible Buzz. I think they did a marvelous job.
     Quinny Senzz 

Weight:                            18 lbs. 
 
Seat Back:                        18"

Seat to canopy:                25"

Seat Width:                      16"

Seat Depth:                      9.5"
 
Drop to footrest:                8"

Seat to ground:                 15"

Length:                             29"

Width:                               24.5"

Height:                              41"

Folded:                              28"L x 25"W x 9"H

For more 2011 models, or for help choosing a stroller, go to StrollerQueen.com