Monday, December 12, 2011

Combi Twin Sport

Combi Combines

I may be in the minority, but I love double strollers. Love them.
Especially when they are so light and user friendly, like this Combi Twin Sport.
Doubles make Christmas shopping so much easier. This time of year can feel exhausting and overwhelming to young children. It's nice for them to have a seat of their own to rest in.
Crowds are also an issue. It is much safer, and easier, to contain a small child, when you are busy deciding what gifts to buy.
The guardrail swings open, or pops off, so they can climb in or out easily. Really gives you something to shout about! 
 
 Now I have heard some people say that Combis aren't good for bigger children.  But, at nearly 5, this little girl still fits!  And I had no problem pushing her and StrollerPrince 2.0 around the Christmas tree lot.
 The Combi Twin Sport is one of the only doubles I can think of that has a carry strap. Most would be simply too heavy to sling over your shoulder. This makes it ideal for your holiday travels.
It also has two big baskets that are easily accessible,
The canopies have large pockets in the back, for storage, that velcro shut.
And there are peekaboo windows on the top
With a mesh vent, that velcros closed.
The seats are thickly padded, with a breathable mesh lining for better airflow. Maybe it's cold outside now, but in the summer, nothing worse than a hot and sweaty baby!
and there's a cupholder, of course!
 Here is how an 18 month old fits, but he is so bundled up that he looks like the Michelin baby!
 And here is SP 2.0 with a 5 month old. She's sitting up nicely in it, but there's a pretty good recline is she wants to nap. Like the single, there is an "Infant safety boot" that wraps up around the guardrail, so there's no worry about her sliding out. It's hidden under the seat fabric, when you aren't using it.
 
It doesn't seem so long ago that SP 2.0 was that size, sigh.
I think she's eyeing his ice cream.
And loyal readers, fear not. I have not changed my stance about eating in strollers. It was DH who gave him the cone. He never spilled, thank goodness! But if he did, the seat pads are easy to remove, and washable.
 Because after all, there are three, count 'em, three, little holders here for eating and drinking on the run.
That's something to bark about!
 
 I found it interesting that the "Sunset Scribble" matched the flamingos so well. And, how much do you think I found it for on sale?
  
OK, I'll "bite". How much?
 
What? Did you really say $199? Holds a "Shuttle" car seat? And it weighs 24 pounds? And it stands folded, in a compact package? We are craning our necks, to see this Combi double wonder!
Combi Twin Sport
Weight: 24 lbs.
Seat Back: 19.5"
Seat to canopy: 25"
Seat Width: 12"
Seat Depth:  8.5"
Drop to footrest: 7.5"
Seat to ground: 15.5"
Length: 26"
Width:  30"
Height: 41"
Tri-Fold: 41"x 25"x 17"
Flat Fold: 30"x 8"x 42" 
If you want to see all of the 2012 models, please go to: FindTheBestStroller.com
If you want my personal help, please go to: StrollerQueen.com

Friday, December 9, 2011

Combi Cabria Review

Combi, Thanks
I've long been a Combi fan. Readers of my "2012 BIG Stroller Roll-Out" know that I took a circa '98 Jungle Savvy Z to the Expo this year. It's always a tricky choice, because no matter what I take, people will say, "Why aren't you pushing mine?" So I figure if I take an old classic, then they will think I am just eccentric, and not playing favorites.
But it was a great choice, anyway. Ultra light, carry strap, great one-handed push.
And the new Cabria has a lot more features than the Savvy Z, like this peekaboo mesh window,
Snack tray,
Bigger wheels,
And bigger basket. It's a new fave of StrollerPrince 2.0!
In fact, why don't I do a more thorough comparison to an older Ultra Savvy--yes, I have that one, too!
Actually,  I have three older Combis, and two newer ones. So I guess it's time to say thanks, for all the great strolls we've had together.
And enjoy the beautiful fall leaves!
Combi Comparison
 
 At first glance, they look quite a bit alike. But take a closer look.
The Cabria is quite a bit bigger, as you can see more clearly from the rear.  
 The basket is not only larger, but more accessible.
 
 The frame is longer, and the wheels are bigger. And the handlebar on the Cabria is higher, to accommodate taller parents.
The most obvious huge difference, is the huge canopy. I'm so happy manufacturers have finally become so responsive to our "Please keep the sun off my baby" pleas. The canopy on the Ultra Savvy used to be about the best on the market!
 Both have thick padded seats, with headrests and shoulder pads. Both have breathable air mesh fabric. The frame color is black on the Cabria and silver on the Ultra. Although it is also black on my "Z's".
The recline is a bit less on the Cabrio. The mechanism is different, too. The Cabrio uses a drawstring, while the Ultra Savvy uses a push button. But both have this wonderful enclosure feature, to make a sort of kind of bassinette.
And both have snack trays, carry straps, and cupholders; albeit of a different type.
The Cabrio retains one of the best features ever. A single bar handle, that still folds flat into a "Tri-Fold", rather than a "Book fold." It stands folded, and the wheels stay on the ground, so they don't make your 
canopy dirty!
Combi Cabria
Weight: 14 pounds
Width: 21.25"
Length: 26"
Height: 41"
Seat Width: 12"
Seat Depth: 9.5"
Seat Back: 18.5"
Seat to Canopy: 25"
Drop to Footrest: 7"
Seat to Floor: 16"
Folded: 41" x 21" x  11"