Valentine Matrix
This stroller is red,
so don't you be blue
the ride is so sweet
it's perfect for you!
Bowing to the realities of our slow economy, Valco has introduced a lower priced version of their popular TriMode. It's more than a hundred dollars less, but it is still pretty nice. Like it's more expensive sister, it can take an add-on toddler seat. Which means you can make a single into a double. It is also compatible with the new Husssh (compact and portable bassinette) bassinette, hitchhiker, footmuff, cupholder, snack tray, sun shade, and travel bag.
It only comes in two colors in the US--black and red. They are both true and vibrant. The Matrix (isn't that a cool name!) also has the infamous airgo fabric, and reflective harness.
There are two peekaboo windows, both on the back of the canopy, and the top.
The one on the back has a zippered pouch on top of it.
Even though the Matrix is "the bargain stroller", it still doesn't skimp on features. The handle is height adjustable, and the front wheel unlocks to swivel, or locks to stationary.
The tires are air, for smooth ride. I kinda' like the "whitewall look." Tire pump is included.
The recline is one-handed, easy and swift. Harness has the typical Valco buckle. LOVE the angle of the front napper bar. Perfect for a little cupid to hang on to. Hope I installed it right, lol!
The seat sits up pretty straight, too, so no straining forward.
My one complaint is the racheting sound the canopy makes when you retract it. I wish it was quieter. And I wish the canopy was more generous. I guess that's two??? Oh well, the larger canopy can be found on the Tri-mode, for a hundred dollars more (and a raincover, headhugger, more colors, saddlebags on the basket, different tires, a different brake system, and a third "tilt" position on the front wheel.)
Fold is also fast and easy. Just pull up the two side handles, then lift the red safety release. The fold is a reasonable size, and feels easier to lift than it's 26 pounds would suggest.
And the steering? I saved the best for last. It is AWESOME, wonderful! I pushed it one-handed along the entire SQ Obstacle Course, with no problems. Up and down grass banks, through mud, rocks, bricks, cobblestones, gravel, broken sidewalks...So no baby whiplash worries if you need to hold the hand of another little one, or the leash of a dog, or a latte', or a cell phone, or....
Happy Valentine's Day! Here's hoping cupid has a good aim, and hits the target of your affection! :
Valco Matrix
Weight: 26 pounds
Seat Back: 19"
Seat to canopy: 26"
Seat Width: 12"
Seat Depth: 9"
Drop to footrest: 9"-15"
Seat to ground: 19"
Length: 39"
Width: 24"
Height: 26"-44"
Folded: 34"L x 25"W x 19"H
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
And the steering? I saved the best for last. It is AWESOME, wonderful! I pushed it one-handed along the entire SQ Obstacle Course, with no problems. Up and down grass banks, through mud, rocks, bricks, cobblestones, gravel, broken sidewalks...So no baby whiplash worries if you need to hold the hand of another little one, or the leash of a dog, or a latte', or a cell phone, or....
There is just something so festive about Maclarens. Well some, anyway. For 2009, my New Year's stroller was the Shanghai Tang Quest. And to usher in 2010, I chose an all-black Techno XT, with a gold liner. Doesn't get much better than this.
I am just crazy about all the great liners you can get from Maclaren now, to compliment any season, or occasion. And since this is winter, I also went with the all black faux fur footmuff (say that six times, real fast!) Kept my Happy New Year baby cosy and warm!
I'm not sure if the mood was as festive over at the Maclaren HQ's. 2009 saw them embroiled in one of the biggest baby product recalls of all time, affecting one million strollers. The recall was initiated by Maclaren, after a dozen children had their fingertips amputated by the hinges, when their stroller was being folded. But, to put it all in perspective, this is 12 out of one million, over the course of a decade. Naturally, I am terribly sorry for any child who is hurt. When I was six, I had the top third of my right middle finger amputated. It was dusk, and I was reaching into my Dad's car trunk, for the last bag of groceries. My brother thought we had finished unloading, and slammed down the lid of the trunk. It shut and locked, trapping my finger. To this day, I can still see the horror on my Dad's face, as he frantically fumbled for the keys, amidst my ear-piercing screams. It was traumatic and horrible, but we didn't think about suing the car manufacturer. It was what it was, a tragically freak accident. I guess my point is that any stroller that folds has moving parts that can be dangerous. So always make sure children's little hands are far away when you are closing, or opening any pram, buggy, or jogger, of any brand.
Back to the Techno...check out this canopy! It is HUGE! It unzips to pull down so far that you almost don't need the included raincover.
It has two huge pockets in the back of the canopy to store that cover, just in case, or a mosquito net, or whatever detritus we parents seem to accumulate.
And wowee on these wheels! With these reflectors, they can see you coming a mile away. And both front and rear have suspension.
And these new WONDERFUL wheel covers keeps them fully encased, so no street dirt will soil your beautiful liner or fabric.
Makes a tidy little package when you are carrying it, too.
You can get the "universal organizer" for cups, bottles, and more stuff.
And check out the new handles. So elegant! Still height adjustable, too.
Of course, the reflections don't stop with just the wheels. There is so much of it, that it is hard to get a non-glowing picture, lol!
One thing to keep in mind about the Techno is that it has a flat recline and extendable legrest for a little baby. Yet it also has a huge amount of headroom for taller children. So it really can be your one and only stroller that will do-it-all, from birth until Kindergarten! It has a 55-pound weight limit, but more importantly, you can still steer it one-handed, even carrying heavier weights.
